2013 it's been real!

2013 quick recap: cutting off my hair, inauguration (2 terms!!), taking a pic with Gabby Douglas, Houston, Dallas, funerals (i.e. heartbreak), new favorite songs, reminiscing over high school track (i think i still got it), Nationals game, soul sessions: the vinyl edition, Lauriol Plaza swirls & mojitos, Opera in the outfield, work trips to NY and Ohio, Fort Lauderdale, Capital Jazz fest, Tamia at Howard Theatre, celebration of 60 years of marriage, Living Social cooking class, weekends at the pool, wine festivals, brunch in the city, eastern market, Cocktails with Claire event, hookah, record player and vinyl, blogging, London, Paris, Emeli Sande at meyerhoff, #photosess, tourist in the city, Beyonce surprise album (lol), holidays, family!

The final day of 2013 has finally arrived. Not to say it like I was ready for it. But I am ready for it. It's nothing like a new year to get excited about the newness that's in store for you. New places to visit, new people to meet, new goals, new dreams, a new beginning. In 2013, I was obsessed with DIY (made my DIY Christmas idea happen!), photography, beauty and fashion related - dark vampy lipsticks and midi dresses and skirts.

But before I hit the new year, I want to reflect on the old to help enter into the new feeling extremely blessed to make it to 2014.

2013 began with a fresh new haircut. On January 1, I chopped all of my hair off. Throughout my life I had shoulder length and longer hair, so chopping it all off was a huge deal for me, but I was oh so ready. Like really ready. That was the only way I got through it. It did help that in 2012 I cut it shorter and shorter so when January 1 rolled around I was able to let it all go. I didn't feel like a weight had lifted or whatever other emotions women get then they cut off all of their hair, I was just excited. I did what I wanted to do, and I was ready.

Later on in the month I travelled to Houston and Dallas to visit family and the day before I was heading by home, my grandfather passed. Literally hours before I set out to visit him in Galveston. He died in his home and lived a long life. I know he's watching over my family, and I pray his spirit helps us get through our issues so we can become a stronger, close-knit unit. After the memorial I was able to hang with all my family. We sang, dance, ate well and had an amazing time together. One of the highlights of the year. A bittersweet moment.

Unfortunately only a few weeks later, one of my closest friends passed. I still remember the call from my friend, and her voice on the other end of the line like it was yesterday. We all endure personal demons, and sometimes they take us to a point of no return. As often as we can, a group of us get together and celebrate his life, remember his most enduring moments, and reminisce on his "pleasant" nicknames for us (Lol..insider). His funeral was the hardest moment of 2013. I pray that he is at peace, and is looking down on those who he loved and loved him with a smile and those deep dimples.

Life then went on as usual for the next few months, I got restless and travelled to Fort Lauderdale for some quick, much needed R&R.

In the meantime in between time, I always knew I wanted to travel to Europe, soon and very soon. So what better way than to ring in 30. I booked my ticket and started planning my solo travel to London and Paris. This was indeed my best moment of 2013.

Thanksgiving and Christmas was celebrated and enjoyed with family. Even helped surprise my family with a wine and painting night.

In 2013 I continued to find myself. Sounds cliché'ish, but nothing better than truly knowing who you are. It's a constant search of finding my happy but I'm on the right path of how I want to live my life, and the type of people I want in it - friendship and relationship wise.

This year had its highs and lows, as next year will have as well. It's inevitable. But I'm determined to have more highs than lows, if I have any control over it. In March, I'm going to Hawaii and I've already begun thinking of destinations for my 31st birthday in September (Greece, Barcelona, Cabo, T&C…). Somewhere in the mix, I plan to sprinkle in a few "smaller" trips. Let's see where the wind blows!

Welcome 2014!!!

Just go!!

I love to read articles, quotes, books, newspaper clippings, etc about traveling and advice and ‎encouragement towards travelling. I especially love when the author is a black woman. Just from a ‎relatable standpoint. I try to encourage or better yet lead by example those around me that ‎travelling can change your outlook on life. I strive to be a traveller and not just a tourist. ‎

You want to explore the world but unsure how. Just do it. Easy right. Book a ticket and just go. All it ‎takes is that first time, and I promise you will be hooked. Take a trip (or 3 a year). Plan for it, ‎financially and schedule wise, but just do it.‎

There's nothing like a new year to give yourself new goals - short-term or long term, new inspirations, ‎new visions to help contribute to a new you.‎

Being my own Warrior

One of my favorite things about this blog is being able to "relive" certain moments and thoughts of my own. Using my own inner thoughts to pull out inspiration for myself. I can dig it. I can go in and reread a post, a gentle reminder to pull it together, remind myself of what is important, and take it from there.

Reading a book called Where Did Our Love Go: Love and Relationships in the African-American Community, edited by Gil L. Robertson, has my mind moving a mile a minute. This is a book of essays from public figures, celebrities, journalists etc. who share their experiences and journeys with love and deals with the role (and/or lack thereof) marriage plays in the black community. The book is broken down into three sections: Single, Married, Divorced.

Chapter 8 - Being My Own Warrior - JaQuitta Williams

Let me tell you. A few passages hit the nail on the head. This chapter spoke volumes to me and how I've wanted (and achieved) to living my life these past few years. It's like I told her my life and she put it on paper. Always dating the same guy. Different on the outside, but the same blueprint on the inside. Having a good time, but when it came to "it", I was the only one in it for the long haul, or at least interested for the long haul. I decided to flip the switch (and my life) and just enjoy me. Doing what I want to do, when I want to do it. "And I feel because I am in this place, whatever God allows or wants to bring into my life will be clearer for me to see." OK!!!

"We all want to be coupled up, but there has to be something in you that says, 'I am okay. I am beautiful. I am strong by myself.' So when you find somebody, you shine even brighter." Do i want a relationship? Yes, but not at the expense of what I've been working towards for myself for all these years. You gotta come correct, and stay correct.

"Whatever trials happens in my life, whatever man comes or stays away, I know that God will bring people in my life or remove them because that's what God does. There will never be a person who can deliver me from what God delivered me from, and because of that I'm good. I realized that my marriage is with God. My love and all that goes with it is with God, and whomever He presents to me, to go through this life on this earth with me, is a bonus. I know that no person can ever do for me what God does for me, so why am I tripping?" #wonthedoit

a beautiful fall day

Chicago has #summertimechi but DC in the fall is quite a beauty. The clean cut grass, colorful leaves, and sunshine makes the day so pleasant. Playing tourist for the day means monuments, scenery, and selfies.

Daily Bread

Sometimes when your down and out, not feeling your best, or feeling like the world and the people in to are against you, you have to pull from your gut and remind yourself that no matter what you will be happy. You will "fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it...". Sometimes is all you have to hold onto. I am reminded. I remind myself. I have to.

Then somedays you just are.

“Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it.” Eat Pray Love, Elisabeth Gilbert

“Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.”
― Guillaume Apollinaire

a lil' thursday inspiration

This resonated so deeply with me when I read it.  Sometimes we want so badly for things to go our way, but that's not God's plan for us.  Most times we would choose the easy way out of the situation.  But God has other plans for our life.   He wants to see a change in our heart.  He wants us to trust his word.   Do your part and God will handle the rest. 

"Sometimes God doesn't change your situation because he's trying to change your heart."  Wow.  Things like this tend to stay with me. 

Reminder:  Work on applying it to daily life.

It's up to me...

‎“I’ve learned how much power I have in designing my happiness. I am the architect of it. So I ‎work on building it. A skyscraper.” Terry McMillian‎

The best thing about this blog is the constant reminder of its theme. Happiness. And the pursuit ‎of it. How to get it and how to hold on for dear life. Life can sometimes suck that little ounce ‎of happiness you have left and leave you feeling drained and defeated. It happens to the best of ‎us. But it takes a special kind of strength to dig deep and not let unhappiness consume you. ‎Don't let defeat be what you eat, sleep, and breathe. God didn't build us to suffer, He built us to ‎succeed. Some days you wake up with the blues, headed to a job that you aren't 100% excited ‎about (not to be confused with ungratefulness), just to get up and do it all over again. The ‎excitement, the thrill can sometimes be dull or nonexistent. This blog serves as a daily reminder ‎that it is up to me to bring the light. It's up to me to design my happiness. Even if it's just ‎tinkering in the little things that bring me joy throughout the day. One day I hope we all get to a ‎place in our lives where it's not 'work' and we're doing what we love. I guess in the meantime, ‎we shall do what we have to do until we can do what we want to do.

Reminder: Work on the little things.‎

be inspired

Everyday I'm on the hunt for inspiration. I like to keep my mind open to new ideas, thoughts, and creativity to constantly keep me challenged in my goals, dreams, and aspirations. My inspiration for today comes from Joel Osteen, one of my favorite authors, speakers, and preachers. His word is simple, easy to follow and understand, and on somedays just right on the money for current life situations. Every little bit helps.

“You cannot expect victory and plan for defeat.”

"You will never change what you tolerate.”

"You have to learn to follow your heart. You can’t let other people pressure you into being something that you’re not. If you want God’s favor in your life, you must be the person He made you to be, not the person your boss wants you to be, not even the person your parents or your husband wants you to be. You can’t let outside expectations keep you from following your own heart.”

"It's our faith that activates the power of God"

“Be the one to stand out in the crowd.”

“Don't think small when you pray. God has a way to bring your dreams to pass if you'll dare to be bold enough to ask.”

"Do all you can to make your dreams come true.”

Be inspired. Dream and pray big.

operation: revamp

almost completed :)

bringing in my 30s

So for the past 4 months I had been officially plotting and planning this year's birthday trip. Since 30 is a pretty big milestone, I wanted to bring it in internationally. Technically, I brought in my 28th birthday internationally (Curacao), but I wanted something just a bit different. London and Paris it was!

I arrived in London and caught the express train into the city and made my way to the flat I was renting pretty easily. I showered, changed, and hit the streets. London's train system is very easy to navigate, especially if you have experience with any major city transit system. I had no real urge to absolutely see any specific sites first, so I headed to the mall lol. Westfield Shepard's Bush is a huge shopping center with tons of higher end and lower end brands. Something for everyone. I ended to long travel day over a pasta dinner and a glass of wine at Spaghetti House.

So I celebrated my (actual) 30th birthday in London, on Regent Street at the NFL block party. The following day was the football game between the Vikings and Steelers. I didn't attend the game, kinda wish I did since I was right there…but next time. I did a little more shopping, then visited the London Bridge (which was nothing spectacular) and Tower Bridge. After taking a hundred pics, I spent my evening eating fish and chips, at a restaurant under the Tower Bridge. It was pretty dope. And even after all of that I kept saying to myself, "…and I still get to go to Paris!". Lucky me.

The Tower Bridge was my most favorite attraction in London, hands down. It is one the prettiest landmarks I've ever seen. In the daytime, in the nighttime, just a beauty all the way around & I paid her a visit every day.

My second favorite attraction is the London Eye. It's definitely not as scary as it looks, and worth it as the entire city in your sights.

Throughout the rest of my time in London, I visited Canary Wharf, Olympic Park, Museum of London, Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guards, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, rode on the double decker bus, ate way too many pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant), and did a ton more shopping throughout the city.

Random things about London:

- starbucks on every corner (like in the US)

- "Mind the Gap"…the gap is huge

- train stations and the trains were hot


As my time in London winded down, I prepared myself for Paris.

Big city, bright lights, and a different language. Yikes - that was the most intimidating part. The language barrier. Next time I go to Paris, I will know more than bonjour, merci, and a few other words.

Paris has always been on my list of must see cities, for as far as I can remember. I'm ready to go back and I have lots of other things on my list for next time. Dinner at the Eiffel Tower (probably expensive, but once in a lifetime), lunch on the Seine River, Monet Gardens (heard great life changing things about this place), Versailles…and a few others.

I visited the Eiffel Tower, or the Tour Eiffel as it is officially called, literally every day and it was the first attraction is visited. Once I got to my flat from the Eurostar (train that connects London and Paris and travels thru the English Channel), I looked up the closest train stop to the tower. I read that Trocadero will give the best views. So off to Trocadero I went. Once out of the station, I saw a few small statutes (not sure of what they were - just beautiful to look at) and snapped a few pictures. I turned around….and wow, there she was! The freakin Eiffel Tower. Just as beautiful as I had imagined, seen in pictures, and on TV. It was a very surreal moment. The Eiffel Tower is not a mirage (my mom asked so it's really real? - yes, yes it is lol).

I indeed had arrived in Paris!

Of course, I proceeded to take a million pictures. Then remembered to slow down and just take in the moment. I headed over to an empty bench and begin to write (on an Eiffel Tower notecard of course lol - this moment clearly preplanned).

Throughout my time in Paris, I would go on to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, walked from Pont de Arts bridge (Lover's bridge) to Musee du Louvre through the Tuileries Gardens (really beautiful and peaceful), down Avenue des Champs Elysees, ending at the Arc de Triomphe. I would have peaceful, reflective moments at the Canal St. Martin and Seine River. It's something about seeing the city backdrop over water that makes moments so special.

On my last full day in Paris, I began the day by visiting a cute vintage/thrift shop, Vintage Desir, in the Montmartre area. So I headed out on the metro to Abbesses station. Not knowing at the time that this was one of the deepest train stations in Paris, I proceeded to take the stairs to exit the station. Big mistake! There were literally a million stairs in a spiral staircase, so you never knew when it would end! This annoyed me for a good 10 minutes lol. Vintage Desir was just up my alley. They had tons of dresses, skirts, hats, jackets, everything good quality and for a good price. Since my suitcase was packed to the brim I wasn't able to purchase anything, but next trip it's on! I headed down the street and ran into Sacré Cœur - a famous Roman Catholic church and tourist attraction that sits at the highest point in the city - and did some souvenir shopping.

I took the train to see Moulin Rouge, took a few pics and went on my way - wasn't much to see from the outside. I wanted to catch the Louvre at night and lit up, and as I made my way there the sun was beginning to set. Sunsets in Paris are absolutely perfect. I found myself walking across the Lover's bridge while the sun was setting. A perfect photo-op.

My last morning in Paris was spent visiting the Eiffel Tower (of course) one last time. Inspired by one of my favorite bloggers, I did a little photosess with the tower as my backdrop. It turned out as perfect as I had imagined.

I quickly headed back to my apt, finished packing up, and made my way to the airport. Not happy to go home, but glad to sleep in my own bed.

Audrey said it best. "Paris is always a good idea".

operation: inspiration

“So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be.”
― Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

“I can't do everything for you. You must walk alone to find your soul”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Speak

"Face what needs to be faced, receive what you need to receive, let go of whatever you need to let go of...and live." - Mindy Caliguire, Soul Searching

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. - Psalm 139:23-24

Google+ brought me morning joy :)

On my journey to happiness, everyday I'm challenging myself to read something of importance and relevance to my life.  While I'm being loose with the term "challenge" (because who really needs a challenge to read), sometimes we get caught up with work, our commute, social media and other forms of daily entertainment, that we neglect a very important one.  Reading.  So today I hopped on Google Books and previewed "Promises from God for Single Women" by T.D. Jakes.  Last night, I turned to an all gospel/christian network by accident/or by fate (maybe) and T.D. Jakes was preaching to his congregation in Dallas.  Do I remember what he was saying?  Not really, should've taken notes, but I remember being engulfed in his message.  I would say I'm a T.D. Jakes fan and own a few of his books, but I tend to be a fan of most who can break down the Bible and teaches how it applies to everyday life, or leyman terms.  (For me, the Bible is a difficult read.)  Here are some passages that stood out for me and challenged my thinking:

Introduction
Contrary to what some teach on this subject, singleness is not a disease.  It is a sign of wholeness.  To be single is what one is when he or she is not fractioned.  It can be an indication of wholeness.  If one not whole before marriage…marriage will not complete a broken soul.
Don't let desperation lead you to destruction.  …set your sights on fulfilling the purpose God has set before you.  He has a plan for you and it will happen in His time in His way - not one minute before.
Know that God has someone or something waiting for you.  Your only job is to fulfill God's purpose for you.  Becoming too caught up in the dating/mating/relating game distracts you from your Heavenly calling and keeps you from the Lord.

Loneliness
Have heart and know that the heaviness will not last forever, that Jesus has promised to carry your burden, and that by surrendering to God, we are living on the path of the righteous.
What will break the key grip of loneliness is a faithful heart that understands that God's promises are more real than the world's lies.   Your promise to God… I know you will lift the loneliness from my heart.  I will wait faithfully until Your time.

Friendship
It is important to put your time and energy into those relationships that raise you up and glorify the Lord.
If people persecute you because you are a Christian, don't curse them; pray that God will bless them.  When others are happy, be happy with them.  If they are sad, share their sorrow.  Live in harmony with each other.  Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people.  And don't think you know it all!  Romans 12:14-16
Ask God each morning, "who do you want me to help today?"  God will bring into your path people who need exactly the encouragement and help that you can give them. (and by the way, that person who needs encouragement and help might be yourself.)

random, not-so random

I am a hopeless romantic. But I also enjoy being alone and being my own company. Not to be ‎confused with lonely. There's a difference. I still believe in chivalry. I still believe in "real love. ‎Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love", just like Carrie ‎Bradshaw.‎

My little sister posted a picture of this book on Instagram, and the title alone had me intrigued. ‎Love, Freedom, and Aloneness - by Osho. Interesting right? So I pulled it up on Google books ‎and previewed the first few chapters. Sometimes when reading books like this one (topics on ‎love, inspiration, etc.), my initial thought is duh! It feels self-explanatory or has common sense ‎context. But I try to get outta that mindset. And I try to use it as a reminder instead. I don't ‎know everything and I'm sure I can pick up on something that can challenge my thinking. So ‎here are a few of those things:‎

‎- Real love is a nourishment, it strengthens your soul.‎
‎ ‎
‎- Search into, meditate on love, experiment. Love is the greatest experiment in life, and those ‎who live without experimenting with love energy will never know what life is. They will only ‎remain on the surface without going into the depth of it.‎
‎ ‎
‎- Meditation is nothing but enjoying your beautiful aloneness. Celebrating yourself; that's what ‎meditation is all about.‎
‎ ‎
‎- By loving yourself you will have destroyed much that society has implanted within you.‎
‎ ‎
‎- Love leads to the ultimate experience - called God, called the Absolute, called the Truth.‎
‎ ‎
‎- If you think only of sex and never become aware of love, then you are going down the ‎drain. Yes, you will produce children and you will live in misery and you will play cards and you ‎will go to see the movie and you will watch football matches and you will have great experiences ‎of utter futility, boredom, war, and a constant undercurrent of anxiety, called by the ‎existentialist, "angst". But you will never know the real beauty of existence, the real silence and ‎peace of the cosmos.‎
‎ ‎
Love can make it possible.‎

I said i wouldnt write another poem about love
When the words hit the page its like a lie that parts from my lips

operation: travel

"out of all of my children, you are the most adventurous" - daddy


The world is my oyster. My belief in this expression is full scale. This is when I'm most happy, at peace, and content with life. Because it doesn't get any better than that moment. I can't imagine my life without it.

I can't pinpoint the exact age where I craved seeingthe world, but I know it's in my blood. For as long as I can remember my mom was always on the go, all over the U.S., Hawaii (a few times), and all over the Caribbean, and still is.

As a kid, we were always up and down I-95 to Philadelphia (where she's from) several times a year. Maybe this is where my love affair for travel began.

Around my 26th birthday, I made a promise to myself to always take a birthday trip anywhere I wanted to go, make it special for ME - and prior to this I vowed to never work on my birthday. It's completely my one day for myself. Since that time, I've kept my promise. I would only wish I had started sooner.

My 30th birthday is in 4 days. Just 4 days away from a major birthday milestone. 16. 18. 21. 25. And now 30. As much as I say I'm trying to stay in my twenties, I'm excited for what my 30s will bring. The new places I'll see. The old places I'll revisit. My vacation bucket list is quite adventurous and intimidating to some, but I'm ready.

First stop...underway

operation: heartbreak

Successful indeed. I'm sure when I woke up this morning I complained about it being so early, needing ‎more sleep, and anticipating the weekend already, blah, blah, blah…typical Monday blues.‎

Then just on the other side of the city as I made my commute into work, there was a report of a ‎shooting at the Navy Yard. Unfortunately, as I write this at least 6 (unofficial) civilians have been killed, ‎according to reports. Assuming, just regular people going to work, to get a paycheck to eat, have a ‎roof over their head, clothes on the backs, and provide for their families. To survive. How ironic that ‎this would be the last morning they would get to do this. To survive.‎

Hearing and seeing the words "possible suspects at large", just feels so reminiscent of the Boston ‎attack. Almost 6 hours later. A good 2-4 hours remaining in most of our work day and we are face ‎with the words "possible suspects at large". How do we just walk outside and make our way home?‎

My heart, thoughts, and prayers goes out to those families and friends who innocently lost loved ‎ones. ‎

Operation: heartbreak successful indeed.‎

Update: in the time it took me to gather my thoughts and put them on paper, the death toll has risen ‎to 9 (including the shooter). Lord help us.‎

operation: 30 while 30

Working on my 30 before/during 30 list has got me to thinking that I have a lot that I want to ‎accomplish between now and next September, but I am definitely up for the task. Crossing over the ‎threshold into my thirties won't seem too bad if I have some fun plans to look forward to. ‎

Even if I don't get a chance to complete every item on my list, just feels good to look back and see how ‎much my interest in things have changed from 21 to 25 to now. As I'm typing this I just thought of ‎idea! Create a list every year of things I will aim to do. Next year, will be a 31 while 31 list. Genius! ‎Although I'm not sure how 60 while 60 will pan out, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.‎

A few items from my 30 before/during 30 list:‎

‎1. Travel to Europe (this will be crossed off in 16 days!)‎
‎2. horseback riding
‎3. triathlon or 5K
‎4. visit Niagara falls

‎8. attend a Laker game (in LA)‎
‎9. stay at a hostel
‎10. write a letter to my future husband
‎11. try 30 new recipes ‎
‎12. weekend train ride ‎
‎13. create a DC photobook

‎22. tap dancing lessons (don't laugh)‎

Operation: 30 while 30 on deck!‎

operation: creativity‎ (part ii)

One of my favorites hats to wear is my creative one. I am completely obsessed with DIY projects, ‎ideas, crafts. The internet is my BFF. ‎

My little munchkin turned 1 this weekend and had a Mickey Mouse clubhouse themed party. So my ‎thinking cap turned on and I decided to DIY a simple t-shirt for her mom. The shirt got many ‎compliments and people thought it was purchased from the store! Just wish I had taken a pic of the ‎full view.‎

Operation: creativity a success!‎

operation: creativity (part i)

A lil' Instagram inspiration

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

operation:

operation: healthy

operation: financial freedom

operation: self-acceptance

operation: happiness

I am starting this blog a few weeks shy of my 30th birthday. I've hit another big birthday milestone, while a bit surreal that 30 is actually here, the feelings of thankfulness supersede the surreal.

Heavily inspired by one of my favorite movies "The Pursuit of Happyness". If you have been in hiding and are unaware of this movie (google it), it is based on a memoir of Chris Gardner, and his struggles with life. Sure he dealt with different issues such as homelessness, but the point is we ALL deal with struggles in life and any of us could be a pink slip away from stepping into those shoes. The key is how to we face these struggles head on to come out stronger and better people. No matter what, if you are living and breathing, then there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

operation: happy in full effect!