What I've Learned So Far...

In chronicling my life list, I've come to realize a few things...

1. the more I accomplish, the more I realize there's more I want to do---if that makes any sense.

2. nothing I have on my list is really as easy as it seems. I've hit several road blocks (most recently some runaround concerning my schooling and funding). I get frustrated, however I am going to find a way to work around it--you can count on that.

3. people who are not living their own dreams will always attempt to find a way to derail yours. I refuse to let this happen.

4. my accomplishments, no matter how small are just that--accomplishments! Sometimes the smaller things turn out to be more amazing and have bigger impact than the larger ones

5. i am learning something about myself everytime I knock something else off the list.

I'm being kind of introspective today and in doing so I'm adding a few more things:

New items:

• get paid to do something on the list (preferably the travel...lol)
• video/photograph/document my accomplishments whenever possible
• take photos nice enough to be blown up and framed/displayed as art in my house
• sit down and make a realistic budget/savings plan (this includes an emergency fund) and stick with it

This is just a side note and not an official list item, but I am also going to start really re-focusing on my writing. I am a writer by profession and it is how I make money outside of my 9-5 (whether that be through poetry or freelancing).

Like I said, I am musing today and being a little introspective.

On a lighter note though, spring is coming in a few weeks (in theory)...any new list suggestions or good ideas for spring activities?

Random Kindness on a Humpday.

Something really cool happened to me today and I thought I would share it.

I decided to catch the shuttle bus uptown today so that I could run a few errands during lunch. As I was waiting on the bus an older gentleman approached with his wife. He sat down next to me on the steps while she stood in line. They proceeded to ask me a question about the shuttle and we made small talk for a sec before the bus pulled around the corner.

So we get on the bus and I end up sitting behind them, when I see the gentleman pull out a fold up map. It becomes obvious after a minute that they don't really know where they're going, so I ask if I can help. Now up to this point I just assumed they were here maybe visiting their grandkids at school or something (I work on a university campus). But they proceed to tell me that they've been in the university hospital for days and were basically taking advantage of the nice weather today to get out for awhile.

Me being me, I point out where we are on the map and then recommend a few places to eat in the neighborhood where the shuttle stops. And then I tell them where to get on the train to see some of the museums and such. They thank me and I don't think anything else of it...

As I'm getting off the bus, the gentleman hands me a business card. I read it and come to dead stop in the middle of the sidewalk. On the front:

And on the back:


When I turned back around the man and his wife were walking the opposite direction up the sidewalk, so I put the card in my wallet, and now I am sharing it here.

Hope you guys have a great day!

Black History Month

I'm all about culture, new experiences, travel and the like. I think it's difficult to have an appreciation for the world unless you've actually seen it.

That being said seeing as how it is Black History Month, here are some ideas for places/things to see. Of course this is not an extensive listing, but just some starter points to add to your "to do list".

Washington, DC

Lincoln Memorial- a grand tribute to the president that signed the Emancipation Proclamation, inspired our 44th President and site of the "I Have a Dream Speech"

Frederick Douglass Historic Site- tours of Douglass' DC Home and historic documents

Chicago

DuSable Museum of African American History- offering special programs all month long and year round celebrating acheivements of African Americans

Atlanta

Dr. Martin Luther King National Historic Site, the King Center- located in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood of Atlanta. Tours of the home of Dr King as well as the King center are available. Ebenezer Baptist Church is located in the same neighborhood

Birmingham, AL

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute- photos of famous moments in Civil Rights history. Birmingham is also the site of the Sixteeth St Baptist Church bombing

Harper's Ferry, WV

Tour the town, just north of DC/Baltimore- site of John Brown's abolisionist revolt

Baltimore, MD

Great Blacks in Wax Museum - Where all the greatest acheivers are immortalized in wax

New York

Lots of doings in NYC, but I would recommend as a starter, the Harlem Hertiage Tour a walking tour of a community that is synonymous with African American culture.

Again, not an all inclusive list, but you can check with any local library or nearby university for events in other cities/areas.

I would also recommend adding books, movies and music to your celebration. I can build a decent list if anyone would like suggestions.

Off the List- Reason #512 Why I (Sometimes) Like DC

I decided I would take in some culture today. First I went to visit the Phillip's Collection--which is an amazing collection of art from Mattise, Picasso, Van Gogh... Today however was the last day of the showing of the Jacob Lawrence Migration Series.


It's a beautiful set of paintings depicting the migration of blacks from south to north. You can view the entire set at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, so it's rare to see it here.

After which, I hopped the train and headed to Chinatown to check out the Chinese New Year Parade



It was pretty cool. The weather was perfect...about 60.



I even had a (lol) celebrity sighting...I saw former Mayor Marion "the bitch set me up" Barry.

The only downer was they couldn't light the giant firecracker because...there was a gas leak. Leave it to DC to have a gas leak next to a 3 story tall incendiary device. Eh, well...