Legend

February 6th rolls around and I have this man’s birthday engraved in my mind.

Robert Nesta Marley, born in 1945. Died in 1981.

If I was around during his time, I most likely would’ve been a baby momma. If he would have had me, of course.

I recently saw his documentary, Marley. I mostly enjoyed it because it showed the man, in his own words. I can’t stand stories that are told from solely from second-hand informers.

Have you seen the documentary? What is your favorite Bob Marley song?

One love,

She

She Celebrates

I’m ready for my photo-op with Mrs. Obama…

Today, I’m 27. *Slaps cheeks* for Home Alone scream(!!!!)

A couple of weeks ago, I put together a superficial birthday post but as today drew close the Cancerian in me needed to exponge something deeper. Something worth re-reading. A year ago this time, I only needed a picture to remind me of how I spent my 26th birthday. I entitled that post, Gozar es Bailar or Joy is Dancing. Dancing is one of those simple joys in life. DANCING IS… energy, colors, anticipation, desperation and escape. As I celebrated my 26th birthday last year, dancing salsa represented freedom, lust, self-love and release.

This year, I’m not dancing salsa on my birthday. Instead, my fingers are dancing across this keyboard as I reflect how I turned wishes/words into actions.

Last fall, I went back to school for my pre-requisites in a Speech Language Pathology accelerated program.

I finished said Certificate with a 3.6 GPA.

I applied to 4 grad schools, got accepted to two, one of them being my dream school.

This fall, I’ll be starting my Master’s in Speech Language Pathology at my dream school, in a new City.

In essence, I’ve already got the best birthday gift this year even before July 10th rolled around. I got ACCEPTANCE. I don’t take ALL the credit for that because I’m humbled by how God works. Just when I’m already formulating Plan B, C, and D… God reminds me that Rejection is not the where the story ends.

27 is the year I’m focusing on my career and moving to an amazing new city. I’m ready to leave my mark somewhere new. It’s a huge year of transition, one that I pray is followed by stability– a home of my own, a new community, a challenge for growth and perseverance, peace of mind and a fulfilling professional and personal network.

Someone once told me not to trust anyone by anything but their footprints. Footprints represent action. Think about it- no one thinks footprints. I recently re-blogged an awesome reflection post from Uzair Ahmad entitled “I’ve Learned.” The author shares his realizations about life. I have been slowly digesting the small nuggets of wisdom shared in this post, and I thought I would reiterate those that speak to me the most today. Maybe one will leave an imprint in your heart, mind, or spirit.

(From Uzair)

I’ve learned . . . .
that love, not time, heals all wounds.

I’ve learned . . . .
that no matter how much I care,
some people just don’t care back.

(From Globe Tracer)

I’ve learned. . .

that during bad times, put on your best face.

that anyone who tells you they don’t want anything from you, lies.

that what you focus on, increases.

that you’ll never be as young as you are right NOW.

that sometimes we need to put our LOUD worlds on mute, and take in the simple joys…

that no matter how much I want to my birthday to go unnoticed and be like a normal day, I LIE!!

Happy Birthday to ME!

Thankful to God for another year at life,

She

My Summer So Far…

I know it’s not technically summer, but since classes have been over for awhile (maybe 2 or 3 weeks, who’s keeping count?) I feel that my summer is already under way.

What have I been doing besides wearing the same Interview outfit over the past couple of weeks? (in no particular order)

Making cheesy collages like this one…

• Decided against straightening my hair for the summer to prevent the battle against humidity
• Fell in love all over again with blogging
• Have been blessed by God beyond belief not only to be attending my dream school for Grad Studies, but to have an awesome community of people who are supporting me along the way
• Joined some other new social site where people are signing up to meet people aka Flirt: Badoo
• Also joined LinkedIn- and cringe every time I’m notified that I’m connected to someone by e-mail
• Read Animal Farm and started 50 Shades of Grey
• Have felt like I’m loosing my religion by continuing said journey through 50 Shades of Grey and since then have not read past page 125ish
• Washing my hair almost every other day (a practice I’m not used to)
• Acting kinda skankish
• Responsibly gotten my mid-yearly Status check-up
• Adopted a little sister of sorts
• Have lamented over countless hours behind my computer screen
• Experimented painting my nails in some funky summer colors
• Have contemplated doing my follow up vlog to Rejection…
• Have suffocated on humid nights trying to sleep in a room that gets no outside ventilation
• Fallen asleep late night next to my bed buddy aka my laptop
• Pondered over paying any mind to the new season of Love and Hip & Hop: Atlanta
• Found out about the political climate in certain states while performing telephone surveys- my unofficial ‘job’ of the moment
• Have set intentions to start reviewing my coursework/start refreshing my memory before Grad school begins
• Am contemplating having a quiet birthday, although I’d rather be spoiled.

As you can see, my summer so far has been filled with all kinds of trivialities. I can’t say that I want it any other way right now.

What are some habits/plans of yours that mark the official beginning of summer?

21 Things: A Birthday Tribute to Maura

On this coming Saturday, April 21st my Big Sis will be celebrating her 30-something birthday. At a beautiful resort in Playa Bonita, Costa Rica. Without me. *sad face*

Anywho, I decided since I cannot be where she is I would send her some virtual hugs and appreciation by putting all her business on the streets. Below are some things I love to love about her, and if you know her, I’m sure you would agree. Feel free to add more things you love about MAURA (pronounced ma-oh-ra real fast!). And if you don’t know her, that’s okay, send her some wishes too!  Audience participation strongly recommended.

Maurita (right) and Tracita circa 2006

21 Things You May Not Know About Maura:

Maurita,

• You’re the strongest person I know.
• Your presence and laughter lights up a room.
• You’ve been married for 4 years now.
• People can hear you coming blocks away.
• You’re not afraid to leave your comfort zone.
• You aspired to culinary arts, debt collection, and entrepreneurship before landing the right job doing something you studied: dental technician.
• You taught me how to drive. (and Chevon)
• You’re a sucker for love/comfort/acceptance.
• If someone has your loyalty, they have it for life.
• You give more thank you ask for.
• We got our ‘first jobs’ together when I was 19 and you were 26. Then we went and spent most of that money on Roca-Wear velours and Air Jordans on Jamaica Avenue.
• You make the best bread pudding.
• You can’t spell for nothing! But I still love you.
• You came from the most humble woman ever.
• You’re a hustler, baby.
• Your toes are comparable to chicken feet. But I still love you.
• When I got a boyfriend, you dated his cousin.
• You helped me and my mother’s relationship with the reflection of your own closeness with your mom.
• You love Fred Hammond.
• You drive in cars with loud music.
• You write like a leftie, but you’re a righty.

AND A BONUS….

You are the best sister/daughter/girlfriend/friend anyone could ever ask for!!

God has way more in store for you than you can imagine, I love you.

Your ñaña,
She