Reading Challenge 2015

Belle's library in Beauty and the Beast

Last year, I read 20 books in between rebranding an organization, going to the gym, hanging out
with friends, and trying new recipes. Some folks claim they are too busy to read which I believe is nonsense. You make time for things you find important. Reading is important to me and I love it. I also want a library like the one Belle received in Beauty and the Beast

This year, I’m challenging myself to read 30 books by the end of the year. On Goodreads, I’m tracking my progress. Currently, I’ve read 8 and just purchased book #9, so I’m a little behind.

Here’s what I’ve read so far:

1. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne 
2. I’ve Got You Under My Skin by Mary Higgins Clark 
3. Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll 
4. A Matter of Choice by Nora Roberts 
5. The Perfect Marriage by Kimberla Lawson Roby 
6. Disgruntled by Asali Solomon 
7. Citizen Creek by Lalita Tademy 
8. A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles” by Marianne Williamson 

Book #9 is The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson. Book #10 is Design Matters: An Essential Primer-Brochures, Logos, Packaging, Portfolios by Capsule, Maura Keller, Michelle Taute.

I need your help! What books should I add to my list so I can reach my goal? I like all types of genres and I have plenty of beaches to explore in Miami. Leave a comment below with your book suggestions.

My male bestie is jumping the broom

Denise and Cornel supporting my work for an Obama fundraiser
October 2007

I have two male best friends: Cornel and Jovon.

Over the past 5 years, life has made my friendships with both men flourish and reach a place none of us ever saw coming. Both men have prayed with me, for me, and given me the hard advice and love that was sometimes was difficult to hear. Their honesty, rawness and support has shaped me, educated me, and uplifted me. My friendship, with both men, is priceless.

This weekend, I am flying to San Diego to witness the union between Cornel and my new sister, Jamie. I might cry.

You see, Cornel has been a brother to me since the day I met him. I can’t explain it. We just clicked. I felt like I've known him for longer than only 9 years. It could be that Cornel talks a lot and enjoys being challenged. My sarcastic ways/tone made him talk more! Eventually, we both started listening and found out we had a lot in common but very different, too.

Since our initial meeting in 2006 when I first arrived in Chicago, we have supported each other in ways unknown to many. All big dreams, thoughts or concerns, we shared with each, hoping for honest feedback and prayer.

A week before his 30th birthday, Cornel called me. “Aye, sis. I wanna talk to you about something.”

Jamie, me and Cornel in L.A.
April 2015

He was planning to propose to his girlfriend on his birthday. I liked her, although I had only heard stories about her from him. She made my friend happy and motivated him to be better. His smile and demeanor was different because of her. So as usual, I gave him feedback and honesty on his proposal speech. Shorten and be sappy. I also applauded the awesome job he did on her engagement ring!

Cornel, I dedicate this blog post to you to extol you. Black men often don’t hear that people celebrate them, so I want you to know that I’m so proud of you. Stating that I admire you and all the work you’ve done to become the man you are today wouldn’t properly communicate how excited I am about this next journey in life.

Proverbs 18:22 says "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD." You prayed for Jamie and God blessed you with someone who is supportive and beautiful. Jamie is a gift. The favor you have had in so many areas of your life is a true testimony about the power of order, prayer and perseverance. Jamie is an amazing woman and beautiful catch. I can't wait for our future trips :)

I appreciate your focus on living a purposeful and productive life. Keep God in your life and He will continue to order your steps, according to His plan. I’m thrilled to be there to celebrate this moment with you and the start of your family. You deserve this happiness and I’m proud to call you brother.

Just stay out of the way when I dance with your daddy :)

SAG's hurricane prepardeness must-haves

So apparently Tropical Storm Erika is making her way to Miami and will be a category one hurricane Great… 

My spec, Kelli, was the one to break the news to me. She sent me a frantic Google Talk message on Wednesday about the storm. *scratches head* My reply: What storm?

Next, she sent me a link to the National Hurricane Center and then….shit.got.real.

In my lifespan, I’ve lived through snowpocalypse Chicago, polar vortex, blizzards, ice storms, extreme droughts, and tornadoes (freshman year at BGSU...I cried). But, the thought of a hurricane sweeping through my place of residency is a bit unsettling.

Having lived through all that I mentioned, I’m going to live through Erika’s rude arrival to my new home. I put together a hurricane must-have list of all the things I think you should have, in addition to the real hurricane preparedness list:

My shoes, in a tupperware box: Look, I’ve spent some critical money on awesome shoes. Plus, who wants to start their shoe wardrobe over?

A Bible, not on a tablet: Once I got my iPad, I downloaded the Bible app. But seeing that I might need the tablet to contact people, I will pull out my good ole paper copy that I used in college and grad school. I have some good highlighted notes in it anyway.

Bricks: One of the boss ladies (both heads of my department are women. Boom.) at work told me a story about the time her car floated as she approached the ramp to get on the turnpike...the same route I take home. She said the water from a tropical storm or hurricane is what is dangerous. Thanks. That's comforting. I need some bricks to keep in the trunk of my car.


Rope: Along those lines, if it looks like I might be taking a ride, I'm going to strap myself to a palm tree.

Vaseline: Seeing that I might be without water, I should make sure my skin and are moisturized. I need to look good when I’m rescued. 

Water-proof mascara: Speaking of looking good, I will also have on my waterproof mascara. I need to have the right look of fright but beauty so that people will send me money and food.

Captain Jack Sparrow

Rum: Captain Jack Sparrow swears by rum. He survived a hurricane and a tornado. I’m taking a cue from my favorite Disney protagonist.

Photo albums with pictures: I have pictures that span 30 years of my life. I want those rescued, too. I’ll keep them close.

Although this list is in jest, I am taking this hurricane thing seriously. What would you have in your hurricane must-have kit?