I w
oke up this morning at 5, surprised to find myself curled up on the couch in the living room. Yesterday’s 10 -5 shift at the mall and an evening gig covering a local arts event had taken its toll. Around 10 p.m., I entered the warm house, ate and collapsed to the tune of “Stepping to the Bad Side” from DreamGirls lulling in the background.
I stood to find a card with gifts and dough waiting for me on the dining room from the parents. I read a couple of text messaged birthday wishes from the boo. Before work, as he recuperated from his own wild bday shenanigans from the night before, we nestled cups of tea and walked hand in hand in Whole Foods. Somehow, it was so romantic. I laughed, recalling the sweet call from my grandparents—who actually thought they were a day late—bidding me early wishes. And smiled as I listened to one little sister’s serenade and my sister from another mother’s earnest remarks on the voicemail.
The little things, man.
At work, I spotted a bad black dress—I know, like I need another one—in the store on sale for $30. My boss selected a necklace to match for that ran me another $5. Not bad. Not bad at all.
This morning, in a new dress that didn’t cost me an arm and a leg, I am scribbling this down while prepping for a day split between City Hall and its neighboring library, a couple of evening meetings and a night with a few friends in a local bar.
And couldn’t be happier.
Did I mention I’ll have the chance to meet her tomorrow. (I’m such a Broadway geek-but this is the best week ever.)
My expectations haven’t lowered. They’ve simply shifted. Drinks with a few really good friends means more than having a million fake ones. Free entry to a couple of really awesome arts events–even if it’s technically work–is now more stimulating than a night at the city’s hottest club.
This birthday, cheers to the little things.
The Re-Education of LaShonda 
why am i always commenting on your posts? Happy to hear that your happy 🙂
LikeLike
🙂 Cuz you’re that awesome. I’m so sad that your blog met its end.
LikeLike
Yeah, me too…I basically lost all my desire to write. I also felt my blog was a little too disorganized, and needed to think more deeply. But don’t worry, one day Mao’s army will rise again
LikeLike
Woot. Looking forward to Mao’s Army’s renaissance. But I completely understand. Mine is pretty random, too. LOL. And unless something really cool, interesting or horrible happens, I normally don’t feel ultra-driven to write on here. I write so much through my freelance gig, that it sometimes feels overwhelming. But it is really good practice. That’s what keeps me going.
LikeLike