New Tricks

"You can't teach an old dog new tricks"

I like that quote. I always have. It motivates me to start and learn new things as I get older. I am starting a number of new things this year. The most important thing is that I will enter into a new decade (the 30's) and with that comes a new outlook. The others include:

1. I stepped out of retirement with a team I originally stepped with in my teens. (I am now retired again from stepping)

2. I had my first ballet class Saturday with my performance group. As a child I always wanted to take lessons, but we did not have the money.

3. I reconnected with old friends I have not spoken with in almost a decade.

Clearing the air with my friends and people I have dated has been a major breakthrough this year. My friends and I have mended wounds and tied loose ends that I thought would haunt me forever. I'm not sure what some of them thought when they received my emails, phone calls or letters, but I am glad that we were able to admit we were young and foolish and be able to move on. One of my friends is even helping me to write again. I only wish I was at the same level as they are. But I thank them for their help and support.

There is only one other friend I have not been able to contact to clear the air. Fear is a powerful motivator and I am not sure I am ready to cross that bridge as of yet. I am ready to admit I was wrong, but not sure that my friend is ready for the apology. It has been ten years and I am hoping that they remember me, but I am dreading the initial contact.

It's Official

I will finally get a chance to be "Cool Auntie K" and I can hardly contain myself. Come February, my sister (we will call her "the lovely Ms. A") will officially make me an Aunt. We have known for a couple of weeks, but she went to her first doctor's appointment at the end of July. She found out she is only about 10 weeks along, and I got my first picture of my new niece or nephew.

Which also means I have my first picture to share with the world.



I have vowed to spoil him or her and rack up some frequent flyer miles traveling to Florida to visit. Since the death of my Grandmother I have not traveled back home to Florida very often (about 3 times in 7 years). But now, with my sister and my-brother-in-law (I call him Double D) purchasing their first house and the new baby, I have a reason to go whenever the notion hits me. And I can also get to know my younger brother and sister a little better.

So Sick of Vick

I changed this post for a number of reasons, but mainly to change the tone. Vick has never put a meal on my table or money in my pocket. So I asked myself, "Why should I care?"

My answer? It makes every African-American look bad. We have all heard be careful who you associate with because it is a direct reflection of you. Be careful of your choices because they have the ability to come back and bite you in the rear. Always read the entire document before you sign on the dotted line because ignorance is not an excuse to get you out of a contract.

I could care less about Vick but he should teach people to be more careful. Be more mindful of your friends and associates, be more mindful of your choices and words. And last but certainly not least, read the ENTIRE contract before you sign on the dotted line. Contracts can dictate your actions, words, and future. That's why they are legally binding.

If people could understand that, we wouldn't sound as ignorant as we do now.