The 2024 presidential election motivated me to have a birthday do-over

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At the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater Pointe in Time Emerald Gala Today marks a week since my birthday.  Its occurrence is a tremendous blessing. Because all around us are reminders about the fragility of life. To that end, my brother, who always makes a point to celebrate me, took me to the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater's Pointe in Time Emerald Gala on November 2d. That was the beginning of my birthday celebrations. And then, on my birthday itself, I got a bit of a surprise... My actual birthday was tough. It was Election Day. And, I spent the day working polls as a part of an election protection effort. My efforts were designed to protect all voters. However, deep in my heart I love my AKA sister, Kamala Harris and I hoped for her historic victory. Then, much to my chagrin and despite my efforts—and those of thousands more—she lost. In my estimation, that loss was one of the greatest setbacks in human dignity in my lifetime.  The country elected a felon and self-proclaimed, racist, ableis
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A Working Mom Rocking Heatwave Hair Like a Boss!

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Making the best of a heatwave 

There is a heat wave surging around the country. So, it is a fair guess that it is hot and humid  ☀️ in your world too.  In Pittsburgh, each day this past week seemed hotter than the last. And, we don't have air conditioning at our house, which has complicated hair care. Usually, I am all about effort yielding results.  I blow dry. I curl. I make an effort. 

This week was different though. 


I completely gave up on manipulating my hair. As you know, I have three kids. What you may not know is that this summer, they have been attending programs in three different places. As I mentioned in a prior post, our daughter had a less than stellar academic year. (To read that post, click here.) And because I am me, I found an enrichment program to assist her in discovering her love of learning. However, enrichment comes at a price. So, the rising kindergarterner is attending the less expensive "fun" camp that they've attended in prior years. And the baby is at his daycare. Transporting these children takes 1.5 hours in the morning. And although I don't take them all every morning, I do have to get them all ready and make their lunches. So, the last thing I need is a hair routine that takes more time. 

I am a working mom and I got a whole lot going on. So, hair do what you want, dammit!!! 

Well, apparently my decision showed. A colleague said, "Wow! You look so 'relaxed'" Translation: "Clearly you're letting it all hang out today!" Initially, I was self conscious. I could be misinterpreting his tone, but the shock in his tone suggested judgment to me. In all honesty though, his comments just reflected my own insecurity. As the day progressed, by hair just kept getting bigger. That was not my plan, but it was my reality.

In a word, the hair I returned to the house with is not the hair I left the house with.

Trust me. This is not a post seeking, "Girl just love yourself." comments. I am just expressing the real struggle that comes with living through a summer heatwave as a professional of color. The struggle is real, very much a part of the experience and it is not a fabrication. 

Don't get me wrong, I love summer, but I'd love it more at the beach.  I need to figure out how to get more beach time in my life. 

#GOALS

What's your summer fashion struggle?!

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