Tag: life

Enjoy the Small Things

Last weekend, I had my Saturday planned out. I would drop off a few things at my family’s house and then go to the mall for the first time in 9 months. Although the CDC loosened COVID restrictions, I’m still practicing social distancing and allowed myself to go outside more as the weather changes. During this time in Georgia, we get the perfect combination of warm weather, sunshine, clear blue skies and cool breeze. This period is short-lived before 90% humidity becomes a mainstay for the next 3-4 months so I wanted to enjoy it while its here.

My plan was to walk around the mall, buy a buttery Auntie Anne’s soft pretzel and then decide what eateries to grab dinner from in the local area.

But my plan slightly changed after leaving my family’s house. What was supposed to be an easy drop-off turned into an hourlong conversation that left me feeling pissed and annoyed.

Typically I would sulk, complain, and brainstorm dozens of ways to fix a problem I’m not responsible for resulting in emotional and mental exhaustion.

Instead of doing that, I drove to the mall and discussed my frustrations with my sister for 10-15 minutes. It was 4:30 pm on a beautiful Saturday afternoon and I was determined to enjoy myself. After our talk, we entered the mall and patronized a new Vietnamese restaurant. It was my first time trying Vietnamese style chicken egg rolls and they were delicious!

We walked around the mall and spent more time in Spencer’s than I anticipated. Their merchandise was a mixture of childhood nostalgia, Hot Topic tees, drinking games and sex toys. Oddly enough, I was curious how to use some of their sex toys because I was confused how it worked. The experience was like Hot Topic minus the emo and gothic component but with more lighting. So I accomplished my goal. I enjoyed my Saturday.

Then we went back to the mall Sunday and got my Auntie Anne’s pretzel. We didn’t want to go home yet but didn’t know where else to go. I was curious about a new biker-friendly park nearby so we went there. I enjoyed resting my head on my purse, laying in the grass, savoring the 80 degree weather, admiring the clear blue skies and not wearing my mask because the few people there were on separate ends of the lawn.

It was such a beautiful day. There’s nothing like that hour before sunset. We simply tried it and know that’s another place we can hang out.

Regardless of your goals and adversities, you still have the right to cherish the small moments.

Allow yourself to explore new things even if it’s a new restaurant nearby or a tea shop you pass regularly.

It’s better to try something new than to not try at all. Otherwise how will you grow?

What’s something new you’re doing this weekend?

13 Things I’m Doing Post COVID

As more Americans get coronavirus vaccinations, it seems like there’s light at the end of a long dark tunnel. I am hopeful and a bit excited because it looks like we’re inching closer to normalcy. Ultimately, the news inspired me to think about my plans after the pandemic.

Here are 13 Things I’m Doing Post COVID:

  1. Get my hair trimmed or cut. I haven’t had a trim in 15 months. Although my hair has grown, there are a few uneven parts. I want my natural hair to grow back evenly which will likely require a cut.
Photo Source by The Black Hair Tribe
  1. Pay a stylist to install two strand twists. As someone with a low maintenance hair routine, I want a protective hairstyle that lasts 1.5-3 months. But I want my twists done differently by creating a side part. This will create a side sweeping effect that adds versatility and lets me play with it.
Business owner assisting customer in nail salon. Photo Source: Getty Images. Creator: Peathegee Inc.
  1. Get my nails done. I want a fresh manicure and a pedicure. I want to try a nail salon that offers quality nailcare products that won’t damage my cuticles and high quality press-on nails that last three weeks.
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com
  1. Meet up with my friends. Whenever my friends and I hang out, we have a good time. I’m looking forward to catching up over a delicious meal in Atlanta.
    1. Attend a Black burlesque show. Last year, I attended a talent showcase at Apache Café where three female performers did a burlesque number. I loved their confidence, the way they expressed their sensuality and sexuality. Now I want to attend an actual burlesque show and learn how to tap into my sensuality and sexuality.
    1. Attend a film festival. I love watching independent films and think it will be fun to meet new people during viewings. Also I like listening to panel discussions with the writers, directors and cast explaining the process of making the project.
    Photo by nappy on Pexels.com
    1. Attend a local fashion show. I have a newfound appreciation for fashion after binge watching Alaia, Chanel and Gianni Versace shows for three months. I would like to support an up-and-coming designer and identify what story their collection tells.
    1. Attend a social event at my coworking space. I look forward to vibing out to DJ Thrice Groove’s mix again and meeting other members. Plus it’s an excuse to dress up.
    1. Try out a semi-expensive sushi restaurant in Atlanta. I tend to patronize the same restaurants because I enjoy the food. However, I want to change my scenery and venture into Buckhead, Midtown Atlanta or Downtown Atlanta. My friend loves sushi-grade fish so I know she’ll come along.
    1. Go to a concert at Vinyl. I love small, intimate concert spaces because it feels like a private party. I don’t have to worry about people accidentally spilling drinks on me or security moving through the crowd because someone passed out from dehydration.
    Photo Source: The Connector
    1. Attend the Atlanta Jazz Festival and the Sweet Auburn Festival. Attending local festivals are a summer tradition for me. I enjoy the warm weather, admiring the way a handsome man’s brown skin glistens under the sun, and the sound of Frankie Beverly, Chaka Khan and Luther Vandross blaring through loudspeakers. It’s nothing but good, familial backyard BBQ vibes I cherish.
    1. Go to Tokyo Valentino. I’ve passed the store a couple of times. It looks intriguing from the exterior and I’m curious to know what the interior looks like.
    1. Go to G Garvey’s new restaurant. I love soul food and grew up watching his cooking show. Recently I saw a video of him making lobster and crab mac and cheese and I want it! Something tells me I’ll be required to make reservations and pay for parking but it’s worth it.

    What are you planning for post-vaccination or post-pandemic?

    Let me know in the comments below.

    Jealousy in Friendships: Truth Serum

    Last night, Raven Symone and Kiely Williams had a 22-minute conversation on Instagram Live regarding their relationship dynamic during The Cheetah Girls. Ultimately, Raven forgave her for their past issues and Kiely issued a half-apology.

    It was obvious Kiely was the guilty party, the jealous one and refused to take full accountability for her actions that made Raven feel ostracized nearly 20 years ago.

    The conversation made me think about jealousy and resentment in friendships.

    How can we hold ourselves accountable if we’re the jealous party?

    Nobody wants to admit they’re jealous of someone. Let alone a friend.

    jealous

    : hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage: ENVIOUS

    (according to Merriam Webster dictionary)

    Continue reading “Jealousy in Friendships: Truth Serum”

    How to Stay Productive During COVID

    We’re all processing the coronavirus. Everyday, news stations are reporting on both the rising number of COVID-19 cases and the death toll. We’ve all had plans delayed amid the pandemic. However, we can still be productive.

    Think about hobbies or passions you want to spend more time on. Think about the things you’ve been pushing back for days, weeks or months. In a world where it seems like there’s not enough time to accomplish everything we want, it now feels like we have nothing but time.

    Here are some ways I am using my time and some ways you can use yours.

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    Health in Her Hue by Jovonni R. Spinner

    Create a Vision Board

    As a creative dreamer, I always fantasize about different stories I want to tell via blogs, films and television series. Since I wrote down my desires, I found pictures that mirrored my short-term and long-term goals including travel, screenwriting and my cultural influences.

    If you are still figuring out what you want for yourself, write down what comes to mind. Find pictures in magazines or search Google Images. You can purchase a poster board at your local Walmart or Target store. You can also purchase it for $1 at Dollar Tree. If you have an empty box laying around, cut a piece off and use it.

    Continue reading “How to Stay Productive During COVID”

    Back to the Basics

    Good Morning!

    Some of you may be wondering how to keep yourself occupied during the quarantine. When I realized my entire family would be together 24/7 for the next several weeks, I felt trapped and anxious.

    How can I keep myself sane? 

    I thought about my childhood. There was something adventurous, carefree, and wholesome about 90s/early 2000s series and films. It was an era of feel-good content.

    Here are some ways to combat feelings of anxiety, fear and entrapment during the pandemic.

    Dragon-Tales-Cartoon-Games

    1. Childhood TV Shows

    During first grade, there was a blizzard in Brentwood, Long Island. Due to harsh weather conditions, schools were closed so I stayed home.

    I remember sitting in my basement drinking marshmallow-filled hot chocolate and eating vanilla Stella D’oro Marguerite cookies. Sometimes, I would dip my cookie into the hot chocolate. I sat comfortably in my pink cotton nightgown, pajama bottoms, white robe, and pink fuzzy slippers watching one of my favorite television shows, Dragon Tales. I was relaxed and at peace.

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    Cartoons: Hey Arnold, Rugrats, The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10, Foster’s Home of Imaginary Friends, Regular Show, and Dragon Ball Z are available on Hulu.

    2. Board Games

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    Board games are the perfect combination of competition, challenge, fun, and spending quality time with your loved ones. If you still have them, whip out that old board game and dust it off.

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    3. Favorite Childhood Films

    I enjoyed classics like Prince of Egypt, Anastasia, and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

    More Films: Prince of Egypt is available on Hulu. Most Disney films are available on Disney+ under a 7-day free trial. Otherwise, check Netflix and Hulu.

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    4.  More Content to Consider

    Childhood series: Maggie & the Ferocious Beast, Little Bear, Oswald, Cousin Skeeter, and As Told by Ginger.

    Card games: 21, War, Spit, Spades, Pitty-pat, and Goldfish.

    Puzzles: If you don’t have one, buy one. It will force you to use your critical thinking skills to complete the puzzle.

    Whatever your favorite childhood hobbies were, revisit them.

    What are you doing to keep yourself occupied?

     

    At a Crossroads

    “The heart wants what it wants.” – Selena Gomez and every American rom-com

    This is such a cliche statement. Since age 13, I have heard this phrase in numerous romantic comedies. The movie’s falling action was the female protagonist on a date with a guy that meets all her checklist requirements. Tom was handsome, successful and took Kate to a 5-star restaurant that overlooked some city skyline.

    As they chat over glasses of champagne, Kate realizes he’s too familiar. They relate in their professions, ambitions and financial stability. But Tom doesn’t make her laugh nor keeps her guessing.

    Continue reading “At a Crossroads”