My 25

I'm not on Facebook, but I can still do this! Seems fitting being that the big 2-5 is right around the corner for me... so here goes.

1. I am incredibly emotional. Lots of times, I manage to maintain a level head about things. But, when something is weighing on my heart, it literally takes all of my effort to resolve the issue. I haven't quite learned how to handle that.

2. My biggest pet peeves are ignorance and intolerance. Grow up, people.

3. I love music. There is at least one song that accurately describes every emotion I've ever felt, every situation I've ever endured, and every experience I've ever had. Music fills every moment of my life - from my morning shower, to the car ride at work, while I'm at my desk, while I'm running on the treadmill, and as I'm driving home. Don't know what I'd do without it. Most of my friendships have some sort of foundational element that includes music. Guess that's why they have lasted so long...

3b. My favorite musicians include (but are not limited to): Maxwell, Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan, Musiq, Common, Fiona Apple, Little Brother, Coldplay, N.E.R.D., Lenny Kravitz, Kenna, Van Hunt, Sade, Dwele, Eric Roberson, Bilal, and Jill Scott.

4. I am competitive. I'm often bothered by: people who have more than I do, people who excel in their careers faster than I do, people who speak more languages than I do, young women draped in David Yurman jewelry, etc. I want it all. I want to win. I want to win...

5. I love and need my quiet time. I value my privacy. Don't mess with it.

6. I'm not really into fashion, per se. But, I do have my own sense of style. I've been told it's a little Bohemian, a little chic, a little classy, a lot "me". You won't find me rockin' the latest trends, but a watchful eye can always appreciate my taste. It is what it is...

7. I'm IN LOVE with my best friends. I absolutely adore each of them. I can't think of a better group of people to have in my life. They help me through the rough patches, laugh with me, drink with me, pick me up when I fall down, and push me along when I'm too down to go it alone. What would I do without them, is the question.

8. I'm level-headed (unless we're discussing the love of my life). In most situations, I'm a clairvoyant and credible source for unbiased, rational advice. I really do have all the answers.

9. Travelling is my true passion. My goal is to visit at least one new city (preferably two or three) every year. I'd like to visit one new country every other year. I saw France and Italy in 2005. I saw Spain, London and Morocco in 2007. I wonder what 2009 has in store...

10. I am the oldest of three children. Being a mentor has taught me something that Paris and "MB" have known for a long time: I'm bossy. LOL. Sorry!

11. I'm a dancer. I've taken ballet since I was 8. I immersed myself in dance from middle school until college graduation. I'm pretty well versed in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern and even African dance. Movement is one of the most powerful forms of expression I can think of. The aesthetics of well-assembled choreography can sometimes touch you so deeply, that the impression will stay with you forever. "Revelations" by Alvin Ailey is but one example.

12. I heart college basketball. Go Heels.

13. I have three tattoos. One actually symbolizes something. The other two are more symbolic of times in my life, and situations of which I was in the midst. They're all brown, not black. I like to think of them as permanent body artwork. I guess they're kind of similar to scars - each carrying their own story - but prettier.

14. My younger brother will probably get married before I do. He's a serial monogamist. I love him for it. He grew up with three headstrong, albeit very different, women in the household. He's respectful. He's a gentleman. He's an amazing catch. But sometimes, I catch myself hating. I've heard "Someday My Prince Will Come." I'd like to know when...

15. I'm a petite little thing, but I'm not a pushover. I don't have Napoleon Complex, but don't test me. I'm a career-oriented young lady who is assertive, confident, self-motivated and self-assured. I don't worry about whether or not I'll be successful, because I know that I will be.

16. I'm feisty.

17. I care more about whether or not people respect me, than whether or not people like me. There is a difference.

18. I have a compulsive need to understand things. Not understanding something is the ultimate frustration. I also have control issues. I would agree that I need to work on that - to a degree. In social settings, perhaps I don't really need to "understand" or "control" things... but when I grow up and run the world, those traits might be handy. By the same token, I'm hard-headed. Even after God shows me clear signs, I continue to see things my own way. I believe what I want to believe. Not sure what to do about that...

19. Most of my favorite men are members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Not all... but most.
20. One of my most important learnings during my 20's has been learning how to say "no."

21. God is in charge. I'm learning to accept that... but my control issue sometimes gets in the way. He (or She) has brought me a long way. God has presented hurdles that have been painful for me to overcome. But God also brought me over those hurdles, and I appreciate Him for it.

22. Initially, I became a mentor for all the wrong reasons. But, being a mentor, as well as a tutor, has been one of the most powerful, positive, life-changing decisions I have ever made. I can literally feel myself growing, and changing, and making a difference. It's unexplainable. I seriously implore others to get involved in their respective communities. The relationships you will build with young people are mutually beneficial. You will wake up in the morning with newfound perspective and understanding of what's really important in life.

23. I am a Pisces. No, really. Read the description, and there I am.

24. If you want to see me naked, you should read my blog.

25. The first 24 years of my life KICKED ASS. I know that the next 25 will too...