Special Events
Upside Down Exercises
At some point in my pole fitness journey, I want to invert, which makes the difference between my current level and advancing to the next one, level 4. It’s a pretty daunting task to invert while on the pole. The fight against gravity is pretty gnarly when hanging on right-side up. What I’ve learned in … Continue reading
Another Reason to Celebrate
On days like these, the most authentic restaurants don’t care about cultural appropriation. Not that I attempted to dress or act like anything else that who I was: a hungry person who also drinks. My Mango Margarita We stood outside with the rest of the customers who waited for tables. The restaurant had placed all … Continue reading
Didn’t Congress End This?
I distinctly remember around this time last year, Congress made a lot of noise about ending Daylight Savings. They cited many reasons why it was no longer needed and even dangerous to continue the tradition of “springing forward” an hour, which robs us of an hour of sleep. Not to mention those of us who … Continue reading
Black History Dance Celebration
When one of my cousins invited us to an event as part of a monthlong black history celebration, several of us had different ideas about what it would be: a potluck, a dance, a play, or some other presentation. I knew for sure that it was a potluck because, once again, Mom had been requested … Continue reading
Auntie’s Surprise 80th BD Party
I’m always apprehensive to attend a surprise birthday party for an older person. I remember that scene in the movie, “Get Shorty,” where the surprised birthday person has a heart attack. I’d hate to be associated with such an unfortunate event, but my extended family has been smart. We lie to the unsuspecting birthday person … Continue reading
My Dapper Uncle’s Homegoing
Rest In Power, Uncle Floyd On Thanksgiving Day 2022, I had the pleasure to interview Uncle Floyd for an episode of Strange Family Folklore called, “Killing Santa Claus & Other Cascade Childhood Memories.” At the time, I knew what a blessing Uncle Floyd’s good spirits were. At 93, Uncle Floyd had reoccurring health conditions that … Continue reading
Non-Materialistic Christmas
For the first time ever, I made a conscious decision not to add to my immediate family’s cathedral of junk. I googled “non-materialistic Christmas gifts.” From consumables to experiences, I brainstormed what was within my budget. Initially, I planned to buy the ingredients for baked goods I thought they would enjoy preparing and then consuming. … Continue reading
Trunk or Treat
My sister invited me to participate in the Trunk or Treat activity at the church where we attend. I’d never heard of it before, but apparently it’s been going on for a while…to the extent that there are costumes to deck out one’s car that can be bought online. Of course. Halloween is my favorite … Continue reading
Hampton Reunion
I took a Friday off to travel with my parents to visit my father’s side of the family. On a rare occasion, we left exactly on time. Of course we left with the usual bickering between my parents, which is more of a sign of a longtime couple who’ve been married for 61 years. I … Continue reading
Ninja Courses
Just as my life was settling down and starting to feel too routine, my sister invited me to volunteer with her and my nephew for an outdoor activity. I’d been to this outdoor family-oriented area previously when I’d searched for a leave a book/take a book kiosk. Apparently, this organization had hosted the Ninja obstacle … Continue reading