Time to Clean House

Friend-
1. A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.
"Friends." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 31 Oct. 2007. .

I had an awesome time in Chicago this past weekend. I was a bridesmaid in my friend Neera’s wedding, and all I have to say is that her family truly knows how to through a shindig. The trip was good for me, it let me know that some of those that I have been quick to call friend, really aren’t. Being around those who are unequivocally my friends (and who have been my friends for years, through all the angst and changes in my life), reminded me what friends do and are for each other.





Friends may not call you every day, but they don’t have to because they already know what’s going on in your life. You email them when you have a new job, when you are getting married, when the baby is due, when someone dies, when you break up with your significant other…when you are sad or depressed…when you are happy.



One great thing I can say about my friends is that they always let me know that they care. I have been sick with the flu for almost three weeks…literally down in bed without accessing my computer and barely going to the official 9-5, much less getting all of my entrepreneurial projects completed. What absolutely made my day(s), was the fact that the people I love (and who love me) relentlessly called and texted to check up on me. They offered to help me with things. Those who were out of town did their best to keep me entertained. I am so blessed to have people in my life who are not selfish. Don’t get me wrong, they are all extremely successful and very BUSY individuals…all of them. We are taking about doctors, lawyers, members of the media, business school students (yeah, getting their MBA and working full time), etc. etc. Yet they still took the time to be considerate enough to check up on me…even with all that they have going on. They thought enough of me to go out of there way to let me know that I was important…and that’s what it all boils down to…feeling important. I at least try to make all of my friends feel important…because they are so important to me. And I’m not ashamed to say, I want to feel like I’m special to my friends as well. That’s why it is time to clean house. I usually do my personal purging in January; however, tomorrow is not promised, therefore, I better make each day count.



Life is too short to hold grudges. So I will do my best not to be bitter or angry. But from this day forward if you have claimed to be my friend or have claimed to want to be my friend, you have to show me that you care. Actions speak louder than words, and I take nothing at face value anymore. Don’t get me wrong, there is a difference between being friends and being friendly. I’m friendly with quite a few people, but I refuse to call you my friend unless I can trust that you really are.

To all the gentlemen who have expressed interest in getting to know me on a romantic, personal level. That stops today. If I can’t consider you a friend, then how can I consider you for anything else? As I said before, actions speak louder than words. Show me, rather than tell me.

Going Green (In honor of Blog Action Day)

Going Green…seems to be the theme for 2007. I’m definitely happy that people are finally jumping on the bandwagon. I say finally, because I feel as if I have been living a fairly eco-friendly existence thus far in my life. Let me explain, I have been vegan since birth. Being vegan opens you up to a lot of new experiences, one of which is becoming more aware of the environment. Most of the food I eat is organically grown and packaged in biodegradable containers. Recycling is second nature. When I was growing up, mom never used pesticides in her garden, only the natural stuff. I have always celebrated Earth Day, and I’ve been worried about global warming before it became trendy. But regardless of all that…I’m pleased that we as a society are talking more of an interest in preserving this beautiful earth that God gave us. What’s the next step for you?

Mid Week Check In...

It’s only Wednesday, and I feel as if I have worked an entire week. So much going on, but I can’t complain…this is the fun part (at least that’s what I keep trying to remind myself). I’m currently working on about four projects simultaneously, and the adrenaline rush of getting everything done on time is that only thing that’s keeping me awake at this point (it’s definitely not the Starbucks, even though the coffee is a big help).

We are finishing up the editing on the Fall Issue of SOTAC, it is gorgeous people. Our art director is a phenom…we are blessed to have him; he’s a perfect fit to our personalities. I hope that everyone is as pleased with our current efforts as we are.

After our editing session, I have to make myself available for another editing session with another designer for a completely different project.

One of the highlights, however, was meeting Mr. John West, our Spring/Summer cover model and musician extraordinaire. He was gigging in Charlotte for one night only, so Deb and I were able to catch up with him…a very good look, he blessed us with some music and great conversation…(BTW- He does a great cover of Umbrella, check him out if you can…). Very cool dude in person. Watch to see more of him in the future.

I think I managed to stumble into bed around 4 a.m. All in all, a good day…

Yes, You Are a Role Model

To say that I’ve been disappointed with the behavior of our prominent African American sports figures over the last 20 years or so would be an understatement. While I do understand that they are human beings and have faults like the rest of us, I also believe that they should be held more accountable for their public persona because of their status and influence on the next generation. I can only shake my head at the following names: Michael Vick, Isaiah Thomas, OJ Simpson, Mike Tyson, Kobe (the list goes on)…but what really broke my heart was Marion Jones having to give up her medals. Sad day indeed.

Every person on this earth has a responsibility to be the best example that he or she possibly can for our youth (and even some adults). You never who is watching and emulating what you do. No one who walks on this earth is perfect; however, that doesn’t mean one shouldn’t strive for perfection…

Blog Action Day

I am so excited about this event. Blogging for a cause. I decided I must use my blogging power for good...so here is my first cause. To all my fellow bloggers, I hope you participate...The press release is below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2007

BLOGGERS TO UNITE ON BLOG ACTION DAY
All Blogs Invited to Take Part in Joining Voices to Help Environment
An international initiative of bloggers known as "Blog Action Day" launched today, with the aim of uniting thousands of blogging voices, talking about one issue for one day. This year on Blog Action Day, which is slated for Oct. 15, 2007, bloggers will be discussing the environment. Major blogs have signed up to participate, including Lifehacker, Dumb Little Man, Lifehack.org, Get Rich Slowly, Web Worker Daily, GigaOm, The Simple Dollar, Zen Habits, Freelance Switch, LifeClever, Unclutterer, Pronet Advertising, Wise Bread and many more.

"For just one day, we'd like to unite as many of the millions of bloggers around the world and speak about one issue - the environment," said Collis Ta'eed, an Australian blogger from FreelanceSwitch.com, and a cofounder of Blog Action Day. "We want to display the potential and the power of the blogging community, which is a disparate community but one with an amazing size, breadth and diversity. By bringing everyone together for one day, we can see just how much can be achieved, and how much we can be heard."

Blog Action Day is a non-profit initiative, and will be an annual event. As an alternative to blogging about the environment on Blog Action Day, bloggers can opt to participate by donating their blog's proceeds from Oct. 15 to one of several environmental organizations chosen for this purpose: Greenpeace International, The Nature Conservancy, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), the Conservation Fund, and the Sierra Club. Bloggers who would like to participate in Blog Action Day should visit BlogActionDay.org or email Collis Ta'eed at collis@eden.cc, so they can be listed on the Blog Action Day site. To participate, a blog just needs to write about the issue of the environment on Oct. 15, 2007, or donate its proceeds for the day to one of the chosen environmental organizations.

Business is Business

I learned a very valuable lesson last week—something I have always been aware of, but I needed a swift kick in the butt to REALLY understand. Business is Business. Business transcends friendships, relationships, family, etc. (insert your own applicable connection).

I got burned a little bit this week. A business associate that I was particularly close to and had subsequently formed a friendship with, showed his true colors. I woke up and realized that this individual has always had ulterior motives and has never worked for or in the best interests of my companies.

Also, one of my clients decided not to renew their agreement with me, which is fine…but they way in which this went down was not done in a respectable or professional manner—unacceptable and I expected more from this individual after all that has transpired over the last year (and beyond). It’s just kinda sad that it has come down to not even respecting someone who has HELPED, not hindered the development of this individual’s career. A simple thanks would have been nice….but, as my mother pointed out to me on our way to church yesterday, that’s not the business that I am in…this industry is cutthroat, shrewd and downright evil at times. Do I plan on getting down and dirty like the rest of the industry? Not at all. What sets me apart is my integrity and morals. I refuse to trade that in for anything. Who I am is too important to sell my soul to fit in and keep up with the Joneses…Not in this lifetime. However, what I have decided to do is to keep everything business…Family, Friends, whatever, it doesn’t matter. No more favors. This is not a community service project; I am in business for a reason.

They say you have to earn respect to get respect…well ladies and gents, it is a new day, consider me Ms. All About My Business from now on. This is not a game, and I ain’t playing…for real. Major shout to my Digital First/URM family…I’m ready to make some moves this year, let’s do it…

Business is Business: the new motto that I will wholeheartedly live by.

Peace & Blessings…

Been Gone for a Minute

It's been a very long last two weeks. My apologizes for not being the serious blogger that I proclaimed to be...but it's been so busy, I barely know my own name. Let's see if I can accurately recap...

Having become a Charlotte socialite by circumstance, I've been attending a great deal more social events than usual. My busy season, so to speak, officially started on a Friday a couple of weeks ago...I attended a friend's birthday party at Loft 1523. Good times were had by all in attendance. The weather was divine, so I spent the majority of the night mingling with the crowd on the balcony. The birthday is actually one of Charlotte's hottest new event photographers. Jasiatic is just getting back on the scene after an absence, so it was nice seeing Charlotte's hip, funky and fashionable elite come out to show her love. After all it is not exactly easy out there for female photographers. After leaving the party, I headed over to the Visualite Theatre to hang out with members of one of my favorite local bands Hobex. I wronte an article about them in the second issue of SOTAC back in 2004. They are still going strong and doing very well. Jameka is definitely a fan (special hello to Dustin, my favorite drummer, lol). The very next day I was able to spend a lovely (albeit hot) Saturday afternoon at the final installment of this year's Southend Summer Series. The live performances were on point, and in the wake of Jena 6, I was impressed with all of the political activism going at the event. I'm all about partying with a purpose. On that Sunday I was able to see JSD Talent Model Michelle T strut her stuff at the Hush Fashion-4-A-Cause Event. Chelle looked incredible on the runway, and we were all very proud of her.

On top of everything else (you know work, work and more work), I was able to see Common and Q-tip in concert...in a word, dope. And as much as I love my baby Common, I must say that Tip stole the show...and my heart in the process. That man has aged WELL.

Major shout to Tye, the owner over at Glamour Puss Boutique & Salon...she celebrated the one-year anniversary of her business on Saturday. I had a ball, you know how to throw a good pary chica.

It has truly been a non stop ride, I just got back from CT last night after traveling for my day job.

And with all this going on, I still managed to get a date for the wedding that I am going to at the end of the month...as well as another couple of social outings scheduled with some nice guys here in Charotte as well as cities. The theme for October is Good Clean Fun. I plan on having fun this month, no worries, just having fun, being carefree (within reason) and loving life.

More later...I'm exhausted