5 Things I Gotta Say

There's been so much going on these last few weeks that it's taken me some time to process. And of course I have something to say about it all. 

1. Trump Shenanigans - He's exhausting and ill-equipped and ridiculous and impulsive. I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone - like this (he) can't be real. And what's even more unbelievable is that people actually voted for this racist and sexist guy to "run the country." The scary part is that I know some of his supporters in real-life. Some people have debated that his supporters are just as racist and sexist as he is, while others disagree with this notion. Regardless, I strongly believe that those who deemed him worthy of their vote pretty much said, "Yup, I know he's said racist things about Blacks, Mexicans, Natives, etc, and yes, he's made lewd comments about women and their bodies and disregarded it as locker room talk," but he's not that bad. It's as though, those weren't deal-breakers. It was even more disheartening to learn of how many women voted for him. So in my book, those voters are just as much of the problem as Donnie.

Early into his presidency, Donnie is already raising all kinds of hell with immigration, pipeline shenanigans, abortion restrictions, the construction of that damn wall, and recently his lack of acknowledgement of Black History and its pioneers (but that part isn't much of a surprise to me or my counterparts).

2. Obama - If you've read one of my old posts from the old blog you'll know that I lost hope during his second term and didn't always agree with his political tone, but at the end of the day, I will forever respect his character as a man. He is a gentle kind soul, and I'm so grateful to witness HIStory. Our history.

3. Hidden Figures - Confession: I haven't been to the movies in FOREVER. Seriously, the last movie I saw in a theater was Straight Out of Compton. Last month, I saw Hidden Figures. Like many who saw the film, I felt cheated having no prior knowledge of the remarkable story. I couldn't help but admire the three women for their courage and strength. Their badassery (yup, you read it right) was confirmation of how our forefathers (and mothers) endured grueling circumstances but still prevailed.

As the saying goes, "history repeats itself." Given the current state of this country, boy oh boy are we in a cruel and sick time capsule that has set us all the way back. Hidden Figures was a personal reminder to me that if my ancestors can rise above the trials of the past, we surely can survive these challenging times. ...and I really want to believe that from the very bottom of my heart.

4. I'm Failing But I'm Ok - So like most people at the start of the year, I was feeling super energized about "starting fresh" and starting a new list of goals. AND like most people, I've already lagged/slowed down on the momentum. But rather than beating myself up about it (because that solves nothing), I've reminded myself that as long as I'm able to see another day, it'll always be another day to get better - one day at a time.

5. I'm Addicted to Podcasts - If you're not listening to podcasts, you need to start. It's my new addiction. Here are a few of the channels I'm listening to these days:

• Lip Service - It's fun grown-up talk. So don't listen on speakerphone. 
• Ted Radio Hour - It's a typical Ted Talk presentation. A breath of fresh air.
• Cocktales: Dirty Discussions - Love Kiki,  Shayla Raye, and Medinah!! It's like catching up with girlfriends over dating shenanigans!
• Terrible, Thanks for Asking - It's an emotional conversation that will pull at your heartstrings. Promise.
• Myleik Teele's Podcast - This is an inspirational podcast. Myleik is definitely like an older sister in my head. She gives it to you raw, and you respect her for it.
• Paychecks & Balances - This is about finances and budgeting with good tips and advice that aren't too over your head.
• So Shameless - Passport Cutty/Reality Bites - Think of a platform for celebrity media - not too heavy content, light and fun.
• The Read - More celebrity media/news. This one has grown on me. A lot of my friends appreciate this one though.
• The Brilliant Idiots - This is interesting, comical conversation with Charlamagne The God (of the Breakfast Club) and comedian, Andrew Schulz, on everyday issues.

You can listen on your computer or just download the podcasts via iTunes, Soundcloud, or the Podcast app.