I'm a Carolina Girl

Lost Files

Yes, it's true, I'm a Carolina Girl! Growing up in the NC was and still is one of those rare opportunities.

My niece and I went riding bikes today and it got me thinking about "back in the day" I grew up on the south side of Raleigh, "400 block" to be exact! Most people judge me before they get to know me- which is unfortunate for them.

So, here are a few of my most memorable moments of growing up in my Carolina world!

up-side-down kool-aid-icy-cups

Mr. Oats hot dogs

Mr. Mints 10 cent popsicles

Catching lighting in the back yard and asking my mom to make us flashing earrings.

Jumping the creek

The wooden park
Fighting big mama
Saturdays basketball games at "the court"
Bike crew!
Mr. James on the Corner with his guitar
Wall ball
The junk yard in the first section
Playing house in the club house in the back on the second section
How Kerry D and Kristy never came out the house!
Blacky the dog
The benches with all the old drunk men
Trips to Chavis Heights pool

The shelter on Davie after dark

Walking through the cut behind the church from the 400blk to Martin

Larrys on the corner or Haywood and Martin

Getting chased by dogs from Camden to the 400 the back way by the cirlce

My first kiss at the green box

Sneaking out of the house at night from my second floor bedroom window!

Camp BB&T

and the list goes on and on...

Living for The Weeks End! GRINDING!

Dang...I feel I've neglected my center! What I mean is, I've been going going going and going for a while now. Running forward, being pulled left, being pushed right and not once going back to the middle. The effects aren't immediately evident but it definitely takes its toll...

Have you found your center? It's cliche but.."have you found yourself" and then after finding yourself, have you realized you need to lose yourself in He who is Omniscient? It took a while, a few trips across the water and lot's of pain but worth it for the everlasting joy..to find my center. It's a process, if you haven't visited that place yet, you'll find it...well that is if your looking.

Anywho, this blog isn't about all that. It's about living for the weekend. The reality of America and all it's "requirements" makes me wish I could go back to my dream land of Africa or Asia! Grateful for a great job, I wont complain. I'll just reflect and make a mental note to integrate life's simple pleasures into grinding. Geez, there has got to be a way. I spend a LOT of my time at work. I mean like 50+ hrs a week. I find myself being sucked into the constant urgency of "things to do" 8:00am turns into 12:00pm and 5:00pm turns into traffic until 6:00pm. Monday turns into Wednesday and Friday turns right back into Monday...whew...IDK if I want to live like this forever. I honestly think I could be one of those women who backpack across Europe on bikes and hiking boots. Or even a beach bum in South America who grows her own food in a little village off a dirt road....who knows?!? However, I do know I need to figure out a way to grind and ...remember the "Little Things" side note, <--these two songs--> "River Rise" are really beautiful songs, good for the soul. So in the mean time i'll embrace this character building stage and continue to journey in the peace of knowing growth comes with discovery! :-)

Peace-

Alle & Brook in the Chi!

Yes, I Rock Converses in Chi-Town

After catching up with the BF in DC I headed to the Chi to RoK Owt with my travel buddy Brook! Brook and I took an unforgettable vacation to the Philippines in February of this year. When we first met while living in South Korea I knew we would get along great! She's funny, great to talk to, a women of God and not to mention gorgeous! When she told me she was from Chicago, I knew I'd be visiting as soon as I had the opportunity! So when Brook flew in from Asia for a quick visit ::Jet Setting, yeah she's super wavy:: I knew the time had arrived for me to "gooo ...go go go go" lol Only real Common fans would get that one! Anywho, when I flew into the "Windy City" I was surprised because it wasn't windy at all...it was actually very rainy, lol. My first look at the city while driving to the south side was amazing! We stopped for some delicious White Castle and I immediately noticed the cultural and environmental differences from NC to DC and the Chi.

Tuesday night we met up with Sorors and friends to hit up " The House of Blues." Can we say the worlds worst timing?!? I had just missed Joe and a endless list of artist would be performing after my departure )-: But I'm sure I'll have a chance to do it again. We had a few drinks and some good food to satisfy my night life curiosity and headed home. Wednesday we headed downtown to do a little shopping. Ohh how I fell in love at first sight. The city is beautiful and shopping is...stupendous! I couldn't get over it! I was a little bummed because I knew I didn't have much room in my suitcase for added items, but I got a few things :-) The city's own White Sox and Cubs were also playing that day and judging by some long faces on the subway ride back home, I'd say the White Sox won that one. Later that night we hit up karaoke at a Mexican restaurant. The only thing Mexican their was the food because when I tell you Chicago brothers got Swag! Geezz! Like seriously, make a sista wana relocate! lol I had a blast listening to Brook belt out ol' skool jams and showing me how to Chi town step. I felt like I was in the movie "Love Jones" when Darius and Nina went dancin' on the town!

Thursday Brook and the family took me to the Shedd Aquarium but it was ludicrous out there! Apparently, it was free entry that day and all of Chicago decided to go, so instead we headed to the Sears Tower, soon to be renamed Willis Tower! They have awesome technology on the ground floor and great views from the top! I got my family a few souvenirs and headed back down to do a little more shopping. Before we left the city, I was easily persuaded to get some of Chicago's famous Garrett's popcorn! My intentions were to bring some back to the Carolina to share...but...it was that good!! I also had some Harold's chicken and yep that was bangin' too! That night I was to tired to hang out so I packed to fly out the next day to Atlanta and Brook ditched me to catch up with some old friends. Friday morning convo:

Brook: "So guess who I saw last night?"
Me: "Who"
Brook: "Q from day 26"
Me: "SHUT-UP!!" NOTE: if she would have said Common..I would've been done!!!
...and the story goes on to reveal that she even had a short convo with him.....
Me: BUMMED! .....smh...."ohh eemm ggee I knew I should've went" lol

All in all I had a wonderful time in the Chi! I could definitely live there and I'm looking forward to Brooks final return from Asia so I can show her how we do it in the Carolina!

Chk back next week for "Atlanta Escapades" with Ms. Sweet!