I figured out where the beautiful
men are. Turns out, they go to the gym, sporting events, concerts, the beach,
maybe some bars and clubs (although I don't recommend the bar or club option
for quality boyfriend material), and anywhere else you may happen to be where
there are people. A few weeks back I had an unexpected bae watch spotting of my
own that was a refreshing reminder of the joys of singleness. I was hitting the
gym per usual when I spotted him. And to my surprise, I caught him staring at
me when I was checking in. He was tall, tan, athletic, had effortless swag, was
covered in tattoos, and he was friendly. Our eyes met for a hot minute and I
smiled and thought, wow, he looks good.
I should go talk to him. When I
finished working out, he was still hanging out at the entrance and on my way
out the door I looked at him, and simply said, "Hi." He'd been
talking to some other people before I walked up and he paused when I passed through,
said hi back, and kept looking my way. In that brief moment I also thought, man, I love being single. Although it
was a brief encounter, I can always appreciate a good looking guy. Especially
one who's available and kind (not to mention one that values staying fit too J) In the past when I'd spot
someone attractive, I'd just freeze up, act really goofy, and not say a word.
But this time I was chill. Next time I just need to make sure we swap names and
maybe numbers afterward. Getting caught in the haze of good looks can throw
anyone off. It happens. But if you're single and looking to mingle this summer,
make sure you're in the best #baewatch spots. Being in the right place at the
right time can put you face to face with others checking for someone as
incredible as you. He wasn’t my first bae watch sighting and he won’t be the
last. I’m sure there’ll be more to come. Did I mention I love the bachelorette
life and redefining what life can be like for a single, Christian woman? I'm
just getting warmed up.
I’m a Black educator in my fifth year of teaching middle school English, and in my third as the 8th Grade English PLC (Professional Learning Community) Lead. And while I genuinely enjoy the purposeful work I get to do, seeing the growth of my scholars, and continuing to hone my skills in a content area I’ve loved since I was a little girl, I’ve had to confront some unpleasant experiences in this space. I’d been through much worse when I was an academic advisor at a Christian university. Racism, sexism, harassment, and workplace bullying were sadly norms in that environment. However, some of what I’ve experienced as a Black educator hasn’t been normal … It doesn’t seem normal to be the only Black educator in my department – in a predominantly Black school. One of my Black colleagues once said, “It should look like a Tyler Perry movie in here.” But it doesn’t. It didn’t feel normal being reprimanded in a meeting (during my second year of teaching) by an administrator who went in on...