Friday, December 29, 2006

Howdy!!!!

I'm in Texas visiting my family. I was raised in Pennsylvania, but my mother moved here about two years ago for work. McKinney is the fastest growing city in the United States. Many of the schools, fire and police departments, homes, stores, and parks are brand new. McKinney is a suburb of Dallas, but it is a city of its own in the sense that every major retailer and restaurant is located here. There are also many boutiques. Overall, the cost of living in Dallas and Houston is low, especially compared to other major cities. For example, you can buy a five-bedroom house for around $200,000 in the Dallas-FortWorth area. Yesterday, I saw a new development of luxury town homes (3 story and garage) for $110,000. Most would describe the Dallas area as good living. I could definitely live here.

I am enjoying spending time at home. I wish I could stay longer. My beautiful sister is a diva. She attends FIT in New York and interns for a PR company and magazine. When she returns to school she will be preparing to work for Fashion Week. A major perk of her internships is that she receives free samples of designer clothing, accessories, and make-up. She usually spends her time giving me fashion advice =), but this time she has been loving. She gave me a sweater, shoes, and a few lip-glosses. I can't believe how much my brothers have grown. They've been working so I haven't been able to spend much time with them.

On Tuesday I saw Dreamgirls, and I loved it. Every aspect of the film from was directed well. The talented Jennifer Hudson made a great Effie, and her break through performance was phenomenal. I've always been a fan of Glam and feminine chic. As a little girl I loved to go through my parents album collection to look at covers of Diana Ross and Chaka Khan. I also enjoyed watching documentaries about Jackie Kennedy Onasis, and in college I discovered the talents of the glamorous Dorothy Dandridge and Billie Holiday. Okay, getting back to the movie.....I also thought Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx portrayed their characters well. Eddie accurately emulated what it meant to be a James Brown, Little Richard, and Marvin Gaye. Beyonce was great, but I think Jennifer Hudson should receive more accolades. I saw the Pursuit of Happiness on Wednesday. I thought it was a great movie, but unlike Dreamgirls it's not one that I would want to see over and over again. After watching Dreamgirls I feel moved to purchase Mahogany.

Besides going to the movies, I've also spent a good amount of time eating. I've gained four pounds in less than a week. I suppose we are all excused during the Holidays. My weakness is dessert. Apple pie, carrot cake, sweet potato pie, and pumpkin pie (yes, black people eat pumpkin pie) got the best of me. Unlike most people who have just a slice, I usually eat about half to three-quarters of each pie or cake. I don't eat desserts because I'm hungry. I eat them just because they are there. I also found out that I am now allergic to one of our dogs, Charlie. It's not that bad, just a little uncomfortable.

I spent most of yesterday watching TV. My sister and I watched a marathon of Making the Team, a reality show that follows the process of becoming a Dallas Cowboy's Cheerleader. It's actually a good show. Today I watched An American Dream, the story about the Jacksons and Too Legit, which depicts MC Hammer's life. We are experiencing adverse weather conditions including a tornado watch, so we've been inside watching television.


Well I think I have written enough for now =). Have a great weekend and an even better New Year!

Monday, December 25, 2006

Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Feet on Solid Ground............

I had a good weekend. I spent most of it studying. My friend turned the Big 25 on Saturday. On Sunday she invited some people over for dinner. We had a great time eating and sharing. I love times like that. Unfortunately, my wisdom tooth is growing in and it hurts

Lately my heart has been on fire for God. I can’t really describe it, but I just feel so good and blessings have been happening everyday.

There’s a guy who likes me, but we are not compatible. We had a long talk about religion and intimacy w/Christ. I invited him to church, but he feels that he parties, sleeps with, and watches people who go there get drunk on the weekends, and then those same people ask him to go to church. He said he wouldn’t go and wonders what the pastor is teaching these people. I guess he failed to realize that the woman he is trying to get with belongs to a church, is convicted, and tries hard to lead by example. I told him that just because people claim to be Christians doesn’t mean they are saved or submitted to God. Anyone can go to church. I also said that you constantly ask me why I don't have sex outside of marriage anymore or drink anymore. There’s your answer. I can’t convict you if I do, and my actions and words can turn you off to God and worshiping God in church. I don't believe that people who drink are sinning or going to hell. It doesn't say that in the Bible. However, I'm just cautious. I don't want someone to think that since I drink, they can and drinking happens to cause that person to do things they wouldn't normally do. The stigma associated with drinking has the power to label church folks who drink as "she ain't really doing right." Besides that I realized that I never liked alcohol, I just drank because everyone else was, and it allowed me to excuse certain behaviors. I lead by example. I also told him I know plenty people who are leading by example and I'd be happy to introduce you.

He said.....I like you and I thought you were a good woman when I first met you and because of that I know that I have to have my stuff together to get with you. He said he’s trying, but he knows that I don’t like him because of the crew he hangs with (it’s not that, his personality just isn't compatible with mine). He said I’m the type of woman he is going marry, but he’s not ready to get married now. He said he is sleeping with someone who likes him, but he doesn’t like her. I told him that every time he is sleeping with her is taking from her and hurting her, and I don’t keep friends who hurt people. I told him that I liked him only as a friend and that I couldn’t be his friend as long as he was in that situation. He said he understood. It was peaceful and we are cool, just not friends. I asked him why he doesn’t like her and he said he did, but once they did it he lost the attraction.

Why is it that the same people who say all people in church are hypocrites or that they lose attraction to a girl after they sleep with her are the same people who question me for not taking part in certain worldly activities? They pressure me to do certain things, but the minute I do I become another messed up hypocrite person in church. I won’t give them that right!!!!!!

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Pictures from The Engagement Party......




Monday, December 11, 2006

Reunion............

I had a fabulous Saturday. The parents of my line sister threw her a very classy engagement party at the Sheraton in Crystal City. Two of my line sisters and I only went for the event (we spent the night in Richmond), while my other line sisters and little sisters stayed for the entire weekend. Yolanda looked fierce in her evening gown, and I realized that G. really balances her out. The wedding is going to be Labor Day weekend in Hilton Head. I can't wait! Yolanda and G. are planning a weekend of activities.


I was so excited to see everyone. I love seeing how we have grown over these last couple of years. Many have accepted Christ, others have made great accomplishments in their careers, and some are going law and med school and entering marriage. Also, we still look pretty and spent most of the dinner taking pictures:). When we get together we laugh and make fun of things we did in undergrad and each other. We can get very loud, but we are just excited. We just kept saying that we are getting old, especially in comparison to the younger girls. I love how we can go months or even years without seeing each other or speaking and pick up where we left off like there was no time in between. Overall, I had a great time and I can't wait until we all get together in February and May. I'll post some pictures from the party later.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Can You Forgive?........
Well, it's been a little over a week since my last post. Things have been well. My friend S. had a movie night on Friday. We watched Superman Returns. I like the idea of Superman, but I had a hard time following the movie. It was still so much fun just hanging out and talking until 3 in the morning. I don't think I did much on Saturday. I was invited to watch a boxing match at someone's house, but I decided to stay home and rest.

Sunday's sermon was about forgiveness. I realized that although I thought I let go of the person who hurt me, that hurt manifests in other ways. I forgave that person years ago, but I didn't totally forgive that person. For example, if I was having a bad day, I could always find a way to blame that person for my trouble. On Sunday, I let go of the small amount of unforgiveness that I was still harboring. I feel so good, and my heart feels light.

The discussion of unforgiveness continued at my life group meeting on Monday. My life group is full of fabulous women of various ages who really guide me. I love them so much!!! One member, a teacher in her early 30s, mentioned that she is now dating a fabulous man and talked about how God returned the love she didn't see between her parents in her relationship with this man. I am just so excited for them. Her words of advice to women who are waiting were to look great all the time; never, ever call a man (until you are in a serious relationship), but make him sweat you to the point where he doesn't know what he'll do without you in his life; and stay focused on the Lord. She referred to the gospel of Matthew in which Jesus allowed Peter to walk across the water, but once Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and focused on the wind and waves, he began to sink. Now I know those of us who believe in Jesus know we fell every time we took our eyes off of Him. I love that our God is a God of second chances.

Talk to you soon...........

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Why...If...How...When

HOW many more times will I hear about police officers shooting unarmed black men. WHEN will the feeling I get in my stomach and throat after reading about cases like the one in New York over the weekend stop. I wonder what it will feel like WHEN I have to stop telling my young children that police officers are their friends and start reminding my teenagers to be cautious and to refrain from making sudden movements IF they are stopped. It is funny HOW "police officer" means different things to us at different ages, classes, genders, and races. It means safety for some people, and I hope they don't hurt me for others.

Monday, November 27, 2006

Girlfriends and Gumbo...........

I know that title sounds like part two to the movie Ya Ya Sisterhood or the sequel to the book Sunday Brunch, but I had such a great time hanging out with some girlfriends while eating gumbo for brunch. My friend , a New Orleans native, hosted the event and her gumbo was great. The five of us ate, reviewed the Sean Combs and Kim Porter article in Essence, watched Something New, and just talked. My favorite part of the article is when Sean says he knows Kim deserves to be married, but he's not ready. Kim says she's content with not being married, even though she will have a total of three of his children. Her reason for being satisfied with the situation is that most marriages don't work out so why label it and that her parent’s marriage didn't work out. I wondered if she was really "okay" with not being married or if her reason for not pushing the issue is solely based out of fear that she couldn't have a decent marriage. One of Sean's main reasons for not wanting to get married is that he doesn't have time to be a good husband. I wondered if he thought he had time to be a good father. After reading the article my respect for Kim increased a "tinch", but I wish people and television shows would stop covering them like their situation is hot. If this was a regular Joe and a regular Jane in the same situation I think the media would call Jane a baby's mama and Joe would just be one of the many men who get the milk for free. Anywho, the article resulted in great conversation.

After talking about that article I felt so thankful that I was able to be healed from the hurt and pain from my parent's divorce. Even with all that my family went through, I couldn't imagine going into relationship thinking it will not work out because my parent's marriage didn't work. I don't think that every man is going to hurt me. I spent most of my teens and college years fearing marriage, but after going through the healing process I now look forward to married life with a traditional marriage. I cover my ears remarks like "girl make sure you have a savings account on the side in case it doesn't work out" or "always keep an emergency apartment or condo just in case....". I can't live my life like that and anyone who does has no faith and much fear. If we really felt like we had to take those precautions going into a marriage, then the person we plan to marry isn't the one for us. I refuse to let divorce control my love life or prevent me from being loved and honored by a man. I wish Kim and others like her would stop making comments like that and heal. I know it isn't always easy to let go and heal, but it sure beats being controlled by divorce or the mistakes your parents made. I used to feel like I was so different from or less than people who grew up in a two-parent family, but I don't feel like that anymore. I guess I'm brand new =). Something special happens when we refuse to let negative circumstances control our destiny.
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. I am so thankful! I celebrated Thanksgiving with my Uncle and his wife's family in Knightdale. At first I was a little sad that I wasn't going to Texas, but I had a good time. My friend came along. My aunt's family can be weird at times so I had to brief her, but they actually behaved. I'm going to have to bring her with me more often =). One of my aunt's brothers wore a glitter T-shirt with Eazy-E's face on it. This man is in early 40s. Got to love them!

Another highlight of the day was the Cowboys victory!

I ate a whole apple pie and sweet potato pie. That is the reason why I don't keep sweets or chips in my house. I eat them just because they are there. My stomach (pouch) needs to be toned. I started working on it yesterday.

I didn't buy anything on Friday. Later S, Ashleigh, and I went to see Deja Vu. It was good. Denzel gets finer with age. After the movie we got a bite to eat with our special guest K. He is great. Then we moved the party to the Starbucks (crack) Cafe at Barnes N Nobles. I enjoyed talking and spending time with them. Sauniell needs to bring more special guests. They really got me thinking more about my life goals and being more socially conscious instead of social when it comes to joining certain social organizations. Thanks. I really enjoy nights like that. Who needs the bar or club scene?!?

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Confirmation

I've decided to follow a passion for real this time. I'm in the process of applying to be a public school teacher. I know in my heart that I was placed here to directly impact the lives of others. I also know in my heart that I will be prosperous even though the pay scale for the things that I want to do with at risk youth and women isn't that great. I was unsure about this move at first, but last Wednesday God confirmed it twice. Furthermore, I know that any career outside of these domains is living out of my purpose and will cause uneasiness in my life. I'll keep you posted.........

I had a great weekend just spending time with friends. On Friday I went to a birthday get together and then out to dinner. On Saturday I watched the Michigan and Ohio State game with some friends and later we saw the new James Bond film. I really liked it.

While listening to my pastor preach this morning I realized that we know that God can do all things, but sometimes we fail to ask Him for what we want. I asked Him for something dear to me during that sermon and when I got home it came!!!! What can I say...an incredible God deserves and incredible praise.............
Love ya!!!

Tuesday, November 14, 2006


As I'm getting older I find it hard to concentrate on things and conversations that I'm not interested in. I try to fight it, but my mind starts to wander. Don't worry, if you're reading this blog you are someone I'm interested in and enjoy talking to. When I'm at home and can't concentrate I just take a nap. What am I supposed to do at work? I know that part of the reason is that my job is not my passion, but I still need to focus. I need to be able to entertain the conversations of coworkers and my superiors. I have to pinch myself to stay awake during meetings and conference calls and pray that no one asks me a question since I wasn't paying attention. Sometimes I day dream and think about things I could be doing if I was not at work or didn't have to work for money. Some thoughts include shopping, going to a spa, running an errand, seeing a movie, and other thoughts are packing up my stuff and traveling from continent to continent, seeing the seven wonders of the world, or helping with relief efforts in the Congo. I spend much time at work brainstorming places I'd like to live and editing my financial plan. I know....I'm bad. I'm going to take some project management courses next semester, and I will need to focus.
Listen Z.... the only jobs you loved and focused on were those involving children, volunteering, and helping others live better. Did you seriously think you would be fulfilled in anything else?!? Stop letting money deter you from changing careers. Follow your passion and everything else will fall into place. Sometimes you just have to talk to yourself....

I don't hate my job at all. I don't dread going to work. I like the relationships that I have with my coworkers and boss, but this is not my passion. I would also love to take my recruiting experience to a political campaign like that of Barak Obama.

I had a weird experience where I'm not sure if I did the right thing. I usually give some of the homeless guys on 86 or 15-501 a dollar or a bottle of water on my way to work. Today I had a six pack of water in my car. I gave a guy one bottle. He drank it so fast, like before the light turned green. He was panting and obviously dehydrated. Later I felt like I should have given him another bottle. Why didn't I give it to him? I'm really sensitive to homeless people. For one, I know that most of the older homeless men we see are Vietnam Veterans who could not socialize themselves back into society. Second, it could have been me. I volunteered at a soup kitchen in Hampton and every man in there was a Vet. I did some research and found out that 1 in 3 homeless men in the U.S. is a veteran. Hmmmmmm.

Take Care and God Bless!

Monday, November 13, 2006






The Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Ceremonial groundbreaking took place this morning. The specific location is Independence Avenue and West Basin Drive, adjacent to the FDR Memorial. I'm elated that a memorial of a man of color will grace the capital grounds. I wish MLK, Jr and Coretta Scott King, one of my first lady role models, were here to witness this event. I wish I was in D.C. today. For a virtual tour of the memorial please visit...
www.mlkmemorial.org

Sunday, November 12, 2006

I'm Still Standing!!!

Lord,
You are awesome, you are my King, my Father, my provider, my healer, and just my everything. I know there are so many things that I ask of you, but know that I am open to your will, and I am willing to make the necessary sacrifices to be in your glory. Thank you for the friendships you've brought into my life. I had a wonderful dinner with my friends at Champs on Saturday. I enjoyed spending time with Ebony, Monica, and Trish at WOCC's Blackout on Friday, and I am so excited about getting to know the other people I met that night. I know that I can complain about living in the Triangle, but I often feel like you've placed me here for a serious reason and everyday you show me something new about why I am still living here. Also, it's always nice to receive a call from Amber, Nakisha, and Ashley. Thank you for friendships and keep showing me how to be a better friend.

I know many people doubt you and the significance of worshiping you, but I do not need persuasion. To think that a guy thought I would change the way I show my love for you in order to date him. Whatever!!!!!! I shall NOT be moved. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. After listening to him talk I could not understand for the life of me how two people who have a different belief system and refuse to change or compromise on their beliefs think they can live happily in a marriage. Also, there are a few "wolves in sheep's clothing" who are trying to date me. Don't they know I can see right through them? Hmmmm. I shall not be moved. Thank you for bringing friendships with genuine men of God into my life, so that I can easily see those who need to go.

Thank you for placing me in a children's ministry. You placed me there not only to serve you, but to help me sew a seed into the lives of my future children, whom I'm praying for now. I"ve learned so much about children and about myself through this experience. My patience has increased tremendously. I see the type of woman you are preparing me to be, and I thank you. Those children bring a smile to my face. I love them. I have a feeling you are leading me to a career change. I'll keep listening.....

I pray that you heal the minds and bodies of my friends and family, that they see increase and your favor working in their lives, and that they come closer to you. I knew it was you when my linesister left a message saying that a friend of ours, who is really out there in the world, was coming to our church with her today. I was in shock. She and her boyfriend had been working on him for sometime now. Thank you!!

I pray that you keep beautifying my spirit and that I become more of a peacemaker and a steady force. Bring me to the place where change isn't as painful. You said my name is rich and woman of influence, and I believe you; however sometimes I don't speak it into existence enough. Please help me put more positivity into my speech and increase my confidence level. Help me to be even more patient, and please continue to heal my body.

Lord, help me to continue to forgive those who trespass against me, and forgive me if I've have intentionally and unintentionally hurt others. Everything that I am belongs to you. In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.

Thursday, November 09, 2006



Sigh.... I was sad to find that Ed Bradley of 60 minutes died today. He was the reason I watched that show. There isn't a news correspondent like him. He will be Greatly missed! http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/11/09/obit.bradley/index.html

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Writing a letter without mailing it is supposed to be a great mechanism for venting frustration toward someone or something.

Well, here I go.............

Dear Sallie Mae,

It was great at first. You gave me what I needed at the time. Know that I’m not blaming you, and as a matter of fact I thank you so much for helping fund my higher education. Unfortunately, I don’t want you anymore, and I am stuck with you. I feel sick when I think of the extra things that I could be doing if I didn’t have you. Thank you for the good times, and thank you once again for helping fund my education, but know that I can’t wait until the day that I don’t have to see you anymore. That day will be here before you know it, so get ready.....get ready to go!

Sincerely,

A one day lender, not a borrower

----------------------------------
People, please know that you are a “blessed somebody” if you don’t have student loans to pay back. My friend/Soror and I joked about our student loans and realized that we should be thankful to be in a place where at least we can pay them back. We are also thankful for our education.

Let’s all remember to be good stewards with our money as we are moving to a wealthy place. Stewardship is also important if you’re already at a wealthy place, and some of you are there.
-- “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:14-15.

Also, check out these great sites if you are looking for sound financial advice..................
http://www.blackenterprise.com/
http://www.suzeorman.com/

Love Ya!
The people have voted. AND THE WINNERS ARE......
http://www.cnn.com/
www.newsandobserver.com

Tuesday, November 07, 2006


VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! Mid term elections are just has important has presidential elections.

Harold Ford Jr. will be the first black senator in the South since Reconstruction if he wins the Tennessee senate race!
http://www.fordfortennessee.com/

Monday, November 06, 2006


Get It Right, Get It Right, Get It Tight...................

I had a good weekend. I went to Zydeco with my friend Trish on Friday. It's been a while since I've been there. I forgot how much I love live Jazz. I voted for the mid term elections on Saturday morning. I guess we'll know the results tomorrow. Saturday morning I realized that I've been surrounded by elderly folk every time I've voted. I know the rumor is that young people don't vote, but let's prove them wrong.

It's usually hard for me to get into work mode on Mondays, but today went well. I spent the evening with some sisters from my church. We have life groups at my church, in which we meet every two weeks or so to discuss Sunday's sermon and apply it to our lives. We also spent time just bonding and having girl talk. I realized that when in doubt I have to throw it out and anything or anyone that I have to justify my reason for being with them or doing that thing needs to go. It's easier said then done, but I'm going to stop making excuses for people and myself. Nothing is going to block my blessing! More importantly, I need to trust God and exercise more faith. My faith is unshakeable in certain areas, but it needs work in other areas. The Word says that I will be fruitful and multiply, prosperous, that my husband will be respected, and people will call him blessed because he has me, so why do I continue to get stressed out over not being as financially stable as I would like to be or wonder when my husband will come. It's already done, and I'm doing what I need to do (God really helps those who help themselves), so I just need to be patient and exercise faith. I need to remind myself that I am only 25!!!!!
"You are a designer original. Everyone cannot afford the price you demand and that's all right. If they could, you would be common...."MMH.

Take Care!
Alright, I know it's late, but I feel its time for me to start blogging! More to come..........