Happy (much belated) New Year! I realize that I have not written anything since November, and my how time flies! During that time, I have had people ask, why have I not written anything in my blog and my response is simple " I have not been inspired". Those that know me well will tell you I don't write about experiences ( much less food) unless I feel they are worth writing about, and finally...... the series " The Bible" is that one!
When I first saw the preview on the History channel I admit I was not interested in seeing it because I figured if you have seen the Easter special "The 10 Commandments", you have seen it all. To my surprise, I was wrong! My friend kept telling me this series was something that I had to see and just to hear him speak about it reminded me of a reality TV show, because he was so excited to tell me about it. So, I indulged and began recording the series so I can see what all the talk was about. After watching the first episode, properly entitled " The Beginning", I was hooked!
For the first time, I was able to see one of my favorite stories in the bible about Abraham, a faithful servant of God, and by far one of the most blessed characters in the bible. For so long, I always wondered why there were never any pictures in the bible to help people visually grasp the great stories written by God's selected few. Thankfully, all that wondering has finally been put in the most simplest and accessible form, television!
To me watching The Bible is like watching an episode of Scandal ( I loovvvveeee Scandal), in that I can't watch Scandal when it first airs because the show is so intense and dramatic that I can't wait on commercials, this is the same with The Bible. The directors and producers of this series have done a wonderful job of capturing the essence of the stories and the many characters. Most of all, I applaud them for staying true to the story and casting diverse actors to play the roles.
In my humble opinion, this is the " life changing" experience of life changing experiences. Therefore, I challenge you to take a break from your normal reality TV programs and take time to watch (and read) the most amazing story ever told!
Prepare to be inspired !
Showing posts with label Other Experiences. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Other Experiences. Show all posts
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Monday, August 13, 2012
Classic Car Show (Louisville, KY)
Something about me this week......many people that know me do not know that I have a love for cars, classic cars at that. It all started growing up in Miami where the normal was seeing the "tricked out" low riders, which eventually evolved into box Chevy's and my all time favorite, the Chevy Impala's ( '71-'73). I remember riding in a Chevy with a guy I use to date in high school and I lovvvvved it! I loved everything from the loud pipes to the rims and custom paint.
Years later, I would move to Arizona where I began to see the old school classics like the Chevy Bel Airs and Cameros that would pass me buy on the highway.The trend continued in Atlanta and I began to notice them now more then ever. As a result, I have always wanted to attend a classic car show, and a few weekends ago I did just that in Louisville, KY!
On this particular weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the National Street Rod Association's national meet and car show, and it was nothing short of awesome and amazing (awemazing!!!!). It was like a crayola crayon box exploded on the Louisville fairground and painted the 13,000 plus classic cars various colors. In my book of "life changing" experiences this rates as one of those moments. I will admit it was overwhelming because it was cars everywhere! I think I only had the opportunity to see 5% of the cars that were out there.
One of the coolest experiences was seeing the small community of black car owners with some of the nicest cars out there. Of course, there was a section for the younger guys with the Impalas, Cameros and Chargers.
Inside the exhibit hall is where a car lover's dream resides because they have exhibits galore and car enthusiasts have the opportunity to purchase anything you can imagine for their car, even a frame.
If you are an enthusiasts or you want to have a different type of experience, this is your place. Louisville, KY (or Loouvule as the locals call it) was also a pleasant surprise and a great experience as well. I can say this is definitely on the list of places to visit again. Besides, who would have thunk.....Kentucky!
Years later, I would move to Arizona where I began to see the old school classics like the Chevy Bel Airs and Cameros that would pass me buy on the highway.The trend continued in Atlanta and I began to notice them now more then ever. As a result, I have always wanted to attend a classic car show, and a few weekends ago I did just that in Louisville, KY!
On this particular weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the National Street Rod Association's national meet and car show, and it was nothing short of awesome and amazing (awemazing!!!!). It was like a crayola crayon box exploded on the Louisville fairground and painted the 13,000 plus classic cars various colors. In my book of "life changing" experiences this rates as one of those moments. I will admit it was overwhelming because it was cars everywhere! I think I only had the opportunity to see 5% of the cars that were out there.
One of the coolest experiences was seeing the small community of black car owners with some of the nicest cars out there. Of course, there was a section for the younger guys with the Impalas, Cameros and Chargers.
Inside the exhibit hall is where a car lover's dream resides because they have exhibits galore and car enthusiasts have the opportunity to purchase anything you can imagine for their car, even a frame.
(My Favorite)
If you are an enthusiasts or you want to have a different type of experience, this is your place. Louisville, KY (or Loouvule as the locals call it) was also a pleasant surprise and a great experience as well. I can say this is definitely on the list of places to visit again. Besides, who would have thunk.....Kentucky!
(Second Favorite)
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Oregano's
Continuing with my Arizona visit.....Saturday night and well into Sunday was visitation day with my friends in Phoenix and Tucson. So, on Saturday night, I met a few people at one of my favorite restaurants in Arizona, Oregano's!!!! I am getting excited just thinking about it! I know living in Arizona you may think Mexican food would be the way to go, which in some cases it is but when I think of Arizona food I crave Oregano's pizza, salad and hot cookies......mmmmmm!
On this particular Saturday night when I was dog tired from my day in Sedona and from driving, I still found the strength to drive 30 minutes to the restaurant and I am glad I did! As usual, I knew I was getting the thin crust peperoni pizza ( yes, I am simple when it comes to pizza), a anti-pasta salad and a hot cookie!! All of these deserve their own section so here it is.....
The Pizza
Oregano's pizza is some of the best pizza that I have ever had. I have never tried the Chicago style they offer because it takes 45 minutes to get and that is just to long for me to wait. So, I go with the thin crust which is perfect. Normally, I do not like thin crust because it is not filling (sorry carb haters) but I love bread and pizza crust. Anyway, the thin crust is perfect because they cut them in perfect squares and the combination of sauce, cheese and pepperoni is amazing! Best of all, they allow you to split the pizza if you are with someone who wants something else.
The Salad
Oregano's also have some of the best salads that I have tasted. Again, they have the right blend of indigents to make the salad memorable. My favorite salad is the anti-pasta salad (yes!). This salad has just about every Italian ingredient in it but pasta, hence the name :). The salad has peperoni, salami, artichokes, olive oil, onions, tomatoes and a few other items but it is mouth watering!!! A word to the wise........never go and not order a salad! Oh, the cesar is great as well!
The Cookie......mmmmm!
So, the hot chocolate chip cookie is my all time favorite dessert! It takes 15 minutes to make and once you get it you will see why. The cookie comes in a skillet with several scoops of ice cream on the top, big enough to share! Once I tasted it I was in heaven and so was the rest of the table. The perfect lend of hot and cold gets me everytime. If you do not like chocolate chips, they also have one with macadamia nuts, but you already know my preference :).
Sorry folks, its only an Arizona chain :(, but I kow you were there in spirit!
On this particular Saturday night when I was dog tired from my day in Sedona and from driving, I still found the strength to drive 30 minutes to the restaurant and I am glad I did! As usual, I knew I was getting the thin crust peperoni pizza ( yes, I am simple when it comes to pizza), a anti-pasta salad and a hot cookie!! All of these deserve their own section so here it is.....
The Pizza
Oregano's pizza is some of the best pizza that I have ever had. I have never tried the Chicago style they offer because it takes 45 minutes to get and that is just to long for me to wait. So, I go with the thin crust which is perfect. Normally, I do not like thin crust because it is not filling (sorry carb haters) but I love bread and pizza crust. Anyway, the thin crust is perfect because they cut them in perfect squares and the combination of sauce, cheese and pepperoni is amazing! Best of all, they allow you to split the pizza if you are with someone who wants something else.
The Salad
Oregano's also have some of the best salads that I have tasted. Again, they have the right blend of indigents to make the salad memorable. My favorite salad is the anti-pasta salad (yes!). This salad has just about every Italian ingredient in it but pasta, hence the name :). The salad has peperoni, salami, artichokes, olive oil, onions, tomatoes and a few other items but it is mouth watering!!! A word to the wise........never go and not order a salad! Oh, the cesar is great as well!
The Cookie......mmmmm!
So, the hot chocolate chip cookie is my all time favorite dessert! It takes 15 minutes to make and once you get it you will see why. The cookie comes in a skillet with several scoops of ice cream on the top, big enough to share! Once I tasted it I was in heaven and so was the rest of the table. The perfect lend of hot and cold gets me everytime. If you do not like chocolate chips, they also have one with macadamia nuts, but you already know my preference :).
Sorry folks, its only an Arizona chain :(, but I kow you were there in spirit!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Sedona, AZ
The adventure continues.....! Following my Grand Canyon experience and scenic drive back down the mountain, I decided to follow the GPS to Sedona, AZ and take the scenic route rather than the interstate, which proved to be a wise choice and breath taking experience none the less.
While driving down AZ 89A I experienced a vast change in the environment and mountains. The mountains went from their regular brownish/tan color to a beautiful red rock formation, something that I have never seen in my life. I thought the Grand Canyon was something to see but Sedona is something else to see as well. Thankfully, the drive was a means to getting back to Phoenix and the detour was not so bad. Again, another life lesson came back to me that sometimes we rush through life/things and do not appreciate the journey.
Well, on this day I took the journey back down the mountain and I must admit, it was a little nerve wrecking trying to look at the scenery and drive down the mountain and around the curves, lol ! During the drive, I saw the most unique pull-out spots like a water fall and a small river bed that cars were crossing to make it to a wooded picnic area. Then there was the Sliding Rock National Park that I would have loved to spend the day at. Again, the weather was beautiful and the scenery was something that you would have had to see for yourself.
During my Sedona visit, I was told " you must go and see the church on the hill!". So, I am thinking to myself, okay.....I will go and see the church on the hill. Considering it was Easter weekend and I was not going to be in church I figured why not. Come to find out, this was another unforgettable experience that I will never forget. The Chapel of the Holy Cross was once a catholic church that has since been turned into a popular tourist and meditation site. While at the church, I had the opportunity to admire its beauty from outside and within. Inside is a sanctuary where visitors have the chance to sit, pray and reflect on whatever they are feeling at the moment and that is as simple as it gets. Of course some will say "it's just a church" but in my opinion it is one of the most amazing structures that I have ever seen (yes, I took these pictures!).
Now, Sedona itself is a cute little town that is hidden amidst the red rocks of Arizona. On this Saturday, the weather was perfect and it was a great opportunity to walk around, visit the art galleries and sip wine in a restaurant garden.
So, when you decide to visit the Grand Canyon, be sure to take some time to stop by Sedona to see "the church" and admire the natural beauty of the red rocks. I learned this weekend, that sometimes doing the unpopular thing can be one of the most life changing experiences that you will ever have!
While driving down AZ 89A I experienced a vast change in the environment and mountains. The mountains went from their regular brownish/tan color to a beautiful red rock formation, something that I have never seen in my life. I thought the Grand Canyon was something to see but Sedona is something else to see as well. Thankfully, the drive was a means to getting back to Phoenix and the detour was not so bad. Again, another life lesson came back to me that sometimes we rush through life/things and do not appreciate the journey.
Well, on this day I took the journey back down the mountain and I must admit, it was a little nerve wrecking trying to look at the scenery and drive down the mountain and around the curves, lol ! During the drive, I saw the most unique pull-out spots like a water fall and a small river bed that cars were crossing to make it to a wooded picnic area. Then there was the Sliding Rock National Park that I would have loved to spend the day at. Again, the weather was beautiful and the scenery was something that you would have had to see for yourself.
During my Sedona visit, I was told " you must go and see the church on the hill!". So, I am thinking to myself, okay.....I will go and see the church on the hill. Considering it was Easter weekend and I was not going to be in church I figured why not. Come to find out, this was another unforgettable experience that I will never forget. The Chapel of the Holy Cross was once a catholic church that has since been turned into a popular tourist and meditation site. While at the church, I had the opportunity to admire its beauty from outside and within. Inside is a sanctuary where visitors have the chance to sit, pray and reflect on whatever they are feeling at the moment and that is as simple as it gets. Of course some will say "it's just a church" but in my opinion it is one of the most amazing structures that I have ever seen (yes, I took these pictures!).
Now, Sedona itself is a cute little town that is hidden amidst the red rocks of Arizona. On this Saturday, the weather was perfect and it was a great opportunity to walk around, visit the art galleries and sip wine in a restaurant garden.
So, when you decide to visit the Grand Canyon, be sure to take some time to stop by Sedona to see "the church" and admire the natural beauty of the red rocks. I learned this weekend, that sometimes doing the unpopular thing can be one of the most life changing experiences that you will ever have!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
The Grand Canyon
Greetings dear followers and Happy Tuesday! I just returned from an amazing mini-vacation that spanned my old stomping grounds in Arizona. However, on this trip I ventured to parts unknown to me during my 6 year stay in Tucson, AZ. During my 5 day trip, I was reminded that sometimes you have to go back to appreciate what you once had. Over the next two blogs I will tell and show you some of the beauty I discovered in Arizona but I think this is something you must see for yourself.
My trip began with a flight to Phoenix, which is always breath taking because you can see the changes in the country's landscape from green to the formation of brownish mountains (awesome!). A little word to the wise if you decided to visit one day, the best time to go to AZ is between October and early May, anything after that it is hotter than hell, lol! Anyway, once arriving, the weather was beautiful, the sun was out and the view was perfect to see the mountains in the distant.
After my one night stay in Phoenix, I drove to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. The 4 hour drive up is so scenic that it looks like a beautifully painted picture as you climb from 1000 elevation to over 7000 elevation up the side of a mountain. Of course, as you climb the temperature begins to drop and everything turns green and it starts to fill like you are not in Arizona. It was so cool that I had to purchase extra clothing, which was a life saver!
Once I arrived and entered the National Park I saw what could only be described as breath taking. So much so that I cannot find the words to describe what I saw and the only words come to mind are "natural beauty" and "God's awesomeness". Seeing what most people merely describe as "a big hole in the ground" made me wonder, how can a person see just that? When I took the below pictures I got chills. These chills were not from the cold weather but from the vast beauty that was in front of me. At every lookout point I saw something different in the form, color and depth of the canyon. Two of the coolest and unique experiences during my trip was being able to sit on the edge of one of the cliffs while I snacked on a luncahble and watched my feet dangle below; and the second was looking at birds fly beneath me while I was 7000 + feet above sea level.
During this time all I could do was just sit there and say a silent prayer thanking God that my eyes had the opportunity to finally see one of the 7 great wonders of the world. In short, this is a summary of my first experience at the Grand Canyon. Sad to say I lived in AZ for 6 years and never took the time or opportunity to appreciate what the state had to offer but now I am proud to say that I did, better late then never. That box has been checked!!
To be continued.........
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
The Power of "Thank You"
Greetings all! Tonight in most churches is Wednesday night bible study and at my church we talked about "Honor"; and after listening to the pastor speak about the subject I was inspired to write. Not only was I inspired to write but I began to reflect on the few people in my life that I would actually consider honoring. These are a select group of people and it is meant to be that way for a reason.....
The people that I consider honorable are people that I am thankful and grateful for on a daily basis. These are the "depositors" in my life and by that I mean that they usually leave me with something. This something could be an actual two-way conversation ( which people do not have any more), encouragement, a token of appreciation, a gift, inspiration, a real " how are you doing" or someone that listens. Whereas the other folks I encounter during the day or week fall into the "takers" category. These are the people that always call you with drama, talk about themselves, always need something and/or always complaining about everything.....I mean everyday cannot be a bad day.
Therefore, I was inspired by my pastor's words to let the people that are near and dear to my heart know that I honor them and I am grateful, blessed and thankful to have them in my life. Sometime, we tend to forget the simple power of "thank you" and " I appreciate you". Too often we are wrapped up in our own drama to take time out to ask someone "how is your day?" or "how are you doing?". These simple words have power. I have a friend that calls just to say hi.....wow! What I love most about that is she asks, " so, how are you really doing?" and sadly I have to stop and think because very few people ask me that and actaully care and listen.
Keeping it short, honestly ask yourself, am I a depositor or a taker? Either way you answer I challenge you to make a deposit in someone's life by honoring them with a simple word or a card (not a text message). I also challenge you to not always be a taker but evolve into making more deposits in people's life and just watch how your life begins to turn around.
In closing, I honor my faithful followers and thank you for continuing to have interest in my words and experiences.
Be Blessed!!
The people that I consider honorable are people that I am thankful and grateful for on a daily basis. These are the "depositors" in my life and by that I mean that they usually leave me with something. This something could be an actual two-way conversation ( which people do not have any more), encouragement, a token of appreciation, a gift, inspiration, a real " how are you doing" or someone that listens. Whereas the other folks I encounter during the day or week fall into the "takers" category. These are the people that always call you with drama, talk about themselves, always need something and/or always complaining about everything.....I mean everyday cannot be a bad day.
Therefore, I was inspired by my pastor's words to let the people that are near and dear to my heart know that I honor them and I am grateful, blessed and thankful to have them in my life. Sometime, we tend to forget the simple power of "thank you" and " I appreciate you". Too often we are wrapped up in our own drama to take time out to ask someone "how is your day?" or "how are you doing?". These simple words have power. I have a friend that calls just to say hi.....wow! What I love most about that is she asks, " so, how are you really doing?" and sadly I have to stop and think because very few people ask me that and actaully care and listen.
Keeping it short, honestly ask yourself, am I a depositor or a taker? Either way you answer I challenge you to make a deposit in someone's life by honoring them with a simple word or a card (not a text message). I also challenge you to not always be a taker but evolve into making more deposits in people's life and just watch how your life begins to turn around.
In closing, I honor my faithful followers and thank you for continuing to have interest in my words and experiences.
Be Blessed!!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Mind & Body Day Spa (Alpharetta, GA)
( Picture from northfultonshops.com)
Greetings Baby D lovers!! A few months ago I had the pleasure of buying a spa package from Groupon for Mind & Body Day Spa (MBDS), which turned out to be phenomenal and one of my best purchases from the popular site yet!!! I also had the pleasure of having a gentleman name "Javier" be my masseuse for the day. After it was said and done I had a 75 minute massage that left me feeling like jello, Javier had a nice tip and my life had been relaxed and changed....or so I thought.
Anyone that knows me knows I loooovvvveeee the spa!! I don't go as often as I would like but I definitely make a pilgrimage at least 5 times a year, one being on my birthday. If you have never been to a spa or have not had a professional massage I suggest you put that on your bucket list . For me, going to the spa is all about the expeirnece and atmosphere. Furthermore, and it is my opportunity to really relax, clear my mind, rejuvenate and walk around in a comfy robe while I get pampered....there is nothing like it.
So....last weekend my friend and I scored a deal that we could not pass up at MBDS. I knew the deal was for me because I had chills after reading it (no joke). The package we purchased was a 2 hour treatment for $149 per person and contained a 1) a full body exfoliation and steam, 2) a scalp massage (mmmmm) , 3) a deep tissue massage and 4) a hot stone foot massage (yes all that!!). Just thinking about it makes me feel relaxed :). After purchasing the deal, I immediately requested Javier and he did not disappoint. I believe finding a great masseuse is like finding a great beautician because you never have to worry that you will not be satisfied when you leave, its like they just know what you need and this is true of Javier. Therefore, considering the above 2 hour treatment and the services of Javier this particular visit was deemed " life changing" in my book.
First, the body exfoliating treatment was awesome!!!!! I was placed in this huge steam capsule thingy and scrubbed from head to toe , and boy did my skin feel nice and soft after. I will admit that I was a bit apprehensive at first because I thought this stranger would have to see all of my "goodies" but that was not the case, lol! After he explained the plan and process I was relieved but I had decided if he did, I was going to be a "big girl" and roll with it, lol!! The exfoliation and steam process continued for about two cycles and during the steam treatment I was given a scalp and shoulder massage, and this is an experience in itself. My friend described it best when she said " you have not lived until you have had someone else bathe/scrub you " and she was definitely correct because it was a different, but a great experience none the less.
Then there was the massage, which was great as usual but the hot stone foot massage sealed the deal. Hot stone massages are by far my favorite treatment and I highly recommend it because it is so soothing to feel the hot rocks on your body......it is just divine!
So......if you are ever in Atlanta (or live in Atlanta) take a drive to Alpharetta and ladies be sure to ask for Javier!!!
www.mindandbodydayspa.com
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Day 3: A Site to See
As the week winds down, I finally had the opportunity to visit the new MLK memorial. This experience is definitely one for the books and something that can and should be considered "life changing" for several reasons: 1) its not just black history but American history; 2) this is the first national monument in the national mall dedicated to a non-president and African-American ; and 3) the design and concept is amazing, and fitting to who Dr.King was and what he did.
When I entered the historic site, I noticed families from across the country and world, and at that moment I felt proud to know that people are really supportive and interested in this rare monument. It was also awesome to see that the monument depicts a mountain that the statue of Dr. King broke out from, which holds true to the quote on the side that says "out of a mountain of despair, a stone of hope". Then as you walk along the back wall there are several quotes from Dr. King's speeches.....just awesome!
Not to get on my "soap box" but this piece of history , as well as the other monuments and DC sites, is something that everyone needs too see at least once in their lifetime. So many people (including yours truly) spend time and money at Disney and other vacation destinations but never take time to visit history. Sadly, this is why we have a generation of children who do not know who they are because they do not know where they came from. As I began to reflect on the the history of DC I realized that I have not made time to see everything but I have seen more than some. I also realized that my job and travels have afforded and blessed me the opportunity to experience more than I could ever imagine and I am still experiencing!
I said all that to say, that we all came from a "mountain" that we might not have ultimately selected for our lives or are proud of but the question is........what are you/have you done to be that "stone" of hope that stands out from the norm?
(Mountain that the statue emerged from is in the background)
(wall of quotes)
Monday, August 29, 2011
Day 2: A Scoop of Grits and an Earthquake
Well......by now everyone has heard about the DC 5.8 earthquake on Tuesday (8/23/11) at 1:51 pm. This day and time will forever be etched in my life for two reasons : a scoop of crab grits and the earthquake.
In hindsight I realized that I was destined to be in DC to experience the quake, and as a result I realized I have experienced a few acts of nature such as a snowstorm, hurricane, tornado, sandstorm, monsoon and the most recent earthquake. During the mist of the later one, I was in training in a hotel basement ( 3 floors down) thinking "is this really what I think it is" or "is this a low flying plane or a bunch of people running upstairs" ( crazy, I know). Even worse, is this chandelier going to fall. Needless to say I was terrified but grateful that it was not worse.
Thinking back, one of the worst parts was not being able to talk to my mom, but I was able to text ( go AT&T!!!) to let people know I was alright ( thanks for the concern folks!!). An hour later things calmed down , the phone lines cleared up and all was well with the world (at least mine). However, as I reflect I realize that tomorrow or the next moment is not promised and we must enjoy today as if it is our last, and I'm proud to say that for the most part I do!!!
On a lighter note, I had the opportunity to dine at BusBoys and Poets, which at best can be described as eclectic because of the food, bookstore, gift shop and open mic events they host. As usual I read the reviews and checked out the menu for my dinner adventure. After browsing the menu I decided on the crab cakes, crab grits (yes!!) and veggies. Now.....if you are like me, I prefer to have an even portion of grits to meat (I'm just saying...). Instead, when my plate arrived I had 2 crab cakes and a scoop of grits ...and my face and I said "WTH!!!"..... and I was not a happy camper ( yes, I was too upset and distracted to take a picture, sorry).
Finally, I expressed my displeasure to the waitress and she explained another scoop was extra ($5.95) and I explained to her that I wanted plain grits (no crab) and she said they only made them during the week with crab (again, WTH!!). Finally, I decided to let go of what I could not change, order a salad and enjoy my meal. Overall, the crab cakes and grits were excellent, just know to order an appetizer and/or salad first :). I will say by the time I walked the mile back to my hotel, I was hungry.
.....and there you have the tale of "a scoop of grits and an earthquake".
In hindsight I realized that I was destined to be in DC to experience the quake, and as a result I realized I have experienced a few acts of nature such as a snowstorm, hurricane, tornado, sandstorm, monsoon and the most recent earthquake. During the mist of the later one, I was in training in a hotel basement ( 3 floors down) thinking "is this really what I think it is" or "is this a low flying plane or a bunch of people running upstairs" ( crazy, I know). Even worse, is this chandelier going to fall. Needless to say I was terrified but grateful that it was not worse.
Thinking back, one of the worst parts was not being able to talk to my mom, but I was able to text ( go AT&T!!!) to let people know I was alright ( thanks for the concern folks!!). An hour later things calmed down , the phone lines cleared up and all was well with the world (at least mine). However, as I reflect I realize that tomorrow or the next moment is not promised and we must enjoy today as if it is our last, and I'm proud to say that for the most part I do!!!
( Hotel evacuation after the earthquake)
On a lighter note, I had the opportunity to dine at BusBoys and Poets, which at best can be described as eclectic because of the food, bookstore, gift shop and open mic events they host. As usual I read the reviews and checked out the menu for my dinner adventure. After browsing the menu I decided on the crab cakes, crab grits (yes!!) and veggies. Now.....if you are like me, I prefer to have an even portion of grits to meat (I'm just saying...). Instead, when my plate arrived I had 2 crab cakes and a scoop of grits ...and my face and I said "WTH!!!"..... and I was not a happy camper ( yes, I was too upset and distracted to take a picture, sorry).
Finally, I expressed my displeasure to the waitress and she explained another scoop was extra ($5.95) and I explained to her that I wanted plain grits (no crab) and she said they only made them during the week with crab (again, WTH!!). Finally, I decided to let go of what I could not change, order a salad and enjoy my meal. Overall, the crab cakes and grits were excellent, just know to order an appetizer and/or salad first :). I will say by the time I walked the mile back to my hotel, I was hungry.
.....and there you have the tale of "a scoop of grits and an earthquake".
(http://www.shirlingtonrealestate.com/ picture)
Friday, June 24, 2011
Reflection
Grettings once more. I am happy to report that I will be eastbound shortly; and as happy as I am to get back to what is familiar, I begin to silently think of my experiences and encounters this week. This week's conference and mini vacation came as another opportunity to see something different but ended up being something needed and beyond my expectations. I am sure you can relate, and if you can, you will know these are the moments/opportunities that you were meant, even destined, to experience.
For example, the insightful conversations that I shared with a newly found mentor about life, my career and desire to do and be more than what I currently am. During the moments between lunch and dinner we talked, shared, and enjoyed the much needed break from reality. Next there was the "unicorn" that I met that was an inspiration and encouragement from "hello". For those that are not familiar with unicorns, these are the mythical creatures that you have heard about or even saw pictures of but often wondered if they existed, until you see one for yourself and then you are in awe, in this case that rare person, place or thing. Many single women and men can identify when you meet a person of the other sex 25 or older with no kids and never married, lol! Well, this was me when I saw a high ranking female (young and black)in my organization and the moment quickly became empowering and hopeful.
Lastly, there was the overall conference experience and the opportunity to experience something that was well attened and organized, from the workshops to evening events, just awesome!
So, as I prepare to board the plane to travel home, I put Long Beach,CA on my list of places to visit again and wait until the next adventure and time to meet and share.
For example, the insightful conversations that I shared with a newly found mentor about life, my career and desire to do and be more than what I currently am. During the moments between lunch and dinner we talked, shared, and enjoyed the much needed break from reality. Next there was the "unicorn" that I met that was an inspiration and encouragement from "hello". For those that are not familiar with unicorns, these are the mythical creatures that you have heard about or even saw pictures of but often wondered if they existed, until you see one for yourself and then you are in awe, in this case that rare person, place or thing. Many single women and men can identify when you meet a person of the other sex 25 or older with no kids and never married, lol! Well, this was me when I saw a high ranking female (young and black)in my organization and the moment quickly became empowering and hopeful.
Lastly, there was the overall conference experience and the opportunity to experience something that was well attened and organized, from the workshops to evening events, just awesome!
So, as I prepare to board the plane to travel home, I put Long Beach,CA on my list of places to visit again and wait until the next adventure and time to meet and share.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Perspective....
Greetings from the LBC, where the weather is perfect and the atmosphere is relaxed and tropical. This week I am reporting from a women's leadership conference, which is where my inspiration hales from this evening.
As I mentioned in the first post I intend for this blog to be a place to share my experiences that I think are "life changing" and thus are deemed worth sharing. The first of which was a banana nut muffin that I had at the Hilton Hotel that was by far the best muffin that I recall having, and the experience was like a "party in your mouth"! Reading this you may say "seriously, a muffin?" and I say yes! The two people that I had try it agreeded and even went back for their own! Needless to say, I will be eating muffins until Friday, lol!
Moving on to my true reason for writing tonight, which happens to be one of the best seminars/presentations that I have attended thus far. The speaker was Janine Driver , motivational speaker and author of "You Say More Than You Think", and she was phenomenal! Janine's presentation was focused on identifying and improving body language but by the end of the seminar you were more inspired than anything. What made this 3hr (with no breaks) presentation "life changing" was her art of presenting. Not only was she engaging, creative, energetic, humorus and knowledgable,she was also real. Real in a sense that she shared intimate details of her life and experiences that we all could identify with in one way
or another. Experiences that we have encountered during our life journey such as a child with special needs, being a female in the work place, family drama or being faced with the reality of a loved one having cancer. If I do not remember anything else from Janine's presentation I will take the three most important things with me that made all the difference and they are:
1) Live to influence someone's life so that if they wrote a book they would put your name in it, rather than you being a name that is not worth mentioning.
2)You can change you/your life by changing the things around you and how you view certain situatons.
3)Know what your intentions are in life.
So, I ask you, what are those things you need to change?What are your intentions?
Until next time....
As I mentioned in the first post I intend for this blog to be a place to share my experiences that I think are "life changing" and thus are deemed worth sharing. The first of which was a banana nut muffin that I had at the Hilton Hotel that was by far the best muffin that I recall having, and the experience was like a "party in your mouth"! Reading this you may say "seriously, a muffin?" and I say yes! The two people that I had try it agreeded and even went back for their own! Needless to say, I will be eating muffins until Friday, lol!
Moving on to my true reason for writing tonight, which happens to be one of the best seminars/presentations that I have attended thus far. The speaker was Janine Driver , motivational speaker and author of "You Say More Than You Think", and she was phenomenal! Janine's presentation was focused on identifying and improving body language but by the end of the seminar you were more inspired than anything. What made this 3hr (with no breaks) presentation "life changing" was her art of presenting. Not only was she engaging, creative, energetic, humorus and knowledgable,she was also real. Real in a sense that she shared intimate details of her life and experiences that we all could identify with in one way
or another. Experiences that we have encountered during our life journey such as a child with special needs, being a female in the work place, family drama or being faced with the reality of a loved one having cancer. If I do not remember anything else from Janine's presentation I will take the three most important things with me that made all the difference and they are:
1) Live to influence someone's life so that if they wrote a book they would put your name in it, rather than you being a name that is not worth mentioning.
2)You can change you/your life by changing the things around you and how you view certain situatons.
3)Know what your intentions are in life.
So, I ask you, what are those things you need to change?What are your intentions?
Until next time....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)