A is for Awesome

An awesome weekend is just what I needed. I was sooo gung ho on attending the Afro Punk Festival and when those plans that I never made fell through; I was excited that I still had an entire weekend off and could attend the 50th Anniversary of The March on Washington.  Growing up in Ga. and in my household period there was always a black history lesson taught, literally always. I also have very vivid memories of visiting the King center in Atlanta and can still remember portions of the 'I Have A Dream' speech. I was super excited to be a part of history, especially since I didn't attend neither of the inaugurations for President Barak Obama. As soon as I made it to the metro station you could feel the ambiance in the air. There were sooo many people in the DC area marching in support of some cause; causes I never heard of, causes that others may have forgotten about, marching to make a difference and have their voice heard. Although it was super hot and packed, I couldn't imagine being any place else. The memories and feelings of togetherness that I'll be able to pass on to my future children  is way more valuable than a concert.

 

I also had a chance to kick it with the Peculiar Ladies from NeonV magazine. I super excited to see that they were hosting a picnic with tasty treats from Lemonmade. I am a lover of all things macaroons, French macaroons that is. Let me just say I had an awesome time meeting all of new peeps in the DMV. The weather was super hot and sunny and the libations were flowing. This totally seemed like a group of ladies I could kick it with and have a good time with. Take a looksy for yourself.

                                                                       Look at the ladies Live In Neon!!!

Liz and I with her tasty macaroons!!!

 

Lovely Ladies of GW!!!

 

Model stance, always!!!

 

 

Look at this mane, super cute!!!

 

Me and Ms.Badu!!!

Turning Up!!!

                                                                                                           Playing Heads Up (this app is great)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Werk!!!

                                                                                 

 

 

7th District and I

I hope I'm able to hang out with these ladies again

 

Look At Me Live In Neon

After such a long weekend I was wore out!!!

*My apologies for the pics, I'm still learning my camera settings* 

Roll With The Punches...

OMG, I have been on yet another hiatus. With my sporadic posting, you wouldn't be able to tell that I actually enjoy blogging lol. I can't believe summer is almost over and I haven't taken 1 dip in the pool or felt sand in between my toes or even a stay-cation for that matter (that makes me sad). Nothing much has changed, I'm still don't have full-time job or my own place *yikes*. Being laid off for these past 7 months has really allowed me to see things from different perspectives. I've learned a lot about people, but more importantly, I've learned a lot about myself and God. I think that He has used this time to remind me that He is still in control.  I will admit, I am a bit of a control freak and very impatient. And honestly, those have been my biggest challenges in regard to being unemployed; I wanted a job and I wanted it now. Interview, after interview, after interview and not even an e-mail to state that I wasn't selected for a position gets very discouraging. However, I do have a new outlook. I am now at a point where whatever happens, happens. I've relinquished all control and I've come to accept the fact that maybe Va. isn't the place for me and because of my living arrangement I have set a definite time frame of leaving (funny how God works because I did that prior and I'm still here).  I realize that every time life chooses to punch me someway I've been able to get back up and try again. I've also seen God work on and through me before; and he's never taken something away and not replaced it with something better.

Cara

Heartbreaks and 808's...

If you were like me and most black women in their late 20s early 30s, then last week you tuned in to Being Mary Jane on B.E.T. This particular show spoke to my inner being sooo much because I could totally relate. Mary Jane is a successful woman that just hasn't found success in her relationships with the opposite sex. I have witnessed several of my friends in horrible relationships; and I have also witnessed those same friends share vows with the man they'd spend forever with. And then, there's me...I swear I am like the only single friend AKA odd man out. At the age of 31 I wonder if it'll ever be my turn; at least a healthy relationship (where both parties are on the same page). At this age I'm not sure if heartbreak was worse in my 20s or my 30s. I'm leaning towards the latter age because you know that in your 20s you know its game time, but it becomes a sickening feeling when you encounter someone in their 30s, looks good on paper but is emotionally selfish and unavailable. I guess the expectation for love and commitment in your 30s is what takes precedence. You've reached the age where hopefully you know what you like and dislike, worked on your previous issues from previous relationships, and you're looking forward to meeting someone that you're compatible with to actually take it to the next level (I mean who really wants to be lonely). If you all recall last year I joined a dating site after Uncle Rukus and I broke up, and it was entertaining to say the least but 'the getting to know you' phase is the absolute worse for me. All of the dating BS makes me wonder if its really worth it, as much as I love love, a part of me wants to give up on it. But to me love is like air or water, you need it to survive. I'd rather be selfish with other parts of me than my emotions. I am very interested to see how the show Being Mary Jane turns out, based on the clips I seen she'll continue her rendezvous with the married man. As for me, I'll be living vicariously through some fictional character, immersed in a book or a sitcom, waiting until love finds me.

 

                                                                                                                       

  

 

 

 

 

 

June Was Official

Once again, I thought I would have posted more during the month of June but as you can see that didn't happen. Let's just say June was official, sooo many events, birthdays (Happy Birthday to my lil brother Rhian), and sooo many outfits. Since I wasn't a 'good blogger' and posted as everything occurred I'd like to share that with you now. If you are following me on IG (akakristin), you may have already seen what's taken place this month with me, if not, now's your time to follow.

Tried to do a squat challenge and did a purple liner

Ended up having to sue my former landlord and got my car towed for the 2nd time

 

 

I totally LOVE Pink & Green

 

Taste of Reston

 

Chilling at Chrysalis Winery

 

 

I'm definitely looking forward to July and I promise my pics won't solely be from my iPhone (not sure why they came out this way.



A Great Day...

Today I celebrated my 31st Birthday and although I didn't make any plans (except a massage) it turned out well. I am beyond blessed and happy to see another year of life. Thanks to everyone for all of the Birthday wishes and positive energy; I really appreciate it.

I'm Not Me...

WARNING

This is yet another rant post, but I'll guarantee you it'll be my last for the month of June *fingers crossed*. Sooo much has transpired between the last weeks of April until now. I don't even know if stress is an accurate word to describe it, trust and believe and am having a woe-is-me-moment. Honestly, I am not used to constantly being 'Debbie the Downer', I have to admit; I am not myself. Getting laid off, having to scramble to find somewhere to live after basically being rejected by family has been a huge blow to my confidence and although it may not look like that on FB/Instagram those who know me personally can attest to this. Take today for instance, I found out I got a job. Here's the catch, it wasn't the actual job I applied for and it isn't full time; now I know there are people that don't have jobs but I totally lost it. Instead of being happy, basking in the moment, I was hurt. Once again, it felt like rejection. I remember the old me being fearless, more positive, and seeing the glass half-full. Funny thing is, I'm that person towards others, but this season of uncertainness has made me become my own worse enemy. Once again, I am not me. I have always been a worry rat, but my behavior now is that to the third power.

I know that things can change in an instant, I just need to have mustard seed faith that things will work out in my favor and I'll be back to me again. Thanks for listening to yet another rant :-)

JuneBug

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My favorite month is here!!! After taking a brief sabbatical, I was originally going to write about what has taken place since my last post (I'll do that later this week). However, this is my mf month. This is my birthday month, its when flowers have bloomed and its when you start dreaming of beaches and tasting salt water. Now I don't know about vacations since my life hasn't yet made a 360 in another direction, but I do plan to enjoy this month as much as I can and would like to make some sort of summer bucket list to navigate my way through. Any other readers born in the month of June and are team Gemini? Any summer vacations planned (so that I can live vicariously through you)? Any summer bucket list?

Ram In The Bush

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One of my grandmother's favorite saying's is 'God has a ram in the bush'. She has said this sooo many times, especially when I'm going through something tough, and to be honest that saying has ALWAYS been 100% true. There have been times when I've needed something and God has ALWAYS provided, not just provided within the situation, but provided through a person totally unrelated to the situation. There have been numerous accounts that I can list God having a ram in the bush, someone willing to step in and fill in the gap. This whole 'moving ordeal' has been yet another testament to the saying. People that I've recently met have helped me pack and even offered me to stay in their home for a month until I heard back from a job or just ultimately decided to move home. Those were very nice gestures, because trust me I NEVER thought I would be in the position that I'm in currently. I am not the type of person that asks for help unless I have absorbed all of my options and really, really need it. One of my 'new friends' made it very clear to me today by saying, 'God isn't going to come down and hand you things, but he does put people in your life to help you out'. That was exactly what I needed to hear. I have been feeling like I am in this alone and trust me, I know that I'm not. This week I am very grateful for all of the 'Ram's' that have come out of the 'bush' to listen to me rant, cry, and offer their assistance and kind words in return for nothing. I am totally appreciative!!! This whole experience has totally taught me that you NEVER know what you're going to grow through (that was not a typo) but my prayer is that I will also be a 'ram in the bush' for someone.

P.S- Thank you to all of you that read my blog and are praying on my behalf and sending positive energy my way, totally appreciate it.