The Good Morning Text

At some point during our lives, we have all been smitten for someone. This smitten-ness has caused us to be completely enveloped in every interaction we have with that person. We remember every hug, smile, phone call and TEXT MESSAGE. More often than not, it's those text messages that get the emo pot stirring. Those short expressions of interest maintain the wonderment of a new budding relationship. Easily delivered. Easily accessible. The text message has quickly become the main mode of communication for many.

One would think that since the text message is used so often that it would not maintain a special bond between two people. However, the highly sought and rarely received "good morning text" is a prime example of how mobile communication has changed the face of relationships.

The good morning text let's you know that that person is thinking about you as soon as they wake up. You are the first person they find a need to talk to. They want to be the first person you talk to. No matter how you look at it, it means something special.

When I was 18...

Sister ArmedPropaganda asked that a few people take a moment and reflect upon being 18. I feel awkward doing so, mainly because 18 was only 5 years ago. However, in hindsight, I have changed tremendously over the last 5 years. Anyway, as for the matter at hand, when I was 18....

Like Kanye, I worked at the GAP. To me, that was the achievement of a lifetime. The GAP, the store that I routinely spent what little money I had on jeans, sweaters, skirts, and blazers was now paying me to give them their money back. Oh how glorious. Shoutouts to PG Plaza... that mall became my haven throughout undergrad.

I lost my virginity at 18. It was unceremonial. Not bad, just not noteworthy. I don't even know where that guy is now. eh.

When I was 18, the song of the moment was Drop It Like Its Hot. Which once again ignited my deep, passionate and unrelenting love for Mr. Pharrell Williams. I can remember blasting it in the speakers where I worked after a long night of doing nothing in Crandall Hall. (Quad Girl for Life!!!)

I didn't drink. Can you believe that? Word, I wasn't BIG on alcohol at that time.

I was a size 12. I was just talking to my sister Anoa about how when we have kids, they aren't going to look at pictures and ask about us when we were "skinny". I'll prolly be this same size till I die (hopefully!).

I had a perm. Well, I kinda did. My last perm I got in May (at age 17) and I didn't cut my hair until December. Perhaps it would be better to say that at 18.... I made the transition from creamy crack to nappy and happy.

I had my first LEGIT Valentine's date. I can't remember where we went to dinner, but he got me a stuffed bear and a gift card to Up Against the Wall (RIP).

I first saw Floetry in concert. I fell in love with the Songstress.

My favorite outfit was a white RocaWear sweater that was off the shoulders that I wore with my RockaWear jeans and wheat Timbs.

Oh yea, at 18.... I owned hella pairs of Timbs.

I worked two jobs...besides the GAP, I worked at a law office as a legal assistant.

When I was 18, I hated clubs. ...I was shy.... I still am, but now I can drink legally.

When I was 18, I bible-thumped.

I met THIS GUY, which is great because I know he's ride or die... and I needed that then...and more importantly NOW.

I went on my first legit dates at 18. I couldn't date during high school (not that there was anyone who I could/would/should have dated). Actually, I think I got more play at 18 than I do now at 23. I must have looked young and virginal. Men are predators! I joke.

When I was 18, I wore green colored contacts and had a blonde afro. Confused much? Or aboriginal perhaps? I don't know what I was going for, but I thought I was doing the damn thing, that is for sure.

*thinking*

Wow, at 18, I joined Facebook. Howard, the first HBCU to have Facebook. (Wow, my spell checked just red squiggly lined me because I didn't capitalize Facebook. Damn YOU, Mark Zuckerberg, for taking over the damn world.)

I met the ladies that are going to be in my wedding, godparent my children, and sing at my funeral.

18 was cool. Life only got more awesome after that. Would I go back and do it again? In a heartbeat. If I did, I would do it fearlessly.

I needed a blogpost. I needed some chill time. I needed to reflect. Thanks, C-Fit!

...what can't I do on the internet?

Click here to get ordained.

Raw Food Fast - Day 1

Breakfast! (and lunch!)

Dinner!

Twice during 2009, I embarked on a spiritually, physically and mentally rewarding experience: The Master Cleanse...

My first time, was also my first time fasting. Never had I made a commitment to actually taking the mental steps to separate myself from food. I last only 72 hours... and then found myself at happy hour...

The second time was the week before my birthday. Committed to shedding old feathers and emerging RENEWED I cleansed for a full 7 days. Very rewarding....

THIS TIME... I'm going the raw food route. Organic juice and all the fruits and veggies a young woman could ask for...

my apologies for the over dependence on the ellipsis. (i rhyme and rip i rip and i rhyme... haha)

Anyway, the day started out well. I spent one million dollars on fresh fruits and veggies that I am dedicated to eating for the next week. I had a bowl of fruit for breakfast and the same thing for lunch. However, as I routinely need to be reminded, my life nor my DAILY existence is my own, Oludumare and a host of others had other plans for me.

All is well. I am fed. I am blessed. I'm ready for the world... *cue Jamie Foxx*

Hopefully I can get more creative with my menu throughout the week but I have scholarship that I need to FOCUS on!

How do I feel?

Great. Awake. I was slightly sluggish this morning but was easily inspired to get back up and continue my day. The only issue I'm having is that I am quite...hmmm...*vaporous*. I'm gonna chalk that all up to toxins tho!

o daa ro!

When I think of home...

I love my family.

Over the last few years, as I have come to grips with the notion that I am in fact a woman. A woman responsible for bearing the responsibility of fostering and nurturing human life. A woman responsible for creating a home. A woman responsible for the growth and development of (many) children.

I can not shirk it.

Sooner or later, my rockstar lifestyle inclusive of raunchy rhythm and blues and one-night stands with books, will have to end. Maybe not completely... but my priorities will shift from my own personal (and somewhat guilty) pleasures to the well-being of my family: my husband and my (the) kids.

But what does that actually mean for me?

I'm young and by no means (trapped) in a relationship that is forcing me to seriously consider these things, but it is something that I think about.

Where do I wanna call home?

It is no secret that I dropped Milwaukee like a dirty roach infested rag when I graduated in high school and I've been making sweet melodious love to the east coast ever since.

BUT...
my family is in milwaukee.

When I say family... I mean MY FAMILY is there: mom, dad(s), brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandmomma, grandma grace and host of other people that watched (lovingly) me grow up. AND...I'm always the first one to trump the family card. "YOU ALWAYS HAVE YOUR FAMILY. WHAT U GON DO WITHOUT YOUR FAMILY? HOW U GON TREAT YOUR FAMILY LIKE THAT?" So I understand the necessity of surrounding yourself with your family. Living amongst them, depending on them, supporting them and being a PART of the family unity.

I hate Milwaukee.

Hate is a strong word, but I deem it absolutely necessary. I cannot see myself living there without being miserable. I'm not saying anywhere on the east coast is where I'm gonna be but I just can not go to Milwaukee.

but why Mo? WHYYYYY?

First, I'm going to say that my undergradate experience (HU! YOU KNOW!!!) created a monster with me. A monster that needs constant nourishment of fresh oceanic seafood, exposure to peoples and cultures all over the world, emancipated minds, and liberated souls. Second, I've created a familial unit out here. I've got brothers and sisters out here who I need my kids to learn from. I need them and I like to think they need (or at least want me around) as well. Lastly, I'm naturally nomadic. I love to move and experience new places and I'M NOT DONE YET...

but where does that put me?

I've got two families that are very very important for me. I need them both to survive. I need them both to care for me. I need to have consistent access to them no matter the circumstance. I will always live up to my responsibilities no matter what. If mom dukes makes the call and says I need to come home... I'll be there in the quickness.

i am growing up (despite my efforts to remain a youngin forever) and there has to be a real consideration of how i PHYSICALLY place myself in relation to my family (all aspects). It becomes extremely pertinent when I think about doing Ph.D. work. That is a serious time commitment a serious commitment to a space and nurturing myself within that space.

space.


My response to how I handle this situation, how I effectively juxtapose myself between my desires and my responsibilities...will be a test of my GANGSTA...you know what other folks refer to as CHARACTER.

To sum the situation up: "Character is the courage to meet the demands of reality."


just some thoughts... i know i haven't blogged lately. #blackhistorymonth scholarly writing fail.