This post was originally written on Valentine’s Day 2011; however, I am reposting it to Scribbles & Tostitos. Enjoy!

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Welcome to Valentine’s Day.

Normally, I would greet Valentine’s Day with excitement. Thinking that since the day is full of love and surprises, a rose from a “Secret Admirer” will mysteriously arrive on my doorstep. Or even better, I’ll meet the man of my dreams somewhere between work and home and we’ll drive into the sunset and live happily ever after. Although these things never happen, it did come close to happening one year. In 8th grade, a boy bought me some flowers he picked from his backyard and asked me to be his girlfriend. And said I said yes, of course. How sweet.

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Check out the first episode of the S&T Podcast. We are talking about the HBO show, Insecure, how it relates to my real life and some overall reflections of the show. Spoilers start at 19:30.

Happy Listening!

Hi S&T Readers! I know it’s been a minute since I dropped a blog post. Life has been life-ing and work has been work-ing. But if you were wondering, I am still breathing! Here’s what else I’ve been doing since my last post in December 2019.

I’ve been in the house.

Literally.

That’s it.

That’s the post.

Just kidding.

Read on.

I was a dud in college.

I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s true.

My college was located in a city 30 minutes away from my parents’ house. I stayed on campus to get the “true college experience,” but I often went home during the weekends and even during the week to attend family events or attend my childhood church.

Given that my parents’ lived within a 30-mile radius of my college campus, I did not need to stay on-campus. I could have stayed at my parents’ house and carpooled to campus with Mom each morning since she worked a mere 10 minutes away from my college.

My church was 15 minutes away. Church kept me busy between Sunday service, mid-week service, and “College Night” on Fridays.

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One of my earliest childhood memories occurred on a playground in summer camp. I was playing kickball and peed on myself at 2^nd base.

I was 8 years old, so I knew better.

I didn’t do it because I was engrossed in the game.

I didn’t do it because I had a bladder disorder.

I didn’t do it because I was vying for attention.

I did it because I was shy.

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I had a ball in my twenties. I was adventure-seeking, fun, and lived by the motto, YOLO.  I was always down for a good party.

On Fridays evenings, I’d come home from work around 6, take a 3 hour nap, and call a friend 9pm to decide where to go. By 11pm, I’d dressed in the jazziest outfit and the highest heels and ready to head out for a night on the town in Atlanta. I’d return at 6am – sometimes later – after a night on the town.

Those days – although 6 years ago – feel like a century ago. My life is different now.

First, I no longer live in the booming party-centric city of Atlanta. I live in a small town in North Carolina. Going out requires some creativity and meticulous planning. But what’s changed the most is me.Read More »

I have undergone a transformation. I’m like a butterfly that emerged from a cocoon after experiencing some tough challenges. I’m better for it. I’m thankful for the hard times because I’m happy with the woman that it has made me. I’m also grateful for what the tough times forced me to do.

1. Live within my means.

Two years ago, my life mantra was YOLO. You only life once, so splurge. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us. While it’s true that no one knows if we’ll see the light of tomorrow, it is wise to ensure that there is something waiting for us in case we do.Read More »

It is only appropriate that I bid farewell to one of my best years ever by updating my blog. It has been a phenomenal year for me. I was unhappy with my life in December 2014 and in February 2015, I decided to make a change. I did what was necessary to make the change I was seeking. Not everyone was happy with the changes I made, but I knew it had to be done. I persevered. I am a better person for it. My transitions were not easy, but it was fulfilling; it encouraged me to grow and to learn more about myself in the process.

2014 posed questions; 2015 provided answers to those questions. I cannot wait to see what 2016 has in store.

If there is something you want to change in 2016, be that change. It may be difficult, but it will be worth it.

Happy New Year, Everyone!

Image Source: Forbes.com

That day is finally upon me. The day I turn 3-0. The day I enter a new decade.

I can’t believe this day is here. Wow. I am getting older. I am maturing. Things that used to be important to me are no longer important. Things that used to not matter as much are becoming my top priorities. The future is bright. I am more confident in myself and my decisions more than ever. This journey of self-discovery and growth lasts a lifetime, so this journey is only beginning.

The natural tendency for me to do as I age is to reflect. Where have I fallen short? Where have I thrived? What can I do better? What have done well? The perfectionist in me would point to the flaws and in all the areas that i have failed instead of where I have succeeded. Because, let’s face it, what I envisioned for my life at 30 is clearly not my reality. In fact, my life is completely different from what I imagined.

But as my co-worker so gracefully put it, “In order to jump that big hurdle, you just have to decide that you are content with your life and enjoy it.” So, that’s what I’m doing. Instead of focusing on the bad, I’m going to focus on what is working for me at this time in my life. To buttress that statement, I’ve created a list of accomplishments made in the past 29 years.Read More »