I am a self-described people-pleaser. I love to make people feel happy, comfortable and proud. Contrary to what reality TV shows tell you, these aren’t bad things. That is to say, there is nothing cool about going out of your way to piss people off and constantly feel the need to make the point “I’m grown, so I’ll do whatever I want.” No, you don’t … Continue reading To Thy Own Self Be True

Yesterday during my morning commute, Russ Parr’s voice came through the radio, announcing that the Senate had failed to pass a bipartisan bill that would require background checks for would-be gun owners. The purpose of the bill is basically to prevent convicted felons and mentally ill persons from getting their hands on firearms. Of course, lobbying groups such as the NRA spun the bill to … Continue reading Shot Down

The strength of spirit and character required to stand up against any force — worldly or supernatural — is no easy task. I’m sure if you were to take the most “fearless” leaders we’ve ever known, and dig into their psyches, you’d be able to find a fear or two. Sure, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, Joan of Arc and Ida B. Wells … Continue reading When Lightning Hits The Plane: Testing Out “No Fear”

A couple of weeks ago, I reflected on a survey I’d taken with the girls in my advisory. At first, the survey was taking me down Obvious Avenue but ultimately routed me to “Oh Really?” Road. Talk about things that make you say “hmmm.” I would swear up and down to anyone that security is a top priority for me — I need a job … Continue reading Survey Says…(Part II): Power

On Wednesday, the girls in my advisory filled out a survey to figure out what they value in life. A good idea, we thought, because it may be a challenge to articulate those sorts of things in the tenth grade. As they whipped out their pencils, I thought, “At 25, I’m not the best at articulating what I value either.” So, I decided to join … Continue reading Survey Says… (Part I)

As much as I enjoy hearing about others doing well, I don’t particularly care for the effect it has on other people. Let me explain through fictitious example: Let’s say one of my dearest friends references another associate, saying, “Jane just got a promotion and a big award. She also loss 20 pounds in a month and will be a guest correspondent on “E!” this … Continue reading Coveting What “Jane” Has

After a lifetime of finding my way through a multitude of awkward and unfortunate situations, I dubbed myself courageous and the master of perseverance. How wrong was I? I’m pretty good at taking care of business but somewhere, somehow I began to settle for the ordinary instead of seeking and reaching for the next level in everything I do. You’re probably thinking, “Oh, you got … Continue reading No Fear.

I was feeling like my black-card should be revoked because I live in the DMV and hadn’t been to the MLK Memorial. Well, on a whim, that changed Sunday. Just south of the Washington Monument, Dr. King appears distinguished and dignified emerging from “the stone of hope,” with his most memorable quotes surrounding him. He gazes out towards Thomas Jefferson’s memorial. Yeah, he’s our “founding … Continue reading Still Just A Dream…But A Good One

So, I’ve done Hookah a few times before. Each time, I found myself in a comfortable, dimly lit environment with soft voices and even softer music gliding through the air like a light summer breeze. That being said, Sunday night came as a shock. There I was, doing Hookah while standing at a crowded bar with a drink in one hand, my mouthpiece in another … Continue reading Hookah At The Bar, Please!