People mistake tears for weakness.  Sometimes you have to have a big, hearty cry for emotional and spiritual cleansing.  It’s OK to breakdown, have a fit and release all your frustrations as long as the pity party ends.  And when it’s over, you will  either be heavy or walking on air because the weight has been lifted.

If someone gives you compliment but adds a sarcastic negative remark, is it still a compliment?

I was told that I would reach my goal – it may take awhile – but I’ll get there.  Was that extra stuff really necessary?

Anyway, this person called himself being positive and encouraging, but there was always a condescending remark thrown in with almost every statement.  That really messed up the moment.

So, I have to wonder: if someone gives you a compliment but adds a sarcastic negative remark, is it still a compliment?

That is much easier said than done.  When you used to have a cashflow and you’re lucky if you get a drip, worry kicks in.  When your wardrobe fights you and appears to be winning; yep, you’re going to worry.  When everything that could go wrong actually goes wrong, stress becomes your best friend. But through it all, look at everything is going right.  You woke up; you’re breathing; and you’re in your right mind is enough to get you started.

Even though you shouldn’t look at other what other people are doing, take a look at what they HAVE to do compare to what you HAVE to do.  When you realize you don’t have to work as hard to do what you want or need to do, can you really be mad? When all of your bills are paid and your bank account is close to “E”, is there room for complaining.  And, just knowing that God’s got your back no matter where you are in life….

I said all of that to say, as you look around and think you got it bad because things in your life have dwindled, just know that there is someone else worse off than you.

While completing my census form on yesterday, the option for chocolate people were Black, African American or Negro.  WTF? Negro?  The only option missing was “colored.”  I tell you.  The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Today I was reading Brainwashed by Tom Burrell, and there was an image of a sign that read, “Negro for Sale.”  I don’t know if that was irony, but it messed me up for about 15 minutes.

I am a journalist for How They Living Ain’t No Joke, the baby of George and Peytyn Willborn.  Quite exciting.

Also, I am editing True Elegance Magazine.  OK, I only did two stories.  Just know that the ones that are grammatically correct and easy to read are mine.

I contributed to our church’s history book by interviewing my subject.  I did not write or edit, but I gathered great information.

Now, let me work on my book.  This is high on my list of things to do this week.  Really.

I had to laugh at this letter because it’s a joke. Let’s start from the beginning. “Help each community…” That’s bullshit.  If they want to help my community, they would put more funds in the education system instead of the prison system. And, they would provide more jobs with wages above minimum wage to make sure everyone on my side of town could actually live.

Highways?  I just want to my street fixed so my car can ride a lot more smoothly.

Health facilities. I won’t trip on this one because Christian Community Health Center is on point.  They can use more funds so they can continue to service people at all income levels.

As for the programs me and my neighbors need, I need the kids to have afterschool programs.  I need to be sure the seniors are safe.  I need more counselors to check the mental status of the children and their parents.  I need professionals to teach parents how to be parents and to make them accountable for their actions.  Need I say more?

“Without a complete, accurate census, your community may not receive it’s fair share.” That’s the biggest joke of them all. We are already lacking in resources, and based on what I’ve seen thus far, they’re not going to give us much else whether we complete that form on not.

I just wanted to get that out of my system while it was fresh in my mind. I must get back to my stories now.

In Improv you are always right.  However,  I found a way to make this untrue.  I have a problem with making statements because I ask a hell of a lot of questions. Now, I need to un-train myself on asking questions.  Who would have thought that would be such a huge challenge?  I’m beginning to feel as nosy as my senior neighbors on my block.

Who messes up Improv??

As I read the story about the senator who refused to vote for the unemployment extension, I had two thoughts:

1. What would he had done if he did not have a job; did not have a prospect for employment; and had to depend on government benefits to ensure that his basic needs of food and shelter could not be met?
2. Has this current economic crisis shown Americans they cannot depend on Corporate America or the government to fully care for them?

I can think of at least three ways Americans have been failed by businesses and government.

1. Lost jobs
2. Waiting for unemployment approval
3. Loss or reduction of funds invested in pensions and retirement

I know there are more but time will not allow for extended thoughts at this time.  Just know that current events have shown that Americans cannot look to government or corporations to care for them; they must take care of themselves.

It is possible to trust someone professionally and not personally?

I’ve connected with a guy who I mixed feelings about.  I like him, but there is something about him I don’t like.  I haven’t figured out what it is.  Anyway, because of his love of business, I know I can trust him professionally.  Due to some things that have happened (not really bad; not really good), I don’t think I could rely on him personally.  This is a strange feeling.

So, is it possible to trust someone professionally and not personally?

So, is being patient the same as being tolerant?