Blind Date, Bridges & Humility

He didn’t look like Denzel, Will Smith, Idris Elba, or Boris Kodjoe, although he can hold his own. But more importantly, neither did he look like Gary Coleman. The latter was a huge relief, believe me.

A big shout out to Tracey, my matchmaking friend, who was on point with her description of my blind date. He is attractive, successful, funny, and yes, he was a nice guy. We exchanged contact information and have spoken since. The conversations were not contrived nor did it feel like we were interviewing job applicants. Wherever this is headed, my intent is to get there slowly with no preconceived ideas or expectations.

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How many times have you been in your car stuck on a bridge or overpass during rush hour traffic? If you’re like me more times than you would like. The bouncing, shaking and rattling always made me wonder what would happen if it suddenly gave way. The I-35 bridge collapse in Minneapolis on Wednesday answered that question and reinforced my fears.

Living in a large metropolitan area bridges are like death and taxes - unavoidable. On my daily commute to work I cross at least seven bridges. Going forward, each one will be crossed with a prayer.

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Just last night I apologized to someone for something I said and the “way” I said it. On the surface this really isn’t a big deal until I tell you I claimed hell would first freeze over before I apologized.

It was a heated exchange and I went for the jugular. In my relationships, familial, platonic, or romantic, I normally walk away from debates or arguments when I’m angry to avoid such heated exchanges. But there are those rare occasions when, before I know it, I am like a pit bull on attack mode. There’s no stopping until my thirst for blood is satisfied. Yes. It can get like that.

In the ten days from when the incident occurred and the apology was offered, God convicted my spirit. How did He do this you may ask? By using my grandmother, Laura L. Sterling. I kept hearing her voice in my head admonishing my behavior, 'you know you weren't raised liked that'…blah, blah, blah-ba-dee blah. Mother, or “Mudda”, has been gone from this earth for 11 years and let me tell you, they don’t make ‘em like her anymore.

For ten days I pouted, I stomped my feet, and I stood my ground on principle. For ten nights my sleep was restless and fitful. I refused, absolutely refused to humble myself, doggone it, I was right! I have played this game of tug-o-war with God before and I have never, ever won. Thus, I relented, repented, and humbled myself.

After all, when it is all said and done and I've gone to meet my maker, I need there to be one less thing for which I have to answer to God. Besides, I needed the sleep.

Single Black Female

As the title of this post indicates, I am a single black female. Some days I consider this a blessing and some days, a curse...depending on my mood, the time of day, time of month, it may be both.

So I have a blind date on Friday. I'm excited about it. My date has been described as a successful college grad, physically active, attractive and an all around nice guy. Jokingly, another friend offered a paper bag just in case I need it to get through the date - it would be to put over his head. I've been warned to get my expectations in check and to go with the flow. Basically, prepare myself if he doesn't "measure up".

I'm not expecting him to look like Denzel, Will Smith, Idris Elba, or Boris Kodjoe, but I wouldn't be disappointed either. But if he looks like Gary Coleman...that's a wrap!!

I have some "set-up" dates that have left me scratching my head and wondering why I even bother. So I am surprised by my excitement about this upcoming blind date.

Last summer another well meaning friend set me up with friend of her significant other. It didn't go well. Actually, the date didn't end well. Upon noticing a family photo in the hallway of my home, he turned to me hands up as if he wanted to play "Patty Cake", and then in his best female imitation voice says "Oh, Miss Celie". WTF? Who in the hot-assed, krispy hell on that picture looks like Miss Celie to you? Me? My mother? My sister? Don't let the door knob hit you on the way out buddy.

On another "set up", dude showed up over an hour late causing us to miss the comedy show we planned to attend. Not a good first impression. The girlfriend who set me up with this joker said she thought he was sexy. Sexy? Nothing was sexy about ole boy with a head so big he looked like a "bobble head" toy standing on my front porch. WTH?

These are only two of many that could have been episodes on BET's "Hell Date". All I needed was the the vertically challenged person outfitted in his devil costume to jump out the closet.

Keep your fingers crossed this date goes much better!