2021 Popsugar Reading Challenge

Each year, I take on different reading challenges as a way to get outside of my reading comfort zone. For 2021, I plan to complete the 2021 Popsugar Reading Challenge which contains a total of 50 books as well as the 52 Book Club Reading Challenge.

Below is a list of reading prompts for the 2021 reading challenge. After I finish each reading prompt, I will update this list. If you want to see more of the books I've read this year, you can check out my Goodreads profile at: https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/15431036.

2021 Popsugar Reading Challenge:

1. A book published in 2021: Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
2. An Afrofuturist book: My Soul to Keep by Tananarive Due
3. A book that has a heart, diamond, club, or spade on the cover: Fattily Ever After by Stephanie Yeboah
   
4. A book by an author who shares you zodiac sign: Ribsy by Beverly Cleary
5. A dark academia book: What Big Teeth by Rose Szabo
   
6. A book with a gem, mineral, or rock in the title: The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton
   
7. A book where the main character works at your current or dream job: Deal with the Devil by Kit Rocha
8. A book that has won the Women's Prize For Fiction (2017:) The Power by Naomi Alderman
9. A book with a family tree: The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea
   
10. A bestseller from the 1990s: The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller (1993 & 1994)
    
11. A book about forgetting: Still Alice by Lisa Genova
12. A book you have seen on someone's bookshelf (in real life, on a Zoom call, in a TV show, etc.:) The Passive Programming Playbook by Paula Willey and Andria L. Amaral
    
13. A locked-room mystery: Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
14. A genre hybrid: Seconds by Bryan Lee O'Malley
15. A book set mostly or entirely outdoors: 100 Hikers 100 Hikes by Andrew Camani
16. A book with something broken on the cover: Childhood Disrupted: How Your Biography Becomes Your Biology and How You Can Heal by Donna Jackson Nakazawa
17. A book by a Muslim American author: Proud: Living My American Dream by Ibtihaj Muhammad (Young Readers Edition)
18. A book that was published anonymously: Letting Ana Go by Anonymous
19. A book with an oxymoron in the title: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
20. A book about do-overs or fresh starts: Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
21. A magical realism book: The Charmed Wife by Olga Grushin
22. A book set in multiple countries: Contents May Have Shifted by Pam Houston
23. A book set somewhere you'd like to visit in 2021:The Museum of Rain by Dave Eggers (California Central Coast)
24. A book by a blogger, vlogger, YouTube video creator, or other online personality: Feeding My Soul (Because It's My Business) by Tabitha Brown
25. A book whose title starts with "Q," "X," or "Z:" Quirky by Melissa A. Schilling
26. A book featuring three generations (grandparent, parent, child:)
27. A book about a social justice issue: Spirit Run by Noe Alvarez
28. A book set in a restaurant: Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa
29. A book with a black-and-white cover: The White City by Karolina Ramquvist
30. A book by an Indigenous author: Bury My Heart at Chuck E. Cheese's by Tiffany Midge
31. A book that has the same title as a song: Between You and Me by Mary Norris
32. A book about a subject you are passionate about: I Love it When You Talk Retro by Ralph  Keyes
33. A book that discusses body positivity: The Self-Love Revolution by Virgie Tovar, MA 
34. A book found on a Black Lives Matter reading list: The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
35. A book in a different format than what you normally read (audiobook, ebooks, graphic novels:) Hidden America by Jeanne Marie Laskas (large print)
36. A book that has fewer than 1,000 reviews on Amazon or Goodreads: The Silence by Don Delillo
37. A book you think your best friend would like: Pop Sonnets by Erik Didriksen
    
38. An book about art or an artist: Leonardo's Knots by Caroline Cocciardi
    
39. A book everyone seems to have read but you: Sula by Toni Morrison
    
40. Your favorite prompt from a past POPSUGAR Reading Challenge: book based entirely on its cover - Reading the OED: One Man, One Year, 21,730 Pages by Ammon Shea 
41. The longest book (by pages) on your TBR list: From My People: 400 Years of African American Folklore edited by: Daryl Cumber Dance (736 pages)
42. The shortest book (by pages) on your TBR list: I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel (149 pages)
43. The book on your TBR list with the prettiest cover: Make Your Own Sunshine by Janice Dean
44. The book on your TBR list with the ugliest cover: All Systems Red by Martha Wells
45. The book that's been on your TBR list for the longest amount of time: Dirty South by Ben Westhoff
    
46. A book from you TBR list you meant to read last year but didn't: My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
47. A book from you TBR list you associate with a favorite person, place, or thing: A Pictorial Guide to Biltmore by Rachel Carley
48. A book from your TBR list chosen at random: Rediscover Jesus by Matthew Kelly
49. A DNF book from your TBR list: Afraid of Everything by Adam Tierney
50. A free book from you TBR list (gifted, borrowed, library:) Secrets of a Former Fat 
    Girl by Lisa Delaney

The 52 Book Club's 2021 Reading Challenge

Each year, I take on different reading challenges as a way to get outside of my reading comfort zone. For 2021, I plan to complete the 2021 Popsugar Reading Challenge as well as the 52 Book Club reading challenge which contains a total of 52 books. 

Below is a list of reading prompts for the 2021 reading challenge. After I finish each reading prompt, I will update this list. If you want to see more of the books I've read this year, you can check out my Goodreads profile at: https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/15431036.

The 52 Book Club's 2021 Reading Challenge:

1. Set in a school: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
2. Featuring the legal profession: In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
3. A dual timeline: The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
   
4. An author who is deceased: Naughtier Than Nice by Eric Jerome Dickey (July 7, 1961 - January 3, 2021)
5. Published by Penguin: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
6. An character with the same name as a male family member: Lawrence: The Bunny Who Wanted to Be Naked by Vern Kousky
   
7. An author with only 1 published book: #Veryfat #Verybrave by Nicole Byer
   
8. A book in the 900's of the Dewey Decimal System: American Like Me (920.073) by America Ferrera 
9. Set in a Mediterranean country: My Italian Bulldozer by Alexander McCall Smith
10. Related to the word "fire:" Fighting Fire by Caroline Paul
11. Book with discussion questions inside: The Deep by Rivers Solomon
12. Title starting with the letter "D:" Deception by Selena Montgomery
13. Includes an exotic animal: Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor
    
14. Written by an author over 65 (when published:) Pandora's Lab by Paul A. Offit, M.D.
    
15. A book mentioned in another book: The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen (mentioned in "I'd Rather Be Reading" By Anne Bogel) 
16. Set before the 17th Century: Empress of the East by Leslie Peirce
17. A character "on the run:" Dead Girl Running by Christina Dodd
18. Author with a 9-letter last name: Poor Unfortunate Soul by Serena Valentino
    
19. Book with a deckled edge: Evicted by Matthew Desmond
20. Made into a TV series: High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey From Africa to America by Jessica B. Harris
    
21. Book by Kristin Hannah: Between Sisters by Kristen Hannah
22. A family saga: The Cousins by Karen M. McManus
23. An ending that surprises you: Mosquitoland by David Arnold
24. A book you think they should read in schools: Adulthood *for Beginners by Andy Boyle
25. A book with multiple character POV: Slade House by David Mitchell
26. An author of color: Reckless by Selena Montgomery
27. First chapter ends on an odd page number: My One and Only by Kristan Higgins
28. Includes a historical event you know little about: They Called Us Enemy by George Takei
29. Featuring the environment: Fragile Earth From the Editors of Collins
30. Watch out for dragons!:Fire in His Blood by Ruby Dixon
31. Shares a similar title to another book: Legacy by Helen Hardt
32. A selfish character: Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage
33. Featuring adoption: Before and After: The Incredible Real-Life Stories of Orphans who Survived the Tennessee Children's Home Society by Judy Christie & Lisa Wingate
34. A book you'd rate 5 stars: Make Something Good Today by Erin & Ben Napier
35. Set in a country that starts with the letter "S:" The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson
36. A nameless narrator: The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami
    
37. An educational read: A Loving Approach to Dementia Care by Laura Wayman
38. Recommended on BookBub: Introvert Power by Laurie A. Helgoe
39. An alternate history novel: River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey
40. Found via #bookstagram: Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
41. An endorsement by a famous author on the cover: Night of the Mannequins by Stephen Graham Jones
42. An epistolary: Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn
43. An character with a pet cat: A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowen
    
44. Includes a garden: The Memory Theater by Karin Tidbeck
    
45. A coming of age novel: How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvarez
46. Winner of the National Book Award - any year: Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman (Young People's Literature 2015)
    
47. A character with a disability: Sunnyside Plaza by Scott Simon
48. A cover with a woman who is facing away: When Winter Comes by V.A. Shannon
49. A flavour in the title: Chocolate Friday by Edwina Martin-Arnold
50. A shoe on the cover: Danger, Sweetheart by MaryJanice Davidson 
51. Published in 2021:Eartha & Kitt by Kitt Shaprio
52. Re-do one of the previous 51 categories from this 2021 challenge: (character with a disability) Always Only You by Chloe Liese

Election Poll Worker Chronicles: Day 4 (Election Day)

Day four of election poll work was long but rewarding. My day started at 6:30am and before the polls officially opened at 7am, we set up tables outside the lobby area so that voter can have an area to complete voter registration paperwork. The lines quickly developed and stayed steady throughout the day. We stayed busy until after 8pm and the last voter left around 8:30pm. After the final voter left, we locked up the polling location so the inspector and all the election clerks could count the paper, electronic, and vote by mail ballots received that day. After the ballots were all counted, then we took down all the voting equipment before leaving for the evening. I finished the day happy to have helped so many people successfully vote, receive a pin for being a poll worker and hit my step goal of over 10,000 steps a day.   

 

Election Poll Work Chronicles: Day 3

 Day 3 of election work went well and flew by fast. We helped a variety of people on the last day of early voting and we were able to finish up before 7pm. Before we left for the night, the election inspector discussed with us a game plan since Tuesday is election day. 

Election Poll Worker Chronicles: Day 2

Day two of working at the election polls went well. We began the day by saying the poll workers oath followed by setting up signs outside of the poll location. I am stationed at the exit table and my job is to make sure all ballots are placed in the correct boxes as well as giving voters their I voted stickers if they want one. 

Scenes from day 2 of election poll work

One interesting thing from day 2 of election poll work were how many older people were registering to vote for the first time. I remember at least two people who told me and my table co-worker that they were voting for the first time at age 60.In addition, it was interesting to see the increased flow of traffic before and after yesterday's football games. Since Monday is the last day of early voting, I'm anticipating a larger more steady voter turn out. 

Election Poll Worker Chronicles: Background and Day 1

In order to follow in the footsteps of my parents who have both served this country through by being in the army, I decided to serve this country by signing up to work as a election poll worker. 

As someone who has voted in Kings County before, I thought that election poll workers jobs are easier since everything seemed so effortless whenever me and Den go to vote. I was so wrong and I was totally blown away by the amount of information poll workers have to learn prior to election day. 

Before committing to be a poll worker for this election, I had to be available to work a total of 4 days in order to meet the needs of those doing early voting before election day on November 3rd. Earlier this month, I had to attend a mandatory training and at this training, I was given a 91 page handbook full of information on the different types of voting, how the various election machines work as well as how to open and close the election polls. 

Poll Worker Handbook 

In preparation for working at the election polls, I purchased a mask with a message meant to inspire voters who come to my polling location.

Me wearing inspiring voting facemask

Today was the first day of working the election polls and I will admit, I didn't know what to expect. Would my fellow poll workers be friendly? We we get along well? Would voters be respectful? Before  arriving at the polling location, I said a prayer and hoped for the best, viewing this as a learning opportunity and planning be a good team member.
 

Day 1 Working the Election Polls

Poll workers are also referred to as a election board and consists of one election inspector and eleven election clerks. The election inspector is responsible for making sure that everything runs smoothly at the polling location. Luckily for us, for the first two days, we have an employees from the elections department to assist with any complicated questions or situations that occur.

All poll workers are required to arrive at the polling location thirty minutes before the polls officially open to the public. During this time, we turn the electronic (aka touchscreen) voting machines on, turn the on the ballot by demand (aka paper option) laptop and printer, and set up signs inside and outside the polling location so the public knows where to vote. After this process is complete, the clerks what area they want to work at: the registration entry table, the print by demand table, the voting direction area or the exit table.

Polling Location Set Up

Polls officially opened to the public at 9am and for the first day, we had a steady stream of people coming in the vote. It was encouraging to see so many people coming out to vote as well as the amount of people who thanks us poll workers for being there working.  

Staycation Vacation and Reading Challenge Update

 Since I work as a digital service librarian for a rural library system, I've been working  non-stop since the library's building closed in late March. In order to give myself I work reset, I decided to take a week-long vacation last week. Due to COVID-19, we decided to not travel too far and instead spent most of our time at home or taking short day trips.

On the first day of my staycation vacation, hubby and I dropped off our mail in absentee ballots to our nearby election ballot box. After, that, I went home and uploaded my race events to the new racemob running website. 

On the third day of my staycation, hubby and I took a day trip to Salinas to try the new plant-based unchicken sandwich which is being tested at select Jack in the Box restaurants. The sandwich comes in classic and spicy flavors and is topped with non vegan mayo, lettuce and tomato. I ordered the classic unchicken sandwich without the mayo while hubby ordered the spicy unchicken sandwich with mayo, lettuce and tomato.

Unchicken Sandwiches on Drive Thru Menu

Spicy Unchicken Sandwich

Classic Unchicken Sandwich

After leaving Jack in the Box, we decided to drive to Moss Landing State Wildlife Area where we enjoyed eating fried artichoke hearts from the Giant Artichoke Restaurant in Castroville.

Moss Landing State Wildlife Area

Moss Landing State Wildlife Area

Fried Artichoke Hearts from Castroville

Lastly, while enjoying a week vacation, I was able to finish three books for the two reading challenges that I'm currently doing which are the 2020 52 Books in 52 Weeks Reading Challenge (40/52) and the 2020 Popsugar Reading Challenge (39/50.) All in all, my weeklong staycation vacation was just what I needed to get a much needed professional reset before heading back to work as we begin our new contact-free library pickup services on Monday, October 26.

Book for 52 Books in 52 Week Reading Challenge

Book for Popsugar Reading Challenge

Book for 52 Books in 52 Weeks Challenge

Day Trip to Socal and the Hunt for Vegan Fried Chicken

This past weekend, hubby and I took a trip down to southern Cal so I could try out some vegan chicken from Original Herbivore which is a restaurant I discovered on Instagram. While waiting for the Original Herbivore to open, we went one of our favorite vegan restaurants Veggie Grill. While at Veggie Grill, I tried their new deli sandwich while hubby had their new rueben sandwich. Both sandwiches were delicious! 

Veggie Grill Encino and sandwiches

After eating lunch at Veggie Grill, we drove to Sherman Oaks so I could try the vegan chicken at Original Herbivore. While there, we ordered a bucket of vegan chicken which came with tater tots, biscuits, coleslaw and bbq vegan wings. The vegan chicken was crunchy and wingz were moist and chewy.

Food from Original Herbivore Sherman Oaks

Yesterday there was a chicken celebration food truck event in Fresno which is not took far from where live so we decided to go since one of my favorite Fresno food truck's (Plant Slayer) was going to be there and they were going to have a special vegan fried chicken bucket with 8 piece of vegan legs and thighs. The vegan chicken was good and even better since it came with four dipping sauces" buffalo, ranch, bbq and honey mustard.

Vegan 8 piece bucket from Plant Slayer food truck

The vegan chicken I had this week was different yet enjoyable and I'm so happy that there are creative people working to find new ways to replicate food they used to enjoy before becoming vegan.

Day Trip to Morro Bay & San Luis Obispo (with Vegan Eats)

My hubby has always had a dream of being a captain of a boat and thanks to Estero Adventures in Morro Bay, hubby's dream came true. After hubby completed a training session with an Estero Adventures employee, we were ready to set sail! The boat trip included me, hubby, sister and brother in law, and their son.

Entrance to Estero Adventures

       

Hubby and nephew

Me and hubby on boat

Sister & Brother-In-Law On Boat

After our boat ride, I used the HappyCow app to locate food nearby. I quickly found Goddess Goods and promptly went there close to see what food they had to offer. While I was there, I ordered their Jolly Green Giant Smoothie which contains pineapples, mango, peaches, kale, spirulina, and fresh apple juice.

Front of Goddess Goods Restaurant

Jolly Green Giant Smoothie

After posting a photo of my drink on Instagram, I was pleasantly surprised when they gave me a donut as a thank you gift. The donut was rich, chocolate flavored, and delicious. 

Vegan donut from Goddess Goods

Once we wrapped up hanging out with the in-laws, we went down the street to San Luis Obispo for another restaurant I discovered on the HappyCow app called Ziggy's. The food was the great vegan comfort food and we'll definitely visit the restaurant again in the future.

Entrance to Ziggy's

Inside Ziggy's

                    Impossible Taquitos                                     Avocado rolls

  Mushroom Burger                                  Old 58 Burger

          

 

The New Normal vs The New Reality

It's been a while since I written on the blog so figured now's as good a time as any to restart posting. I will first start with my latest pet peeve which is the phrase "the new normal." I really dislike the phrase "the new normal" because we are not living in normal times. Currently, most of the California is on fire or suffering with effects of fire while the rest of the country is dealing with it's own unpredictable weather. The country is also still dealing with the Corona virus killing hundreds of thousands not to mention racial unrest due to the constant killing of black people.Having said all this, I am referring to this current times as "the new reality" versus "the new normal."  

On the work front, I now start my work day by taking my temperature and then checking it off a list. If anyone's temperature is 100.4, then they have to go home. In addition to this, according to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy website, our county may be able to open at 25% maximum capacity. Although my library system is still closed to the public (and has been since the last week of March,)  I can tell that changes are on the horizon since my director introduced system-wide protocols for reopening book drops as well as a curbside/pick-up service.

Although my director hasn't given staff an official date for these new processes to begin, I think she's erring on the side of caution so we won't be surprised when the county tells us to resume library services. The biggest changes with reopening the book drops and pick up service is that staff will be wearing gloves and face shield and the length of quarantining returned library items. While we'll be happy to get our items back, I already know there will be a learning curve with sanitation process but this is something that is part of our new reality. 

On the personal front, I'm slowly finishing my two reading challenges and updating the books I've read on my two reading challenge posts as well as on Instagram and Facebook.

On the workout front, I'm keeping up with my fitness by exercising on a daily basis through doing a couple of this such as a twelve week resistance band workout program from Achv Peak as well as a 28 day body shaping program from Pahla B Fitness on YouTube. Lastly, I am doing virtual run through the Rock N Roll Virtual Run Club.  

Terms of Negotiation (Poem)

Quietly simmering for 246 years, the pot of racism is finally boiling over.

Abducted

Enslaved

Raped

Lynched 

Forgotten

Abandoned

How much more can we take?

Negotiation techniques fail,

promise arrive bitter and broken.

We will not be seduced by your shining talk of freedom  

as you desire to imprison us in other ways.

We don't want TV shows pulled.

We don't want places renamed.

We don't want statues destroyed. 

We don't want you insincere apologies saying you'll do better but you never do.

We want to live -

to be truly treated as equals and not as criminals

to be free

free to exist

free to move through the world without worry 

free to not constantly be on guard

worried that each breath will be our last gasp.

Written 7.7.20

 

It's Our Anniversary (COVID-19 Edition)

Wednesday, marked me and my hubby's 14 year wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe that we've been married for fourteen years since the time has flown by so quickly. Here's a photo our us from our wedding day next to a photo of us from a cruise we took last year. 

Since Rona is still running rampant throughout the land, we decided to do a low key celebration of driving to nature, getting favorite food and ending the evening with a vegan cupcake for me since hubby isn't really into sweets. Although this was not the anniversary celebration we planned, I'm still blessed to be married and grateful to have someone to share life's ups and downs with.

Reflections of Mom (Poem)

Life has never been easy for you.

Raising three children alone,

never having any time for yourself to relax,

family judging all your choices,

highlighting all your mistakes,

making you feel less than.

Children are more observant than you think;

we see injustice but can't speak.

Words don't come easy for us.

Instead, we absorb everything we see.

Like a sponge, sadness leaks out of every pore as I see you being mistreated time and time again.

Family never help

only 

help themselves

to your

kindness, 

selflessness,

loyalty,

devotion.

Your work is not in vain for you know that all you give will one day be given back to you.

By watching your life,

you taught me how important it is to:

get up early,

work hard,

trust God,

things will work out even when it seem the won't.

God is faithful.

In the raging storms of life,

you are the tranquil shore off in the distance.

You did the best you could with what you were given -

given me life, steadfastness, and a love of reading.

I will never be able to fully repay you but I will never story trying.

You are loved.

You are worthy.

You are divine. 

Written 6.28.20

The 400 Year Old Carousel (Poem)

Stolen from our homeland

Broken bodies, bloodied hands

Up this solid rock I stand

Try to excel but instead get reprimands

400 years and you just now want to understand?

Abandoned in this foreign land, the carousel continues to spin until all comprehend.

Written 6.12.20

Song of the "Strong Black Woman" (Poem)

I'm a "strong black woman"

My superpower is resilience 

Smiling when the world beats me down

Remaining stoic when life is ripped from my arms

Hugs from those who slaughter my kin for the crime of existing 

I am so tired of being "strong"

Can't I have a moment to grieve, a second to mourn all that I have lost?

Don't I deserve a minute to fall apart without judgement or disgust to show that I'm a human too?            

Written 6.2.20

Everyday Acrobatics (Poem)

Who shall I be today?

Wake up to walk between two worlds

tightrope so thin, you can hardly see it

professional vs cultural

compliant co-worker vs savvy soul sister

too many masks create a heavy head.

Back hurts, neck strains but "strong black women" smile through the pain.

Thank you sir, may I have another?

Work twice as hard for three times the ignorance

Pulled in multiple directions, tugged in a war not of my own making

Can't play both sides when you don't know the rules of war

Acting as a midway point, balance is non existent

Personality is malleable

Smile (but not too big)

Help everyone (but don't ask for help because that shows weakness)

Bending one's self daily is exhausting

One's sense of self becomes murky

Pray for salvation, reconciliations or at least a temporary truce. 

Written 6.2.20

Desserted Again (Poem)

Desire plagues me both night and day as I savor the memories of our last tryst.

Counting down the hours,

                                       minutes,

                                                   seconds

                                                              until we are reunited is an exquisite type of torture.

Finally, liberation!

Racing home to claim my prize, I lose track of my surroundings, 

                                                      begin to lose my bearings as I prepare to slip into the comfort you give. 

Frantically, I twist and turn you,

                                                 flip and flop you,

                                                                         gasping for another taste.

Alas, you have left me wanting and alone; the last cookie is gone!

Written 10.17.19

Can You Hear Me Now? (Poem)

May hear, but few listen.

Yelling to be heard is fruitless as

poor words hitting rich ears.

Solitude in a crowd is a luxury afford to few.

Adaptability is key, conformity is optional.

Written 10.12.19

Morning Devotional (Poem)

"Wake me up before you go-go, don't leave me hanging on like a yo-yo"

Awakened from slumber, sleep removed from my eyes, I arise

Arrive to exercise

Party of one as I circle the track

Track of my thoughts

Thoughts of my family

Family is everything

Everything is connected

Silence is broken by shuffling feet and breathing

Skies transformed from black to burnt orange

Using my body as an instrument of praise

Each step is a prayer for movement      

Written 10.10.19

Are You Hungry? (Poem)

How easy it would be to just eat, drink and be merry.

If only it were that simple.

The act of eating is a tightrope.

How much?

How often?

Alone or with others?

Eyes always watching leads to hiding to indulge

                                                                          punishment for an unspoken crime unknown to all.

Never having enough growing up mean there's never enough as an adult.

The minds says "no" but the mouth always say "YES!"

Food is love

Food never betrays

Food never lies

Food never leaves

Food never hurts

Always having to fight for a seat at the table, quickly grabbing food before it disappears

It's never enough but always too much

No one knows you're an addict if you hide it well enough.

Putting pen to page helps to slowly liberate the prisoner within.

Written 10.10.19

Talking Points or Song of the Introvert (Poem)

So much I want to say

Lull in conversation never appears

Words spill from my mouth at breakneck speed

Sharpened daggers aimlessly attack

Written 10.10.19

Survivor? (Poem)

Polite conversation turns deadly.

One words causes an avalanche of memories long hidden

Party at an uncle's 

uncle says to get more soda from the back 

back bedroom is where older cousin hides behind 

                  behind closed doors, he pins you down 

                       down until you spiral into pain, shame and disgust while he takes

     takes what he wants, gives nothing but loss. 

Can't move

Can't breathe

Can't fight

Can't stay

Fly away

Disengage

Destroyed

Deserted

Confiding to adults yield bitter fruits:

"This didn't happen"

"We will never speak of this again."

Silence is golden...unless the gold wears away. 

 

  

 

Written on 10.9.19 

Rediscovering Poetry Writing As Therapy

     Although I've kept a diary since 1991, I didn't start expressing my feelings through poetry in 1994. During my middle school years, my poetry was primarily rhyming and dark. After I was chosen to be be in my high school's creative writing magnet program, this allowed my to share my poetry with a larger audience through the high school's annual creative writing magazine. Once I went to college, my poetry writing decreased and the last time I wrote a poem was in February 1998.

     Towards the end of last year, I felt the desire to begin writing poetry again. Given the current state of racial unrest in the United States and global protests due to the senseless murder of George Floyd, I am using journal writing as well as poetry writing as a form of therapy. 

Having said all this, I will now be uploading my poems to this blog as I work through how to navigate through this perilous world trying to navigate life during COVID-19, and racism.

Physical Races Cancelled = Influx Of Virtual Races

 Initially, I had planned to have run several races this year such as the Las Vegas Women's 1/2 Marathon in Las Vegas in March, and the Havasu 1/2 Marathon and Star Wars 1/2 Marathon in April.

In addition, 2020 was going to be the year I completed my first international race which was going to be the Disneyland Paris 1/2 Marathon in September. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, all of my races were cancelled. Luckily, the race directors were able to reschedule the Las Vegas Women's 1/2 Marathon for October 18, 2020 and the Havasu 1/2 Marathon for March 27, 2021.

While I was bummed that my physical races were cancelled (because I like running with others and earning races medals.) 

Luckily, the Rock N Roll running series decided to create a free virtual run club and I joined in in April. Here are some of the virtual race medal I earned by completing various running distances.