We’re Going To Need More Wine

Gabrielle Union is amazing. Really, she is. I’ve been a fan of her and her work for a long time, and when I learned she had a memoir dropping I was hype. Her collection of stories about her life, We’re Going to Need More Wine has been out for a while and I bought it as soon as it released. Although I've read it cover to cover, I've occasionally dived back into it for some insight from time to time. It's so good. You may want to grab a glass of wine while reading about her interesting, relatable, and incredible life and career. Her stories make you feel like she’s a close girlfriend you’re having an unfiltered girl chat with, which is rare these days since so many people (especially women) claim to be real but are either fake or too afraid to share stories that can help encourage, inspire, and uplift themselves and others. What I admire most about Gabrielle is her candidness and willingness to be upfront, honest, unapologetic, and open about everything from her childhood through adulthood. She shares her experiences with racism, being a child of divorce, racial profiling, colorism, black hair, surviving sexual assault, marriage and divorce, being a stepmother, an advocate and activist, dating and sex, income inequality, breaking barriers in Hollywood, her wins and losses, and even more unbelievably candid thoughts and experiences that have been a part of her journey. If you’re looking for something authentic, funny, inspiring, and encouraging to read, We’re Going to Need More Wine is definitely worth checking out. It’s incredible.

A Year Of Being Ghosted

Ghosting: the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication. I’ve been ghosted by every guy I’ve met within the past two years. About six to be exact. · The first guy pursued me and then got shady whenever I asked him about what he did for a living and where he lived. When he started dodging and avoiding questions, wouldn’t initiate dates, and slowly stopped keeping in touch with me altogether, eventually, all communication ceased. · The second guy was someone I met through a family member. He was super cool, very smart, handsome, and funny, but didn’t want to be in a relationship and acted like he didn’t want to be seen with me publicly. When we had plans to meet for an outing, he didn’t show up, and then texted me about a week later with an apology. We chilled at my place a few times, had a few phone conversations, and exchanged occasional texts, but eventually he stopped responding to me

Teacher Table Talk: When Parents Attack

As an English teacher, a core belief I’ve held close since the beginning of my career has been the importance of relationship building. I believe that if great relationships between teachers, students, and parents are established at the beginning of the school year, everything else will fall into place. Authentically modeling, practicing, and establishing mutually respectful and professional relationships within my classroom has been the bridge for effective communication, solid classroom management, and creating a safe and effective learning environment that fits each of my student’s needs. And though I’ve seen and experienced the benefits of great relationship building, unfortunately, there have been times when some students and parents have not been receptive or interested in my efforts to establish connections that would best serve all parties involved. I’ve also noticed and shared spaces with other educators, school counselors, and administrators who’ve experienced the same. And

How To Respond To A Nasty Email

Technology has made many people bold, rude, and incredibly messy. Often to the point where some may hide behind words they’ve typed instead of verbally communicating a message they want to convey. Such can be the case when it comes to sending emails. Ah, emails. You know what they are. Electronic messages that can be quickly drafted, sent, and misinterpreted (because you can’t always interpret tones or emotions through them). Which is why it’s key to know how to respond to nasty emails if they should ever come your way – especially in the workplace. As a working professional, there have been plenty of times when a coworker or superior sent an email my way that was petty, mad disrespectful, and unprofessional. And before I learned how to properly utilize email etiquette, my first instinct would always be to clap back. I just felt the need to respond and to communicate that I wouldn’t allow anyone, no matter who they were, to disrespect me. And while I haven’t taken things too far

Making Waves