Second dates determine if you'll make it

The first time you go out on a date, it may be awkward.  People too often give up if there is no chemistry on that first connection.

But, my advice is to give it another try.  Go on a second date.

That is the real determinant.  You are giving or being given a second chance.  You can loosen up more.  You can find a comfort zone.  And, feelings may flutter.

That has happened to me quite often....including on yesterday.

Sometimes it's nice to not give up on the first date.  I didn't even though conversation was not flowing.  But, I took a chance and I went on a second date yesterday.

And, it went so well.....that we're going on a third date.

Be supportive

One of my regrets is that I never ran for office.  I am convinced that I would have made a good public servant.

But, it's too late now.

So, when a younger person I know (from my sorority, for example) puts his/her in the political ring and runs for office, I support them.

In the last six months, two of my sorority sisters and the husband of a friend have run for office.  One beat an incumbent who'd been in office for several terms.  Another beat a long-time mayor but going door to door.

My final friend is running and the election is March 20.  I went to her fundraiser last night, made a donation, promised to craft a press release and send to my contacts and vowed to volunteer.

I never made the run but I'm going to be supportive of those who dare to make the political plunge.

I'm there for them.

The Net Generation is the NOW generation

As a tennis FANatic, I have been relishing the US Open Tennis Tournament.  It's been awesome.

But, as of last night when the semi-finals were played, we have two NEW finalists: Madison Keys and Sloane Stephens.

This is so awesome for American women and for black pride.

But, it also signals a shift in the tennis dynasty.  With their victories, the baton is being passed from the Williams sisters to the next generation.

Sloane and Madison are no longer out of a tournament while they watch the Williams Sisters take the trophy and the championship.

The NOW generation is here.

And I applaud them and the power shift.

Even when others pan it, find out for yourself

I decided to try a new podiatrist because my medical network is becoming so filled with foreigners.  I have to strain to understand them.

So, I broke out and decided to see the wife of a guy I used to work with many years ago.

When I told a friend I was going to her, he was lukewarm and criticized her office.  I just didn't want to revert back to my foreign syndicate so I kept my appointment with this podiatrist.

She was WONDERFUL!  Her staff was AWESOME!  She made an accurate prognosis.

And, because she was American, I understood everything she said.  

I liked her and found her delightful and professional.  And, I was glad I found out for myself and didn't rely on that one naysayer.

Enjoyed NABJ

I have attended the National Association of Black Journalists' convention for at least seven years.

With me really semi-retired, people ask me: "Why go?"

I go because I enjoy the uplifting environment of being around so many intelligent, influential and intuitive black people.

The atmosphere is charged because of the dynamic dialogue, inspired conversations and the connections I make.

So, they are right.  I don't attend many sessions.  I don't participate in many of the workshops. I don't go to the galas.

But, I bask in the connections I create, the friendships I renew and the new contacts I make.

It is an exhilarating experience and I savor the entire experience. And, I go home with a whole set of new connections for friendships and for reaching out for those moments when I retire.

It is so much fun and I look forward to next year in Detroit!

Everyday!

My sister and I joke that there is a scandal/drama/hot messes within the Trump administration -- EVERYDAY!

This tumult is so draining and, yes, horrifying!


This nation is teetering on the edge and the players within the Trump administration are so showboat and cutthroat among each other. This is taking America down and demoralizing those of us watching this train wreck.

It is time for us to rise up and keep Trump at bay. If not, his solid 39% -- in collusion with others -- could get him back in office.

And, if that happens, that could mean Trump would be the last person in my life.

I can't let that happen!

I go because I have fun

In a few weeks, I'm going to the National Association of Black Journalists convention in New Orleans.

People think I'm going to go because of all the workshops.

No.

Folks think I'm going because of all of the fabulous speakers. (However, the cast from Queen Sugar will be there and that is a plus.)

No.

And they think I'm going to go because of the contacts.

Well, maybe.

I go because I love the vibes.  I love being around intelligent people.  I love seeing my besties who I only see once a year like Kathy Times, Melanie Burney, Sarah Glover and Charles Gidney

I go because they offer the opportunities to see free movies.

I go to hang with my soror and media friend Maudlyne of the Sun Times.

I go because I can get starstruck seeing all of these media folks I only see on television and I see them upclose.

I go because I love being helpful so I'm going to assist Dorothy Tucker with her campaign.

I go because I get a high, a charge and a good feeling when I'm around all of these dynamic people.

And I go because for a very basic reason:

 I have fun.