The Teacher Is Now The Student

Adults tend to think that they know it all and that children are to learn from them. I've come to learn that, sometimes, they teach us our biggest lessons. 

In my first year of teaching, I had a set of twin girls in one of my classes. The other kids had nicknamed them Super Christians. Why? Because they were unashamed to tell the world how much they loved God, spent a lot of their free time in church, and used their BEAUTIFUL singing voices to glorify His name. I was in awe at their boldness. If you read my previous post, I said that I thought it was uncool to serve God during my teenage years, so I was in awe of the courage these 8th graders possessed. 

In my last year of teaching, I had a young lady in my class, who when faced with hard times, especially with her peers, would say, "I wasn't built to break."  Every time she said it, I'd be dumbfounded for a moment as I revered in her strength. I find myself thinking of her quote when I'm faced with my own troubles and struggles. 

There was another young lady who always professed, "I'm going somewhere in this world; I can't do that!" She always said that when her peers were pressuring her to do what they weren't supposed to be doing. I used to laugh, sometimes out loud, when it happened. The way she said it was so funny. I keep up with her to this day. She's still on track. ;-)

There have been many other young people, mainly my former students that have left lasting impressions on me. Some of them have seen so much heartache but have the tenacity of a 10-story brick building. Others have so much love and joy to spread around just because. I'm so glad to have met them and been able to take a piece of what they have to offer with me as I continue my journey. 

What Not to Wear

If I've ever been jealous of anyone before in my life, I'm jealous of the two people in the pic below.

The Fantabulous Duo of Stacy London and Clinton Kelly

They get to dress and style women for a living! How fun is that?! 

You should see some of the women that come through their doors. They have absolutely no style whatsoever. Actually, most of the women that come on the show are dressing to disappear. They almost want to be invisible. They wear sweat pants, tees, and hoodies most of the time. The problem is that this look actually attracts the attention that they didn't want. Ironic, huh?

     

BEFORE (looking like a FRUMPMONSTER)

Her curves look so much better in this AFTER 

look

.

On the other hand, some of the women that appear on the show dress to garner negative attention. They wear the tightest, shortest skirts to the loudest, most outrageous makeup. They're different from the old-fashioned ones who want to disappear; these ladies crave attention and will do just about anything to get it (style wise, that is - get your mind out of the gutter). 

All in all, these women dress this way for a reason. Have you ever heard someone say that they're expressing themselves through the way that they dress? It's so true. You can tell if they're feeling creative and artistic, on top of the world, or just down in the dumps. I'm guilty of it myself. Some days, I just feel eh and it comes across in my outfit. Lucky for me that I have a good wardrobe, and I'll always look fly. (Just kidding!) I do believe, however, that you can tell a lot about how someone feels about themselves by the way that they present themselves. Those frumpy ladies who ALWAYS dress in huge clothing that hides their curves and shape don't feel so great about themselves. They always shed tears when talking to Stacy and Clinton as the duo gets to the bottom of the issue at hand. The funny thing, or not, is that the ladies who dress in little to nothing with the wild makeup begging for attention feel the same way about themselves. Something is lacking, which makes them feel as though they have to overcompensate. Stacy and Clinton usually get to the bottom of those issues as well. It's interesting how these women's think they're coming to New York City in search of a new wardrobe, but instead they're actually in search of their inner confidence. 

BEFORE

AFTER 

(She's wearing her confidence now. Do you see it?)

I think that's the real reason why I envy their jobs. They're not only stylists, but therapists using their own method to boost these women's opinion of themselves and their self-esteem. If you know me, you know that my goal in life is to sprinkle self-esteem on any and every young girl that needs it (so that they don't turn into these frumpmonsters when they get older). Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves and feel like they can accomplish any- and everything they set their minds to. In my opinion, it can begin with the look. 

My Most Important Relationship

I bet you can't guess to whom I'm referring.....

God. With Him, I have the most important relationship of my life. I love Him, and I know He loves me. It all began when I was 19 years old. I would love to say that it was earlier in my life that I began this relationship, but I can't. I always thought it was uncool to love God as a child and teenager. However, when I went to college, I joined this group called IMPACT. It was a bible study group of college students on the campus of UCF. I loved this group. I can't remember how I was introduced to this group, but I do remember the fun we had in the name of Jesus. The group was composed of mostly African-American men and women. (It was so inspiring to see black men openly displaying their love for God.) Anyhow, we had bible study weekly and outings every other week, including dinners, swimming, movies, and game nights (good, clean fun). A lot of those events were planned by me as it's something I love to do. Anyway, seeing how they would pray without ceasing, maintain faith through tough times, and just declare their love for Him made me want the same thing. So, I gave my life to Him.

Now, have I nurtured that relationship since then? Have I invested like I should have, like I do in my human relationships? Honestly, no. I actually am very ashamed to say so. I feel guilty a lot for always going to Him in a time of need and not just because I want to thank Him....just because. But He's always there. He's seen me through some ROUGH times. Sometimes, I still doubt. You might ask why after all He's done? I don't know. Well, I think I do know, but that's another post in itself.

I do want that ultimate relationship with Him. I want to go to Him in need as well as "just because." I think I'm at a turning point though. I know He doesn't want just part of me; He wants all of me. And He will get it. His will be done.

What I Wish I'd Known In My 20s

I saw the above pic on Instagram. Reading the list, I realized that if I had written it, I would include the items listed (with a few modifications) along with some others. Here's how my list would go:

6. Trust a little more. Don't be so suspicious of everyone and everything.
7. No FEAR is more than just a slogan on these T-shirts. (Want to do something, do it. What's the worst that could happen?)
8. Your 30s are not so scary. They're actually more exciting than your 20s.
9. It's ok to think about yourself first. 
10. You will never be as young again as you are today. LIVE LIFE! HAVE FUN!
11. Your relationship with God needs to be nurtured. Daily.

Overall: TRUST YOURSELF.

Thank You

If you've taken the time to read my posts, I want to let you know that I appreciate you. It means a lot that you're keeping up with my random thoughts. Thanks for your comments as well.

Thank you!

I Was So Embarrassed Yet I'd Done Nothing To Deserve It

Last week, I visited a school in Florida. As usual, it was the end of the school day. Parents were in the looooong parent pickup line waiting for their students. (By the way, more power to the parents that get to a school 30 minutes before school ends to sit in that long line to pick up their kids. The line usually wraps around the school, and once it starts moving, you're only moving at a snail's pace. More. Power. To. You.) Anyway, it was pouring rain when I arrived to the school. This had become habitual as well. It's sunny one moment, then there's a torrential monsoon the next moment. There was a bit of lightning and thunder as well. (Good thing I had my umbrella that was gifted to me by the principal in a precious post.)

Because of this rain, lightning and thunder, the school is not releasing any of the students. I think there's some Florida law that does not allow students to be released in these conditions. Another option schools have is to allow parents to come in one by one to pick up their child. (Did I mention that the parent pickup car line wrapped around the school?) 

It's been 30 minutes since school has been over and students are still stuck in classrooms. Parents are calling in to the office asking what's going on. The staff explains to each parent that they're priority is keeping the kids safe and are not releasing them until the lightning/thunder subsides. I'm sitting in the office waiting patiently. Here we go. A parent comes in and asks if she can go get her child from class. Stunning me, the receptionist says yes. She goes, gets her daughter, and then walks out the door with her. (You know what's about to happen, right?) Yep. Here comes other parents asking for their kids. The principal comes through and tells them kindly that they can't get their kids. They accept it and go back to their cars. 

The next parent can be heard before she even enters the building. 

Parent: I'm tired of this shit! (Uh oh. She opens the door.) I need my kids!

The principal gives her the same spiel that she gave the other parents. (For some reason, I'm not thinking this is going to go do smoothly with this parent.)

Parent: I don't have time for this; I gotta go to work at 3:00!

Principal doesn't budge. 

Parent: How come that lady was able to get her kids?!

The principal states that a mistake was made, but no kids will be released. 

Parent: Well, Imma stand here til y'all give me my kids. This shit ain't right!"

So she stands there holding the door open letting in the wind and rain. (I didn't appreciate this as I was in the direct line of this crap.)

Office staff oblivious to the showdown that just went down says, "Is someone holding the door open?"

Parent: (Angrily) What did she say about me holding the door open?! What?! 

Office staff: She just asked was someone holding the door open. That's all. You're welcome to come in and wait.  

Parent: Hell nall! I'm not moving til y'all give me my kids! 

The principal says nothing, stands her ground, and finally the angry parent goes on her merry way. 

My point: Did I mention that the angry parent was black? Did I have to, or were you able to come to that conclusion on your own? The other parents were Hispanic and white. I was feeling some type of way being the only other black person in the room. I didn't care what people thought of me as a person, but I couldn't help but think that they were thinking that was typical behavior or expected behavior from my people. It angered me that she was acting so ignorant. I cringed every time she opened her mouth. I wanted to yell at her, "Heifer, they're trying to keep your damn kids safe. Take your a$$ back to your car! Call your job and tell them you're going to be late!" But that would've been stooping to her level, but it seemed that someone needed to speak her language. However, that would only perpetuate the problem, not solve a thing. I was so embarrassed sitting there and all I'd done was sit there. 

15 Random Things About Me

Just because. Leggo....

1. I live in the Bed Stuy area of Brooklyn. The name alone scares me since Chris Rock referred to it as "Do or die Bed Stuy" on his TV show, "Everybody Hates Chris." However, my street is nice (and pretty). 

2. Social media junkie. It's currently getting in the way of me finishing a project. 

3. I am the second oldest of 5, 4 girls and 1 boy. I love them dearly. 

4. I hate laundromats. Traumatized as a kid from sitting and waiting with complete strangers while watching clothes go around and around. Purposeless. 

5. I like washing dishes and can't stand when people don't do a great job themselves. 

6. I grew up in the projects. Started from the bottom, now I'm here!

7. I get bored with things quickly. Change is my friend. 

8. I LOVE Chick-Fil-A. I order the same thing every time - Number 1 with a small cookies and cream milkshake with no cherry. ( I don't like the idea of a cherry, that someone's hand has been all over floating undone thing I'm drinking. 

9. I can fit in in just about any situation or group or race of people. Credit goes to me being the only black person in my classes in school. 

10. I'm open minded. I'll try anything, (well, almost anything) once. I try not to judge others for their choices. 

11. Shoes are the hardest accessory for me to shop for. Why? Because I wear a size 11. And it has to be a specific type of size 11 for these feet to fit. I'm not an 11w, but not necessarily an 11m either. If I could, I'd design my own shoes for big footed women. Shame on shoe designers for thinking all women's feet are the same. 

12.  I'm a germaphobe. I don't eat everyone's cooking. I pay attention to see if you regularly wash your hands. (Many people don't, especially after getting off the nasty subway.) Im not a fan of people who constsntly touch their pets while cooking. (Everytine you touch your pet, you shoukd wash your hands). I hate when people double dip with food. I actually hate having buffet style dinners. I'd rather just order my own plate of food. 

13. My sleep pattern is jacked. I go to bed around 1am and wake up around 4:45am. I then get back to sleep around 6 or 6:30am. I get an hour or two of more sleep at that point. 

14. When I was younger, I wanted to be a cosmetologist. I loved to do hair. Still do. I even looked into a school while I was in college. 

15. My first major in college was Accounting. I failed my first Accounting class 3x. I even had to pay out of state tuition fees for that class and still failed. I didn't fail because I wasn't capable. I failed because I was depressed, seriously, and had no focus. (That's a later post.)

Dear Cupid....

It's no secret. I've been traveling a lot with my job. I've traveled so much within this year of having this job that I flew home to my sister's wedding using my miles and I'm a Platinum Elite member  with Marriott. Traveling home to Florida for my job has it's perks. As I said, Florida is home. My peeps are here. Sometimes it's like I never left.

I became a Platinum Elite member with Marriott because of my time spent mostly in Orlando. At one point, I spent 30 days straight here in this hotel. (Yes, I'm here now.) The employees are like my family away from home. They treat me so well (I was upgraded to a suite on this stay) when I come and I get hugs and kisses from the staff when they see me.

Let's talk about those hugs and kisses. There's one member of the staff who tends to linger around when he sees me. He's the one that gives kisses on the cheek. I never thought anything of it, only that he was just being friendly. Well, I thought that until he said to me, "Would you allow me to take you out?" It came out of nowhere. And, yes, I let him down easy.

His question to me let me know just how much I've been here in Orlando, enough to make him think that he can date me on the regular even though I live in Orlando. That's crazy!