Morning Edition - 3/23/06

Blue Thursday
Ten years ago or so I was sitting in the cafeteria at work, running my mouth as usual, when a handsome red-boned gentleman entered the room and rudely interrupted my conversation. He began talking to the ladies I was eating with, without so much as saying a simple excuse me. Within six months the manner-less man and I were fast friends who shared countless trips to the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the occasional theme party. We had incredible times together that in retrospect formed a bond between us. This isn’t to say that we haven’t had some tumultuous times and that our disagreements haven’t been heart wrenching, but through it all we’ve returned – remarkably to a place better than the one we were previously at. Two years ago, he lost his sister tragically and took on raising his two nieces; a feat that not only showed an enormous amount of courage, but an amazing amount of heart. I am in awe of his boundless growth, his self-less love and his story of triumph in the face of adversity. Today, as he turns 44, I hope the best of life comes to him and recognize that odd as it may seem to many – not the least me – I am proud to call him a friend. Happy Birthday Robert B. – Blue.

Even Me
As I gave advice in the last few weeks on how to make living a priority and recognizing the importance of the little things around us, life was winding-up to throw me a curve ball. The good thing is I drew upon my own advice and recognized that life if not always roses and fuzzy places. There are times when your resolve is tested and you are emotionally and mentally beaten. The great thing is, I know who I am, I know where I stand and most importantly, come what may, I am a survivor who loves my life. In the big scheme picture of my life, the situation is not enough to extinguish my pilot light, but was enough to rattle me. Today, though the issue is unresolved, I am encouraged by how the Lord has leveled me. Life goes on folks and now I can report first-hand that come what may, our lives are truly what we make of them.

Shake It Off
This Friday, Carmen C. is having her monthly after-work dance party. Once again, a group of over 30 folks will gather at La Maganette, on 50th and 3rd Avenue, to party our work stress away. The group begins arriving at La Mag at about 5:30 p.m. With a $10 cover-charge, attendees can expect a free buffet and some R&B, salsa, hip-hop and oldies all night long. So come down, bring a friend and get ready to sweat those troubles away.

On Blast
Pay it forward. Several years ago I was on line at a supermarket in Maryland when I realized I didn’t have my wallet or the money for my groceries. The patron that was ahead of me turned, paid for my groceries and walked away before I could refuse their kindness. When I tried yelling behind them that I could run home to repay them they simply yelled back, “Pay It Forward.” Tell of an experience where a perfect stranger’s act of kindness warmed your heart and restored your belief that there is good in all of us.

Keep passin’ the open window…