Getting It Together

Every so often, I make a list of resolves. Things that I want to do. Things that I should do. Things that I will do...to improve myself. Personal upgrading if you will. Well, I have not resolved to do anything as of late, but starve myself and stress myself out. Now that I am in the recovery stages of a break-up, it's time to do re-directing of my plans to help myself reach my goals. Some people wait until each new year. I do it after every relationship (good and bad)...just to make sure I didn't lose myself in that person. So...



1. Read more. I've fallen off, and I need to get back to it because I love it so, as I finish a book I'll come back and blog about it. I'm beginning again with The Souls Of Black Folk by W.E.B. DuBois. I've never read it, but I keep hearing about how applicable it is to the current state of Black America.

2. Live music. I'm going to start going to more concerts. I'm a music freak, and I especially love live music. This year the only live shows I've seen were Frankie Beverly and Maze (at Essence) and Raheem DeVaughn and Bilal (at the Heineken Red Star Soul Concert). Granted two of the performers are two of my favorites of all time, so the quality definitely makes up for the quantity, but I still want to see more live shows.

3. Bathe. Now now, I shower twice a day, but I'm talking about actual bubble baths. I took one yesterday and forgot how enjoyable it is to sit and soak. The bath oil and salts were scented wild orchid. The Reisling was crisp and the candles were jasmine. What a way to calm myself for the evening and get a good night's sleep. I'm going to do it every Sunday night from now on.

4. Volunteer. I've signed up for Big Brother/Big Sister. I have all of this love in my heart, it is definitely time I give it to someone who might be able to appreciate it instead of wasting it on a shell of a relationship. I do believe that service is the price we pay for living on this earth, and I do not want to live selfishly. My dear friend Marcus has told me that it truly is a rewarding experience, so I'm going to take his word and see what it's about.

5. Yoga/Pilates. Time to get this posture in check. Nothing worse than having your mother lean over to your father and say "I think she has scoleosis." Plus, I'm not as limber as I used to be, so it's time to make a change.

6. Weight. I am going to really start cooking. I need my shape back. I miss my tush. It's time to pt some meat on these bones again. My goal weight is 145 (where I was when I was 19). My current weight is 122. I've got some work to do, but I'm determined. Some way, some how I will get my weight back.

7. Weight Training. Starting Wed. I'm getting back in the gym. Period. Dot.

8. More plays. I love the theatre, and I've never been to the Ensemble (the oldest black-owned theatre in the country), so my mom and I will be going to see plays this year, especially Raisin in the Sun...can't wait.

9. Style. Time to up the style quotient. I've always been stylish, but it's time to dress my age. The days of the jeans and the t-shirt are drawing nigh. The hair is getting longer. If I could just figure out what to do with it.

10. Correspondance. I will start letter writing again. It's a good habit to have, and everyone likes to receive mail that is not a bill or obligation.

There will be more to add to this list.