It'(wa)s My Birthday!!!!

(September 16, 2010)

So I turned 29, and Howard University thought it not robbery to give me class...ALL DAY! While I initially did not feel excited about having to celebrate most of the day in school, it actually turned out to be pretty eventful.

In the morning, in lieu of class, I got to attend a conference on trauma and the brain where I learned some pretty amazing things about our human makeup. I know this does not sound like exciting birthday fun, but the things I learned will really help build a solid foundation for the work that I intend to do. Trust me.

In the afternoon, while I was bracing myself for the return of last week's dreaded paper, I got gift number two: she didn't grade them and won't return them until next week! Happy birthday to me! On top of that we got to spend half of our class attending a lecture in the law school by Shirley Sherrod! Mrs. Sherood discussed her recent experience of injustice at the hands of the USDA and talked about her history of activism. Her inspirational testimony about leadership and determination really encouraged me to keep pressing my way through.

After a very intellectually stimulating morning, I did spend the evening having some more typical birthday fun. I got treated to a lovely birthday dinner and topped the night off enjoying live music in DC (thanks L-boogie!).

Keeping in the tradition of my Aunt Kim who encourages us to celebrate our birthdays all month long, I continued into Friday by attending a conference at the Congressional Black Caucus where Susan Taylor and Malaak Compton Rock were among the panel of guests talking about creating safe communities for our young girls...and then I had an exam Saturday morning! Back to reality!

While I was sad about not being at home for my traditional celebration with the family, God definitely gave me a special day (and had me in DC where I was able to dodge the horrific tornado that tore through Brooklyn, sorry BK!). Big shout out to my family and friends who sent lots of long distance love and presents!

In the midst of it all, it is tremendously important to celebrate life and give thanks.

To The Creator: You gave me life. Reflecting on this truth alone makes me well up with tears of gratitude. You formed me in thought then molded a plan for me to be here in flesh; strategically placed the people and experiences that would contribute to making me, ME. Indebted gratitude-eternally. Thanks Creator for my BIRTH...DAY!

BTW...that paper I was stressing about...just got it back today (9/23/10)...I GOT AN A!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEEEEE!