life
The Importance of Knowing your worth.
One of the first things I did when I ventured on my own was create a giant list of services I could offer and determine how much to charge for them. It’s not as easy as it sounds. The work I do is all stuff I enjoy doing, which helps, but we all have to […]
More
Be the CEO… of your life.
I was having a conversation with a colleague a few weeks ago, catching up on life. I was telling her about my upcoming trip overseas and that I’d started planning a trip back to New York City this summer. “Wow, you are just LIVING your life!” she said. Yeah… I’ve been sort of on a […]
MoreLearning to let go.
I have never been one to let go of anything. In fact, I hold onto things longer than I should, to the point that it’s problematic. I hold onto everything. From physical mementos in photo boxes and clothes that don’t fit to memories (the good and the bad) and grudges. I am really, really bad […]
More
Blanche’s Book Club: ‘The Bucket List’.
Hey there! It’s about 11 on Tuesday night, and while I normally would be tucked in bed by now, I’ll admit I’ve got some nerves keeping me awake. In the morning, I’m heading to a dermatologist to have my skin examined for signs of cancer. Right before I went on vacation, I was putting on […]
MoreFor my dad.
As many of you know, my dad passed away on February 3. This has been the most trying time of my life – and although I haven’t felt comfortable enough to share much about my dad, I’m really thankful I have this outlet, and people who read it and can related to the story of […]
MoreWhat I’ve learned from John McCain.
As we head into the holiday weekend, I wanted to write a bit on John McCain. I will admit, if you asked me even a year ago my thoughts on Senator McCain, I would have rolled my eyes. I probably don’t have to say it, but I’m a die-hard liberal. I don’t agree with McCain’s […]
MoreBlanche’s Book Club: ‘Leah on the Offbeat’.
Hey there! I am going to jump right into the subject matter today because I waited SO long to get this book in my grubby little paws. Today, I’m talking about “Leah on the Offbeat” by Becky Albertalli. As soon as I read “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda“, I put myself on the library […]
MoreBlanche’s Book Club: ‘Big Magic’.
Hey there! I had a fun little Saturday yesterday – I got my hair done (a slightly new cut and a bold red color), went on my weekly “Food Adventure”, where I try a new restaurant (I went to Modern Market for a Blueberry Pesto sandwich), and did some shopping at Trader Joe’s (picked up […]
MoreSummer Meltdown… to realness.
Last night was yet another showcase for my Dance Austin Studio family. This was the Summer Meltdown, Take 2, which was a music video series. It was, of course, different from other showcases Dance Austin has hosted in the past – it was a four-week series followed by a video shoot, instead of a live […]
MoreDo I have a ‘Catitude’ problem?
“All you do is complain.” My coworker was standing in my boss’ doorway, yelling at me, while I was staring at her, my eyes wide while sipping coffee. Rewind this about two minutes and you’d have found us on the other side of our office suite. She’d asked me a question that I didn’t have […]
MoreLiving single… at 33.
You might recall a popular TV series in the mid-90’s, “Living Single”, that followed six black singletons living in Brooklyn. They were in their twenties. Because that’s when most people are single, right? I haven’t written about my (lack of) dating life in a while – in fact, when I searched through the archives of […]
MoreCelebrating 20 years of ‘Sex and the City’!
This week, fans of “Sex and the City” have been celebrating its 20th anniversary – can you believe it? HBO’s iconic series debuted in 1998, when I was in 8th grade. We didn’t have HBO at my house growing up, so I didn’t come across the series until I was a junior in high school, […]
MoreBlanche’s Book Club: ‘The Rainbow Comes and Goes’.
Hello! It’s Friday and I’m just rolling right on through my reading list. Usually, I use my library reserve list to choose the order in which I read books (when it comes time to pick up, that’s the book I read next), but given my recent loss, I saw this book was on the shelf […]
MoreStage Five: Acceptance.
Ah, here we are, the final stage: Acceptance. This stage can come across as a giant sigh of relief, but the truth of the matter is, acceptance does not equal joy or mean that life goes back to the way it was. Instead, it simply means that we are accepting life without our person; and […]
MoreStage Four: Depression.
Stage four isn’t that shocking – it’s depression. Why wouldn’t someone going through grief suffer from depression? I have been slogging through the darkness of depression and sadness since my dad’s surgery in late September. Although depression can come in many forms for different people, for me, there was one telltale sign: things that normally […]
MoreStage Three: Bargaining.
Stage three of grief is an interesting one. Bargaining refers to promises that may have been made before the person passed away. For example, praying and asking God to please spare your loved one; or perhaps making a promise that you’ll never do anything bad again if only this person can live longer. These types […]
MoreStage Two: Anger.
Already, anger has played a pretty big part in my grieving process. Actually, anger has had a role in the relationship I’ve had with my dad for many years. As described by the experts, this stage of grief can be met with general feelings of anger, along with structured feelings of being angry at a […]
MoreStage One: Denial.
My dad was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer in October of 2017. I know that typically, the five stages of grief are part of the healing process after loss; after death. But I have been coping with symptoms of grief since I heard the news about a mass in his brain. I […]
MoreBlanche’s Book Club: ‘Ramona Blue’.
Happy Hump Day! We’re already halfway through the week, plus I’m so excited to share Blanche’s Book Club’s latest read – it’s a goodie! Today, we’re talking about “Ramona Blue” by Julie Murphy. Here is the description from Amazon.com: Ramona was only five years old when Hurricane Katrina changed her life forever. Since then, it’s […]
MoreThe Love Hangover: Bring painkillers.
Last night, I put performances in my 5th showcase with Dance Austin Studio to bed. After our showcase in November, I said I was coming for you, Love Hangover, and that’s exactly what happened. In the fall, my life took a turn when my dad was diagnosed with brain cancer. When I found out, we […]
MoreInvisalign: Two weeks in!
Okay, I’m about two days shy of the three-week mark using Invisalign, but this will just have to do! I have been curious about Invisalign for the last year for a few reasons. For starters, I’ve never had traditional braces and I cannot TELL you how many times my dentist has asked me if I’m […]
MoreBlanche’s Book Club: ‘The Identicals’.
Hey, hey! We made it to Friddaaayyyy – this week has been crazy busy! I’ve been cranking out Holly Golightly Sleep Masks for my Etsy Shop. I’m thankful they are selling, but man, it’s a lot of work! Anyway, I’m so excited to share the latest read from Blanche’s Book Club: “The Identicals” by Elin […]
MoreHealthcare, tears, and TSA
Almost two weeks ago, I got a call from my uncle letting me know my dad had been admitted to the hospital. As I’ve mentioned here before, the relationship I have with my dad came to a halt about three and a half years ago. I haven’t heard from him since then, or really heard […]
MoreWordCamp San Antonio!
Hey there! I’m fresh off a weekend of geeking out over WordPress, so I’m pretty excited to be blogging today. I’ve had this on my calendar for a few months now, so I was pretty excited when the weekend rolled around. I wasn’t aware of this, but WordPress hold these WordCamps each year, in different […]
MoreTurns out, I’m healthy.
It’s been awhile since I’ve offered an update on my health. In May and June of this year, I started the rounds on doctors’ appointments. I had checkups, exams, and even got my blood tested. At the time I wrote my last update, I was awaiting my test results. I got them back awhile ago […]
MoreSelling my baggage on eBay.
One of my goals for 2017 was to clean out my apartment. Not clean up, no, actually go through every little nook and box and get rid of things, and also do a better job of the things that I brought into the apartment. My tiny place is 650 square feet, including my patio, and […]
MoreOn keeping it real (honest).
It’s 9:30 pm, and I’m writing this on my phone as I soak in the tub. I just had a mini-meltdown in my car and am grasping for all of my self care necessities at once: Blanche, bubble bath, John Mayer, and a clay mask. Since Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, I’ve been stressed. I’ve been […]
MoreDetox Your Dating: Day 7.
Whew! It’s the final day of this Dating Detox. Technically, I know it took me longer than 7 days to get through it, but I’m a busy gal, and let’s face it, this was tough. Day 7 Challenge: Check Yourself! Today is all about taking a look within. Am I ready for a serious relationship? […]
MoreDetox Your Dating: Day 6.
Ok – day 6! Today is all about the “Top ingredients for a high-quality man”. This is exactly what I need to see. Denise has a list of just SOME of the ingredients of a high-quality man, and they are: His actions will always speak louder than his words. High Quality mens’ words and actions […]
MoreWatching: ‘Patti Cake$’.
I’m pretty sure that every movie I saw this summer featured a preview for the indie-film “Patti Cake$”. Granted, I didn’t go to THAT many movies this summer, and every single one of them was at the Drafthouse, so, you get it. But, I really wanted to see this movie. The previews said Patti would […]
MoreDetox Your Dating: Day 5.
SRSLY, everyone is just freaking out about this solar eclipse – is it really that big of a deal? My office doesn’t even have windows, so I’m 100% sure I will not notice when Texas gets 65% coverage. Le sigh. Anyway, onto Day 5, and this one is a tough one for me. Day 5 […]
MoreDetox Your Dating: Day 4.
The detox for day 3 was pretty eye-opening for me, so I’m curious to dive into day 4! This day is all about “Recognizing your cravings for attention”. Oh boy… Day 4 Challenge: Recognize Your Cravings for Attention Denise explains that many successful women admit to having some sort of “attachment” to something on the […]
MoreDetox Your Dating: Day 3.
Still drinking the metaphorical green juice for this Dating Detox from Denise Poteat. I know I’ve said it before, but even though I would not consider myself an active dater – reflecting on my past always does a number on me (this time for the better, I think). So, day 3, let’s get it! Day […]
MoreDetox Your Dating: Day 2.
Who is ready for Day 2 of this Dating Detox Challenge? ME! Well, sort of. Because here’s the thing: I’m not really dating. I haven’t been on an actual date in two years, and even that is pretty lenient, because that date was a special situation. Needless to say, it’s been an embarrassingly long time […]
MoreThat time I tried Instacart.
A few weeks ago, my Jeep was in the shop and I was without a rental car (it’s the gift of Jeep that keeps on giving). So, I was taking Lyfts all over the city, but after ride #4, I was trying to figure out ways NOT to take a Lyft. This included making efforts […]
More5 Days of Lyft rides.
I drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I’ve had it for almost three years, and I’ve quickly learned that I bought a bad one – it has recalls on recalls, extended warranties on damaged parts, and while it’s still under the manufacturer’s warranty, so many people (at least in Austin) have bad Jeeps that the wait […]
MoreIs foreplay feminist?
A few years ago, I had a date with this guy I really liked. We cooked dinner at his house, and before I knew it, we were upstairs, in his bed, making out. I quickly told him I wasn’t ready to sleep with him since we weren’t monogamous and hadn’t even been talking that long. […]
MoreThe other side of heartbreak.
I promised I’d fill you in on my love life as of late, and well, I’m a woman of my word. And yeah, I’m going to somehow try and explain this as honestly as possible, without going off the deep end. Here goes. I’ve known this guy for 16+ years (ugh, I’m so old), and […]
MoreBirthday goodies!
That’s right, I celebrated a birthday earlier this month. While I don’t like to make a big scene about my birthday, I was really excited to be surrounded by cakes, balloons, and I even got sung to, twice! Lucky, lucky girl right here. I usually spend my birthday with reflection heavy on the brain, but […]
MoreBlanche’s Book Club: ‘On Turpentine Lane’.
Congrats – you made it! I feel like I always go into a short week thinking it’s going to be so awesome, but then it ends up being more difficult than a regular week. I don’t know about you, but between getting things back to “normal” after time off, paired with a weird work week […]
MoreIt’s true: You really can’t go home again.
Last week, I took a trip home to Indiana to visit some old friends and family. It had been 18 months since I’ve been back, and I was really looking forward to it. I had three big things on my to-do list during my six-day trip: 1. Honor my friend Cheryl by participating in a […]
MoreIndiana: A story of what could be?
Howdy! I had every intention of posting yesterday, but life took over – okay, more like work took over, and I was up until the wee hours this morning finishing things, and packing for my trip to Indiana tomorrow. I planned this trip months ago, so I could participate in my second “Take Steps for […]
MoreA sunless, summer glow.
That’s right, I’ve been trying SO many different kinds of sunless tanners and bronzers ever since I got home from Vegas. I’ll be honest, I have always loved laying out in the sun. Even in high school, I’d lay out in my backyard (no pool present), complete with Sun-In in my hair (which looked really […]
MoreLife in the ‘Soap Opera’.
On Sunday, I went to the laundromat, and I realized something – the laundromat has been a staple in my life for much longer than I realized. I remember going to the laundromat as a kid; I also remember not liking it, even though it involved absolutely no work on my end. The place was […]
More2017 Goals: A progress report, II.
It’s June, and that means we’re halfway through 2017 ALREADY! When I set my goals for the year I was thinking about how so many people simply set goals on New Year’s Eve and basically never revisit them, and before they know it, the year has passed. I don’t want that to be me this […]
More‘Southern Charm’: The Hangover.
After the way we left last week’s episode, I was really looking forward to last night’s chapter! Naturally, things kick off with Saint’s birthday party, where Kathryn does decide to go. Everyone is pretty happy to see her there, and she actually gets along with Thomas. However, Patricia still has her sights set on Thomas […]
MoreA rare opportunity…
Each year, some of the best choreographers, dancers, and studio owners get together for a weekend benefit that raises money in hopes of finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. The event – Dance to Breathe – is pretty unique, but I probably wouldn’t have known about it had I not been involved with my studio. […]
MoreSaying goodbye to ‘Girls’.
While most of America was gorging on honey ham and chocolate bunnies, I was waiting for the series finale of HBO’s “Girls”. Don’t worry, I whipped up stuffed shells with butternut squash sauce and some crescent rolls for the occasion. I know “Girls” took a lot of shit – for making millenials look bad; for […]
MoreBlanche’s Book Club: ‘My Year With Eleanor’.
Hellooooo! I know it’s technically a holiday, so perhaps you’re reading this from the comfort of your bed? Or the beach? Here’s to hoping! I’m at the office today, but we have spent a majority of the week packing, since the movers are coming tomorrow to put all of our work things in a new […]
MoreAn update on my fatigue, II.
It’s been an entire month since I told you guys about my trouble with fatigue, and I am happy to report that things are a little better. After a week of drinking banana tea, I wanted to try a natural sleeping pill. Making the tea every night was a long process, but the sleep that […]
MoreComparing cosmetic primers.
Over the last few months, I have been testing several different primers under my daily makeup to see which one I like best. Primers seem to be all the rage, given that basically every cosmetic brand has one – but how are we supposed to know what’s going to work for us? Because I have […]
MoreAlbums that changed my life.
Happy Humpday, my friends! Ever since I found out I’m seeing the Backstreet Boys (in just a few short weeks), I have been taking a stroll down memory lane via old CDs. Yes, I still have CDs. A lot of them are still in my car, and once I got started, I couldn’t stop digging […]
MoreLoneliness is tragic.
Lately, I’ve been feeling lonely. There’s a difference between being alone and feeling lonely, because, well, I’ve been alone for a greater part of the last 14 years. Most of that time, though, I haven’t felt lonely. After two tragedies struck my friends and family in Indiana over the last six weeks though, I started […]
MoreBlanche’s Book Club: ‘The Unexpected Everything’.
Hey, hey! We made it to the end of the week! I still have a busy day ahead, but I’m a big fan of the Friday energy, so I’ll take it. I’m excited to tell you about this book I read, so I’ll jump right in. It’s a YA novel called, “The Unexpected Everything” by […]
More‘So Cosmo’: Cosmo AF.
Does this week seem soooooo long to anyone else? It’s been super crazy at work, and I’m trying my best to keep my cool, but I’m ready for the weekend! Leave it to “So Cosmo” to provide a little mid-week relief. The episode is all sorts of Cosmo drama when Tiffany wore a borrowed sheer […]
MoreAttitude is everything.
Very rarely in my life have I been praised for my attitude. Since I can remember, I was told I have an attitude problem. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about attitude, and how it affects the makings of my days. When I got my first job post-college, I was one of the youngest people […]
More‘So Cosmo’: Woman Up.
Hey, hey! It has been a bit of a doozy of a week – so bad I almost had to go out and buy myself a bottle of wine, but I didn’t, because 1. I’m too lazy, and 2. I’m really serious about not messing up my “sleep study” (please read Tuesday’s post for clarity). […]
MoreFinding pride in the soles of shoes.
**The following is a piece of original writing I entered into an essay contest. It didn’t win, but I like it, and I thought you might, too. Happy Humpday, y’all!** Each employee was to schedule a meeting with our new manager to discuss our job roles, challenges, and goals. My meeting was set for a […]
MoreAn update on my fatigue…
It’s been a few weeks since I told the world (yes, that’s the power of this blog) about my case of extreme fatigue – read all about it here – and I figured it’d be a good time for an update. Just a few days after the post, I decided to spend that weekend getting […]
MoreIs my single life… boring?
Last week, I mentioned that I’ve been suffering from extreme fatigue lately. As promised, I spent the weekend, and each night this week really making an effort to get quality sleep in hopes of pinpointing the problem (you can expect a progress report next week). Part of solving the problem involves taking a solid look […]
More
The Bitter Lemon 
You must be logged in to post a comment.