Broken Promises. New Resolutions

I created this blog to talk about my adventures and then suddenly disappeared.  I didn't stop having adventures. I had quite a few which I will fill you in on later.  I just got lazy. I stopped taking care of myself and this blog was created to remind me to be good to myself. Well, I have decided, it's time to feel better.

I decided to take my health seriously. I don't want to be on blood pressure medication and with my family history, I have to be really careful with my health. I decided I no longer wanted to deal with extensions. I was tired of creating a persona based on my hairstyle. I decided to stop letting drama lead my life. I decided it was time for change and what a change it has been.

In March, I discovered my job was possibly going to be in jeopardy. The product I sold was no longer going to be valid due to new health care legislation. Initially, I was panicked. I had no idea what I wanted to do. As much as I loved my boss, I couldn't live the lie they wanted me to convey to my consultants and clients in my region. I was chastised, told I wasn't a team player, that I was being negative, and that I needed to get on board with what was being asked of me. I struggled with this. Deep down inside, I didn't want to be the sales rep who had a reputation in my marketplace as doing anything to close deal even if it meant recommending a product or service which could very possibly be irrelevant in a year. I stood my ground even though it severely stressed me out, but I had to live with my own conscience.  I tried to stay with the company I had worked for the 8.5 years, but in the end, a head hunter stole me away to another company. Job fear solved.

I had the most amazing vacation with my parents in June. I went to the PGA US Open at Pebble Beach. I was the envy of every man I knew. I spent an amazing week with my mother and father. I learned so much about the game of golf. The challenges of it. Its intensity. I have a new found respect for the game. But I also learned how much fun my parents are.  I really truly can hang out with my mom and dad. They make laugh. They comfort me when I see no hope. They remind me of who I am. And I always cherish the 10 days I spent them in California and Arizona.

While I was with my parents, I decided I was done with wearing hair extensions. Yes, men found them sexy, but why should I alter my natural beauty to please someone who only wants me for the superficial. I took my extensions and I went natural. Can I just tell you that it was the most liberating thing I have ever done. It was a work in progress for awhile. I have always had a chemical or some type of straightening in my hair since I was a child. I did not know how to style my hair, how to moisturize it, how to treat it. I was completely lost. But I learned. Thank God for YouTube and blogs and websites with information on how to transition from chemically treated hair to natural hair. I love that I can wake up in the morning, shower, wash my hair, condition it, and walk out the door. My hair has the most beautiful tightly coiled ringlets which develop when my hair is wet. I just let it air dry and keep on moving. No more flat ironing or curling or anything. It's amazing how much easier my morning routine is. It allows to showcase my natural beauty. I've even adjusted my makeup. Now, I'm just adorable as opposed to a diva, and I love it. I don't need dramatic makeup. My whole look makes a statement that I am comfortable with my full lips, my cheekbones, my almond eyes, and my tightly curled hair. For the first time in years, I am just happy to be me with no artificial coloring or fillers.

I started working out with a personal trainer and taking a weekly Pilates Reformer class. I walk or run on the treadmill. I lift weights and do strength trainer. I love it. It helps me destress and focus. I can clear my mind and get rid of all the drama of the day. I can fight back at all the people who are trying to pull me down. Exercise has become one of my favorite things.  Sometimes I run to keep everything out of my mind. I just want to focus and run as hard as I can to get away from the negativity. I discovered this year that I have a lot of people in my life who do not care about my well being or helping me do what is in my best interest. They want me to be miserable like them. I refuse to let them pull me down. I run away from it. I lift weights to conquer it. And I hold my planks in defiance.  I don't weigh myself, but my clothes are fitting better. My health is better. I feel better about myself. I get stronger with every work out mentally and physically. It's one of the best decisions I ever made. There are days I don't want to go to the gym. I just want to sit on my couch and watch tv. But I remember how I feel once I'm done. I put my shoes on and go workout. I will admit. The Pilates class is kicking my ass. I am so sore sometimes, but I can do amazing things with my body I could never do before.

I also got a new apartment and I love it!!!! I miss my old neighbors. I lived around a great set of people. I miss my city. I had to move out of DC. I now live in Arlington. I'm a little torn. DC has such an energy to it.  It's always got something going on. It's super diverse and eclectic. The city has it's own beauty. Arlington is completely different. It's preppy, somewhat frat boy kind of town.  I have gone out in Arlington a few times. It's just has a different energy, but it's still fun in its own way. DC is only 10 minutes away. Still close enough to cause mayhem. I needed to get away from my landlord and his trifling ways. If you are going to rent out an apartment, hire someone to take care of it. I should not be killing bugs and spiders every day. My floor shouldn't be sloped to the right. The doors should fit the door frame and not have so many spaces I can see outside. It was time to move. They are trying to screw me out of my deposit, but I have no problem filing a complaint with the Housing Authority.

After saying all of this, what adventures have I had? Lots. Let's see in April, in the freezing cold, I assisted in taking a Soca singer on a midnight tour of DC. We went to see all of the sites of DC. We finished at 5 in the morning. While we were out, we got a little hungry and made our way to Rogue States in Dupont Circle.YUMMY!!! The burgers were juicy and the sweet potato fries were crispy and delicious.  The place is open until 5 am!! What could be better after a night of drinking and partying? I love this place.  I went to Philly for 4th of July and had some amazing food. I always have good food in the city of Brotherly Love. We went to Alma de Cuba. The food was fantastic! The service was amazing and ambiance was sexy.  Sadly I wasn't there on a date, but it was still a good night. I also went to a free concert in the park with Chrisette Michelle, Chuck Brown, The Roots, and the Goo Goo Dolls. It was such a good time. There were so many people there, but every one was having a good time.

I love happy hour at Ceiba! It's is one of the best places in DC for happy hour. $5 drinks and half price menu.  The bartenders are wonderful. They are attentive, friendly, and helpful. They help you make informed choices on the menu for food and drink. And they have 2 happy hours. The first happy hour is from 3-6 and the 9:30 to close. AWESOME!!! I have a great time every time I go. The Greek Spot and Chix are two of my favorite "cheap eats" in DC. The food is excellent and the prices are incredible. Chix is all organic food and biodegradable products for take out. Their charbroiled chicken is a thing of beauty.  The Greek Spot is so small you can't really sit inside, but they make some of the best Greek food I have ever had. My favorite sandwich spot is Taylor Gourmet. I wish they had a location in Arlington. They are putting one in Bethesda which is not far from my new office.  They have a sandwich made with grilled chicken, broccoli rabe and sharp provolone cheese that I just absolutely devour every time I order it. It has so much flavor. It's juicy, it's spicy, it's delicious!

For my comfort food, I love going to Horace & Dickeys for fried fish.  I eat no one's tartar sauce but theirs. There is always a line out the door, but the food is consistently good, fresh, and flavorful. My favorite cupcake place is Baked and Wired.  I know every one is up in arms over Georgetown Cupcake. I like GC. I think their cupcakes are amazing, but I love Baked and Wired. I have had the best cupcakes there. They also have pies, cakes and cookies. It's in a great location and in a great space.  And their coffee is good too.

My new challenge? To discover Arlington. I have all my favorites in DC.  I need to find new favorites in Arlington. That's my new mission. My new adventure.