I’m trying to keep up with myself! Someone recently brought it to my attention that I’m always on go. I’ve been that way since as long as I can remember. So with my monthly roundups, I’ll attempt to document my most exciting happenings!
Quote(s) of September
- “I tell myself I believe in myself and then I believe in myself and I do it.” – Celia, age 4
- “F*ck it is the new Hustle.” – a wise coffee mug
- “God will never let what you lost be the best you ever had!” – anonymous
Summer in the South
The best experiences are random ones. This one was no different. During Labor Day weekend, I sporadically decided to attend Summer in the South. This was a local summer film festival, that attracted talent from all over. I was pleasantly surprised by the comedy block, as well as the film block.
Some of my favorite memories include:
- Loved that I had a chance to work with one of my team members to make major strides on our television show!
- Seeing Neal Reddy (that random comedian guy from Queer Eye Atlanta) do his thang. Seriously the joke about being in a long-term relationship, when he literally only lived 30 minutes away from the girl, took me out.
- These other comedians kept the night moving as well. I loved: Matthew English keeping it light with the Call Me by Your Name jokes, Julie Osborne and her HULK mode story, and the apparent love Piere Guyton has for his girlfriend (now wife). Thanks for keeping me laughing y’all!
- The standout films that I saw were: Sac de Merde (which featured the quirky adventures of a not so lucky Jewish girl in NYC), Zombie Debt (even in the wake of a zombie apocalypse, you have to pay up when it comes to your student loans), Encounters (when the aliens take over, things get a little freaky), and Catch (black superheroes, that’s all you need to know! #periodt)
“A” is for Appreciation
This month as I was riding through the streets of Atlanta, I felt a sense of something that I haven’t felt in a while — appreciation. Appreciation for the art, the experiences, the opportunities, and the people! I admit that as a native of metro Atlanta (which people find entertaining), I sometimes feel stunted. There is no valid reason for me to feel that way. As I reflect and keep chugging on my journey, I’m starting to realize that Atlanta really is a city where anything is possible.
Beanz’s Table Read
My television show team’s original showrunner has been diligently working on a feature film. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read a part of his script during his official table read. I might have a future as a voiceover actor. 👀
29 Rooms Atlanta w/ RK!
This is an interactive experience that I’ve been trying to get to for years! I like to say that I had something to do with them finally coming to Atlanta. I figure whoever runs the official 29 Rooms Instagram account got tired of me leaving comments on their posts about them never coming to Atlanta. Anyway, shoutout to Raajita, for being a good sport, and serving as my official photographer and 29 Rooms partner in crime. We were transported to the 90s, we were reinsured of our self-worth and even had our own private photoshoot.
It was hard picking these pics, but here are some of my favs!
The First CurlFest Atlanta
To be surrounded by a slew of carefree naturals is such a personally freeing experience. I also had the opportunity to volunteer with the PR team. I’m absolutely giddy and still reeling over the unbelievable experience that I had at the first-ever CurlFest Atlanta event with my team. I also captured the creators and the whole festival environment with my little camera. Wow!
My Birthday Weekend
Every year I try to do something new and exciting for my birthday. This year, I absolutely had no clue what I was going to do.
- Atlanta Botanical Garden: My mom had the idea to go the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s themed Alice in Wonderland experience. I’m not going to lie. It was a tad bit stressful because that park is HUGE, but I’m glad I had the chance to experience it with my fam. My hangry senses definitely kicked in after this, and we headed over to fancy-schmancy Buckhead to dine and enjoy family dinner as well.
- Every girl needs to know how to HUSTLE: I also saw Hustlers. That movie is something that everyone absolutely must experience in a sold-out theater. If you know me at all, you know I love jumping out of my seat, commenting during the film, and feeding off the energy of my fellow viewers. So a packed theater was my only option here.
- Brunchin’ w/ DW: The last thing I did was brunch. I went to a place called, Muchaco. It was a cute little Tex-Mex brunch spot at the cuff of Dekalb and Atlanta, that gave me major west coast vibes. I decided to go here based on a recommendation from a new friend that I randomly met the week before. I actually ended up inviting this new friend, as well as an old one. I have to say that it wasn’t bad at all, and I’ll have to take some time to head back there at some point.
- Other Sweet Thoughts & Happenings: I am so grateful that I had the opportunity and ability to do so much for my 24th birthday. I’m also thankful that the unforeseen mishaps that were thrown into a handful of the birthday plans, didn’t completely ruin the mood and everyone remained positive. Also, THANK YOU for my thoughtful ballon quotes (or the small piece that I received) and the cake-flavored soda was much appreciated. Also, that lemon cupcake was great too! (a special thank you to me!)
My NYC and NJ Trip
Everybody thought I was crazy, but I got it done. Lol not everyone, honestly it was just my mom. This comes as no surprise though, because my mom always thinks I’m 100% doing the most. BUT like I said, I got it done. I spent time with friends in New York City (Brooklyn mostly), then headed to New Jersey to see lots of family I haven’t seen in a while, while also experiencing the cutest little wedding. I’m proud of my little journey. Take a little peek below.
Special Memories
- NYC Eats: Wow, my mission to become a Yelp Eliter has never been so strong. I absolutely loved stuffing my face with all the NYC gems that I found while I was in the city. AND, thank you to Fernanda and Chi Chi, for indulging in my very first NYC pizza slice with me. 🙂
- Friends: To all my friends who took the time to spend time with me, thank you. I love you so so much. Thanks for the free concerts, karaoke, and late-night chats.
- Sights: Wow. Exploring Brooklyn was an absolute gift. I love it when I get the chance to explore by myself, but somehow I always get swept into some sort of drama. So for this trip, I did get lost at one point, and my phone did die, BUT I successfully explored the city and got to explore one of the most moving art galleries. So, all in all, no complaints. PLUS did I mention that I got to see WENDY live, and yes she is a whole mess live as well? Thanks, Chi Chi for sticking that one out with me.
- Exploring NJ with my family: I haven’t been to NJ in such a long time. I enjoyed the different pace of life, as well as spending time with my family. A special thanks to my Auntie Stacey for taking the time to show me around your little city! And thank you to my Uncle Denzel, for inviting my fam to such an amazing wedding! Oh, and I might have become best friends with my six-year-old baby cousin. Haha
- The Wedding: Weddings are always such fun, and this one was no different. The set up for this wedding was interesting too. The ceremony lasted all of 10 minutes. The photoshoot and cocktail portions were probably around 45 minutes to an hour, and that reception was a full-on party. It probably lasted around 5 hours. Haha. No complaints though, I loved seeing everyone in their element.
Featured photos by: Deja White