Toni Childs Is Back

Well not really Toni Childs. Jill Marie Jones was one of my favorite actresses to watch weekly on the UPN hit show Girlfriends. I'm sure most of you are familiar with the show therefore, no explanations are needed. Starting tomorrow night, Miss. Jones will play the lead of the series within a series entitled Gillian In Georgia.

The mini mini-series will air during the commercial breaks of TBS' Tyler Perry's Meet The Browns. Jill plays a Big City fashionista who visits her sister down south and gets sort of stuck there helping her through an injury. It begins tomorrow night, April 28, at 8:00pm. You can find out more about the show's premise and cast here.

You know, I was literally just having this conversation last night with the Chi-Town Stepper and Momma Stepper about Black actresses and the lack of opportunities for them. We'd discussed the fact that there are people who are out there creating roles for themselves no matter how large or small of a stage they get to play on. Tyler P. has truly opened a door and is continuing to create opportunities for others. Regardless of the thoughts on the quality of the content, he isn't beholden to anyone else's whims about whether or not he and the people he employ deserve a seat at the Hollywood table. I suppose that's something to cheer about!!!

Owa Owa Jill Marie is back!!!

Witnessing an ARK

While I sometimes believe that general customer service is dead, I like to think that simple kindness and service to our fellow human beings is still alive and kicking. Unfortunately, I rarely get to witness many Acts of Random Kindness (ARK). I haven't lost hope and faith that as a society we want to be nice to one another, I just wonder at times if we know how to be of service. But this morning, I witnessed joyful service and 2 hours later, I'm still smiling about it.

A very pregnant woman got on the train and just as I was about to offer up my seat to her, an older lady jumped up before I could. But as she was getting up, a young man was trying to signal to the pregnant woman that she could have his seat. She ended up taking the seat from the older woman, but then the young man gave his seat to the older lady and he then sat next to me. All of this fuss was made for one woman who got off at the next stop. I had never seen such acts of kindness during a rush hour train ride in New York City (if you live in NYC, you know how coveted those rush hour seats are). It was a kind and comical scene of musical chairs.

While I can't be certain that the gestures made any huge difference in the woman's outlook for the day, I do know at least for that moment, she was provided an opportunity to smile and be thankful. We never know what any stranger is thinking (heck a lot of times we don't know what those close to us are thinking), but we can always give people a reason to smile and feel more valued if we practice building ARKs. What's a small, but meaningful gesture you can make today to make someone smile and feel valued?

Well Thank You

Before my head touches the pillow, I must give thanks for just a few things:

1. While The Stormy One still hasn't regained her hearing, she hasn't lost anything else (still has use of her limbs, eyes, and voice). I'm quite confident they will figure out what the problem is. In the meantime can someone tell me what the sing language would be for "Stop yelling. Just because you can't hear doesn't mean we all can't!"
2. Pretty Girl got her first Bible in the mail today. She thought it was..."pretty" (of course) and she seems excited to have it. Did anyone know that kids have homework on the first day of school now? That's another reason to be thankful..I'm no longer in high school!
3. Tried a new Indian restaurant tonight and I made it home without incident. No Canal Street tragedies:-0 (probably TMI but I can be honest with y'all te he he ta ha ha)
4. Still excited to have discovered the music of Sam Sparro. He's like a cross between Prince, Gnarls Barkley, and P-Funk!!! Yay!
5. The Scratcher made a post to her Facebook page. "Finally it has happened to me right in front of my face and I just cannot hide it!" Anybody know where CeCe Peniston is these days?
6. My friend has married a very nice man. It was a pleasure to meet him.
7. I'm still receiving nothing but support and good will towards my upcoming endeavors. I know there will come a time when I'll face opposition, but when it happens I'll just fall back on knowing I'm doing what I was created to do and that the people who matter most to me are supportive.
8. A kid ALMOST hit me with his scooter tonight. Note: ALMOST vs. DID
9. The movement (not quite a revolution) is starting in 3 more days. Unfortunately, it will not be televised.
10. Still excited about my writing session from Sunday with Songbird!!!!!

I'm Still Thankful

1. I'm so happy that India.Arie is still making music (download "Yellow").
2. Progress is slow, but at least it happens when you dedicate yourself to it.
3. Queen Bee called today because she used her super powers to detect that I needed a call from her to help set my mind at ease.
4. The Silver Fox is a handful (translation: hot mess), but I think it keeps him ticking.
5. The Sensation gave good compassionate advice. I appreciate him for that.
6. Bowler Boy and Crazy Cousin are still up to no good overseas.

Best Things Today

1. Favorite Person sent me angry emails all day that I thought were he-larry-us. Favorite Person doesn't do a good job of trying to have attitude. I never believe her. Years of her cheerleading have left me cynical that she can actually be attitudinal unprovoked.  
2. I think Favorite Person has a possible subject for an episode of "Snapped" in her licensing class. Apparently, one woman kept asking about felonies and married couples getting life insurance. The lady became excited to learn that you didn't need your spouse's signature to get a policy on them! Yay for accidental cyanide dropping in your red beans!! I guess...
3. As I was typing the last post, I kept hearing banging in the hall. I thought it was the Latin Ike and Tina who live next door to me, but I get a FAIL. It was the fire dept. beating on the door of the elderly couple across the hall. They began to yell out "Fire Department," but it took my neighbors forever and a day to open the door. I opened mine to find 4 firemen in uniform with a sledgehammer and helmets standing in the hall. It was clear beyond their verbal identification who they were, but when my neighbor opened his door he said, "Who are you?!" I tell you no lie. This is all factual. 
4. I dropped clothes off at the cleaners this morning and before walking away from the counter, I checked the pocket on my dress to find cash in it. As I was pulling it out, the employee asked, "Oh is that YOUR money?" Ah, who else would it be for?! 
5. Cajun Spice called to make sure I was prepping myself to leave out on Thursday night or so she claimed. When she began talking, I was able to quickly identify that she was just bored and not concerned in the least bit about my dirty laundry. But after being called out she said, "So! I'm trying to fall asleep and I can't!" Yep, cause that's a good comeback to a friend telling you they know they're being used! 

I'm truly thankful that I had these reasons and more to laugh today. 

What's There To Be Thankful About

1. I didn't get 2 chapters written, but something other than a blank page was saved. 
2. I learned the world doesn't end if I keep my phone turned off all day. 
3. Staying home keeps you from spending unnecessary money. This was the first Saturday in a long while that's happened. 
4. I watched a 150 picture slideshow of President Obama and his supporting cast (family, cabinet, and staff) and was reminded that there is Black family in the White House. 
5. I'm super thankful that Global Grind isn't the only resource people have for news gathering and insightful commentary! 

Today Was Slow

All I have at the moment are reasons I should be thankful...

1. After months of telling the truth and trying to convince people of things, they are starting to believe that fat meat is indeed greasy. 
2. My dad is feeling a lot better and taking his medications without me having to harass him. 
3. My mom's sense of humor is apparently awakened by thinking of my dating life, or the nonexistence of such. Everyone thinks they're a comedian these days. 
4. It hit me tonight that Cajun Spice is truly approaching a major milestone. Congrats to her!! 
5. Bowler Boy was visited by Crazy Cousin and I'm sure they will get into all sorts of trouble and tell me all about it! 
6. Last week I forgot to add that Smarty J was inducted into the inducted in the National Honors Society. I'm so proud! 

There Are Still Reasons

1. The cold weather is finally gone!!!! 
2. Convinced that I must be speaking another language when I talk to my ditzy co-worker, I'm glad to know that I'm naturally bilingual. My last foreign language class was a Spanish literature course in college and I hardly remember anything so, I must be naturally gifted in the language.   
3. I've been temporarily spared a trip to 31 Chambers Street. Trust me, you don't want details. 
4. No one I know has Swine Flu!! 
5. I'm going to make it bed tonight before midnight! 

What Shall I Say

I shall say that I'm appreciative for all of my experiences (good, bad, or indifferent) and the people placed in my life. More specifically, what shall I say are the reasons I'm grateful today? 

1. I'm accepting the fact that my wisdom is finite which opens me up to gain more from an infinite source. 
2. Favorite Person is exceeding her own expectations, but I knew all along she would. 
3. I told HS that I needed help and He graciously answered my request. 
4. My frustrations with my lack of excellence through the years hasn't deterred me from continuing to strive for it. 
5. I have people in my life who are patient with me. Thanks RF! 
   
   

Thankful

Today's reason are...

1. My dad turned 64 today! 
2. I was pleased with my level of productivity. 
3. Songbird sent me info on an event that supports my passion and I'm thinking about going. 
4. I woke up this morning sincerely elated and the feeling buoyed me throughout the day! 
5. I fought the urge to contact The Sensation. 

Today and Everyday I'm Thankful

1. That I grew up with a great group of African-American women who influenced and told me I could do and be anything. They encouraged my every little whim. If you don't believe me, see the 3rd post down. 

2. I have my health.  

3. I was able to use a gift card AND a coupon thus, only paying $6 for a magnificent coffee table book. Despite Bowler Boy's best efforts to discourage me, I prevailed. 

4. When Bowler Boy called, he automatically knew something was wrong and sat patiently while I cried my eyes out in public. It's good to have friends who know you so well that even a change in breathing can alert them to something different about you. 

5. I'm not the only one in the fight against social networking sites.   

AA Members Need Not Come Apply

Apparently, part of my job lately has included mailing boxes of wine to my boss. After having sent off several bottles and boxes last week, I was surprised by the arrival of 39 more bottles this week!!!!! I opened one box to find correspondence thanking him for joining a wine club. It seems his trip to the Sonoma Valley two weeks ago fueled his passion for vino. Damn New Jersey and their laws regarding liquor shipments!!!!! Here are but a few of the forbidden juices...

Thankful

1. Three more cases of wine showed up at the office today and I didn't scream to the heavens. 
2. It's Monday and I didn't lament the end of the weekend. 
3. I was provided several opportunities for laughter. 
4. Turns out my co-worker is just slightly ditzy and not out to get me canned. 
5. Cajun Spice expressed her ability to speak profoundly into people's lives which resulted in ammo for reason #3. 
6. It was TT's birthday!!!! Only a couple more years and she'll be eligible for discounts at most theaters and low-end restaurants. Way to go girl!!!! 

Thankful is as Thankful Does

Not sure what I meant by the title line but oh well...

1. I went to my first TM meeting and truly enjoyed it. 
2. I'm learning to exhibit restraint in communication at work
3. I was reminded today that we all have a ton of reasons to be thankful and never have to repeat any of them. I think the person who said this had seen my blog beforehand. I'd never met him before today, but surely he's heard of my ruminations!  
4. After 3 days of battling UPS and 2 cases of vino, I finally got them mailed off again and keeping my fingers crossed they make it to NJ this time. 
5. I've decided to yield completely to change. 

Moving Too Fast

It's been a long time. I shouldn't have left you...without a dope beat to step to, step to, step to, step to, step to, step to, step to. What would you do to get to me...

My bad. I really miss Aaliyah:-( I wonder what her career would look like today? Would Damon Dash be married and now going through a divorce from a woman he never looked happy with? Would the female R&B/Pop industry be saturated with half-talented women? Would Ashanti's first cd ever had made it into stores? By the way, who actually owns an Ashanti cd? The child went platinum with nearly each release and I don't know a single soul who owns any of her music, not even a single song download from iTunes. Things that make you go hmm!

But my folks it has been a long time. I haven't made a real entry in nearly a week. My schedule got busy and all of a sudden a week has almost gone by. This rapid succession of events in my schedule and my inability to effectively manage the time has me thinking about life in general. Ever notice that the older we get, the faster time passes? At some point last year or maybe it was the year before, I'd told myself and maybe a few others that life only seems to pass to quickly if you aren't actively engaged in having the life you want. When you are in a job that's not your desired career, you don't yet have the social life you want, or when you in general feel like you are missing out on something, time passes way too fast. It seems to pass fast because you tell yourself you are running out of time to acquire the things in life you really want.

This line of thinking has turned out to be an exercise in error. I'm slowly but surely building the life I want. I have a great group of friends, a family who hasn't disowned me, a job that still pays the bills, I'm moving towards my purpose driven work, and I had a major breakthrough tonight (more on that later).

I'm beginning to get nervous that I'll be on a constant pace of doing and going, and won't have time to fully appreciate and enjoy it all. Thank goodness for my thankful lists. Tonight deserves more than 5 since I haven't shared my appreciation in several days.

1. I had a chance to catch up with several segments of friends. Don't try to act like all of your friends are from the same segment.
2. My Favorite Person In The Whole Wide World is starting to feel better. She had some sort of cold, so yay for her!!
3. Even though my hotel room on Monday night was next to a frisky couple, I was able to fall asleep just fine because I had bigger more pleasant things on my mind.
4. I didn't have to sit and listen to professional commuters yack on their cellphones or some overwhelmed mom fuss at her toddler on my train ride to Philly.
5. I'm now officially a member of CCC.
6. I discovered a tasty new (to me) restaurant in Brooklyn.
7. Songbird has agreed that we can watch the TP movie on dvd as to not have anyone see me walking into a movie theater to watch it. Thank the Lord for small favors.
8. Beans reminded HighStepper and I that we shouldn't let the city change us. Also, giving us a new phrase complete with suggested body language to complement it was icing on the cake.
9. Even though I had 2 cases of wine to ship to my boss and it proved to be a hassle, I didn't get frustrated and just start downing the things myself.
10. IT guy told me he's ordered my new office computer.
11. Instead of being frustrated with myself and giving up on the blog because I didn't make entries for a few days, I've come back to it.
12. I still feel good about doing the blog and it doesn't feel like a chore.
13. I had my first chemical peel tonight and thus far, my face hasn't melted away.
14. I didn't strike the aesthetician when she suggested I try Botox (note: I've typed this one with my lips pursed because this could have very easily note have been so.).
15. I'm well on the rode to conquering my fear of talking to strangers.

Where I'm Supposed To Be

It was taught to me that God has a plan and a path for all of us. However, because of our ability to think and make decisions for ourselves (free will), we sometimes make choices that take us off that path. But through God's grace and mercy, He continues to try to guide us back to the intended path. Sometimes we make it, sometimes don't. How do you know you aren't on the right path? I think because you begin to face a steady stream of opposition. Not that there isn't opposition along the path God intended, but it just feels different. And, it's unnecessary.

After having an awesome evening last night, see thankful points below, I went to bed with a smile on my face. That smile turned into a scowl by morning. This morning I woke up with a splitting headache from sinus pressure and because my head hurt so badly, I had a nauseating stomachache. I'd decided to stay home and not go into the office because I just couldn't bring myself to get up and dressed. I wanted nothing more than to lay in bed all day. But I wouldn't be possible. There was work to be done and something inside of me kept telling me to get dressed and go into the office. I refused. The inner nagging wouldn't relent.

Around noon, I started receiving a flood of emails from my co-workers requesting things that could only be done from the office. Great, now I'm forced to go in. I didn't bother trying to look professional in any slight way nor did I do much with my hair. I threw some oil on it and bounced. Yep, just like that! I arrived at the train platform and shortly thereafter an express train pulled up. Maybe my good luck for the day was starting. Maybe this was a sign that the day would get better. I was hopeful, but I was also wrong!!!

The train pulled in but there was a full 5 minutes before the doors would open. Apparently, there was a police investigation to be had and they couldn't open the doors until it was completed. Once the doors were finally opened I get on and grab a seat quickly and think to myself that this may be the day's turning point. I was yet again hopeful and yet again wrong. Ever had that happen? Ever feel like something is your turning point to something good and then, nope nothing nada?!

Once the train pulls off there is a woman yelling at a man, a total stranger, and telling him that she was going to start a fire right there on the train. She threatened him and told him to step off the train so they could fight. Since the train was moving along the tracks I was wondering where said fight would be held. But that's a silly minor detail I suppose. She, a proud Puerto Rican, told the gentleman, a proud Dominican, that he was half a person. He was a mutt really and that she was pure. She paced up and down the train car continuing to threaten this man and create disruptions in the car. I envied for a brief moment the passengers in the other cars, but decided against because who knows, they may have had a bum stinking up their car. So which would be better? A belligerent pregnant woman, yep she was pregnant? Or a bum wearing the fragrance of 20 day old body juices and NYC funk?

She continued to harass this man until she found a new victim. I was tempted to pull out my Bible (I was headed to Bible Study after work) and hit her over the head with it. I was so annoyed by this woman until she said something that saddened me. When someone threatened to call the police on her, this was her response, "Call the police. They aren't going to do anything. Like I called the police when I was raped on the train and they did nothing. So call them. Yeah go ahead call them." I had moved from annoyance to acceptance. Not acceptance of her reckless behavior, but acceptance of her as a human. She was a hurt woman acting out. She had been raped on a train and possibly being beaten because she had papers for an order of protection in her hands. She was pregnant and possibly wasn't expecting support from the child's father. She'd mentioned that he was Dominican and that he wasn't any good and that the Dominican man on the train was probably the same. So I think my assumption about her not counting on support from him is correct. But nevertheless she needed help. I felt the need to pray for her. Actually, I felt the need to reach out to her, but I was afraid. I didn't want to look foolish so I did nothing.

I wasn't where I was supposed to be by staying home and not being at work therefore, all these things popped up relating to work that needed my attention and I had to go in to be where I needed to be. If I had been there I wouldn't have seen the lady on the train and have to sit through that madness from 145th Street all the way to 59th Street. That's a long way to listen to an ill person rant and make threats. But then, I wasn't in the right place when I stayed in my seat and didn't offer her any help.

So did I cross paths with this woman so I could have been the one person who showed her compassion? Which would mean that I was right not to go in when I was supposed to? Or did I have to sit through all of that simply because I wasn't at work at the time I was supposed to be? I don't know.

I got to work and more emails and calls of annoyance came through and I was convinced that the devil was trying his best to take me down today. But in all of this, there is reason to be thankful:

1. I learned that if I carefully listen to another person, I just might hear something to alter my perception and become more compassionate. I think we suffer from a lack of compassion as a society. I was reminded that most people aren't just trying to make life miserable, but rather they are reacting to what they see as the misery in their own lives.

2. That a friend thought enough of me to ask me along with her on a doctor's visit for comfort (or so I believe that's why I was asked).

3. Any of the fires that were simmering at work this morning were easily extinguished once I got into the office.

4. There is a place I know I can go every Thursday to be surrounded by people who are open, honest, and caring. When you've had a rocky day sometimes you just want someone to pat your back and tell you it's alright. And you don't all the time want to explain what made the day rocky. So I can go to this place and these people offer the pat on the back regardless.

5. I came home excited about God and talked about Him boldly on the entire commute without feeling like I had to lower my voice as to not offend anyone.

Unstoppable

It's true, I am pretty fantabulous!!! Here's why...

1. Somewhere around 6:00p.m. I started laughing and didn't stop until 12:15a.m.
2. Cajun Spice passed her comp exam. Now she only has to knock out her thesis then, graduation here she comes!!!! Note: I'm already well aware that the victory is hers. It just hasn't manifested in the physical yet. Which reminds me, I have to start looking for a graduation gift. Dang nabit.
3. When I got home this evening the above runner's bib was in my mailbox indicating that I will be running a 5K next month and it wasn't all in my imagination. Go Team Conquerors!!!!!
4. I saw the cutest kid on the train tonight. She was dressed like a child an actual child and behaved like one too. That's rare these days, especially in this city.
5. My new computer monitor arrived at work.

Let's See

I'm thankful today because...

1. Monday is now over. Only 4 more to go. 
2. I found $5 in my coat pocket that I almost gave to the performing homeless lady on the train because her song was entertaining. But she started drifting off to sleep in the middle of her act so, she got no love from me for half way doing the job. 
3. I attended a meeting for a nonprofit that I'm excited about working with. 
4. The meeting provided super easy inspiration for one of tonight's entries. 
5. My friends all expressed support for my blog. 

Can't Believe I Didn't Do That

For reasons I care not explain, I did not make my thankful entry last night. So before I allow myself to do another thing, I must tell you why I was thankful yesterday: 

1. I received pictures of The Pretty Girl attending prom this weekend. This is a reason to be thankful because last year we didn't know if she would be here today. She's a testament to the miracle of modern medicine and, well you know, God. 
2. I had the shrimp and grits at Society (2104 Frederick Douglass Blvd, NY, NY - check it out) and didn't feel the need to order anything else. Yep, I was satisfied. 
3. After turning in the cable box this weekend to focus more on writing, I thought I'd go through withdrawal symptoms since Sunday is my main HGTV day, but nope. Nothing of the sort happened. 
4. It rained and provided a good reason to just sleep. So much for increased productivity. 
5. I heard laughter from my favorite four females (The Pretty Girl, My Favorite Person In All The World, The Tator Tot, and of course Queen Mother). This isn't extraordinary, but I rarely get to see them and hearing them laugh ensures me that at least for that moment they are happy with life. 

Not Much Action Today

But there is always reason so here we go:

1. After watching The Duchess, I'm glad I wasn't born in the 18th Century because those women put up with men doing the monkey dance with them.
2. It's March in NYC and I didn't need a coat today!!!
3. Without anyone to hold me accountable, I didn't overdose on pastries from Trader Joe's when I had the chance.
4. The wait at Time Warner Cable to return my cable box was painless in part because they were playing Transformers on Showtime.
5. Darwin Hobbs will be performing at my church tomorrow!!!!!!