Happy Black Friday!

Happy belated Thanksgiving and now, Black Friday, mi amigos. Never one to participate in the holiday shopping rush, I think I'm officially a believer!

Yesterday was only the second Thanksgiving I've spent away from my family (the first was while studying abroad in London). I had the pleasure of spending the holiday with my good friend/make shift older, wiser fabulous sister (literally, she's an AKA too!), Brandy. Brandy's family, including her husband and adorable son, are already entertaining but the fun was only augmented by meeting her extended family. I thought the highlight of the day would be our delicious dinner that including my first ever cajun, fried turkey but the real fun didn't start until all the plates were cleared.

I can't be certain how the conversation started, but we got into this deep, expansive conversation on race relations in America. While one might thing that six, educated, African-Americans would have similarities in their views on race relations, the like-mindedness was non-existent, which always makes for lots of fireworks. What was most amazing was our drastically differing views of the solution. My thoughts were that real change starts in the home, with the family unit and definitely with children. Others thought that Congress would need to impose legislation before we saw a change and some thought the situation was hopeless and not worth spending much effort on. Things got a little contentious when the Howard University alum accused me of "selling out" and "assimilating" because I chose to attend a "white school." But all in all, the convrsation was just fascinating. By the time our tongues exhausted, it was 3:00 a.m.!

I got home a 4:00 a.m. and couldn't fall asleep so I chose to participate in the shoppers high holy day, Black Friday. I arrived at Macy's at 4:40 a.m. and got a glimpse of the intensity the true shoppers shop with. The mother/daughter team was devising their divide & conquer technique; another couple mapped out their day to the second, even allotting traveling and parking time. I found myself laughing aloud several times! I must say, I've always thought Black Friday to be a bit of a urban legend. I mean really... are the prices that low? Do they even have the items advertised in the circular in stock? Would I have to engage in hand-to-hand combat to snag some of the hot sales item?...

I'm pleased to report, all was placid in Retail Land. From Macy's I scored not one, but two, Jones New York suits valued at $525 for way less than half of that. However, the real core shaker of my urban legend belief was Target. I arrived at Target a 5:50 and expected to see Mom's brawling in the aisles over the latest Wiggles video, but there were no such sights. I scored a home theater system and 6 megapixel, Kodak digital camera for less than $200. Even better, I was able to get a head start on Christmas gifts for my niece. The memories of Christmas Eve 2003 (where I got into a banter weight shouting match with a man of Middle Eastern descent over a Bratz doll) were fresh in mind. Not wanting to catch an assault & battery case so close to the holidays, I went ahead and purchased the "hot" items that are sure to be off the shelves by December 1.

After unwinding from the excitement of my finds, I finally laid head to pillow at 8:00 a.m. and woke up with every intention on packing at least two rooms... Do you really need to ask? ;-)

Adventures in Paradise

I'm finally back into my reality. My mother turned 50 years old on November 10th so I surprised her with a cruise. I told her about it on November 10 and we were slated to leave November 12. While that seemed like a good idea at the time, there was no shortage of drama in getting us there. She was missing some needed documentation to board the cruise ship and because November 11 was Veterans's Day, the offices she needed to contact were all closed.

After sweating for a day (or two), everything worked out. We headed to Miami where I got to spend time with my best friend Melanie, who I don't get to see too often. After spending Saturday in Miami we boarded Royal Caribbean's, Explorer of the Seas. Oh my gosh... opulence like you would not believe! My travel agent did few things right in helping me plan this trip but she did not steer me wrong with that bit of advice. I'm telling you, if I could, I'd do a Royal Caribbean commercial.

Our ports of call were San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Nassau Bahamas and I can't even tell you how beautiful the weather is in that part of the world. If you see me, you'll know just how sunny it was! I'm definitely not able to wear my Mary Kay bronze 500 foundation anymore! The hospitality shown my the locals was heartwarming and the genuine love for their homeland inspiring. In St. Thomas, we had a local give us a tour that took us out of the tourism district and into the heart of the island. The love for his island was palpable and it made me wonder if I could ever love my country that much. I mean really... some of you have taken my "Tour de DC"... I just don't get the warm fuzzies when showing friends and family my nation's capital!

I must admit part of my overwhelmingly positive Virgin Island experience was made by the outrageous deals on jewlery and the native's adoration of women! I have never felt so beautiful in all of my life and their comments were not at all Atlanta/DC club sceneish, rather it seemed very genuine and done with lots of respect. I'm telling you... I love my curves today more than I did at this time last week! I even left with 1.5 carat diamond and sapphire ring and a drink named after me. I'm not sure of it's exacts, but I'm certain it had bananas in it! Whatever it was, it was awesome!

When not at port, my time was spent on the fabulous Explorer of the Seas and let me tell you, I teared up a little when it was time to leave. I definitely got a taste of another life. There were literally people waiting on you to do everything, including bring champagne and chocolate covered strawberries on a whim, folding your towels into the cutest animal shapes and turning your bed back with a chocolate on the pillow each evening! Not used to such treatment, I feel asleep on my chocolate almost every night and woke up with melted chocalate in my hair, on my pajamas and in my bed!

Although the royal treatment was great, what impressed me the most about the island natives and the staff of Royal Caribbean International (which represented over 50 countries) was the genuine joy they all had for their station in life and too their desire to share this joy. I can't remember a time where I was ever surrounded by so much unfeigned happiness. Whether a stateroom attendant, bartender or activities director, they seemed to enjoy every moment of their day and that's really not something I can relate to. I had to wonder whether it was an American culture thing or a Crystal thing...

Most importantly, I think my mother truly enjoyed her birthday celebration. I can't think of anyone more deserving of a 10-day birthday celebration than my mother. While I was planning this trip, I contacted her boss about taking the week off. She commented, "of course" and noted that my mother is very quick to give to everyone, while asking nothing in return. I have to be honest, there were some tense moments towards the end because of the perpetual togetherness but overall it was an amazing time. I often gripe about feeling like Kizzy from "Roots" at work, but it feels great to be able to something like this and treat my amazing Mommy to an amazing birthday celebration. I truly feel blessed to be able to finally do something really nice for my Mom. Although she never complained about the popsicle stick placements I made for her when I was 5 years old!

Now the ickiness of packing begins and I start my work at CDC in just two weeks! When the bustle of moving gets to be a lot, I'll just admire my tan, fine tune my salsa moves and drink something refreshing and delicious... my very own version of The Crystal.

Pictures to come... :-)

Why Georgia?

As my time in Washington DC whittles down to hours, I am far more overwhelmed with emotions than I expected. I've put on my brave face and big smile for all my friends and well wishers, but truth is, I am experiencing an anxiety that keeps me awake at night. I'm not sure what happened to that audacious girl who stormed into her managers office and demanded a transfer (well actually, I didn't storm or demand but those words go well with audacious). For the life of me, I can't remember what drove me to my decision but I'm sure it was one of my many impetuous, short sighted moments that I often live to regret...

I know it's not all bad -- I have my family and a really great new project at work, but is that enough? When I moved here in November 2003, I remember I would bawl my eyes out longing for home. No friends. No family. No knowledge of how to drive in snow. I remember feeling like Dorothy in Oz many, many nights.

I thought I would never find one friend here who really understood me and on Friday at my farewell dinner, I said good-bye to about 20 true friends that I love dearly. My friends and children here have bought so much joy and balance to my life. I used to think that it was all about working and promotions and raises and clients and my friends here have shown the importance of the fun stuff. Sounds like an easy lesson, but it's one that took me a while.

...and I'm crying again, so I'm going to just stop.

I'm sure it will be fine in the end and that this move is apart of a greater plan for my life. For now, I want to try to focus on the positives and thank God for all of my many blessings that came in the form of truly amazing friends.