Doesn't matter what time someone comes in; 7:30 AM or 10:30 AM the conversation is always about lunch. “What’s for lunch?” “What are we eating today?” This leads to discussions about food; Meatloaf Monday, Taco Tuesday … this leads to someone saying an unfamiliar term like “pop” we call it soda 'round these parts … this leads to me laughing so hard as we discuss the proper pronunciation of Crayon.
Read MoreI identify as an introvert, although the image of my personality as seen by others may appear more balanced. I say identify because I Am aware that I minimize contact with other people, tend to be preoccupied with my own thoughts/ feelings and mainly have motives and actions that are directed inward.
Read MoreI was introverted, not shy in junior and senior high school. I had a popular older sister [by three years] and it afforded me a lot of favor with the upper classmen. I recently re-signed up on “the book”, please note I did it for the 7 extra spaces on the Target Cartwheel app. I also loved the Paper app but it was useless without an active account. Having not used the book in year(s) I thought all was lost, but living souls still there sharing and shining.
Read MoreI've become hypersensitive to the n word. I’ve used it among a very small circle of friends but have since stopped because it pull(s)(ed) at me. I’ve never joined the debate; reversing the power vs. the belief it’s impossible to separate the word from its repulsive racial past.
Read MoreA little over 2wo weeks ago the TramueLites were down to one vehicle while the other was being serviced.
First world problems.
The merciless god of perfection aligned the stars on this day; everyone having to be in different places at the same time. I was working an alternate schedule that required an earlier in-time, Brian had tutoring before school, Geneva had choir rehearsal before school and Michelle had to sharpen her sleeping skills. I’m kidding [because sometimes she reads my post], but no seriously. She chauffeured the kids and I rode the city bus.
Read MoreNovember 2007.
Scene: Business luncheon for social purposes.
I was dining with my direct manager, our portfolio manager and a team of portfolio managers from servicing. Our team managed commercial loans before they were packaged into securitization. Portfolio managers from servicing managed pools of loans after they are securitized. This is relative.
Not so random observation: The restaurant was located in the Gateway Village which has been a problematic location for restaurants. I’m witness to three great concepts unable to maintain.
Read MoreWithout fail every woman in each relationship sector; family, friendship, vocation and a four letter word beginning with L and ending with E require the blinds to be open upon awakening.
I believe I'm alive, functioning and able to maintain strictly from the prayers of my mother, sister(s) and The Future. "I have the desire to do what is good, but I can not carry it out." Romans 7:18
I've unsuccessfully attempted to honor my male body. Never have I stated "this time will be different" however I have and it has. Learning from my failures I've cut out high-fat foods, I've begun to eat more broiled and baked chicken, turkey and fish, fresh vegetables, fruits and nuts and I've completely cut out sugar. No more #SweetLife. One of my goals for 2014 was to get everyone in the house on board, it has been mildly successful [others won't give up the sugar completely] and contagious. Family and friends have committed to healthier living.
Read MoreBorrowed theme from author Diane Dorce's blog Miz's Write For Life
No matter my activity level in these social or real streets there is one constant anytime I return; singilism, a term coined by expert Bella DePaulo, Ph.D. that refers to the stereotyping and stigmatizing of people who are single. The conversations are one-sided, being single from a male perspective is missing or I follow and know too many single women.
Just prepped a few pieces of Salmon. I will pan sear and bake them for myself, (Michelle will make Salmon croquets for herself, Geneva & Brian for dinner) I'm in a no fry zone. I prepared breakfast for the family; bacon & eggs nothing significant, nothing I haven't done a million times. Maestro at my feet, begging for scraps. Brian on the couch playing Xbox. Michelle and Geneva still in bed. For all that I do I never get acknowledge for it. "Thank you mom, breakfast was delicious." Even the dog, after throwing him a few scraps worships Michelle.
Nothing but bad news for a few members of my extended family, close friends and co-workers this past week. Often I pray for others more than I pray for myself. I'm not afraid of bad things happening. I’m afraid of good things not happening.
I've seen a couple of events play out in the media and on twitter, I caution folks not to give into "Positive Image Mentality"; a phrase coined by Nelson George that suggests that the crux [among other things] of Black upward mobility is the concept that we must reject any and all information that highlights the flaws of African-American lifestyles & nuances, whether they are blatant truths or stereotypes.
Women be shopping & talking.
I've learned that there are things you shouldn't have to apologize for. Things I won't apologize for ... saying no, my introversion [desiring alone time to think, read, pray, sleep or whatever], not feeling well.
I Am.
I have friends, co-workers and family members who always offer their opinion or love to make the conversation about them. What I haven't figured out is if this is simply their communication style or if it really should always be about them. I recently had surgery and wanted to keep folks informed, what I received from some were personal stories of failure and what I would do's if I were you's. Unlike the Compassion of Others.
I'm pretty good about self-solving [TramueL's Law: A theory is better than its explanation] but I'm also not afraid to ask for help when needed. My be you [tiful] mind broke it down so it is forever and consistently broke.
In communicating; verbally or electronically I will follow TramueL's Law:
Self-reference. I will regularly use "to-me" language. My views, value judgements, beliefs, assumptions and conclusions are my own. Just like everyone else.
Non-aggression. I will refrain from personal attacks on living souls who disagree with me; no calling out their name, talking about their mama, sarcasm, covert tweets or shade.
Providing advice. I will provide advice only if solicited. One of the keys to giving advice is knowing when a person actually wants it. I have a girl that is a friend that calls or texts to complain [sometimes daily] but she does not want advice. Even when there is a problem with a clear solution, she will ignore it and continue to complain. At those times, I realize that she only seeks to vent and get the thoughts out of her head. No solution is being sought nor will she implement one in the future.
Julian Date 2456647.3125 there was an impromptu discussion about childhood memories with those whom I share cubicle space. Mostly everyone exchanged stories of teen defiance. Skipping school? Check. I did it the smooth way; I would call my mother and ask her to check me out. Skipping ain’t easy. Underage drinking? Nah, I didn’t have my first drink until I was twenty-one. Age ain’t nothing but a number, but watch out for the R. Among the group, the most common indiscretion was underage driving. Young souls taking the keys to the family whip all while their parents lay sleeping, hung-over or otherwise occupied. The infamous joy ride, I plead the fifth dimension bruh’ … at times my mother reads my post.
Read MoreHeavy in these social streets are conversations about attraction. Beard gang, team natural, tattoos, piercings, [insert other highly personalized appearance choices] there will always be something that pulls us in.
Read MoreArrived early to work this am, the streets were blocked with crowds of living souls walking purposefully. I detoured, approached the west side of my building. Fire trucks, however no flames or smoke … a fire drill. I park and exit the miracle whip. As I’m heading inside I catch the gaze of a woman in red. Red; passion, energy and action has always been my favorite color. I was drawn to it and then to her face. I lower my head to look down at my cell [because of something important] so that she wouldn’t notice me noticing her noticing me. I raise my head and I see our reflections in the mirrored glass. Perfect. She wasn’t looking at me she was looking at her own self.
Brian TramueL
Envy.
Most of us use it interchangeably with jealousy. I suppose this is because some are jealous and envious at the same time. However, their definitions differ when we consider envy as an emotion. I witness it frequently while working. Today a peer was pulled from our normal process and given a separate project. The shade as it was announced was epic. When someone lacks another person’s talents, skill or otherwise advantages and clearly wants them for themselves ... witness eyes turn green.
Read MoreSeptember kicked off a two month celebration for my family; it has become a precursor to the holiday season. The kids are up next; Geneva's October 1st and Brian's October 2nd. Early Sunday I asked Brian if he wanted to go to Target, my plan to engage him in conversation about the bike he wants was met with excitement. I thought he figured me out, to my surprise his enthusiasm was about finding the perfect card for his sister. This guy even paid for it with his own money. I couldn't let him do that after such a loving gesture.
Compassion sets us apart from others.
Sometimes I try to be the observer and the observed. I understand that my experience will not be the same as others. During another exchange with single dude once again I felt my point of view was the springboard for one-upmanship.
Read MoreWe arrived late in the evening, only after asking what time they closed did we realize we had 30 minutes to eat, drink and by merry. We were greeted with enthusiasm and energy as if the place just opened. After being seated the server did not rush, took his time explaining the specials for the night, however he did inform us that the kitchen would be closing soon, still we sampled beer and took our time before ordering. The food came out perfect; the serviced remained consistent throughout the night.
Read MoreSunday night I watched my social media streams fill with commentary about all things entertainment; Game of Thrones to Beyoncé to the NBA. As fans, stans, and critics; we discuss things for ‘investigation’ and gossip, both understanding and insulting. No matter your point of view, there is always that friend or follower who believes they have a personal connection with a celebrity and will stan until the end of time.
Read MoreBrian’s hair while high isn’t the mess that all of this trouble is worth. I’ve never understood until today why hearing “… you need a haircut bad ” vexes me so much. First with Aaron & now Brian.
Read MoreA break in monotony or routine is a welcome change for me during the work day. A few exceptions exist; the meeting about the meeting, ultimately it is about another meeting and training. Normally I would doodle, count the number of bad weaves and make fun of the ugly people with my work-wife and press on.
Read MoreI’ve found a formula to read more and will triple my reading goal for this year. Although I want to share my thoughts on everything I read I've realized that I am not interested in making something I find enjoyable an assignment. Reading is FUNdamental and is something to do with joy or it becomes a task like cutting grass. I don’t want to cut the grass. I’ve read and reviewed a few books here on the blog, some books I just read. There are some unfinished reads in my Kindle, in my car, on a table, on my dresser …
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