Trials, Errors and Other Such Madness

31 Day Re-Set Challenge

2011-03-01T06:48:00.000-05:00

Good Morning World! Today I'm beginning the 31 Day Re-set Challenge, led by one of my favorite bloggers, Rosetta Thurman over at Happy Black Woman. I'm excited, though I am not sure what I hope to gain from this. However, if a little bit more focus and clarity comes my way, I won't be mad at that.

Today's assignment is to choose a notebook (I'm planning to raid the Border's near my job that's having a final sale) and a mantra. I cheated with my mantra, and I'm going to use one that Rosetta linked to in her list of quotes.

“Life only demands from you the strength you possess.”- Dag Hammarskjold

Hopefully over the course of this challenge, I'll look up this Hammarskjold character. It would seem like knowing my source would be helpful. I'll put it on the list...

Washington Post Suggests Black Women Take Up Skiing

2010-02-25T18:05:00.002-05:00

Clearly I lied last time I said I was going to restart this thing. So I'm not making any promises, I'm just gonna write.

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, or perhaps if you're a wealthy white republican, you have probably heard the following "news" that goes something like this:

The educated and successful black woman is in crisis! SHE CAN'T FIND A BLACK MAN! Especially not one of her own caliber! She is lonely and bitter! What ever shall she do?! EUREKA! MAYBE SHE SHOULD DATE OUTSIDE OF HER RACE!

Pause while you all process your shock and disbelief.

Aaand we're back.

Many many people have weighed in on this. I won't link to them, because as one of my fav tweeter/blogger/blackfeministfolks Sister Toldja would say, your google is not broke. Actually, I'll link to her, because she rocks, but not her specific post, since she says what I want only better, and this is MY blog. Okay, only child moment done, and back to the point: I'm gonna share my feelings on the matter, because, as my twitter followers discovered today, I have feelings about it.

Now, for the record, I am not against interracial dating in principle. Two people who love themselves and their identities (yes, I believe race & ethnicity & how we deal with them are integral to identity) and want to date people who don't look like their mamas and daddies can be perfectly happy & well adjusted. More power to them. I do believe love comes in all colors, and have even skiied the slopes myself in my "dating history" as it were. I always went to school with white men, and one or a few have caught my eye.

But, at this point, and for the forseeable future, my desire is to love a black man. As I tweeted,

"I want to be with a black man, have black babies, and frolic in Black love. And I will. Ratio can kiss my beautiful black behind."

Now I'm no separatist or idealogue. I like people of all colors and creeds, and they like me. But at some point I can't quite pinpoint, the concept of Black love became very important to me. And I am not ashamed. I knew (though not so starkly as I do now) when I ignored the application packets for HBCUs that I was leading myself away, not towards, many men of African descent. But I refuse to find my education & ambition incompatible with finding a partner of my own race. Essence has been quoting ratios at me for years, but I've always said, I don't need the [insert ludicrous percentage here] that are unavailable. I just need one.

And I know that the Washington Post is not speaking directly to my early twenties self. I know there are people wondering why it'd even bother me, and saying I should just live my life. But I resent the implications of a national newspaper declaring that "my people" are in some sort of love drought, as though the larger American (and Western) population is doing so much better. This is NOT the latest pathology that liberals can find and cure.

Black women have always headed households, and thus have striven to make themselves attractive to employers. This generally means education, and it's not new. I find this new line of arguments too similar to what "we've" (in quotes because this started well before my time) heard for years. From black women who were too lascivious to be raped and black men who were powerless to stop it, to the black matriarchy in the Moynihan report that was castrating men and ruining families, to the present day black woman who is getting educated and making money and leaving her potential husbands behind, it is the same narrative. Black people can't get it together. Black women won't submit to the traditional model of American womanhood, and our men can't live up to masculinity's demands. I, for one, am over it.

In fact, I think it's important to point out that this is not solely a black woman's issue. Women of every complexion are making more money than men, and we the people of America are gonna have to deal with the results of the women's movement one of these days. To treat the need for a new marriage model as though it's a Black woman's issue marginalizes the real problem that many of us have with not knowing how to love one another, especially for keeps.

Even MORE galling is the idea that it takes some magazine or newspaper article to introduce the idea of dating interracially. As though anti-miscegenation laws weren't around because people were doing something to outlaw. Giving the eye to a white man is NOT new, and I don't need anyone's permission to do so. I'll date who I want, when I want, and I don't need some concept of supply and demand to grant me the opportunity. People are not oil prices. Stop.it.

But most disappointing of all are the black men jumping on the band wagon to tell me and mine everything we are doing wrong, and why we're single. From Steve Harvey, to angry men on twitter, to strangers on the metro, every black man seems emboldened to become a coach on how to catch and keep a good brother like themselves. (Never mind many of their shady dating histories and treatment of women.) Now I'm not saying that there isn't such a thing as a bitter & beleagured black woman. But if this is really so epidemic, doesn't anyone think there may be a reason, that is not solely our fault? And of ALL people, it would be nice if black men weren't berating us. By taking themselves and their privilege out of the equation, black men take black women down another unnecessary peg. We become crazy shrews with unreasonable standards who don't love them, when history demonstrates that is false.

Well world, I could go on and on, but I shan't because I went in on twitter already, and someone (everyone?) is tired of it. My points are as follows-

I don't need the media, black men, or America telling me who or how to date.
This is not a new situation, and there are no novel solutions. Just love and hard work and a society as a whole that values love and commitment.

Getting back into this blogging thing...

2009-10-08T10:44:00.000-04:00

I have been quite absent. There are many things to write about, and I need to assess the adventure tally and figure out how far behind I am.

But for the moment, I shall start with a simple check in.

Nags:

I need to invest in clothes: warm weather office attire is becoming a must. Actually I just need clothes that fit.
Also need to invest in a phone that is consistently functioning.
I missed mingling with Dukies yesterday. Muy triste...

Brags:

Pumpkin spice lattes make my life. I think I like them more than most men I've dated.
I have business cards! Yay!
Dance class tonite! Love it!
Did I mention pumpkin spice lattes rock?

2009-10-05T17:36:00.000-04:00

I have apparently joined the twitterverse, despite remaining reluctant.
http://twitter.com/othersuchmadnss

Also I owe anyone still paying attention a myriad of updates. Sorry... having a life got in the way of writing about said life. But I'll get back on it ASAP.
Just not right now...

Happy Lunch Hour!

2009-09-15T13:45:00.002-04:00

Hello all!

Firstly, I just want to say thanks to everyone who reads this. I'm having a lot of fun writing it, which is basically what matters to the only child in me, but it's good to know that someone is reading and enjoying, versus me putting un-fun chatter into cyberspace. Actually, it seems like several folks are reading. Score!

I want to go for a walk in the beautiful weather outside, so this shall be a quick lunchtime check-in.

Nags: I am missing several pieces of pop culture that must be you-tubed or Hulued. (I have no idea how I'd spell that last one. Yes, I realize it's my own fault for making up verbs.) Namely, Whitney Houston's interview with Oprah and Kanye West's interview on Jay Leno. I'm super duper curious about both, and the snippets I heard from Whitney's were pretty deep. I have got to get on it.
Brags: I just had the BEST.SANDWICH.EVER. Well, maybe not ever, but what's a blog without a touch of hyperbole? It was turkey and avocado and had swiss cheese, and I'm so FULL. But not that uncomfy full, where you feel like you should be wearing stretch pants and be near a pillow. That satisfied full where all is right with the world. The kind I'd grant to all those starving children in Africa my aunt used to talk about when she wanted me to finish my food. The good kind, lol. I hadn't made myself a sandwich in a good minute, and clearly my socks have been rocked.

Note: this is not my sandwich, but I think blogs with pictures are more fun, and this one has the right idea.

Okay folks, I know this wasn't the most riveting post ever, but I had fun anyway, hope you did too. After all, when is talking about food not awesome?!

OH! Adventure update-

I start modern dance class this week! On Thursday! Yay! It will either be so much fun, or so much humiliation. More likely some combo of the two, lol.
I have every intention of making sushi on Saturday, now that funds are not too tight to buy ingredients.
I'm thinking something cultural for the 3rd one. The DC Short Film Fest is still around til Thursday. Perhaps I can convince a co-worker to come with, or go post dance if the dance buddy is down. We'll see. If not that... something, lol. I am NOT feeling being behind schedule.

Clearly I'm not that focused today...

2009-09-14T15:45:00.001-04:00

Dear Co-Workers,

If any of y'all happen to read this, and check the time stamp I'm sorry. It's Monday, and I'm just not feeling this whole work thing. I'm working on my memo though honest. This whole becoming a social networking expert concept just keeps getting me sidetracked. Please don't fire me.

Yours,
Sam

Alright, now that that's out of the way- just a quick update on my earlier nag- interesting perspective from Professor MAN. (If I knew how to do that thing where you start someone's post and then it finishes on their blog, I would. But, as you can see, I don't. So click it yourselves please and thanks! )

It is indeed quite possible that all of this was staged. That would have been genius marketing on MTV's part, though I hesitate to give them that much credit.
I do however, believe that cultural scripts were definitely followed. The usual folks denounced Kanye, and the usuals stuck up for him, Ms. Swift got to look aghast at the Black bogeyman, and I am quite sure many more "urban" folks are aware of her presence than previously. Gotta say though, if it was staged I think Beyonce got the best deal of the bunch. Nice way to make up for any lingering doubts about her divadom to those who remember Destiny's Child's many personnel changes and her much gossiped about role in that. I drank her Kool-aid long ago, but I saw at least one facebook status of a new convert after last night...

Okay, exiting pop culture to focus on saving the world. Gotta get something done today if I want to keep riding my non-profit high horse!

Almost Forgot!

2009-09-14T13:37:00.001-04:00

Well, not really, but thought I'd add it separately in the interest of brevity:

Nags: Ummmm, I dunno. I'm feeling pretty good today. Just for the sake of putting one out there, I suppose I'll mention the shenanigans of my people that seemed to dominate the weekend. Now let it be known that I'm so over the whole "you just set us ALL back 100 years" (why is it always a whoooole century btw?!). And I think we're past the age where one of us represents everyone, assuming you're not in a classroom at Duke (a digression I'll avoid). But, let's just be honest, there are stereotypes about us acting a fool, and I do think it's nice when we keep it classy- ie not scaring tennis refs or damaging teenage girls.

I'm not saying I don't agree on some level, but that was CLEARLY not the time or place. Dude really made it more about himself than either woman, and that's a shame. And I've heard it compared to his comments on George Bush, but I think it's not the same, because while George could have done more than fly over New Orleans, poor Taylor didn't award herself a moon man. She was just doin' her.

Apparently she's apologized now. Good job, though I thought she would anyway. I mean, again, it was not okay, but I like to think she just got caught up in the emotion of the game. At least it's not habitual for her to say crazy stuff in public.

Brags: While we're talking about famous Black folk, Beyonce was so classy. I'm glad she righted her friend's wrong.
On a personal note: Like I said, today is a good day. It's been a productive lunch hour, what with 2 updates and whatnot, and now I'm gonna get back to writing a memo for my new intern! (Well, she's not just mine, but I'm excited anyway!) Also, I am wearing a skirt I haven't fit since freshman year of college. That's pretty great too.

Well folks, like I said, gonna get back to work now. Laters!

Falling off the Wagon

2009-09-14T13:18:00.002-04:00

I am most definitely slacking on these adventures. In my defense however, I had two friend dates, both of which could be seen as adventurous.

Eating Mexican food in Chinatown, it has been alleged, could truly have put my tummy in peril (all was well, thank goodness). That episode on Thursday was supposed to be an adventure, as I had plans to ask someone who appeared to have been in Chinatown when it actually was Chinatown about the area's history. Now, this could have been really fascinating, as I like random interviews, but I felt a little racist. I mean, I'll admit that I can't tell country of origin by sight, and what if the person I'd approached wasn't Chinese? Major faux pas. Or, what if a shopkeeper was just as new to the area as Urban Outfitters. I refuse to be one of those people who thinks they're all liberal and aware and PC, but then fails epically. So, rather than sounding like the kid who's "best friend is black! HONEST!", I skipped it, and ate my Chipotle.

I diiiid do some google research though. Apparently Chinatown was more of a Germantown until the 1930's, and hasn't been "authentically" Chinese since about the 80's. The city actually built the famous bridge more to commemorate what was once there rather than what is.

It's actually pretty sad to me, and yet another comment on gentrification in the District (I haven't made any on this blog to my remembrance, but it's a ponderance of mine in real life). Basically there isn't much of old Chinatown left (we looked, and so did this great photojournal). Apparently both Chocolate City and Chinatown suffer from urban renewal. Who knew?
So that I'll count as half an adventure, since I didn't totally follow through, but learned something anyway.

I also went out on Friday, and didn't get home until after midnight! I know what you're thinking "Whoooaa! Party animal!" It could be construed as an adventure, since I didn't know most of the people, and don't usually stay out that late anymore.

So together, I'll count it as 1 adventure total last week, which works since I still need to make sushi. I'll find a way to work in three this week and stay on track. Go team!

The Old Man is Snoring

2009-09-11T11:47:00.001-04:00

This morning it was raining cats, dogs and giraffes. Yes, giraffes. It is that serious.

And I couldn't help but think, that the last time I remember having somewhere to be during such a storm, I was still at Duke. And I think I made that an e-meeting (read: a gchat conversation rather than leaving my apartment and treking across campus.) Buuut today I sat in traffic, avoided hydroplaning purely through prayer, and got to work on time. What a difference a few months makes. Suppose I'm doing that dependable thing I vowed to try post-grad.

And now to the daily vent session. (These make me feel good. How do y'all feel about it?):

Nags: I realize that this is entirely on me, and I'll fix it as of next week, but I have totally fallen off the weekday workout wagon. Shame on me. And it's a vicious cycle, because not getting those endorphins makes me sluggish, which makes me not wanna work out, and on and on. Note to self- do better.
Brags: It's a friend filled week! Yay Dukies! And yay for Chipotle not kicking us out after an extended stay. And especially yay for one of my fav sopranos relocating to the District. Awesomeness all around. Oh! And a brag on my hair withstanding the rain. That hairdresser most definitely earned her tip.

Updates on adventure count stats laterrrrr. Off to vacuum the office, lol. Ohh the joys of small non-profits. ^Exciting^***

***Note: The above carrots are now going to be used to indicate sarcasm, per the suggestion of Jenny Rose. Sarcastic carrots. I like it. Learn it, use it, spread it, love it!

Time out to acknowledge the world around me

2009-09-10T10:32:00.005-04:00

After my flurry of productivity, I've realized that I need to speak to my supervisor before proceeding. Aaaand she's in a meeting. So I'm back (isn't it wonderful?) and thought I'd comment on my President's address to Congress on health care reform.

The Good:

Gotta be one of his best speeches yet. It just felt good to listen to, and had I not been analyzing him (thanks to Mom's skepticism mostly) I would have been totally swept away.
He finally laid out what he considers to be essential to the plan, and dispelled a lot of myths. Although, some were so ludicrous I still can't believe anyone bought it. Death panels?! Really guys, come on now.
I agree with the plan (the broad strokes of it at least), and think that it would do what I feel should be the main goal- make sure everyone has access to coverage.
We're further along on this issue than ever before, and congress agrees on 80% of the content.
Senator Kennedy's wife seemed so touched.
Lady O looked lovely, per usual.

The Bad:

That other 20% is killer.
Things are still a bit fuzzy for me. I think it's partly because Congress is doing the law writing, but I wish we'd gotten more details.
I have a hard time believing this won't cost us a lot. Saying that the deficit won't increase seems deceptive, because I suspect premiums will still rise. On the other hand, I think it may be worth the initial cost for greater rewards later. But I hope we're being honest about it.
The public option (option, not takeover folks) seems really important to me, and we might be losing it.
I have mixed feelings about invoking Senator Kennedy's legacy. I think it was effective and tasteful, but I always hesitate when we use those who have passed on to get anything done, even if they would support the legislation.

The Ugly:

Representative Joe Wilson. Enough said.
Actually this image says it better:

The Beautiful:

My President will Call.You.Out. Loved it.

Just a sidenote: between Joe Jackson and Joe Wilson, it's like all the Joe's in the world got together mid-summer and said "Hey, let's just make *sses out of ourselves in public. Ready? GO!" Clearly they both need more people.

Today is a good day...

2009-09-10T10:19:00.000-04:00

Gooood morning blogosphere!

I am in a good mood today. The sun is out, I got to work on time with little incident, and it's Thursday! I have always loved Thursdays even more than Fridays, because on Thursday I feel like there's so much to look forward to. Not like Fridays, where there's so much expectation and pressure that you're likely setting yourself up for a letdown.

Meanwhile, the poll is closed, and I'm on schedule to make sushi! Yay!

Not a clue about this other adventure, but hoping something will spring to mind by Monday. I like to make my deadlines. (In grown-up life anyway... let's not talk about anything prior.) Next week I'm thinking dance class and DC short film fest. I'd go see a film this week, but I'm attempting frugality. *Sigh* responsibility.

And for Nags and Brags.

Nags: I really wanted the poll results to be cheesecake. I love cheesecake.
Brags: As I write this, I've already checked 2 things off of my to-do list at work! Aaaaand I'm wearing some superfly polka-dot tights, thanks to the pleasant chill in the air.

Mine are actually gray and white, but you get the idea. Yay!

Have a great day guys; I'm getting back on the productivity train. :)

Adventure Updates, Plus Something New! (That was a good movie, btw)

2009-09-09T11:06:00.000-04:00

Wow, I managed to digress in the title. Not sure if that's impressive or ADD of me.

Adventure updates:

It's day 3 of the brighter lipstick wearing. And I think it's growing on me. Enough that I intend to post a pic this evening. Assuming that I remember to do so and don't pass out directly after dinner...
Still no clue about what adventure #2 of the week is going to be. Last week was a bit expensive, and due to the "super-duper move-out savings plan", and losing track of my Metro trip smart card (grrrrrrr to reloading money) times are tight. But, I bet I can find an adventure for cheap/free.
Today is the last day to vooooote! So far it looks like I'm making sushi! I'll get Mom in on this one I suspect. And try to avoid health code violations. Wish me luck! Or, change your votes. Either way, I'm game.

***

Meanwhile, I've decided I want to be one of those blogs with features and whatnot. Sooooo I'm instituting nags and brags. It's something one of my co-workers did with her teen staff over the summer, and I thought it was cute: tell one thing that's bugging you, and one thing that's rocking your socks. As of today, I plan on doing daily nags and brags, because I know you will be fascinated. Ha! (If there was a sarcastic font, I'd have been using it there.)

Nags: Back to school traffic. Ugh! It's definitely extended the commute, and though I support education, I wish kids were homeschooled. (I know that's selfish, but it's MY nag.)

Brags: I got to wear my yellow trench coat today! Such fun! That coat and my galoshes (which I didn't wear today, but probably should have) definitely make rainy days a bit better.

K. That was my 15 minute brain break. Back to werrrrrk (Blocker and Okolie, 2009).

Red lipstick... Meh.

2009-09-07T20:17:00.000-04:00

In the interest of the budget, and getting this adventure in, and because she offered, I borrowed my mom's red-ish lipstick today. It's actually more of a wine color. In fact, it's called "wine with everything", which sounds like the Duke senior's motto for life. Ha. But I digress.

There's the color, taken right from Revlon's website.

I'm not sure if I'm just getting used to such a wash of color or what, but I'm not head over heels about it. It rubbed off and a re-application seems wasteful, so no pics just yet. But they'll come this week. I think I'll keep playing with it, and potentially go buy my own shade. Perhaps a bit more fire-enginey.

But for the adventure tally, this counts. I definitely felt a bit more conspicuous, lol. Maybe that's the hesitation, because my makeup has been quite subdued of late.

This shall be an adventure in progress, so I'll keep you posted. I'll also let you know what the upcoming ones will be. I'll fix the food this upcoming weekend, but I gotta find a weekday activity.

Feel free to share ideas!

Oh yea, and if you haven't voted yet, do it! This one is a good race thus far.

A new metaphor for life

2009-09-06T16:25:00.001-04:00

In front of God, my "partner in climb" (not pictured below) and the tourists on the National Mall, I climbed a tree on Friday, September 6, 2009. I discovered several things while doing this:

I should remember when I'm going to take these adventures so that I won't be caught looking less than lovely on camera.
I am a teensy bit afraid of heights.
Tree bark hurts a bit.
Sometimes people who come along to "help" really just want to laugh.
Tree climbing makes a good metaphor for life. Think about it- You see a tree and you think, sure, I'll climb it. Why not? Looks fun! But then it's hard, and you have no clue what you're doing, until you figure out how to put one foot in front of the other. Then of course there's the matter of getting to the top, reaching the goal, and having no clue what comes next (i.e. how to get down from the tree).

So enjoy. Get some laughs, or think deeply, either way- enjoy!

This is me examining the tree.

Whoa! I'm the tree! Score! I'm exciiiited.

Attempt number one at getting higher, because hopping into the tree just didn't seem satisfactory. No guts no glory right?

One word: struggle.

Still riding the struggle bus...

But enjoying it!

Clearly the "What am I doing with my life and what have I gotten myself into?" moment.

Victory!

And now we report the news!

(And demonstrate the results of yoga apparently, with the oddly positioned foot.)

Not pictured here is the "What happens next?" moment, where I had to figure out how to get down from the tree. It wasn't pretty, but some folks were amused. Luckily for me, the camera's battery had died, so you all only see the triumph. Good times no?

Foooood!

2009-09-06T11:15:00.002-04:00

In thinking about next weeks adventures, I kinda struggled. I'm gonna finish this week strong by buying myself some red lipstick today or tomorrow (you know Labor Day extends the week so it counts), and I signed up for dance lessons, which will be a major adventure starting mid-September, and I've climbed my treeeee (pics later today promise). But, that and being frugal leaves next week as a bit of a black hole...

And, naturally, in walked food! I've listed a few things I've always wanted to make, or been afraid to eat.

Cheesecake

Brussel Sprouts

Sushi

Egg Rolls

I've got recipes for all of them, just gotta do the cooking, so please:
Help me decide!

Thanks much! Hope everyone is having a wonderful Labor Day weekend :)

I did it!

2009-09-04T20:23:00.001-04:00

Ladies and gentleman of the blogosphere and voting public, I have an announcement:

Today, I am officially a climber of trees!

...Well, one tree. Still, it counts. Whoooo!

I will post pictures of this most adventurous adventure very very soon, but per usual, I was too excited to share my joy to wait to find the camera cord!

"Wow, they're not slimy at all."

2009-08-31T22:28:00.006-04:00

Adventure number 2: SNAILS!

Of course I mean escargot. That's right, I ate it. And it was gooooood. Actually, French food generally is good, as I discovered on Friday evening. It was a pretty expensive discovery, but I'm gonna call it worth it.
How on earth did this come about, you ask? The wife (a future food writer extraodinaire) took me out of my funk... straight to Brasserie Beck. Absolute deliciousness, and I loved it as soon as we were greeted by the staff upon entering. They greeted us like there was no tomorrow, and it made me smile.

Apparently they have the best snails in the city. (I know this not, but Ms. Zagat says so, and I believe it.) And since I'd never eaten whatever sort of animal family snails belong to, and it definitely enriched my life (or at least my tummy), it totally counts as a spontaneous adventure!

Score! Pictures below :)

This is Duck Confit (pronounced cone-fee by the way). It was delicious, but not really the point.

This is the point: escargot! It looks nothing like I expected.

This is what I pictured. Not nearly as appetizing... But kinda friendly looking, no?

But, I got over it, my anxiety, and here's proof!

And here's Korsha, who had fewer hangups I believe, trying it out too.

(She's laughing at me taking a pic of everything. Isn't she adorable?)

So we ate them, and they were good- excellent even. They were tender, actually very savory, not the least bit slimy, and I'm glad I had them. I might even have them again.

Luckily though, after the snails and duckies, we went back to much more familiar territory, though still delicious.

This is mussels with apples and curry...

...And this, is a whole bowl of FRENCH FRIES! WHOOHOO!

And such concluded the first week's adventures. With good old freedom fries.

Coming up this week, the top two votes in the poll- tree climbing (technical difficulties appear to be resolved) commences Friday. And, at some point I'll pop on some red lipstick... Still psyching myself up for it a little, but it'll happen! And you'll read all about it! (I hope.)

Pretty Pretty Flowers: Evidence of Adventure 1

2009-08-30T21:02:00.003-04:00

On Wednesday during my lunch break at work, I set out in search of my real favorite flower. My previous method for having chosen this oh so important thing in a woman's life was... dubious. Luckily, there's a flower shop at 11th and U (short walk from my office) that I'd walked past, so it was an easily remedied problem.

It's gorgeous on the outside...

...And, they have pets! Three dogs I believe, and a cat named Lily, who was the only one awake enough to greet me. Actually, that's pretty false. Pam was wide awake, and incredibly helpful. When I told her that I'd never chosen a favorite flower, she was appropriately aghast. So we talked about all the possibilities, and she recommended a few things. Take note ladies if you ever need to choose a flower:

Pick something that's in season more than a few months. Apparently this is a real hardship for very earnest young men, who can't get phone numbers without flowers that are unavailable.
Choose something that's economical. Another hardship.
Pick a statement flower, but keep it simple. Pam seems very Zen in her flower choices- she likes to put a single lily in a vase (I like lilies), or add a bit of eucalytus. I think one of these days I'll try that, or hyacinth, since she raved about the smell.
Try different things. This is just good advice for life. So, I am keeping an open mind, per her sage advice.

But, at this particular moment, I have chosen!

In the front are Pam's favorite, lilies. Calla lilies on the left, and asiatic lilies on the right. And there, in the back, are my favorites. It seems that my gut was correct, even if she's a bit illogical.
Gladiolas are just as elegant and striking as they sound. (Isn't it nice when words fit their objects?)

And so concludes adventure 1. I bought some, and they are currently sitting on my kitchen counter. Good times.

I got it in...

2009-08-29T10:59:00.000-04:00

(...the second adventure that is.)

No, I have not climbed a tree just yet. Technical difficulties continue, though they are being resolved forthwith.

In the meantime, I managed to stay on schedule with a bit of spontaneity and the help of my wife- by that I mean platonic, non-exclusive life partner. Our motto has always been "there's always food." So, despite the fact that the sky seemed to be falling (literally, the weather was kind of gross yesterday) we brightened up the day with... SNAILS.

That's right, I ate escargot yesterday. Most definitely counts as an adventure, and ya know what? They were darn good.

So I have officially completed the adventure tally for the week, and owe the blogosphere some pictures! Get excited!

Hope everyone is having an excellent weekend :)

Oh noooos! But then, YAY!

2009-08-28T09:34:00.000-04:00

Due to what we're going to call "technical difficulties," no trees were climbed yesterday. At least not by this blogger. But don't worry! We will find a way! This likely just means that the schedule will be thrown off, and 3 adventures will take place next week, rather than 2.

In other news:

Praying for the Kennedy family, and the nation without the Senator's leadership.
Hope all the non-alum Dukies had an awesome FWOC (first week of classes).
Congrats to various alums starting various things recently (internships, jobs, teaching careers, grad and professional schools and the like)! We are SO impressive!
And on that note:

I am officially a Research and Training Fellow at the Young Women's Project! Score!

K. That's all. There are indeed pictures from the first adventure. And I will post them this weekend. Promise.

First adventure complete!

2009-08-26T21:34:00.001-04:00

Get excited guys! It really happened! What, you ask? Shame on you for not keeping up! I have completed my first adventure.

I bought myself flowers, and they are lovely. Pictures to come, and tree climbing in less than 24 hours!

:)

Updates on the first week of adventures!

2009-08-25T17:28:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow, I shall have my first adventure! I am going to a flower shop, to choose my favorite flower! Previously, I'd decided on gladiolas, but it was pretty arbitrary. I liked the name of them... Mostly the way it felt to say it. It sounded like a very sophisticated thing to have as one's favorite flower... But, it seems like there are better ways to choose this, like actually seeing and smelling the plants in person. So, off I go!

I know some of you are wondering,

"Did flowers suddenly become trees, and no one told me?"

Fear not. You have not missed any memos. I'm climbing a tree (assuming I can find one, which may prove to be an adventure of its own) on Thursday. This is just easier, and I don't need assistance.

So, look forward to pictures of the flower expedition! Get exciiiited!

Meanwhile, if anyone happens to know where to find a good Magnolia tree in DC, feel free to drop a line. Kthanks.

We have a winner!

2009-08-24T10:18:00.003-04:00

Happy Monday Blogosphere!

Apparently, I am climbing a tree within the next 7 days. I think I'm excited about it, but have to wonder if some of the votes weren't a teensy bit sadistic... If so, shame on y'all.

No matter though, I have a helper and so it will be done. Tree day has been set for Thursday after work. Location to be determined, since I haven't been looking for climbable trees.

I've promised to make these adventures documented, so I guess this will be captured on film... [Insert more apprehension here.] This is definitely going to be an adventure.

Also, I have to come up with 1 more for the week. I'm thinking it will be a bit more chill, but I'll keep you posted!

It begins...

2009-08-19T09:36:00.002-04:00

I think I'm serious about this adventure thing... I have brainstormed some ideas, and am finding assistants to help get things done. Thus far, I have one person who's interested enough to comment (shout outs to Rosalia), and another who has volunteered to participate in said adventures.

So, in the spirit of interactivity, I have put up a poll. YOU, whoever you are, get to pic my first adventure! Yes, these are all rather small things, but I gotta start somewhere. They all require little or no planning, and could feasibly be done next week.

The candidates:

Brussel sprouts- I've never had them. Basically I decided not to like them the way many little kids decide not to like things- it was green. But, since I'm now friends with broccoli, it seems like I could perhaps get down with the sprouts.
Climb a tree- No, I never learned as a child. I wanted to, but was not much of an outdoorsy girl, and since trees don't grow inside of suburban homes... Yea. This seems like something one should do at some point in their life. Yes, I'm late, but who cares? No time like the present!
Red lipstick- There's sposed to be a shade out there for everyone, right? The closest I've ever come was bright pink, which I used to LOVE in my theater days. (Not necessarily saying this was always a good choice.) Now that was bold, but still, pink is not red. I'm wondering if I can pull this off.
Cartwheel- For an explanation, see climbing a tree above. Except, add a bit more embarassment because this just seems like a basic skill.

So yea, if at least 10 people vote, I'll let you all choose my adventure. If not, I'm doing what I darn well please.

(Note: all of these are on the list, and therefore likely to be done within the year. It's just a matter of when!)

A plan takes shape

2009-08-17T18:27:00.006-04:00

Over the weekend, I saw the movie Julie and Julia. I loved the food, and the romance of it all, and Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, but something in particular inspired me about it. The idea that writing and having a blog to hold her accountable basically changed Julie's life.

Not that my life needs a total overhaul, but, I admit I find myself a bit dull. So, I'm going to take the fledgling thoughts of my last post, and make it bigger. In the next year, starting next week, I am going to get a life, and I'm gonna tell you all (yep, all 3 of you, lol) about it.

Here's the plan:

I'm giving myself a year deadline. This is partly a rip-off of the movie, and partly just a logical timeline. It makes sense to have a life a little over a year after graduation, and it seems like enough time to become a genuinely interesting person.
Every week, I'm going to have 2 adventures of some sort. Now, some of these will be small adventures, like eating a new kind of food, and others will be much bigger, like the modern dance class I am signing up for. The criteria is just that it be something that could potentially enrich my existence, and that it be something that's out of the ordinary for me.
I will blog about it. This guarantees at least 2 posts a week, but seems like it would necessitate more to describe prep, any after effects, etc.

Well my faithful readers, let me know if you have any thoughts on this. Between now and Sunday the plan is to come up with at least a preliminary list of the things I'll want to do. I'm thinking it should be a lot of fun. I'm also contemplating ways to make it interactive if I discover that anyone anywhere is paying attention. And, worst case scenario, I'm okay with quiet improvements to my life.

In summary:

Love Meryl Streep.
I intend to accomplish 104 things in 52 days.
Hopefully this will super fun, and not super lame.
Please leave questions, comments, advice and ideas!

Oh, and here's a trailer for the movie that's inspired this journey. I thought it was adorable and definitely recommend it, especially for lovers of chick flicks and/or food (the general population, no?).

Gotta go get me a life...

2009-08-15T14:08:00.003-04:00

It is hot. I am overwhelmed by said heat, and must comment on it.
Now that that's over, on to more navel gazing subjects.

So, the summer after college is coming to an end, and I have come to some realizations. First, the good news:

The economy did not destroy my life. I actually have a job that I <3
Living at home as an "adult" is not a bad experience, and for the moment I'm quite alright with it.
DC is a pretty great city. There's lots to do and see, and the people on the metro are endlessly fascinating.
I tend to have more than enough money to do at least most of what I want, possibly due to the cheapness of residing at home.
I am generally happy and fulfilled. Yay!

Now, the not so great news:

Said job is very demanding, and kinda stressful. This stress must be relieved.
Said home is kinda far from life, and requires a commute to most things.
I should probably interact regularly with people who are not from home or job, or anonymous folks on the metro.
Commuting eats up more of that money than I would prefer.
Happiness and fulfillment would probably increase if I got out and did more things.

The solution I propose is that I get a life. I know, obvious right? Oh, and that I save up money for the next year or so to potentially buy a condo much closer to, if not directly in, the city. But back to this life thing.

How do you socialize yourself into adulthood, without friends from state school? I of course have my Dukies in DC, and a few other promising fronts, but as far as being an active and contributing member of the world, I need a bit of work. So, I'm contemplating a few things:

Take a fun, random class- dancing, cooking and learning a language come to mind.
Volunteer- dunno doing what, or when I'd have time, but it's on the list
Start singing or performing again
Join a church (this may help with numbers 2 and 3 actually)
Schedule 2 friend dates per week

So, we'll see what comes of this, and how it all works out. But, now that these things are in writing I will hopefully be more committed to taking action. And the good news for the 2.5 people who read this thing is- it will give me more to write about!

Shout outs!

2009-08-01T16:28:00.002-04:00

There have been requests for shoutouts, and I am quite willing to make a shameless plug and bring in some traffic to the blog, because I'm a member of Generation Y and we like attention.

Dear ladies of Duke in DC: thanks for a wonderful Thursday. Forever.Duke.
Dear Abbigator: Told ya, this is just for you!
While I'm shouting out Dukies: Hi Topeka! (You better read this miss. And let me know when you do.)

Okay, that's about it for that.

In other news, it is Saturday and I'm being kinda lame and have no further plans than the cleaning I already completed. This whole work life balance thing is a bit difficult... It seems I have an on and off switch and need to purchase some dimmers. I've decided to flip the work switch on since I got this super great job, and doing all that work makes me very tired come weekends or week nights. Generally, I can make it out in the world for about 1 activity a week (sometimes admittedly less). If there are suggestions for balancing a 45 hour work week, and being a healthy, social 20 something, while still saving money to move out within a couple years and own, not rent, I'd love to hear them.

Til then, I think I'll take a nap.

Still Black in America...

2009-07-24T13:53:00.006-04:00

So a lot has been happening in "Black America" of late (in quotes for those who are ready to get all up in arms about how there is only one America). Chris Brown apologized, Soledad had another special about "us", and President Obama went off message and called the police stupid. And, of course, the vultures continue to feed off Michael. Below, I've written a few letters to a few folks whose addresses I don't own. Because, of course, someone they are out there waiting for my opinion. (Sarcasm.) And because I really like letters. (Sincerity.)

***

Dear public who did actually witness Chriannagate,
Let us all continue to be careful. Let's guard ourselves not to blame the victim when she does not take up the causes we feel she should, and let's avoid judging the sincerity of a young man trapped in a cycle of violence. Let's give them space to be young humans, who make (sometimes heinous, sometimes seemingly inexplicable) mistakes. Let's continue to try and keep our jokes tasteful and hold back our condemnation. And let's hope they both get the help they need.

***

Dear White America,
Please don't think you can learn all you need to know about Black folks from a CNN special. Please don't think that most Black folks even watch CNN with any regularity.
Please don't ask a Black person about the statistics you saw in Black in America unless your interest is sincere and sustainable.
Please don't make some inane comment about how we shouldn't even have shows like this, because we shouldn't see the color that I most definitely wear every day.
Please don't feel guilty for your priviledge, especially if your guilt is idle.
There's much more I could say to you, but I'm moving on now, because I'm too busy being a productive black woman to dwell on this.

***

Dear Media,
Stop calling it an ever-loving Beer Summit. You are distracting from more important things, and making yourselves look silly. Do not minimize the reality of racial profiling by trivializing what happens daily to minorities and focusing on what the president drinks. And, just because the role race played in this particular case may have overemphasized, do NOT discredit the reality of it. And of all the things Obama said in that press conference, THIS is what you highlighted in your notes?
Stop.it.

***

Dear Jackson family,
In case we forget to say so, we as Michael's fans really are terribly sorry for your loss. Forgive us if we get caught up and gawk. We just remain in shock and awe at the life we witnessed that has now been extinguished. Take care of the young ones, and heal yourselves, and, if you have time, reign Joe in.
Thanks.

***

Well, that's quite enough on that from me. There is, obviously, much more to be expounded upon with each of these, but I think most of it has been said by now.

2009-07-20T22:16:00.005-04:00

Today was Monday at the Young Women's Project.
Well, it was Monday everywhere I suppose, but YWP was where I spent most of the start of the week. It was... uneventful actually. Mondays are quiet for us- no youth, and allegedly a day of planning and adult staff productivity. Like most people who work with youth I'm sure, it seems as though there's never really enough planning time, but we make do. Mondays are also staff meeting day. Despite our anti-bureaucracy stance, they're kinda necessary...

What, you may ask, is the Young Women's Project?
Rather than a marginally interesting post on exactly what we do (the disinterest inrecapping it may only be mine, because I seem to do it often), I'll build suspense for a bit and instead tell you how we feel about things. This may also force you to click on the above link out of curiosity, thereby driving traffic to the website and potentially donations? Yes? Pay my salary? I digress... Aaanywho, I give you

YWP,
in bullet points:

We are:

pro youth adult partnership
supportive of "partners" rather than husbands, boyfriends or live-in lovers
pro interdependence
pro frameworks, check-ins, write-ups the share-drive
pro-sharing, and oblivious to over-sharing
pro trainings, assuming their interactiveness
also pro chart paper and colorful markers, as a corollary
neutral on promptness, but this is situation-dependent
pro transparency (though not in the teen staff clothing) and pro accountability
anti agression but pro assertiveness
anti oppression and pro forward progression
in support of work-life balance, and the balance that comes from mastering the tree pose in yoga
obviously, pro yoga
also, pro tai chi, tae bo and Thai food
supportive of ethiopian, vegan and carribean cuisines, as well as Ben's Chili Bowl
pro gmail, gchat and google in general
in support of peer support groups and support systems, but anti support hose
pro sarcasm, but only when tempered by an angelic smile
anti beauty culture, but generally in favor of beautiful things
pro long lunches and longer walks, also pro long evenings
Basically amazing

Well, that's enough of that for the evening. Time for bed, then Tuesday!

2009-07-20T06:15:00.000-04:00

It's early morning, between my early workout and commute but I had to stop in to say:
I love a male feminist!

Basically, former president Jimmy Carter rocks my socks today! This article he wrote for the observer is so spot on, that if I ever meet him I will give him a hug! He looks like the sort of former leader of the free world that you could hug, doesn't he?

Granted, the pink heart frame totally makes my case, lol.

Basically, former President Carter lays out the case for why women's subordinate status in many religions, and in daily life around the world, is not a result of inferiority, but rather the power dynamics used by male religious leaders for centuries. I love him for speaking out on this so eloquently. I also love him for pointing out that disagreeing with a religious doctrine was entirely separate from his continued faith. I wish more Christians, and people of all faiths, read their scriptures and discerned for themselves the truth. Rituals and decrees are man's (and I don't necessarily mean that in a gender-inclusive way) interpretations, not necessarily God's will, and that distinction is not made clear often enough. Not that I'm calling for spiritual anarchy here, just noting that a reasoned, thoughtful deviation from your domination is a sign of taking your relationship with your Higher Power seriously. I like it.

Random Ponderance of the Week

2009-07-19T19:38:00.007-04:00

I know there are lots more important things I could write about, and should gather my thoughts on, but something has really been perplexing me, and so I'm taking a friends' suggestion and writing about it.

What is the purpose of men yelling out of car windows at women who are walking by? Or for that matter, attempting to communicate at all when the two parties are moving incompatibly (i.e. driving in opposite directions, across an intersection, the aforementioned driving v. walking/biking/jogging... you get the idea)?

Now, I'm not talking about obscenities or catcalls. That's another post, and would inspire more annoyance than curiosity. I am just truly confused about why a man would call out to me while I'm taking my daily lunch break walk, when he's in a car and knows good and well he's not pulling over. I mean, it doesn't stop my fresh air fitness, but I find it silly.

The action doesn't seem to serve any real purpose- he's not making any sort of real connection- most of the time I can hardly even see his face to remember him, if that was his goal. We don't exchange names, certainly not contact information, and on the days when I'm trying to make a phone call, he's not even likely to get a wave.

(a fellow confused victim of the drive-by holler)

I just don't get it. Not that I'm under the delusion that every man is looking for commitment, but like, what could you want that you can get in 5 seconds on a street in the middle of the steam of a DC summer? You aren't going to give me a ride, which is the only incentive I could see for a woman entertaining the nonsense that is a drive-by holler. And why on Earth would you want to roll down your window, letting out all the good air conditioning?
When this question was posed to a few guys I trust to be honest, they said (after, of
course assuring me that they NEVER do this) it was pretty much the closest thing to real life facebook. Translation- no risk, because he can drive away before the rejection comes. Hiding behind his steering wheel is probably even more effective than hiding behind a computer screen, since I don't even have a profile to block. Of course, the corollary to this lack of risk is a lack of success. You will, 87% of the time, get nothing of substance from this interaction. (That 87% is for the women this MUST work on or it wouldn't have become a technique.) In fact, with women of temperaments other than mine, you're likely to get annoyance instead of amusement, which would seem to be the opposite of the goal of such interaction...

But, perhaps this isn't really about anything of "substance." Perhaps it's just an attempt to be heard in an anonymous world? Like a real-time facebook status, maybe these guys just want someone to know they're there... I guess I don't begrudge them that, I mean, everybody needs somebody, and maybe that's the closest they get.

Still, I gotta put this up there with facebook poking- wasteful and odd, and pretty much pointless. Thumbs down guys, thumbs down.

I'm Back!

2009-06-13T15:10:00.005-04:00

Dear blogosphere,

I have been absent for quite some time, doing little things like finishing my bachelor's and getting a degree, founding an organization, keeping my head on straight and getting my first job. I know that these are poor excuses for neglecting the 2.5 people who may have enjoyed reading this, but I shall do better.

Upcoming posts:

What I really learned at Duke.
How much I LOVE my new job for the summer.
How much I'll love my new job in the fall? (Whatever that ends up being.)
Randomness, per usual.

When Did This Happen?

2008-08-13T13:10:00.001-04:00

It has come to my attention that my dad reads this blog. Furthermore, it has come to my attention that he would like a shout out. So, here it is:

HI DAD!

Mission accomplished.

On to the subject of this post. OH MY GOSH ITS SENIOR YEAR AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO DO NEXT. I realize that the abundance of capitals may seem a bit melodramatic to some. But let me paint a picture of the current situation:
You have spent 21 years of your life well fed, housed, cared for and generally taken care of. For fifteen or more of those years, you've been well educated. In fact, you are three-quarters of the way through a pretty prestigious school, getting a degree in something you love. And, being a well-adjusted young adult, you realize it's about time you did some of this feeding, housing and caring for myself. This is a little scary, but you breathe deeply and take it in stride. This is the circle of life. Suddenly, you have another realization, and it is truly horrifying: This very coveted, very expensive degree, has taught you how to... read. And write.
So... yea. Are there any jobs out there for a very proficient elementary schooler?

Seriously though, I have learned quite a bit at my very prestigious school, both in and out of the classroom. I have work experience, and a little bit of life experience (only so much can be expected from a 21 year old who was spared the school of hard knocks), and have volunteered for worthy causes, and care a lot about a lot of things. I can be organized, and I can multi-task, and I'm good with people and I'm motivated. And I think I look pretty darn good on paper, and make a pleasant first impression.
But even still, with all that said, it's a bit frightening to be so unsure what I've spent four years preparing myself for. I am not entirely convinced it was the real world, as Duke tends to seem very unreal to me most of the time. And as I'm preparing for the end of this journey, it is becoming more and more apparent that I have no idea what's next.

I've been told this is normal, and age appropriate, and at least I'm starting now and I'll be fine. I think that this is probably true. But, once again, I'm just putting it out there:

Smart, adaptable, motivated soon to be Duke graduate, looking for job (in New Orleans or Washington, DC preferably)...
References and resume available upon request.

Learning what it means to miss New Orleans

2008-08-06T14:22:00.000-04:00

I'm home. That's Maryland for any non-family or friend who happens to have stumbled across this blog. (Welcome, by the way, and please comment if you promise to play nice.) Maryland, I must say, is not New Orleans. Compounding this great misfortune is the fact that I'm finally getting all the only child moments I want, and have remembered why I always wanted siblings. Be careful what you wish for, no? And so, now that I must make my own dinners and cookies and pancakes, lets just say I've cut back on the carbs. There's no one to run down the hall and see, and as much as I love my mom I don't think she'd understand if I burst in her room after 10... Actually, I don't know how she'd feel about bursting... We're a peaceful household.

But luckily, I can see my Dukies (by definition) back at Duke. So I'm gchatting them, and saving all my mourning for Crescent City: the lack of shrimp and oyster po' boys in my life, and the crawfish etouffee I should have eaten more of. I miss the live music, and regret every night I stayed in (even though sleep and budgeting and being prepared for work seemed like good ideas at the time). I miss the new friends I made there, and the street car passengers, and the random palm trees in the middle of downtown. I even miss the weather, though I'm quite happy without the mosquitoes. I miss how adorable the musicians village is, and although I can't wax poetic about the stench of Bourbon, I do like knowing that it's there in its inferiority to Frenchman. I miss Superior Grill and Trolley Stop Cafe and a dozen other restaurants, and snowballs and getting hit on every day. I miss Magazine Street, and kitschy souvenir shops, and sitting at Audubon Riverview on a Sunday afternoon, and walking for five minutes and having sweat trickle (I liked to pretend I was getting excercise). And second only to the indomitable and loving spirit of the people, I miss how much possibility there is down there, and how everything has the potential to make a difference. I'm thinking it could be just as meaningful as my Peace Corps aspirations, only much less likely to give the parental units anxiety disorders.

So... yea. I don't just want to go back, I need to. I've contemplated "Walking to New Orleans" (a la Fats, see below) but I'll wait until I can afford less taxing transportation.

Oh, and I'm looking for a job. Maybe I can get one like that guy on Twitter who got fired?

(Resume and references available upon request)

What exactly have I been doing around here?

2008-07-29T16:20:00.000-04:00

I have the day off today. We've managed to complete our projects, and the ever-so-kind ladies at Tipitina's decided to reward us with a very light week. Thanks much!

Pause.

I just realized I've never really explained my job to the blog-reading public.
I have been working at the Tipitina's Foundation, who's purpose is to preserve Louisiana's musical cultures through various means- we donate instruments to school kids, have music business co-ops that help local musician's get their music out there (making CD's, copyright assistance, simply checking email, etc.), sponsor workshops for school age musician's with professionals, and have internships for local college and high school students. During Katrina, the French Quarter club served as a shelter for a few residents of the city, and after the uptown club served as a center for musicians, and Tip's subsidized gigs and other much needed assistance.
Basically, as a group they rock at life in multiple ways. They also let me wear jeans to work. And the famous Tipitina's Club itself is a very good time too. Goodness all around.

My main attempt to contribute has been to flesh out on of the co-founders ideas- a summer camp for ages 4-6. We put together the lesson plans, and found instruments for them to make and books to read and dances to do and watched children's videos online and listened to really cute music. Tipitina's Tykes will hopefully go off without a hitch next week (impossible since it involves 4 year olds, I know) and Sushma and I can feel good about it having something to show for ourselves. I also did some research on grants for musicians and learned a lot about professional musicianship that will potentially be useful in the future.
Yay for my internship! And my day off to appreciate it!

Unpause.

I had started this post with the idea of making a list of things I've learned in NO. But, perhaps that would be a bit much. So, I'll leave it here, and do the nostalgic update later... After all, there are still a few days to learn something. This city is full of surprises.

Oh, and here's a fun clip of some of great acts at Tipitina's Uptown. I heart Big Sam.

2008-07-28T01:07:00.000-04:00

It is Sunday evening yet again, and I am trying to be deep and insightful, or at least funny. But, I've been a bit tapped out since my treatise on race, or as Ryan put it "why Tim's a dirty racist". These were not my words, but I find Ryan so ridiculous sometimes, I wanted to immortalize him (if being put in my blog counts as being immortalized. Ha! Doubtful.) Anyway, nothing is coming. I don't want to write about the melancholy that's coming about leaving, or the madness that was this weekend, which pretty much leaves out everything on my mind.

Well, for memories sake, and to make my readers think I lead a fabulous life, here's a summary of the weekend: 2 jazz clubs in one night, a video involving me, a fork, and my esteemed DukeEngage colleagues, a reggae club and a trip to "Nigeria" and a day of shopping (of the window variety) and fine dining (of the within the budget variety). Oh, and beignets, breakfast for dinner and a wee bit of drama were thrown in there too. I don't want to dissect any of these experiences in detail. At least not right here, right now.

Alas, since I've started this post I suppose I should give you something worth checking out. So, here's a video of the song that's been stuck in my head for the past week or so. It's not very upbeat, (actually it's a bit needy), but I like it anyhow.

I like her voice, and her style, and think she has real talent. Go Jazmine.

So... yea. That's all for now folks, because I'm tired. Next episode will be some variation of "what I learned in New Orleans." That is, if I have any follow through with my intentions...

Re: Don't Be Sad There's Chocolate in the Room

2008-07-22T03:22:00.000-04:00

To understand the impetus for this post, read my friend Tim's blog. Furthermore, please remember that Tim is actually a favorite of mine on the trip, and has excellent manners (see "Home Training" for the relevance of that). Take all of this as an attempt to explicate my opinions, not an attack on Timmy Neutron.

Feel free to skip to the end for the summary.

This DukeEngage experience is the first time I've spent concentrated personal time with a group of people who have the Caucasian persuasion... Contrary to the beliefs of my grade school peers, I've spent most of my life around black people (at least my personal time... school and work are a very different story). After I left private school in second grade, I never had a close white friend until college, and even still, my "favorite white girl" and I don't spend the majority of our time together. I have had romantic feelings for a white guy, but race was actually a pretty big sticking point with us, and the source of much frustration for me.
I say all this to bring me to why I feel Tim and I disagree on this subject. I think Tim can view "black culture" as an environmental product because he, as he has said, never had to deal with race until college, and even now, does not really have to ponder it on a daily basis. Furthermore, from my studies and observations, few white people even believe there is such a thing as white culture. Secretly, it's called mainstream America.

So, on the day that spawned the quote and conversation Tim reference's

"I just want to be a girl today, not a black girl, just a girl..."

we had spent a lot of group time together. I had watched Shantel (a bi-racial girl on our program who identifies as black) be photographed while stepping, listened to a rant about how Bojangles chicken was racist, and gone on a haunted and vampire tour.
(Hey, here's the post I promised about that! Small victory!) We had a very Southern sounding white middle aged tour guide pointing out what I swear was every former slave quarters in the French quarter. Apparently they have slate counter tops and floors now, with thick walls so that no one hears your music, or when you beat your slaves... Whichever. She also told us about balls held where white slave holders could meet and buy pretty quadroons to take as mistresses, and the tour ended with a more graphic and sensational telling of the story of the LaLaurie house. Although it may be a case of yellow journalism and completely overhyped, capping off the tour with a tale of horrific cruelty to slaves, and the inability of the spirits of my possible ancestors to settle after a century was really just too much for me.
So, yes, I was tired of being a black girl. I needed a breather, and wanted to dance, and from my experience, (Tim and the aforementioned favorite white girl being exceptions), most white people don't dance when they go out. I don't feel at all misquoted.

But, Tim and I differ very starkly in our views of race, and I think his blog itself actually proves my point. Tim says:

Culture as I think of it is like a collective past; memories, traditions and beliefs that influence and shape the next generation.

Although I understand the efforts to invoke our shared American past, I think we can all see that Black Americans have experienced this history differently. Significantly affecting the black experience has been slavery, and though most white people were not slaveholders, the necessity of dehumanizing those of African descent in order to continue barbaric practices for financial gain has left a legacy that I don't believe can be denied. Centuries of oppression created differing memories, traditions and beliefs. Furthermore, because of the differing ancestries and continued separation of the race, some of the more concrete hallmarks of culture- food, storytelling traditions, dance styles, hair and clothing styles, the list goes on- are also incredibly different.
Now, in our conversations, Tim has seemed very concerned about over generalizations, which I totally agree with. Not all black people are the same anymore than all white people are, and I appreciate his ability to differentiate and aversion to stereotypes. But, we both agreed that Sushma, a girl in our program who's parents were both born in India and moved here before she was born, has a different culture... or at least her parents do. I honestly see no issue in acknowledging that though life in an Indian village and Bombay are different, there is still a cohesive Indian culture, just as though Black Americans have differences in urban, suburban and rural environments, and vary socioeconomically, and simply as individuals, there is still a culture.
Tim is arguing for a larger American culture, and while there is definitely some truth to that, it's illogical to think we really all are one. If we were "one" the statistics in health, education and poverty would not be so disparate between racial groups. Furthermore, again, from Tim's own points, if there's no such thing as black culture, why would Shantel know about Yaki weave??? She is of a very mixed racial heritage, resulting in great hair that grows quite well without synthetics. And what about other things we've discussed, like "CP time" and "gov'ment names"- stereotypical yes, but brought about because there is the perception of different races (I do believe race is mostly a social construct) and therefore there are differing expected behaviors. These classification have resulted in different cultures. And you can't ignore the existence of things like "Ebonics"- a shockingly national dialect even before the advent of mass media.

I could go on for quite a while, thanks to many experiences both being "the black girl" and "not black enough", reading too much Michael Eric Dyson, and being a AAAS minor. But a dissertation here would be silly and I don't want to accidentally talk myself out of my depth.

Summary: While I appreciate Tim's viewpoint, I think he's wrong. But, I don't think it's his fault. He's not been confronted with these issues for a lifetime and therefore wouldn't realize that he provided a lot of evidence for my point. Color-blindness, which is what I would say Tim is arguing for, is a beautiful idea, but simply not realistic in the near future.

Heart TimTim though!

As proof, I've included a picture of a moment of merriment. (see right)

Home Training

2008-07-19T19:32:00.000-04:00

A list of things I wish people agreed with me on:

Please and thank you really are the magic words.
Unless they're wide open, I like to knock on suite doors and expect others to do the same.
I like to speak to people, and get made fun of for checking in all the time, but asking "how was your day?" is second nature to me. Besides the fact that it's polite and kind, it's the quickest way to find out interesting things about a person. You learn if people are pessimists or optimists, what they find important, or at least they're short term-memory capacity if you consistently ask this simple question and wait for the answer. And it's much more natural (at least to me) than contrived getting to know you questions about family background.
Hand in hand with the importance of speaking to people is listening and acknowledging that I've heard someone rather than ignoring them. Just because I don't feel as though something applies directly to me, or do not usually have conversation with someone, doesn't mean I get to invalidate what they're saying by pretending I cannot hear it when they are a few feet away and project and enunciate well.
If I am cooking in my suite, it's not required, but is definitely kind, to ask if anyone wants some. In my world, breakfast is not made and given to neighbors before the people in the room have a chance at the french toast.
Along those lines, if taking food that I have not had a hand in preparing, paying for, etc., I try and show gratitude. At the very least by saying hello to everyone who may have had a hand in the purchase and prep (i.e. the people in the suite). A thank you to the cook is also nice. Taking cookies without a hello and walking out is not nice.
I've always thought gossiping about one's friends was impolite. Or one's something other than friends for that matter.
Hypocrisy in general is unkind.
Carrying on a conversation as though others are not in the room and using pronouns so they don't understand exactly what's happening makes the anti-Sam's-ideal-manners list as well.
Talking through television and movies because they are not important to you is also not the most considerate thing.
Everyone should clean their own hair from the shower drain and take responsibility for their mess in general. Beyond manners, this keeps us from living in a collective pig sty since we have not paid for a cleaning crew.

I'm sure I could offer more explanation as to the source of this list, but that may lead me into some impolite territory of my own. So, I'll let it stand.

Have a nice day.

"I'm votin' for Obama 'cause homie is malleable"

2008-07-18T02:25:00.000-04:00

For the past two days, I've come home from work covered in soot. I get stares walking down Canal and on the street car. One young man was undeterred by the "Whatever you're selling I'm not buying" expression on my face, and tried politely but persistently to get my phone number, but I think most people were a bit deterred by the Cinderalla-esque smudges on my face (and I mean pre-fairy godmother). But despite the dirt and dirty looks, I've been quite pleased with myself.
This week I've been on fire clean up. There was some sort of electrical explosion at the office for Tipitina's French Quarter (seemingly a computer monitor) and although the fire damage was minimal, the ash blew all through the office, and there was a some water damage too. All the knick knacks, pictures and documents that accumulate in an office over a decade or say had to be taken out, assessed for damages and cleaned up if salvageable.
It was pure chance that I ended up helping out. Someone was needed to wipe down the pictures on Tuesday, and my computer wasn't working, so I was the chosen one. Inwardly, I'll admit I grumbled a bit, once I was sitting downstairs with washrags and soap and water, I remembered how peaceful cleaning can be. So, when asked if I minded helping out again the next day, I was actually happy to volunteer. The rest was dusty, sweaty history.

Besides the break from being a desk jockey (I need to avoid a 9-5 at all costs when I grow up because by 2 pm I'm always itching to go move), I had lots of time to get to know Joseph, who works downstairs, and has been something of an enigma for the past few weeks. We bonded over hard labor, and I let him bond a little extra by lifting the heavy things. Meanwhile, he told me about his childhood in Miami, and his opinions on everything from not-so-legal substances and underage drinking to politics (the quote in the title is courtesy of him). He thinks I should come back and run for mayor of New Orleans one day. Or teach. I told him we'll see.

Meanwhile, hard labor? Not so hard. Or at least it's easier to stay awake.

Story Time

2008-07-15T02:21:00.000-04:00

Ms. Frederica and I both missed the trolley today. I wasn't willing to run for it, and she's never had much luck with that- they leave her anyway, and while she's glad to have them back (it was bad after the storm) they're just one of the many things in the city that could use an improvement. The street lights by her house are out as well. And don't tell her to vote for people who will change that, because they're all corrupt and she refuses to waste her effort on a government that won't care anyway. Her husband is always shocked when she says things like that, but it's true.
She appreciated the National Guard after the storm though. She told me about about the time she missed curfew and made a sandwich with the National Guard supplies, and it was very sanitary and some of the best ham she'd ever tasted. Her husband couldn't believe she did that, but it's true.
She also told me about visiting her family for the month she was evacuated after Katrina. She and her husband left the day before their anniversary, and she stayed in the country, and played with her relatives' children, and missed home intensely. She never ate any more than the kids did, and helped them do all their chores even getting eggs from the chickens. She wouldn't milk cows though- she's a city girl and they "don't have no cows in the city." Her husband told her to rest herself, and couldn't believe she could ride bikes with the young'ns all day, but she did, it's true.
I also learned about her food preferences, and her philosophy in relation to her sugar diabetes along with her husband's reaction to it all. Seems like he spends a lot of time in disbelief.
Ms. Frederica talked me from Canal to Constantinople on the St. Charles street car route (no small feat I must say) and would have kept going had it not been her stop. I came home overwhelmed and overloaded, but amazed at her conversational skills, and somehow feeling privileged to have spoken with her (though granted, my speech was mostly just mmhmm and yes ma'am).

But more than that, what amazed me is that Ms. Frederica is not at all unusual. She is one of many incredibly friendly souls in an incredibly friendly city. New Orleanians seem ready to share their life stories with you at a moment's notice, and all I've ever had to do was smile sincerely and nod at the right times.
I've never felt unwelcome here, even when our rainbow coalition of DukeEngagers took a trip to a part of Washington Avenue where such diversity is uncommon. As we ate our first po' boys on the sidewalk next to a dumpster, we got a few incredulous looks (especially since 11 of us piled out of the mini van) but only one question: were we college students? Our affirmatives were enough explanation for them, and from then on, I've felt welcome, even wanted here.
So, I'm glad I hid my exhaustion and heard Ms. Frederica's. I suppose the least I can do when I've been riding the welcome wagon is listen to one of the conductor's (extensive) stories.

Even still, I need a nap.

Kanye Mosquitos: Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

2008-07-13T16:53:00.000-04:00

This is not going to be a very substantial post, I'm warning you now:

I just want to announce to the world, that New Orleans mosquitoes are no joke. In fact, they're very unfunny. They're aggressive and mean and, on top of it all, sneaky. After a single Saturday evening at an outdoor jam session I had twelve, (I counted) bites covering my legs, ankles, feet and arms. Granted, we were dancing on the grass and may have been disturbing their habitat. But they can fly, and could have moved. Twelve bites on one host just seems a bit vindictive to me.

There is also a great deal of standing water in the Upper Ninth Ward, where we were, and they could have bred elsewhere. We, however, could not really have visited many other places in the area, which isn't much a tourist spot. So, they clearly weren't paying fair.

They also weren't playing fair last night, when they ate me alive during our vampire and ghost tour, which ended up being more informative about slaves in early New Orleans than any ghosts. Apparently, slave quarters are now outfitted with slate counter tops and floors, and are well insulated so that one's music can be turned as loud as the mood calls for. And, while I'm absorbing this information from our very blond, very middle aged and southern tour guide, the little buggers managed get me five times.

In short, the mosquitoes are not nice. And, since the current refrain in my head is "itch itch, don't scratch", I chose to ignore all other experiences for this post. Please reference other blogs for more details on the wine bar and how I felt about the "ghost" tour.

"Let's just move here and work in a snowball shop..."

2008-07-08T15:23:00.000-04:00

A friend and I were sitting around last night (or this morning, depending on how you look at it) discussing how time was flying by. I can't really say that this experience has gone by fast, because it feels like we've been here forever, but at the same time, it seems to suddenly be ending. So, we'd been having a day of premature nostalgia, over snowballs.

Pause for an explanation of the glory that is a snowball: imagine childhood, dipped in sunshine and sprinkled with deliciousness, and you've got an idea. More specifically though, they're something like a snowcone, but with smoother ice, and Ms. Norma, the owner of Queen of the Ball, will stuff hers with ice cream. She's ridiculous flavors, like wedding cake and Georgia peach, and the shop's decor only adds to the charm. I'm sad we never got around to trying one of these before today, but I'm sure my waistline thanks me. I'll have to go back and visit Ms. Norma again though.

Queen of the Ball Snowball Stand

I've digressed completely off topic. Originally I was going to write about how much I'm going to miss this place, and Candace and my plans to move here and skip the whole college degree thing. But, there are dozens of reasons that won't work, and premature nostalgia is a bit sappier than I'm into at the moment. So, for now, I'll just focus on finding another day to get a snowball...

Regulars

2008-07-02T20:25:00.000-04:00

I work in downtown New Orleans, and take the streetcar to work from uptown every day. Several of the streetcar drivers know where my stop is at this point, since I'm riding almost daily and usually multiple times. (And I suppose that the Indian co-worker I'm with stands out around here...) There are also fellow commuters that I've gotten used to seeing: the woman who hates to share her seat, a man who lives near Loyola and wears a very familiar cologne, and others.

Then there are the regulars I wish I wouldn't see. Perhaps it's because I've never spent this much concentrated time in a city before, or maybe it's affects of Katrina, or the fact that New Orleans' socioeconomic groups are all mixed up... But it seems like I've never been confronted with so many homeless people. Walking to the elementary school where I tutor in Durham, I'd often see a few of the same men. However, those two or three just never seemed as bad off as people here. I know I'm speaking from middle class privilege, because to not have a home is bad off regardless, but there's a different level of poverty when sanity comes into question.

There's a homeless man I see most days who wears an orange wool hat and is bundled up in the New Orleans heat of June. He has plastic bags filling his motorized wheelchair and hanging over the side. And when he talks to us, its so hard to understand. And we've met others- a man who seemed to be high on something other than life, as he jazzercised his way down the street and on to the trolley, men by the street car stops and on sidewalks, women who wreak of liquor.

All this is in the middle of a thriving down town, and in contrast to the beautiful garden district where we're staying... It's a lot to reconcile. This city seems to expose the best and worst of America, all boiled down and intensified. The poverty, and the racial issues (another post entirely) are all right next to this amazing culture and incredible accomplishments and wealth. I'm still enamored with the city, but like any complicated loved one, the ugly parts have to be acknowledged along with the beauty.

I must say, NO's got extremes of both.

A Reminder Not to Judge Books (Or Wine Bars Apparently) by Covers

2008-07-01T19:38:00.000-04:00

Saturday night we went to a wine bar called "Bacchanal". I'd met someone in the band the night before and been invited, and in the interest of safety, community building and good taste decided to invite the rest of the group to come with. A few agreed, adventures ensued, as they usually seem to around here.
Since some of us were making it the beginning of our night and others were making it a midway point, we decided to go in a couple of groups. The group I was in had no car, and decided to look up directions and find a friend to drop us off. According to Google maps, the place was in an area we'd never been before, and our driver expressed a bit of shock that we were headed toward the ninth ward, but what's Duke Engage without a bit of engagement right? So, we put on grown up clothes wrote down directions and piled in the car.
Per usual, Lil Wayne was blasting in the car (not a fan of that Mrs. Officer song by the way... What is Bobby Valentino thinking???) and, sitting in the back seat, I was too caught up in the madness of the lyrics to notice our driver's growing concern. I did notice, however, that we were not in the garden district anymore, and the further we drove, the less familiar and tree lined things looked. We finally pulled up to a run down building with the right address, but a completely different feel than what had been on the website. It took some convincing of the group mom, but we ventured on, past the faded brick and a few hipsters (or maybe hippies? the terms blend for me).
What we found inside was definitely worth the journey and the mosquito bites that would come. Chuck Perkins, a poet I now heart, emceed and the Voices of the Big Easy were playing. We got our first exposure to Mardi Gras Indians and I for one will be looking forward to their CD (yes, I may actually pay for music... Gotta support the locals.) We met the New Orleans fire chief, and various movers and shakers, and got a shout out from Chuck, and even did a little open mic improvisation. Good times all around.
What impressed me most was how open everyone was to us. Part of that may have been due to the hospitality of the musician that invited us in introducing us to so many people. But, I was really impressed that, although this was clearly a local place, no one seemed to resent our appearance, as touristy over eager college student as we were. That's quickly become one of my favorite things about the city- everyone is ready to be your friend.
So, lesson of the weekend- always open the book, even if it looks a little beat up.

Quickie

2008-06-30T13:12:00.000-04:00

I'm supposed to be working, and am going to re-write an old post that was lost by the poorly formatted DukeEngage blog, so this will be short and sweet.

Time for another edition of Engagement by the Numbers:

Mosquito bites from Saturday night: 12.
Obscenities thought in effort not to scratch: 108.
Street cars run for since we've been here: 8.
99 cent ATMs found: 3.
Places in NO that take only cash and make ATMs vital: 84.
Mornings my suitemates and I have overslept: 12.
Times we've told our DukeEngage Coordinator about: 2.
Number if "incident reports" filed for DukeEngage NOLA: 7.
Times we've gotten turned around and ended up in the 'hood: 6.
Sketchy old men who've catcalled us: 3-5 per day.
Locals who've asked my Indian fellow Engager where she's from: 1 per day.
Tree roaches I've run from: 6.
Guys who've given me their numbers (after asking for mine usually): 5.
Percentage of them that I've called: 0%.
Percentage of men who think it's okay to be a creeper on Bourbon: 87%.
Times I've sweated out my hair after attempting to curl it: daily.
Hilarious conversations overheard on the streetcar: 22.
Reasons to fall in love with the city: infinite.

(accuracy of statistics not verifiable)

More extensive reflections later.

If You Don't [Mess] With Me...

2008-06-30T13:10:00.000-04:00

I went out on a week night. Ok, so that's not such a revelation. I'm 21 in New Orleans for the summer after all. But, just for the record, I've been quite well-behaved (read: no debaucherous, shameful nights). Just putting that out there for any family/ potential employers that may read this later. Anywho, confession over and on to the immersion and growth and reflecting and such.

Let me just say that last night was pretty friggin awesome. We went to Maple Leaf Bar, definitely a bit divey, but not too sketch, and saw Rebirth Brass Band. Absolutely best thing I've heard since I've been down here. Granted, I'd been primed to use superlatives about them because they'd been talked up by almost everyone who's opinion I trust down here. But, unlike much in life, they're hype was worth believing. Once I adjusted to the intense volume of everything- both the piercing quality of a powerful horn section and the number of people in a tiny place- there were nothing but good times and grooves to be had. I was thrilled to find that I didn't leave feeling as though I should probably be intoxicated to have as much fun as those around me, which is a common feeling (at least for me) after night life.

But, not everyone agreed with me on the need to stay sober (or even lucid) on a Tuesday night. And the other patrons definitely added to the experience, each in their own special way: The man in his forties who decided to appear at my shoulder several times and pantomime taking a picture of me. The old man with dacquiri stained lips that popped out of the darkness in the hall to the bathroom like a haunted house actor. The OG in the straw hat that may have been the coolest person in the room. And, a special shoutout to the couple who provided the evening's teachable moment.

These two were both heavily under the influence, which explains most of their behavior, such as the man running into the same chair twice on their way out. Knowing this, I really wanted to make allowances for the fact that their judgement was impaired. So I made no comment when they decided to salsa in what had formerly been my personal space. And I simply nudged the man forward gently when his elbows began to fly into me and his sweat covered back got a bit too close to my face. And I tried hard not to judge the way he was holding a woman apparently young enough to be his daughter. (I'll admit, that last one was mostly unsuccessful).

But, when they started searching feverishly for lighters, my patience wore thin. I don't like smoke, actually I hate it. And yes, I am aware that bars are smoky, but the open patio at the back had kept this one breezy thus far. Besides, even in a bar I never expect to have someone's smokey cigarette held directly in my face. After fanning a couple of puffs, and coughing up a lung, I was more than done with these two. When a friend contemplated flicking the woman's cigarette away, I for once had no desire to calm her anger. The man of the pair had barely avoided a fight earlier, and now I understood why.

And then, just when things might have gotten unattractive (not quite ugly; we're too classy for that) the band unknowingly intervened. They started singing the lyrics to what had been instrumental so far. "If you don't [bleep] with me, then I won't [bleep] with you." Listening to their advocacy for a live and let live lifestyle, I was reminded just how ridiculous antagonizing two drunk people would be, even if they were incrediblly obnoxious. Sure, they were slowly killing me with second-hand smoke. Yes, the woman's hair got stuck in my lip gloss every time the man spun her. But hey, it was New Orleans.

My friend must have had the same realization, because as the next puff of smoke wafted into our nostrils, we both decided to make dance moves out of fanning it away. The air cleared, we laughed hysterically, and decided that salsa may not be such a terrible idea. It wasn't.

Nonviolence prompted by profanity. Only in New Orleans. Well played Rebirth, well played.

Good Intentions

2008-06-30T13:08:00.000-04:00

I keep meaning to write this blog before Sunday. I have big plans to become an honest to goodness blogger, and analyze the world deeply and share my profundity, while being intensely witty. I am filled with the best of intentions, but execution is shaky at best.

Somehow though, I feel like this pattern puts me in line with the rest of the city. There's so much here that was begun with the best of intentions and ended up awry. Obviously, I could talk about Hurricane Katrina: toxic FEMA trailers, Mayor Nagin's unfortunate "chocolate city" comment, sensational media coverage and the list goes on. There are even the less publicized failures in post-K New Orleans, or at least ones that somehow didn't make it onto my radar, like the tent city under the overpass near Carrolton where people work daily and live in squalor. Or the recovery school district that has no budget for music programs (as far as I've learned on my job) or anything else (from what some of my colleagues have learned on their jobs), while down the road charter schools are taking trips to France. I really do believe (partly out necessity) that there were good intentions behind all of the things that led to the current issues. But clearly there are issues with execution.

But when I say my own patterns meet the goal of immersion for DukeEngage NOLA, I'm not just talking about Crescent City as a whole. I think it makes me a definite member of our group of 18 as well. We all came down here with big hopes and dreams I'm sure: to impact New Orleans, learn as much as possible about this amazing city, and to learn something about a few of our fellow Dukies. Once again though, that execution is rough. The first goal remains to be seen, and I feel like the second one will be a given, since we're mostly subscribers to Duke's unofficial "work
hard play hard" motto. But I'm not convinced about that last one. To me, it seems like there are already some obvious divides, and it's a bit worrisome.

Of course, this is only the second week, so perhaps I'm a bit premature. Still, it feels a little like RealWorld Duke style with everyone playing into some prescribed role, and divisions along fairly predictable lines that were brought with us from school. Some of it is just what happens when "18 strangers are picked to live in a house..." We're bound to find favorites and get on each other's nerves. We talk too much and too little, go to bed too early or party too loudly, are too free or close-minded. We view everything racially or completely ignore overtones, and leave each other out and are too concerned with what other people think. We blog about things we should walk down the hall to say.

But, on the off chance that my fellow DukeEngagers are reading this, I hope they take this as my attempt to do better. I think there's still plenty of time to "lean into discomfort"- 7 weeks to be exact. And yes, they say the road to some very unpleasant places is paved with good intentions, but I prefer to be more optimistic. I'm an Obama supporter, so I say "Yes we can!"

Home Is Where the Heat Is

2008-06-06T13:06:00.000-04:00

Engagement by the numbers:

Gallons of sweat dripped- 28
Mosquito bites- 1
Catcalls received- 17.2
Surprise adventures (aka times lost)- 5.85
Times recognized as an out of towner- twice a day
Crawfish eaten "properly"- .75 lbs give or take... mostly take

I saw a little girl on the trolley the other day that made me smile. She was the most precious thing I'd seen all day, though that isn't saying much. I'd trekked to the outskirts of the city, out of our lush Garden District all the way to the end of the world, or at least the end of the city, and still had not found my office. I was hot, sweaty and frustrated, with every intention of putting on my ipod and zoning out for the commute back to Loyola.

But, something about this little girl brought me back to why I was here. I think it was her hair. Parted razor sharp down the middle with two bush balls on either side of her head, it reminded me of myself at her age. But, this is definitely romanticizing myself at 5... My hair would have been more likely to resemble Don King's by this late in the day. There was as much cheese on her fingers and mouth as on the Doritos she was eating. Her mom followed her down the aisle and allowed the little girl to choose the seat right in front of me. They seemed completely engrossed in each other, and Javenique (assuming hers was the name tattoed on the back of her mom's neck) and her mother felt like they could have been my mother and I, transposed to another life. The mother-daughter moment felt so familiar, despite the surreal palm trees and street cars.

Much of New Orleans feels like this to me- as though I've been here before. I'm well aware that I stick out, since I'm almost daily asked where I'm from, and I sweat far too profusely to be a local. But, I love it here like I'm among cousins: the accents, the music, the seafood, even the air thick enough to slice with a knife. Old men here (at least the ones not too overly affectionate) remind me of my grandfather, and the accent is beautiful. I feel peaceful and comfortable here somehow, even when we're lost, or the street cars blow allergens into my eyes. I only hope by the end of this I've found something to give back to this city that I can tell is going to give me so much.

Oh yea, and it's hot.