About that kept woman thing . . .

It's officially postponed:)

I guess in the pressure of the job search and the rent reality, I really was thinking of an easy way out.
And being a kept woman is cool, especially if you use the time to make a difference and follow your dreams and talents. But single me got something even better . . . inspired by amazing women and a J-O-B!
If mushy stuff makes you throw up pick up a brown paper bag *here* because my week has been a great one!!!
Monday we presented our senior thesis and then had our honors farewell dinner which was so much fun. It finally sunk in that I was leaving college as I looked around at the first group of people I met when I got to Howard.
After a bus ride back with the sing-a-long of montell jordan, MJB and you know some Candy Rain and Dru Hill, I was so lucky that my interview for the next day had to be postponed since I wasn't packed, wasn't ready and didn't feel like getting on a bus in the middle of the night.
Tuesday morning my girl Kinsey cooked breakfast for us all and I brought the smoothies.I was so excited to finally see 'Deja Vu' and loved it. You have to hear my cousin's theory of how he must have gone back more than once . . . just like us to be adding scenes in the movie . . .
I make it to NY Tuesday night and now once again you can take your two fingers, place them in the middle of my forehead and mush me.
I had on my cute knee shorts, mustard short sleeve sweater and chocolate cork sandals . . . and cursed myself out the whole walk to my cousin's apartment for taking out my trench coat and my sweater before leaving and leaving them both on my bed b/c it was hot in DC. Why I thought four hours away the weather would be the same Ill never know.
So I leave out Wednesday morning in this short sleeve light dress in 50 degree weather, shaking my head at myself the whole time. I am smart enough to leave with a few minutes to spare in hoping the Conway by the train station on 116th has some type of jacket. It's spring so I luck upon this red 3/4 length "trench" coat for $13.
It makes me laugh when I think how may compliments that jacket got. Here's a pic of me and the homie Jan on her birthday that day at Melba's.

So wednesday was great as I meet with two of my mentors, my resume went a phenomenal and much needed critique and I was back at Auntie "E" like I never left:) Had lunch with Nakisha and had a peek into what my life could be.

Thursday I was so excited I had lucked up being in the right place at the right time and my career counselor invited me to sit at the HU table at the Ebony Outstanding Women's Luncheon at Cipriani. It was absolutely AMAZING and shamed me a little for letting the pressure get to me and reminded me its not optional to be all we can be!!!!

So the reception before the luncheon is so nice with the red carpet outside and my red jacket happening to match perfectly I laugh at myself again as I speak to a familiar face . . .
Michelle Obama comes in and is ushered to the press area as Sheila Johnson Rice flutters around in this fly suit. I see Harriette Cole who I am a big fan of and am about to walk over and speak when it's time to go sit at tables.

Sitting at the table I am just trying to keep cool as the Dean from my school sits by me and successful alum take there seats around the table. Harriette is the MC and begins the program.

We stand as this lady sings "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Phylicia Rashaad comes on and is absolutely STUNNING and Im scared of my own clairvoyant power as I had just seen her on Patti Labelle's show the day before. She has this presence and way of speaking that had us all silent - which is a big deal for prosperous black folks.

Lunch begins and everyone is up getting there network on.

Holly Robinson Pete walks by and takes her seat.

A line forms by B. Smith as ladies crowd to meet her.

I am enjoying it all and know there is no way I am "making rounds"

At the urging of Sabrina from Career Services I realize this is a once-in-a-lifetime deal and I get up and try and find Harriette (and y'all know I have stalker tendencies so before knowing of this luncheon I had already sent her a card telling her how much I admired her)

I dont see her but I do meet publicist extraordinaire Terrie Williams who is phenomenal and speak to Ebony VP/HU Alum Jeff Burns as pretentious ladies with rhinestone studded stunna shades yell across the room "JEFF." comedy.

Im walking back to my table and passing the B. Smith line when I hear the lady who has her full attention say how interested she is in the project. I keep walking to see who it is and lock eyes with Raven-Symone who is pretty . . .and as regular as any fly girl walking Howard's campus and I like her for that.

Lunch over and the presenters of the awards are as fly as the amazing women. Raven and Holly both present, as Holly presents to Yvette Lee Bowser, who I will love forever for Living Single (y'all know Im a Carrie/Kadijah mix:) Michael Eric Dyson is a hilarious presenter as he presents to Gwen Ifill. And Sheila Johnson Rice presents to our next first lady, Michelle Obama. But Ann Fudge's, with her stunning white hair, acceptance speech touch me the most as she pulled out her grandmother's diploma from night school in 1929 forcing us all to remember just how far we have come and remember how we got here or even have a shot at so much greatness.

As if that day couldn't get better, it did. After probably being too honest and cool at the magazine I visited before, I make my way home and am proud to share I will be working at essence.com as a freelance editorial assistant. Just like last summer, that's all I'll be saying about job stuff on this here blog, but I am way too excited not to share that important news! Thank you beautiful people who read the blog and keep me honest (you know I was rolling on the Chinatown bus ride back when in the Vibe coverstory Beyonce is talking bout the videos and how she was acting like a drag queen in one:). Now I just need people ready to move with me at the first of the month!

God is good (all the time too, not just in the highs),

Queen.