Making Waves

I anxiously handed my car keys to the valet, and along with a friend I’ve known since I was fifteen, stepped into Commonwealth Brewing Company. The beer was flowing, and a few familiar faces were glowing as the class of 2008 began reuniting for our 10-year class reunion. I couldn’t believe 10 years had already passed. I remember when myself and many of my former peers were kids back in high school. Back then, a lot of us were so unaware of the world and trying to figure things out. And from the different interactions, conversations, and photographs from that night, I could tell a lot of us are  still  figuring things out. And you know what?  It’s totally fine. Shortly before I made my way to the brewery, I said and thought, “I’m proud of my life and where I’m at right now…” I definitely have many more goals I’d like to accomplish, and heights to soar, but when I talked with some of my former classmates, I learned each of us was in different places in our lives....

If you need to take a day off work, do it. Some people get so annoyed and frustrated with their jobs that they believe the best solution is to quit. But have you considered that taking some time off may be what you need, instead? I’ve met and know  a lot  of people who either don’t like their jobs or work in very challenging and stressful fields. Work can get stressful and knowing your limits can help you avoid burnout, lashing out at another co-worker who plucked your last nerve, or getting written up or fired for insubordination for flipping something over (I know I’m exaggerating with the flipping thing, but some people are really that intense.) So, take mental health days when you need to. It’s not selfish. It’s  necessary . And if taking mental health days aren’t helping and you still find yourself drained, frustrated and stressed? Get an exit strategy together. But make sure you have another job lined up before you leave the one you’re at. Remem...

I love going to the movies, and now that fall is in full effect, a great line up of some highly anticipated films is on the way. I can’t wait to see the movies listed below, and I believe they’ll definitely be worth checking out. Grab some popcorn, candy, a movie buddy, or enjoy a solo movie date, and get ready! Five films I’m excited to check out? Click the titles to view the trailers  J Night School   9.28.18 - Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish? Hilarious!  A Star Is Born   10.05.18 - Bradley Cooper #hottie + Lady Gaga + beautiful music? I. Can’t. Wait.  The Hate U Give   10.19.18 - Now more than ever the Black Lives Matter movement, well,  matters . This film based on the young adult novel by Angie Thomas will be one of the most important films to see this year.   Bohemian Rhapsody   11.02.18 - I can already sense Oscar buzz for this film, and Rami Malek’s portrayal as Queen’s, Freddie Mercury, will be legendary. I’m rea...

If you’re looking for something fun to do, look no further than Hinterland Trading. Hinterland Trading specializes in offering classes in creating cool and creative décor with plants. One evening, my sisters-in-law and I went to a class together for a sister date and had a blast. It was something really cool we could all do together. We even made jokes about how most guys would never think to take a girl out on a date to do a class like the one we did. Wake up, fellas. A creative class makes for a great date and would be something fun and different to do aside from going out to dinner or staying indoors doing nothing. The location was beautiful, the instructors were kind and helpful, and the customer service was terrific. I definitely look forward to attending another class soon. If you want a new and different experience, a cool date night, or a fun girls’ night out, check out Hinterland Trading. Do something fun this weekend and enjoy yourself. TGIF! 

I grew up in a strict church environment. While I loved the Lord, going to church, and fellowship with my family and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, I saw a lot of disturbing things happen in the church at a young age that troubled me as an adult. I practically knew my bible cover to cover and my upbringing kept me out of trouble, but it also made me resentful of different church behaviors and practices I found manipulative and controlling. I accepted Christ in my heart at about age seven, and my parents were heavily involved in ministry from the time I was born, so I was immersed in the church culture and well versed on different “rules” in place for ideal Christian living.  And while I was very careful to avoid things that I knew or was told could send me to hell, I just knew something seemed  off  about the delivery of different things I was taught. I had a lot of questions, but I rarely spoke up. I was scared. I saw what happened to people who dared to cha...

I feel sorry for a lot of different young women I ever envied. As a former ugly duckling, chubby girl, and someone who was often overlooked and rarely got asked out on dates or noticed by guys, but was pretty on the  inside,  I had a difficult time being happy for other young women who had different things I once desired. Almost all of them had or currently have:  ·       Acceptance. ·       A naturally stunning appearance.  ·       A great guy to call their own. ·       Recognition, visibility, and were  seen . I  felt invisible growing up, and my invisibility haunted me for a long time. If you follow my blog, there’s a post about how I didn’t go on my first date until I was 21.  I went for  I  settled  for the first guy I felt  saw  me. And it was a disaster. It’s a great thing first dates don’t define our love lives. Especial...

A lot of women violate girl code all the time. Some do this knowingly, and others might be clueless about it. You would think not doing things like hooking up with someone who’s spoken for or dating a friend’s ex would be common sense, but because girl code’s becoming a common thing some heartless souls tend to violate, along with some other girl code infractions, I thought I’d drop a refresher course on what it means to honor girl code. Now, some of you might already know the unwritten rules about the code all us ladies should know, but for those of you who don’t? Keep reading… Girl code is as follows. Thou shalt not:  ·       Date or flirt with a guy one of your friends has dated, hooked up with, or has a crush on. And if the guy initiates contact, it’s still your responsibility to do the right thing.  ·       Date, flirt, or hook up with a guy who’s already spoken for. Again, do the right thing.  ·  ...

This summer I went to my first water lantern festival. It was one of the coolest things I did all summer and a memory I’ll hold forever. The view was amazing. There were food trucks, music, crafts, games, and of course water lantern decorating that filled the entire park area I was in. One of the coolest things I gleaned from the event was the inspiration. I saw couples, families, friends, and more all writing different inspirational and encouraging messages on their lanterns waiting to be released onto the water as the day settled into the night. There was something spiritually exciting and liberating about the experience. And I’m definitely excited to see how much of what I wrote and released on my own lantern will come to pass in my life. If a water lantern festival ever comes through your area, you should definitely try to attend. It’s totally worth experiencing. Do something fun this weekend and enjoy yourself. TGIF! 

We think these things, but rarely dare to say them out loud… But I told you so. I told you not to go out with her I told you not to go out with him I told you so. I told you not to marry her I told you not to marry him I told you so. I told you not to have kids with them I told you so. I told you,  you deserve better I told you so. I told you don’t go there I told you so.  I told you to wait I told you so. I told you not to take that job I told you so. I told you not to quit I told you so. I told you not to confide in them I told you so. I told you not to trust them I told you so. I told you,  you have what it takes I told you so. -Why didn’t you listen? 

I’ve always liked doing what people thought I couldn’t. It’s the “eff you” approach. Like, “Oh, you think I can’t do it? Watch me.” – Maureen Beck I came across this quote from an article I read in a North Face magazine.  The article covered rock climber, Maureen Beck, who was born without an arm and is one gutsy woman. She’s isn’t defined by limits or the word  disability . In fact, she doesn’t focus much on the fact that she has one arm. Instead, she climbs rocks, fishes, gardens, and is anything but one-dimensional. When I read about her, I thought, “Now  that’s  confidence. Perhaps I should take on the  eff you  approach too…” More often than not the best “eff you” to anyone involves more  showing  than telling. There’s almost always going to be someone who thinks you can’t do whatever it is you’re striving to be great at. So, why not prove people wrong by just doing   you and ignoring what they think or say? I believe t...

If you’re into great wine and terrific customer service, look no further than Grape and Gourmet, located in the Virginia Beach area. This local business not only sells wine and does tastings, but they also sell some original and eye-catching wine glasses and décor. I stumbled upon this location driving around my city one weekend and was impressed. Even if you’re not a wine enthusiast or into wine at all, it’s still a cute place to explore. Do something fun this weekend and enjoy yourself. TGIF! 

In two years, I'll be 30. And my high school reunion is approaching in a few weeks. Time flies, doesn't it?  A lot of young women I've met freak out about turning 30, especially when they find themselves single and not exactly where they'd like to be in life. They've come to me with their fears, frustrations, and heartache about this. And  I've had my moments too.  I'm not in a relationship or planning to get engaged or married and don't have any kids, which by most eligible and quality men's standards make me a unicorn and a great catch. I'm also… Where God wants me to be for right now.  Embracing being my own woman.   Healthy.  College educated.  Gainfully employed.  Stacking my paper (this means saving money – just in case you're not familiar with the saying.)  Accomplishing my goals and going after my dreams.  In a position when I can determine if I want to rent or buy my first home. Able to make...