"We who believe in freedom cannot rest..."

I haven't discussed the Zimmerman verdict with many people. It's just too despicable to talk about. Times like this all you can do is pray for better. It's sad that he was found not guilty (not even manslaughter was handed down), but it's even more sad that I wasn't surprised. As much as I wanted the world that I live in to get it right this time, I knew in my heart that the jury OF HIS PEERS would see that somehow he was justified in his actions that rainy night of February 26, 2012. 

Race was an issue that night. It is an issue today. And it will continue to be an issue until we come together and have real understanding of each other and love for one another. It can't happen if we profile our innocent, young black men who are just trying to get home late at night. It can't happen if we ridicule the last person who spoke to Trayvon that night because she doesn't look or speak the way you expect her to...Side Note: It disgusts me that we as Blacks found it fun and funny to talk about Rachel Jeantel, rather than encourage and lift her up.

Civil Rights Activist, Ella Josephine Baker once said, "Until the killing of black men, black mothers' sons, becomes as important to the rest of the country as the killing of white mothers' sons, we who believe in freedom cannot rest." Nope, this wasn't said last week. It was 1964. I love Sweet Honey in the Rock's "Ella's Song." It's so powerful. Today, when I listened to it, after everything that's happened, I sobbed for all the Trayvon's that didn't even have a chance in this daily battle against Injustice.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 )

Praying for America,
*Sweet P *

What a difference a year makes...

Calvin and I are celebrating 1 year as a couple!!! WOOOOOW! Who woulda thunk it! I had no idea that when we went out that lovely Saturday afternoon in May 2012 that we would be here. It truly has been a life-changing experience for me. I'm definitely not the P that I was this time last year. This relationship has broken me and built me up at the same time. My life used to be comfortable, quiet and easy. HAAAA! All that has be thrown out the window for spontaneous, LOUD, crazy, outta control and insane. But....I wouldn't have it any other way because at the same time it's been fun, exhilarating, HA-larious and so extremely rewarding.

So after 1 year, here are the top 10 things that I have learned:

1. Relationships are HARD WORK!!! Yes indeedy!! Nothing about it is easy. You will argue. You will cry. Your feelings will be hurt. You will be ready to do bodily harm to the other person. Then you will turn around and want to kiss them. There will be rocky moments; it can't be avoided. But the good always outweighs the bad. When you are with who God designed for you, it ALWAYS has a way of working itself out and gets even better with time.
2. I'm not OK with being single. Period. Who was I fooling? It's not fun cooking all the time for one. I don't enjoy sleeping alone all the time (most of the time I do though LOL). I wasn't meant to live this life solo. Calvin and I are a dynamic duo. Like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, Beauty and the Beast, Fred and Wilma Flintstone and Superman and Lois Lane. We just fit and neither of us will ever be "OK" without the other person ever again.
3. Not everything needs to be planned out or have a to-do list attached to it. I'm a perfectionist by nature. Lists for everything. I will plan a happy hour a month in advance. This relationship has tested all of that. What list? What plan? I could get a call today saying, "Be ready at 12. We are going to hang out." Hang out? What do I wear? Where are we going? HAAAA! Do you think I get answers to that?? Nope! I've learned to just be ready for anything. It was so hard for me at first, but now I go with the flow and love every minute of it. Calvin brought stupid, spur-of-the-moment fun into my life.
4. Its OK to lean and depend on someone else. Even if I'm disappointed; it's not the end of the world. Letting go makes my life much lighter. I've always been the man and woman in my life, so sometimes I forget that there is someone there who has my back. I can ask for help, even if I CAN do it myself. I need him around and I show him just that.
5. Love doesn't have to hurt. I read a quote that says, "Every woman deserves a man who will ruin her lipstick and not her mascara." So true. Being in love is the most amazing feeling in the world. Love doesn't lie to you, cheat on you or make you feel less than. It lifts you, frees you and makes you feel more alive.
6. There is a huge difference between dating and courting. That one you have to figure out on your own. Dating is easy. Courting requires more from you. Its the coursework for the final exam....Marriage. 
7. If it will make everything peaceful, just say "I'm sorry" even if you're not the one at fault. It doesn't take anything from you. It actually adds more than you know. 
8. Pick your battles. Bite your tongue. Some things just aren't worth the fight.
9. Appearances do matter. He likes it when you dress up and take time to look sexy for him. Keep the fire going. Keep him wanting more. Keep you on his mind 24/7.
10. Baltimore isn't all that bad. I guess...LOL

I'm looking forward to more and more lessons and growing old with my best friend.

Singing, it's our anniversary....

Sweet P