The storm won’t last forever. It’s funny, because it’s been raining cats and dogs down here all week. But, the tide has officially turned; the seasons have finally changed… and SOMEBODY is reaping all of the benefits. Last week was, by far, the best week ever! The events of the past few days have been breathtaking, enthralling, nostalgic, inappropriate, profitable and deeply warming all at once.
Last Friday I came home and did nothing - just what I needed. After leaving work at around 8pm, I reached my sanctuary for an ultimate wind-down of TiVo, peace and quiet, and much needed rest. Saturday I awoke to the rain. It was just as peaceful as anyone knows Saturday morning rain to be. While I would have loved to lounge around, I had a full day ahead of me – and I was ready for it! I showered, dressed, grabbed my umbrella and headed downstairs just as Cece was pulling up to my apartment. She was extending a heartfelt “thank you” to one other friend and me for helping her through grad school over the past two years. We enjoyed coffee and a filling brunch at Parish – a New Orleans inspired restaurant complete with recipes, ambiance and hospitality that instantly transported us to the Deep South. We then headed to the spa for deep tissue massages and facials. My goodness. My massage was so relaxing that I had trouble getting up once the 50 minutes had passed. Oils, fragrances, kneading, rubbing and soothing music all synthesized to produce a relaxing, somewhat sensual experience that I’m still trying to recreate for myself. I have a few ideas of how I could accomplish this recreation… but perhaps I’ll just rely on the memory of the experience for now.
As we departed the spa, tipsy with wine and merry with laughter, we watched Black Thought of The Roots casually stroll past us to check into the hotel. I was giddy to see him, knowing that just a few short hours later he’d be on stage and I’d be in the crowd screaming his praises. He was doing a free concert with Common and other guests that night. I couldn’t wait.
The concert did not disappoint either. Amerie and Boyz to Men made guest appearances. Common oozed with raw sexuality and poetic genius. The Roots performed classic hits, freestyled new ones and created an impromptu jam session that felt endless. Free Hennessy was flowing (I’m now a fan of brown liquor) and I was finally feeling like my old self. It was magical. I partied with new friends I had made in the entry line… and danced with old friends I’d made over the past two years. I was beaming the entire night.
Sunday morning I picked up a few extra dollars babysitting, I headed to the gym to train for an upcoming 5K, shopped for groceries, quickly showered and then went to a local indie movie theater to see “The September Issue” with friends. I was completely in my element. It felt nice to have cash in my pocket instead of wallowing in the misery of being broke. The jog at the YMCA was rejuvenating. I had meals for the week, and I was en route to attend a cultural event rather than a blockbuster movie premiere. I’m not bashing the latter; I simply prefer the former.
The week that followed began with a much needed talk with Dionne to address and resolve some of our lingering friendship issues. It went well enough, and I believe we’ll be able to move forward from here. I was also able to secure free football tickets the non-profit where I volunteer. I got a free gas card in the mail. I learned about discounts at local car insurance agencies (my mom has OFFICIALLY cut me off; I am 100% independent now) and eventually secured a great rate with State Farm. I transferred a chunk of my debt to a 12-month, 0% interest credit card. I ran three outdoor miles with Cece. I kicked off Wednesday evening with a simple enough happy hour and wound up at an MC Battle/Talib Kweli concert (for the free)!! I (inappropriately) flirted and entertained a platonic male friend who keeps me smiling though he’s in a committed relationship. I babysat, earning myself more spare cash. I attended an annual HBCU Classic football game (courtesy of my phophyte). I raised funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in honor of my mother. I organized my life. I reached a few goals. I smiled.
Hello, Autumn. It’s so nice to finally have you here.
