Bite the Bullet (Journal)-PLAN WITH ME: July 2019

#NOTsoRandom FACT: 

The truth I want to send up this Tuesday, July 9, 2019: 

I watched this YouTube video about Christian bullet journaling:

I wanted to learn more about what a bullet journal is is the secular context. So, I read this BuzzFeed article: "WTF Is A Bullet Journal And Why Should You Start One? An Explainer" (https://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelwmiller/how-to-start-a-bullet-journal).

This lead me to this video: "How to declutter your mind -- keep a journal | Ryder Carroll | TEDxYale"
https://youtu.be/ym6OYelD5fA

So, I decided to start bullet journaling the last week of June. Since it was only a week and I was still trying to figure out how to tailor the bullet journal to my needs, I started with this basic two-page layout for June:

(NOTE: Photo taken on July 1st) 

I also created a title page:

[]

And I created a symbols key page:

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I also thought it was important to have copies of the poems whose words stick with me always:

[If]

[A Prayer for Peace]

During the last week of June, I also started planning July. I knew that I wanted my bullet journal to have a:

• Monthly Log
• Habit Tracker
• Mood Tracker 
• Master/Big Picture To Do List
• Future Log
• Daily Gratitude/Prayer Journal/To Do
• Weekday Bible Study
• Reading List
• Crochet/Knitting Project Tracker 

I don't need an index because each month was going to be permanently housed in a binder with its name on it that was indexed by the calendar day for posterity. My bible study is going to be permanently housed with each book of the bible having its own binder and each chapter having its wn tab (NOTE: this makes it easier to migrate my current gratitude journaling and bible study my previous efforts).

This is what things look like on July 1st:

At church on Sunday, Minister Barbara Florvil asked us: "What are you going to do with your corner of the world?"

I start each of my Truth Going Up blogs with a with a #NOTsoRandom FACT and a TRUTH. I included this in my June 2019 journal and delved deeper in my July 2019 journal:

[]

While we were waiting for his One year, my father delicious ribs to finish cooking on the grill in our backyard, my father had me to read Frederick Douglas' "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July" aloud. It was just me, Papa, our German Shepherd Ruffhouse and the birds and insects (my mother and brother were inside the house). July 4ths in the Nelson household were a combination of celebrating the country that my father fought for as a TITLE in the United States Army AND acknowledging the systemic hypocrisy and oppression that are also as American as apple pie. We would talk about the injustices that we faced (such as my father being racially profiled in our mostly white neighborhood in the suburb of Waukesha, WI; my mother, a black female bench chemist at one of the leading pharmaceutical companies, doing twice the work but being paid nearly half of what her white male counterparts were paid, and my kindergarten teacher telling me it wouldn't be right for me to play Little Bo Peep as I wanted and that instead I was going to be the black sheep in our nursery rhyme because "...I looked the part"). But, we wouldn't just air our grievances. 

My parents are solutions-oriented individuals. Embedded in these conversations were strategy sessions about tangible steps each of us were going to do to make the world a better and more equitable place. So, I decided to make the fact and truth I lift up this month pay homage to this family legacy and recommit myself to using my passion, purpose and God-given gifts to improve my your corner of the world.

I have started sketching out the monthly log for August:

Week 3: Wedding Dress Update-Crochet as a Metaphor for Life

#NOTsoRandom FACT about my father (whom I call Papa): Les Brown is one of Papa's heroes.

Since the Sunday after my first post was Father's Day, I believe that it is a befitting tribute and the the truth I want to lift up on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 is a quote that I heard several times growing up (and that describes what happened in my first week of my journey to crochet my wedding dress):

Crocheting is a metaphor for life!!!

***Week 1-June 12 Update:

After I finished typing up my June 11/12 blog, I was up crocheting until like 2a. I was riding an adrenaline high on my first day as a commuting wedding dress crocheter:

I crocheted in McPherson Square during my lunch break. I crocheted during my 30+ minute evening commute on the Blue Line Metro Train and 29G Metro Bus ride from the Pentagon to my basement town home apartment. I crocheted for two more hours listening to the Wedding Jazz playlist I created on Spotify. I was impressed with my progress. I had completed:

• The chainless double crochet foundation
• A round of arcs (5 chains + sc)
• Round 0, 1, and 2 of Chart 3 (which I convinced myself was a mislabeled Chart 1 due to the similarities in the diagram to the round of arcs I had just created #SpoilerAlert I WAS WRONG!!!)

I compared the crocheting I completed to the picture of the finished project and came to a grave realization: I WAS CROCHETING THE SKIRT PART WHERE THE NECK PART SHOULD BE :-(

I was so angry with myself that I forgot to take a picture of the mistake before I started pulling the thread to undo what I spent between six to eight hours crocheting. 

BUUUUUT, I was too hasty in my cathartic yarn pulling. I undid the round of arcs (5 chains + sc) that I actually needed to complete in the pattern…WELP!

So, around 9p I gave up for the night with my chainless double crochet foundation still intact, I showered, spoke to my fiance Lee and went to sleep before 10p.

***Crochet as a metaphor for life:

Robert Burns is right: the best laid plans of mice and men often do awry. Even with the proper tools/materials, intermediate skill and written instructions/plan, life turns out unexpectedly. We should do our best to be flexible. Identify and accept failures. Resist the temptation to wallow in anger, frustration, sadness or disappointment. Productively process your emotions. Learn what you can. Execute an improvement strategy and try again. Don’t give up on something you really want to do!

June 13^th Update:

When the sun (well, at least a lighter gray sky given the rain), woke me up around 6a. I pulled the bag with my crochet project from my nightstand, curled up in my bed with Tucker sleepily adjusting himself to rest his head on my calves, I reworked round of arcs (5 chains + sc) with MSNBC's Morning Joe on in the background.

During my commute, I started following the diagram from the correctly labeled Chart 1. But, I was wary of my progress when I arrived at the office:

I did not want to end up in the same situation that a I was in last night. *eye roll* It would be insane to repeat yesterday's mistake and crochet a pattern I am excited about (but, uncomfortable with) for the first time with the yarn I intend to use for the finished wedding dress. 

So, I decided to apply the lesson from Les Brown. I am going to practice to improve. I decided NOT to crochet during lunch today. Instead, I redrew the diagram in a way that makes sense to me:

To be sure, I drew it several times...LOLOL! The pattern writer would have you to believe that the 10 chains you need are linear (see the top of the drawing). BUT, the 10 chains are actually curved (and you have to skip the single crochets).

Upon closer inspection, it  looks like my work is not too far off the mark. Going forward, I will "practice" working Chart 1 by drawing out the written instructions (and, if necessary, practicing with larger scrap yarn the same way that I practiced the chainless double crochet foundation) to get more comfortable working the Chart 1 pattern so that my crochet project more closely resembles the picture in the pattern:

***Crochet as a metaphor for life:

Understanding the charts did not make sense to me until I saw the mistake in my work last night and I drew out the written instructions. I am definitely a combination verbal and visual-spatial learner. YAY for self-awareness and proceeding in a strengths-based problem-solving approach!!!

June 14th Update:
I had a choice to make: try to repair OR start again.

Ultimately, I decided to restart the dress. This yarn is so thin. It is very unforgiving. One of the places where the yarn grew thin from being pulled out completely disintegrated...WELP...and my dress had an unraveling hole.

***Crochet as a metaphor for life: it is okay to start over. Sometimes, things can't be salvaged in their current state.

June 15th Update:
The weather cooperated and it turned out to be an EXCELLENT day to crochet in the park. I am making progress on my practice scrap yarn companion piece where I practice new stitches before I work on them with my wedding dress yarn:

It warms my heart how many people stopped to ask me what I was crocheting. A lovely black woman and her teenage daughter stopped by and we had a great chat about how relaxing a personally gratifying crocheting is. The black woman's teenage daughter recently completed a crocheting a technicolor summer halter dress. YAY for crocheting building community and connection of people diverse strangers!!!

***Week 2-June 18th Update:
I am still a commuting crocheter. The yoke of the dress is coming along:

(This is what the dress looked like on my commute to work on the bus this morning)

***Week 3-July 2nd Update: 
 The yoke is complete and my off-the-shoulder dress has little sleeves and armpit holes:

I am still VERY far away from a finished garment. But, I am encouraged!

Next Steps: Chart 1 through the torso :-)

P.S. For some reason, the blog posted with the date of the day I started typing up my draft (NOT the day I pressed the publish button. Also, I was on Week 3 NOT Week 4 at the time of posting. Eventually, I'll get this blogging thing right. Hopefully, my third time posting will be the charm :-)

The Beginning of Crochet Magic

#NOTsoRandom FACT about me: I LOVE TO CROCHET!!!

The truth I want to send up this Tuesday, June 11, 2019 is also the humorous truth I convey on most evenings of the days that end in "y":

###

Tomorrow (6/12/2019) marks six months to the day that Lee and I are getting married (legal wedding date 12/12/2019). We’re super excited:

We have most of the big picture components planned, now its just a matter of executing the small details.

One task that I thought was complete was dress selection. BUT, a suggested link from Pintrest has challenged me to embark on a journey to design and substantially make my own wedding dress. I saw this picture:

And I learned that the designer was featured in SEVERAL articles and was even on Good Morning America (https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/bride-crochets-wedding-gown-bus-commute/story?id=25739335):

I thought to myself: “I am a commuting bride-to-be who is creative, cost-conscious and enjoys crocheting!” So, I took to Pintrest, Esty, Ravelry and LoveKnitting to get inspired. I found ALOT of BEAUTIFUL dresses. But, NO patterns that match my preferred aesthetic.

From 2013-2015, my fiancé and I used to binge watch TLC (*fondly remembers Friday Bride Days*) with “Say Yes to the Dress”, “Four Weddings”, “I Found the Gown” and “Something Borrowed, Something New.” We gleaned several tips from David Tutera’s “My Fair Wedding.” That being said, I am not one of those brides who can’t picture her dream wedding dress. I have known for a while that these are the certain things that I want in my dream wedding dress:

• Bling
• Classic/Vintage
• Elegant
• Je ne sais quoi (unique)
• Lace/Sheer elements
• Mermaid/Trumpet OR ball gown silhouette
• Open or Dramatic back
• Pearls
• Sweetheart OR Bateau OR Off-the-Shoulder neckline
• Three-quarter length sleeves
• Two in one ceremony to reception dress adaptability

Originally, I bought this dress:

But, once I had it in hand, I was NOT in love with the dress and was regretting saying “yes” to this particular dress. The window for returning it had closed. So, I just planned to sell it unworn with tags on to consignment.

This is the dress that I fell in love with (and I originally planned to buy from DH Gate as the replacement): 

(Oooohweeeee that is one BAD dress!!!)

Bad News:  NOTHING that I saw online showed how to crochet a dress with most/all of the elements I want OR that compared to the replacement dress. So, in the spirit of “Something Borrowed, Something New” (the TLC series where brides-to-be chose between a new designer dress or their reimagined family heirloom dress), I am going to crochet a new cocktail dress (Crochet Lace Dress "Jane",Instant Download pattern, detailed tutorial, PDF, written, schematical, summer, bodycon, for woman, ladies', women ; Designed by Galina Zarubina https://www.etsy.com/listing/512158358/crochet-lace-dress-janeinstant-download):


….And pair it with the tulle skirt from first dress I bought that I couldn’t return. Since the dress will be plain (IDK how to crochet with beads/sequins), I am planning to pair it with a bling-ed out bridal belt and a pearl/gemstone jewelry.

We’ll see how this goes…(And I still might buy the replacement dress if my DIY project goes awry).

###

So, let the documentation of this #CrochetMagic journey begin!!!

(BACKGROUND: I consider myself an intermediate crochet-er. I’ve NEVER made an actual garment. I’ve made a few beverage koozies, blankets and two amigurumi animals (a t-rex for Ashton, a doll for Dottie’s daughter and a teddy bear for Olivia). The closest I’ve come to a garment is making a few hats, scarves, and one shawl. I talked myself out of making sweaters, mittens or fingerless gloves because the patterns looked too complicated. I do not know how to read crochet charts. But, I can read crochet patterns.)


STEP 1: Earlier tonight, I stopped by Michael’s to pick up the supplies:

Bittersweet News: The "Jane" dress crochet instructions are very detailed (a total of 13 pages long with a written pattern, charts, tips, and pictures). The first piece of advice was to read the entire pattern before beginning the process. So, I did. Unfortunately, there are a few typographical and labeling errors that left me confused and had me questioning whether or not I regretted attempting to crochet a dress. The way the pattern writer writes and the way I think to crochet were not getting along. But, some trial/error and deductive reasoning “unlocked the door.” Thank God there are both written instructions and a chart. I couldn't read charts at all before today. But, honey when I tell you they make a difference when the written pattern is confusing or incorrect. *exhale* YES, I am ready to give this a try!

WHOO-HOO...I am feeling pumped! (Yes, I am "live" blogging this process...LOLOL)

So, let's...

STEP 2: Begin crocheting!!! *smiles*

Buuuuuuuut, then I realized that I didn’t know how to do the very first step in the pattern. I misunderstood the method for the foundation chain (O_o … I had NEVER heard of a "chainless foundation double crochet"…TEHEHE). Sooo, I watched videos on YouTube. These were the most helpful:

Over the course of an hour, I tried (failed several times), but eventually got the hang of the chainless foundation double crochet working with the scrap yarn from a previous project:

I started working with the yarn that I bought for project (by the way, working with Super Fine fingering lace weight yarn requires patience! It splits easily and likes to knot-up around itself…WELP).

I am going to take a picture of the progress that I make on tomorrow’s morning commute (and will post it on my next update). For now, I’m noticing how late it is, I’m going to go sleep…cheers to champagne wishes and crochet dreams!!! GOOD NIGHT *smiles*

P.S. I was so tired that I forgot to publish the blog before I went to sleep....SMH/LOLOL :-)

Realized Power

#NOTsoRandom fact about me: One of my favorite episodes of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is the episode where Aunt Viv turned 40 and, even though she hasn't danced for several years, she decided to audition for a modern dance performance.

Ultimately, she transcended external and internal doubts, expectations, pressures, and rigid construction of her own narrative to perform THIS:

While I have not recently celebrated a milestone birthday and overcome a midlife crisis through preparation for a dance audition, like Aunt Viv I’ve been on a journey to rediscover people, places, things, and activities that I love. As a result, I’ve tapped into a part of myself that was once shackled and silenced. Like Aunt Viv’s inner dancer, my inner advocate and the other attributes of my best/authentic self are once again free and empowered to be manifested.

I am resolved to embrace this quote by Audre Lorde which is also the Truth and Power Nugget I’m sending up on Tuesday, May 8, 2018:

Last week, I had the honor and privilege to participate in the Undoing Racism® Community Organizing Workshop facilitated by the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond (http://www.pisab.org/programs). This workshop was a constructively challenging, eye-opening experience that has affirmed my personal and professional transformation.

Chiefly, I am liberated to:

• Speak truth to power,
• Walk in my divine authority,
• Use the gifts/talents I’ve been blessed with to make our world a better place, and
• Be resolved to:

I will continue to raise my voice for honesty and truth and compassion through my community engagement as well as legal and/or legislative advocacy.

But, I also feel compelled to resume sharing truth with the people I care about (starting with myself and those in my inner circle) as I started with this “Truth Going Up on a Tuesday” blog nearly three years ago. I’m going to start by meaningfully engaging off-line first. Maybe, I’ll return transition back to this public forum someday. We’ll see...

In the meantime, I encourage you to repeat these #affirmations and let them positively transform your life on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 and beyond: 

• I am POWERFUL and CENTERED at all times and NOTHING in this external universe will I allow to knock me off balance or center. 
• I am whole and complete within myself. 
• I am lovingly honest and genuine. 
• Honest loving people are drawn to me and me to them.
• Good things happen when I speak my truth. 
• I am Deliberate and Afraid of Nothing. 

Go forth and have a TERRIFIC Tuesday!!!

It's Your Anniversary

#NOTsoRandomFact: Thirty-six years ago TODAY, my parent's vowed to take each other as husband and wife; to have and to hold, from that day forward, for better – for worse, for richer – for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do them part.

HAPPY 36th ANNIVERSARY to STANFORD & KAREN NELSON!!!

(So yeah, I know "Time Travel Tuesday" is NOT a thing, BUT, the picture above is of my parents on this day back in 1979)

During the past few weeks and months, I've been thinking A LOT about marriage, romantic relationships and love. In 2015, especially, I've observed and experienced love at its best (as well as at its worst). As I reflect on these experiences, some of them quite painful, ULTIMATELY, I'm thankful.

Today, I'm ESPECIALLY thankful for being able to watch the evolution of my parents' marriage. What I've observed has underscored what many quotes on Instagram and Pintrest state: relationships (and ultimately MARRIAGES) are NOT EASY. Life is inherently challenging. The good news is:

As I continue my journey to find God's life match/partner for me, one lesson I've learned that I hope to apply is that “the one” is the person with whom I water the grass not just when it’s convenient and my spouse is the person I want/need them to be (and I am the person they want/need me to be). Most importantly, my future spouse is the person with (and for) whom I choose/desire to continue watering the grass when one or both of us are at our worst. Together, we will preserve and continually strengthen/improve our house.***

The truth I want to send up this Tuesday, December 22, 2015 is a quote about marriage that I want to share with all those who are married, engaged and praying one day to be married:

By the way, congrats to the recently engaged!!!

*** CLARIFICATION: In case the "house" reference sounds oddly abstract, let me explain a little further: one of my favorite songs is “I Want a House” by a group called Mr. Twin Sister:

The song above describes my dating/relationship philosophy fairly succinctly:

SONG LYRIC: "I want a house";

MY DATING PHILOSOPHY: I want something lasting/permanent

SONG LYRIC: "Built of old wood";

MY DATING PHILOSOPHY: Solid/100% real construction materials required (e.g. honesty, respect, ability to communicate)

SONG LYRIC: "You can paint it any color you like";

MY DATING PHILOSOPHY: Superficial details don’t matter that much to me (e.g. height, skin color, favorite foods)

SONG LYRIC: "Just so long as I can live with you";

MY DATING PHILOSOPHY: “The one” is the person for whom my soul yearns because we are uniquely compatible (i.e. are good for, to and with each other)

Pray for Peace

NOTsoRandom Fact: In observance of National Conflict Resolution Day on October 15, 2015, the Maryland Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) sought entries for its 10th Annual Conflict Resolution Day Student Art Contest. Today, at an awards ceremony and reception, the Honorable Mary Ellen Barbera, Chief Judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals presented the awards. My heart smiled as I perused the best 1,000 entries on display at the Judicial Education and Conference Center in Annapolis! It was INSPIRING & UPLIFTING to see Maryland students in grades K through 8 share their creative expressions and reflections about conflict resolution. *smiles* Both the young (and the young at heart) should follow this winner's lead:

Our world could truly benefit from an infusion of peace right now...

...In the wake of the deadly terrorist attacks on the City of Lights last Friday night, I was truly saddened by the tragic loss of so many human lives. As anxiety, unimaginable grief and international religious tension rise, the narratives about Paris in the media that have positively impacted me the most are the "human interest" stories about caring people who offered comfort to those injured immediately after the attack. The strangers who, although they could not administer first aid, held the hands of the dying or who helped the injured to safety. These angels on Earth personified what is often, although mistakenly, referred to as the "Prayer of St Francis":

The truth I want to send up during the week of November 17, 2015 is, notwithstanding how you may feel about the last line or religion generally, the sentiments expressed in this prayer can speak to ALL of us no matter who/what we pray to (or even if you do not pray at all). 

In this time when many #PrayForParis, and for EVERYWHERE there is trouble in our world, individually and collectively each of us should seek to promote:

PEACE

LOVE

PARDON

FAITH

HOPE

LIGHT

JOY

UNDERSTANDING

LOVE

GENEROSITY

FORGIVENESS

Especially, in light of the threats made to my Nation's Capital (that I live right down the street from and that people I care about live/work in every day), what I will do is:

#CallToAction: However you center yourself and "release and summon positive vibes" do that, please...

…Our world needs our collective good will :-)

[Annnnnnnnnnd my dream to one day share a loving embrace and passionate kiss with the love of my life from atop the Eiffel Tower in Paris could depend on it too *blushes*]

Month-FULL of THANKFULS

#NOTsoRandom Fact: On Friday, November 6, 2015, I learned that an employee at the Prince George’s County Courthouse decided to share on social media at least one thing she was thankful for EVERYDAY for the next thirty (30) days. She called it a “month-full of thankfuls.” I told her I thought her idea was BRILLIANT and that she inspired me to do the same :-D

The truth I want to send up during the week of Tuesday, November 10, 2015 is:

#CallToAction: Take a moment each day to reflect on at least one (1) thing you're thankful for.

Here's my list:

DATE	WHAT I’M THANKFUL FOR	WHY I’M THANKFUL FOR IT
Wednesday 12/2/15	Eggs (literally AND figuratively)	Part 1: I’m grateful there’s someone who thinks I’m a good egg (I think J’s a good egg, too). Although we don’t know too much about each other’s “slight?” cracks (yet), YAY for the opportunity to get to know each other!!! *winks*: Part 2: I’m also grateful for eggs prepared with care and appreciation that are cooked EXACTLY how I like them (especially, SANS a "how to cook my eggs" teachable moment...TEHEHE *smiles*)
Tuesday 12/1/15	Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust	Although it was painful to accept the passing of a former love, it is merely a part of the circle of life. I will always appreciate who and how we were both to and for each other. May you find peace in His love.
Monday 11/30/15	God’s Grace on a Rainy Monday	Despite the fact that I did NOT deserve it, God blessed me anyhow this morning!!! *praise dance* I am TRULY grateful for the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.
Sunday 11/29/15	The question “do you have a football team you follow?”	Banter about the Redskins facilitated the adjustment of half-opened doorway to be opened more fully…I'm grateful for the opportunity to explore the possibilities :-)
Saturday 11/28/15	Integrity	Reliable and genuine people are rare precious stones. While seeking forgiveness for dishonest words/deeds is possible, the best practice is to have your conscience productively and proactively drive your actions even when external eyes are not cognizant of your every move.
Friday 11/27/15	A Philly-Based Travel Companion	Cheers to exploring the possibility of carry-ons, stowed luggage and SIRAP-type adventures :-)
Thursday 11/26/15	A cousin who is more like a sister	I'm grateful to share food and fellowship on Thanksgiving Day with my cousin, her boyfriend and their friends in Silver Spring (even though the Packers lost...WELP)!
Wednesday 11/25/15		My time, attention and affection are often locked behind tempered, shatterproof glass because I am valuable and know my worth. I’m thankful to be self-aware enough to know what I will allow, stop and reinforce. Yay for fruits borne of hours spent searching my soul and healing from a broken heart. I'm grateful for the ones with whom I share my time, attention and affection who either didn't have to be taught OR who learned well :-)
Tuesday 11/24/15	Patti LaBelle's "Right Kind of Lover" song	The recent hype about her sweet  potato pie and James Wright’s now infamous video review on YouTube aside, I’m SHO-NUFF grateful for my romantic relationship goal to find someone “real…strong but tender…”; for who’s “…love I will surrender”; who can hold “…an interesting conversation every once in a while”; someone “…always prompt and attentive cuz my darling knows that is my style…right height…right build…goes to work everyday…pays bills…comes home in the evening”; ANNNNNNND who MUST “…rub[] me, OOH the right way!!!” (that’s how to keep a permanent smile on my face *winks*). I’ve played “Right Kind of Lover” SEVERAL times today. Each time, I’m like you betta SAAAAAAANNNNNNG it Patti!!! Now, to see if the pies are really worth being mentioned on Good Morning America and popping up in my timeline so frequently…
Monday 11/23/15	#MondayMotivation on Instagram	This note is ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE: *cheers to "Mon-day" aka "My Day" and being committed to making this a MARVELOUS week*
Sunday 11/22/15	Time and chance happen to us all:	Pastor Howard-John Wesley preached a great sermon entitled "When Things Don't Make Sense." My pastor defined chance as "life's surprises." I experienced an unpleasant life surprise last week, so this sermon made me think about what doesn't make sense in my life (and what role fate, time, chance, and my choices played in my current situation). I personally don't believe in accidents or coincidences or mistakes. I think that everything happens for a reason and that whatever my choices are in life serve a greater purpose, are instructive in nature and will ultimately work for my good. At the same time, I agree with my pastor (and the scripture) that each of us are subject to unexpected things (good or bad) happening to them in time and by chance. However, I think that greater than any unexpected occurrences (good or bad) is how I choose to react. My actions (or failure to act) is an exercise of my individual free that can (and will) influence my fate. That's not to say I think that we live in a magical world where things just magically fall into place and there is no sadness/disappointment/frustration. That's not to say I don't think that life isn't (or won't be) difficult. I'm just saying that I try to live without regrets and to make the best out of every situation. As ends the poem "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley: "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."
Saturday 11/21/15	A *Spontaneous* Tampa-based Trucker	I’m grateful for laughs and smiles shared and exchanged almost effortlessly :-)
Friday 11/20/15	Paxton	He's taught me important "dog lessons":
Thursday 11/19/15	The bulldog who knew that the last thing I wanted to hear today was "I'm sorry" or "you're awesome" or some cliché about closed doors and open windows.	Although Lianne La Havas was singing about a romantic situation, the chorus still holds true for platonic friendships also: "it's what you don't do, it's what you don't say." Sometimes the best thing you can do for someone is hold space and refrain from saying all of the "right" things (or doing the "right" things). I'm grateful for a kindred spirit who has become one of my closest friends.
Wednesday 11/18/15	My Political Acumen	I grateful that analysis, constituent work, political messaging, planning and strategy excite me! I’m even more excited that I can channel this passion of mine to help people I know who are running for various positions. I’m not quite on Olivia Pope’s level (yet)…perhaps, one day *winks*
Tuesday 11/17/15	Creative and Peace Promoting Children & Angels on Earth	See:http://truthgoingup.blogspot.com/2015/11/pray-for-peace.html
Monday 11/16/15	Being reminded to check my cynicism and to be willing to give when I am able	I normally don’t carry cash. But, I needed some tangible bills to park at the courthouse so I got some cashback from the grocery store. As I was leaving, a man asked me if I could contribute to his bus fare. He said he lost his cash and needed to pick up his daughter. Without thinking and after barely looking at him, I told him I don’t carry cash and kept walking. I feel bad that living in the DC-area has desensitized me to these kinds of requests. IDK if he was telling the truth. But, after I realized I did actually have some cash on me, I gave him the few dollars I had. I’m grateful for the ability to help him and for being reminded I shouldn’t be so quick to brush requests for help off so quickly. If that were me (or someone I love), I’d want someone to help me (or them). So, when I can, I should help.
Sunday 11/15/15	Opening up my heart to a jaguar	I truly believe friends are the family you choose. I'm thankful for my friends (not just because they support me but because I try to reciprocally support them). I'm working on a surprise for my jaguar friend today. She had my back when I needed an ear and a shoulder. I'm grateful for the opportunity to help her and encourage her as she trains for her marathon. MUST LISTEN:
Saturday 11/14/15	My desire to build a house with "the one"	In case that sounds oddly abstract, this blog I wrote a few years ago that explains this desire a little further: http://tteotqs.blogspot.com/2012/12/i-want-house.html. Although at present I'm in a "focused on building friendship" head-space & heart-space, I truly look forward to a strong platonic friendship that evolves into a romantic relationship with someone I could honor with a lifelong commitment. IDK when house building will happen (or with whom I will build our house). But, I'm grateful for my "wanting a house" hope and the possibility of "sometime eventually" *smiles*
Friday 11/13/15	Provision	Today, I was worried that someone's absent-minded forgetfulness would complicate my weekend. But, thankfully, that potential crisis was averted. Everything worked out (right on-time)!!! Today's experience reminded me of something I wrote on another one of my blogs (http://tteotqs.blogspot.com/2014/09/jehovah-jireh.html) a few years ago: "While I do not have all of what I want, I always have what I need. I do not always have what I need when I want it. But, I always have what I need when I need it." Today, especially, I'm so grateful that is STILL TRUE!
Thursday 11/12/15	Innocent Flirtation	I'm grateful to have exchanged genuine compliments (not forced or fake) with a stranger today. Yay for being able to honestly praise someone for their external attractiveness. Yay for being praised for your internal beauty.
Wednesday 11/11/15	VETERANS	Members of all branches of the armed services make tremendous sacrifices for our country. To my father, uncles, aunts, cousins, and ALL service men and women, I am sincerely grateful for all that you done!!!
Tuesday 11/10/15	My license to practice law allowing me to protect minor children and disabled adults who often cannot protect themselves.	Often, people seek legal counsel when they’re in crisis. I consider it an honor and a privilege that my license to practice law permits me to use my logic, wit and words (either spoken or written) to help mend my client’s broken hearts/spirits/lives as well as help create peace and order where disarray exists. I wholeheartedly concur with what a fellow HU undergrad and NCCU Law alum @Jalawgirl said about lawyers in her recent IG post: “We truly work hard for our clients. Although we get a bad rap, lawyers work extremely hard to promote justice.”
Monday 11/9/15	My favorite Saints fan	Thanks for being there when I needed someone to literally and/or figuratively hold my hand when my chronic pain issue flares up.
Sunday 11/8/15	Being part of a church family that that not only is working tirelessly to improve circumstances in the present and future but also to honor the legacy and contribution of those who came before.	Rich in history itself, Alfred Street Baptist Church announced its donation of $1 million to the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture during worship service today. Please know that I do NOT claim to have given anything remotely close to a significant portion of $1 million dollars to ASBC. I'm grateful nonetheless to sow my humble little pennies on fertile ground.
Saturday 11/7/15	Shelter & the HBCU Network	My mixed feelings about the #HomelessAtHoward situation aside, I'm glad that HBCU graduates pooled their resources to make sure that a recently displaced HU student has a place to lay his head for the rest of the 2015-2016 school year. I know firsthand the angst and anxiousness that burdens the heart and mind when you don’t have a place of your own to lay your head at night. It is a blessing to be safe, covered and warm. By the way, to the people who think this (or any other) incident gives you the license to speak negatively about my alma mater: please, sip your tea quietly. I have (and always will) be SO GLAD I WENT TO HOWARD U!
Friday 11/6/15	My choice to attend North Carolina Central University’s School of Law and participate in its “Invest in Success” program	On National “Love Your Lawyer Day” the Maryland Board of Law Examiners released the July 2015 bar exam results. I’m so proud of this next cohort of attorneys to be sworn-in (especially, my friends...CONGRATS AGAIN *smiles*)!!!  In particular, I’m grateful for NCCU Law’s “Invest in Success” program. I credit my passing the bar the first time to the genuine care about my personal well-being as well as the constructive criticism of my practice essays and MPTs by Dean Green and Prof. Burgess. Even though I didn’t need to use it, I LOVED how Dean Craig-Taylor gave her personal cell phone number to students studying for the bar exam in case we had an emergency. I don’t know of any other law school dean who’s done that!!! I wore the “one and done bracelet” she gave the 2014 NCCU Law graduates every day of bar prep and during the bar exam.  Since to whom much is given, much is required, it is my hope that I can support others during their transition from being a law school graduate to a licensed attorney as I was so lovingly supported :-)