What are you?

Rude right?

I mean, I thought it was quite obvious I’m Black American, but I guess not.  It is now a long running joke with me and my friends about my questionable ethnicity.  This seriously has gone on for many years.

What I find so intriguing  about this phenomenon is that usually there is no segue into the question.  No conversation connectors that might make asking this question logical.

I remember,  for example, sitting in a community hot tub once.  This dude,  never seen him before,  just asks,  ” Are you African American or Indian?–I can’t tell.”

Yup, just like that.  And then he asked me if I’m a Christian . . .and seemed surprised when I left the hottub.

Another great moment happened yesterday. I attended a Zumba class at a dance studio.  I usually only attend belly dance class, so I’m not a regular here by any means.  I took my place in the back wall because I am not familiar with the steps.

A woman next to me says, ”  You look  familiar.  What are you?”

This is how it happens.

No transition, no hello, or “is this your first class?”  Just–“what are you?”

Although I have had this question asked many times and many ways, I was taken off guard this time.

I remember several times replying, “I am a Leo. What are you?”

But not that swift today.

So, I asked her what she meant.

“What’s your background?”

She thought I was from Guyana.  Which has been assumed before.

As far as my nationality is concerned, people have different theories.  People have told me I am from many different countries–Haiti, East India, England, Ethiopia,  Egypt, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Canada?  Yes, Canada really, Jamaica, the Phillipines, and Columbia are a few.

Why no one guesses America is beyond me.  I feel sometimes I just might make things easier on myself if I just tattooed an American flag on my forehead.  . .

but then I would probably be asked to explain  why I have an American flag on my forehead when I’m actually ____.

And then I would be seen as a traitor.  Ok, bad idea.

When visiting an East Indian restaurant a worker there started speaking to me in a language that I cannot even name.  Several people have walked up to me and have started speaking to me in Spanish.

It breaks my heart when I give them the deer in the headlights look.  “I know nothing of which you speak.”

Granted, I am learning Spanish, so now at least I can let

Tibetan refugee Rhea

people know in Espanol, that I’m learning.

American Rhea

I just do not understand why complete strangers feel ok with asking me this question.  What difference will it make in your life to know this?

I just decided to have fun with it, because even if it is a rude question, people continue to ask.

Too much to write on all this.  What I need is an interactive map.  A map I can post with the places people assume I am from. . .

I’ll work on that. . .

Bermudian Rhea

 

 

 

Florida girl

One of the things I have noticed about traveling is that people “show” themselves all the time without even knowing it. It’s like, I cannot explain it, but when I see it, I know it.  So, sometimes I feel the vibe of a person, check out their clothes, or hear an accent, and it’s like, “your Midwest is showing.”

Or when I met this girl in Alabama, she started talking, and she had NYC written all over her.  And I just laughed and couldn’t hold it in any longer and busted out with the “OMG, you are SO from NY.”  And she immediately started laughing hysterically.

And even though I have only been in Florida for 4 years now, it seems that I have morphed into a Florida girl. It’s weird because I feel I have not changed that much as a person, but then I go to Alabama and it’s like shocking. I mean SHOCKING.

The slowness.  The sing song drawl.  The “what church do you go to?  Is Jesus Christ your Lord and Saviour?” question that always gets asked that drives me nuts. . .or even, the “what are you?” question.

Ughhhhhh!!!  I told someone once that I’m a Leo in response to the “what are you?” question.  I suppose it beats having an argument with a total stranger about why that’s a rude question.  If I have to explain why it’s rude, it’s really futile. Really.

And I have had those spirited debates (in my younger years)  with strangers in Alabama before.  One man stopped me and asked me what religion I belong.  He then told me what I was, or what he thought I should be,  and wanted to know my religious background.  I could not believe I was having this conversation in the middle of Wal Mart with someone I have never met before. . .and yet I was.

WTF?

I have learned to just shut those people down now.  Respond simply with “That’s personal, thank you.”  And if they insist, do the broken record method while continuing to walk away, pepper spray visible, “that’s personal, thank you.  That’s personal, thank you.” And if it escalates, well, I have more direct words in reserve to be used, that will not be listed on this lovely post. . .

Cheesus.

But Orlando is different.  Yes, people in general seem to be flirty here.  Obsessed with labels; their gorgeous bodies, and tend to be materialistic.  People here like to party, and like money (or at least in the circles I have observed). Of course there are some that do not fit this description, however, this is the general vibe I get about this place.

Orlando seems to be drama filled.  Missing people.  Sexual predators.  Kidnappings. If you watch a lot of crime shows like I do–Dateline, Discovery Investigation, Fugitive shows. . .a lot of these stories take place in Florida.  Yep, it’s all here.

What I love about Orlando?  Well, fireworks somewhere every night. The breeze, warm weather, International diversity.  There really is a lot to do here, and a lot of places to party, and plenty of people to party with.  Many people say Orlando is a small city trying to be a large one.  Ok, good point, but it’s cute here.

Now, sense of community?  Not so much.  Lots of people coming in and out. Actually, it’s very difficult to find people who were born and raised here…it seems as if everyone is from somewhere else.

Many New Yorkers here have voiced having a hard time adjusting.  It’s too spread out. You have to drive everywhere. And of course, it’s Not NYC, so it’s not the “center of the universe.” Bless their hearts.

I love it here though.  The cost of living is not outrageous.  The weather is phenomenal.  And I love meeting the different characters. . .but that’s everywhere I go really. . .

I wish it were more progressive here, however.  Public transportation has many opportunities for improvement.  And I do not understand the laws here that are not very gay friendly, even though Orlando was just named #2 for gayest cities in America.

I’m not sure if there ever will be a perfect city anywhere in the world, but for now, Orlando is home.  I love it here.

Sacred Space

I think every church should have a garden.  I find them reflective, soothing, and sacred.  I feel the same way about inside of churches as well. . .especially if there is no one inside it.  Nothing like being inside an empty sanctuary. . .there is a presence.

Skittles and tea

When I first moved to Orlando, the beginning of the Casey Anthony saga was just beginning. It was somewhat different to hear on the news that certain streets were closed or congested because they were transporting her to the local jail.

In addition, the entire media circus came for Caylee’s funeral. And it was somewhat different to go downtown and see the media camp set up outside of the courtroom during the trial.

Sometimes news stories tend to take up a life of their own. However, it’s really different when it’s this close to you. I have visited the unofficial memorial site for Caylee Anthony on several occasions. It seems as if there is a vibe there that is really hard to dismiss.

I am surprised that again,  the Orlando area is now in the news because of a major national story. However, it’s more than just a story. If someone’s life. So, the shooting of a Black male teenager walking in a neighborhood has captivated the country.

Coming from the deep South in Alabama, I have definitely had my share of some very uncomfortable times – some very hurtful times, and times in which I felt that I had to make the people around me comfortable because I am Black.  It sounds really ludicrous, however it is my reality.

And as difficult and challenging as it has been for me at times–a Black female, I realize the challenge for Black males is exponentially greater. When I heard about Trayvon Martin being killed, I thought about the Black boys in my life–my nephews, and cousins, and even Black boys that I have never met.

A cousin of mine who noticed  a $20 bill blown into the wind that belonged to a woman while pumping gas, retrieved the money and walked toward her to return it.  Imagine how he must have felt when this woman quickly gathered all of her things, jumped into her car,  locked the doors, and sped off. . . Imagine if this happened to you on a regular basis.

I suppose it’s really difficult when you’re just walking around being yourself and people are afraid of you for no good reason at all. I have no idea what that feels like, and to be honest, I never want to know.

Of course the entire shooting situation is outrageous. I feel that this is not how people were designed to live together. And although I have these feelings, I also realize that this is the reality of it, and I doubt it will ever change.

I am very saddened by the entire event, and when things like this happen the only thing I know to do is to somehow honor the person, or the situation in my  own way. Because I feel so helpless about it all.

A couple of years ago I stepped out of my front door and noticed yellow crime scene tape surrounding the neighbors apartment. There were also a couple of cop cars parked immediately outside of her front door. I did some research online and found out that a woman had been killed there. After asking the apartment manager what happened, I was told the woman was in her 50s, and she was a person that experienced domestic violence. Her boyfriend was actually serving time for a recent assault, and after his time was up she decided to pick them up from jail.

That turned out to be a fatal decision, as he killed her when they returned to her apartment.  He took her bra and strangled her. Walking by her apartment door was kind of surreal. I really don’t know how investigators do their job.  Just walking by the door and seeing the evidence of black powder everywhere that was used for fingerprints, as well as all of the candles and flowers people had left for her, was very chilling. It was just all of the energy was so real and so present in that space. I got a white candle that night and lit it for her.

I feel the only way that I can somehow deal with this very unnecessary shooting, in addition to what seems to be a very unjust situation, is simply to hold presence–remember Trayvon and his family.  Someone has left the earth unnecessarily, and it is painful to a lot of people.

It’s kind of like you gain more appreciation and respect for your own life when others lose theirs. I’m actually drinking some of the Arizona tea  that Trayvon intended to drink the day that he was killed. I suppose he woke up thinking that a trip to the convenience store to pick up a couple of snacks would end up in exactly what I’m doing now – sitting at home and enjoying it.

However, that did not happen for him. I’m not so sure how to process it all. . .

Here’s to you Trayvon. . .may God bless your soul, and may you rest in peace.

OYBC Book 1 Hunger Games

I have always wanted to join a book club, but never had the opportunity to until I moved to Florida. The first one  I joined was called  “chick lit,” however, I never really read any books with this group – we always just went to the movies instead. I think this group was really meant to be called “chick flicks.”

So, I started another book club that was really great, and then we disbanded when our  larger group ended. So, I thought it would be a really great idea if we started up a club with the local Yelpers. . .

And so I did.  The Orlando Yelp Book Club (OYBC). I got a great suggestion for the first book from community manager, Colleen B.–The Hunger Games.  Never heard of it, or knew anything about it, but sounded like a winner.

I was somewhat skeptical when I learned it was a young adult book.  Mainly because the last young adult book I attempted to read was the unfortunate “Twilight.”  Ugghh.  I still to this day fail to understand how this trilogy is a best seller–to grown folks.

However, Hunger  Games was a real surprise.  The group agreed that although the book is an easy read, it’s filled with complex issues like class economy, power, wealth, societal pressure, violence, reality television,  and cultural expectations.

What surprised the group about this book?

That it was so simply stated and that it was so good!! It’s really difficult to put it down, and most people I know that read it read the entire series in a short amount of time.

We were also surprised about how emotionally drawn into the book we were with the different characters.  Rue’s little song and the mocking jay. ..

And there was no sex at all. . .which was surprising since the characters were basically on their way out of this world. . .

Even though this is a young adult book, we agreed the underlying themes easily attracts a wider audience.  We were really impressed a young adult book could actually be smart, deep, and entertaining all at the same time.

So we decided to go back for more!!!  We are looking forward to seeing how well the book will translate into a movie, and if any spin off video games, role playing games or any toyetic figures might spawn from this current hotness.

Orlando Yelpers Stephanie T, Rayni K, D and me @ Infusion Tea

We are now reading book 2 of the series, and will discuss it next month.  We met over tea–perfect on this gray day, at Infusion Tea.  To read my Yelp review of this quaint tea shop with art, click here.

Black girl hair

Circa 1976

Honestly, I’m not even sure where to start with this one. Unless you have Black hair, or have had to manage it, it’s really difficult to explain the full scope and implications of how living with black girl hair impacts ones life in American culture. It would actually take another separate blog entirely to explore every angle of it.

I only wish to blog about it right now simply because I got my hair done yesterday. I told my stylist that she has a very important role. She actually changes the lives of people. Every time I leave the salon I feel as if I have a new life. What she does is increase the confidence that a person feels about themselves –extremely important work.

I’m so happy I found her in Orlando. Some of you may not realize this, but there always seems to be some kind of anxiety surrounding a potential move for me, and black girls everywhere. I’m always wondering, “If I move there, will I find someone to properly do my hair?” I know this sounds really superficial at first, however, if you have black hair you know exactly what I mean.

For example, while getting my hair done yesterday in Orlando, I learned that another customer had actually flown in from South Carolina to get her hair done.This may sound ridiculous to some, but I understand it, and feel her pain. I have traveled many miles in order to get my hair done. And there have been many prayers. . .many prayers.

The first time I sat in the chair of a stylist in Huntsville, AL, she sensed my anxiety, and told me to relax.  “All my family have kinky hair, ” she explained.  This experience occurred before the days of Yelp and widespread internet access, and since I had no contacts at the time, it was a crap shoot.

The stylist was actually Persian, and trained in London.  I trusted her with my hair that first visit, and never saw another stylist in Huntsville during my entire time there.  How she ended up in Alabama?  I have no idea.

I want to travel the world and experience living in other countries.  I would never allow the hair issue to prevent me from doing that, or any other thing that I want to do in life. . .like sleep in any position, swim, do yoga, or run.  But I do have to say, the question is always in the back of my mind, “If I wanted to move to the Czech Republic, for example, what would I do with my hair?”

And the answer that always comes up in my mind is, “I would do what all the other black girls in the Czech Republic do with their hair.” And then I think, “will there BE any other Black girls in the Czech Republic should I ever move there?”

Probably not. I had a pen pal (e-pal actually), from the Czech Republic that has never seen a Black person in real life–only on television. I was told there may be a few in Prague for schooling, but that’s it. That’s just so fascinating to me! I’m just used to seeing everyone from everywhere here in the States.

Of course I could always go natural?  I could.  But that would be a huge learning curve for me.  I have no idea what to do with natural hair.  I mean, maybe in another culture.  I work for a Fortune 100 company right now, and showing up at corporate with afro puffs or corn rows. . .

I just don’t see that going over very well.

Like many Black women in this culture, I started getting relaxers at a young age, so I have no idea what to do with natural hair.  Getting checked out of school to get the hair done. . .another post, my friends.

Of course there is always a wig. I think every woman should have a backup wig somewhere in the house. Although I hold this belief,  I currently do not have one myself. I ruined a really cute one from heat styling it – it was not human hair, it was synthetic, so that was the end of that. So, basically I’m stuck with hats if there is ever a hair issue. But I feel such a comfort level with only having hats because I have a tremendous  local stylist. How did I find my stylist? Much prayer and much observation.

I first moved to Orlando four years ago, and the same question entered my mind – how am I going to get my hair done? And so, I prayed. “Please God let me find someone to do my hair, please God let me find someone to do my hair, please God please let me find someone to do my hair.” And so, while shopping one day, I saw a black woman with the most beautiful hair. And I nearly chased her down because I had to find out where she got her hair done.

I stopped her in the parking lot, and asked her where she got her hair done. She was more than thrilled to tell me where as she is stylist herself. She was actually wearing a partial wig, and it looked amazing.  She said to  me, “my hair would look worse than yours had I not been wearing this.”

Ummm. . .thanks?

So, since her  recommendation, I’ve been using the same stylist for the past four years here and have been extremely pleased with the results.

If you happen to live in the Orlando area and are seeking tremendous black  hair care, read my yelp review of Hair Geeks. If you are living in Orlando and  seeking guidance on black beauty, here is a list of a couple of special places I have found to be really helpful. I call it the blacklist.

Until next time,

Eat, Drink, and be Merry!

Sushi

I realize I am behind the curve with a lot of things.  Japanese cuisine is one of those things.  My first attempt at a vegetable roll happened on a belly dance cruise in 2010.  Unfortunately there were no vegetable rolls available, so I just had a salad with a little bit of wasabi. . .

Someone should have told me.

A deep, mindful, and  thoughtful dude at the table was speaking of things which I knew nothing of.  When my body started to shiver, and I released verbal signals of shock from the spice,  he simply said, “Yes, the power of deep words.  . .”

And all I could croak out was, “It was the wasabi.”

I so hated to deflate him in that moment. . .but the truth will set you free.

I cannot say that I am a super duper fan of Japanese food.  It’s a nice change from the ordinary fare I usually eat, but it is in no way something I might get a craving for and think, “OMG, must eat Japanese today.”  I have been trying so hard to enjoy Japanese food.  Why?

Because the Japanese have a long life expectancy.  Because I want to expand.  Because I want to find enjoyment in every culture possible–even if it is something as small as eating at a Japanese restaurant.

Now, for the record, I do enjoy tempura–except for the broccoli–it just seems like a crime against nature to fry broccoli.  Zucchini, eggplant, sweet potato. . .sure, fry them.  But broccoli, leave it alone.  The vegetable rolls are good, however, it’s not something I crave.

I recently ventured out to Aoba Japanese restaurant with Orlando area Yelpers Mark C. and Lynda F.  Another great time to condition my taste buds, and spend time in good company.  I  think we all would say, we had a great time, and a great meal.

To read my Yelp review of Aoba, click here.

Story of a Princess

So, this post details my third 1/2 marathon.  Every time I am near mile 10 in a race, I tell myself I do not ever have to do one again.  It’s like I forget that completing the race actually involves pain. . .hurt toes, soreness, and painful chafing. . .and to think that people actually pay money for this!  Good money too!  So, why the Disney Princes 1/2 marathon?

I have volunteered for several Disney races and triathlon, and standing on the sidelines cheering with my air horn and cow bell, and pouring water into cups, although very helpful, is no way near as exhilarating as participating.  I have never actually participated in a Disney race, and wanted to find out how it differs from the other two 1/2 marathons in which I have participated.  In addition, the theme is Princess!!!  I mean, how could I not?

The race weekend actually started on Friday with the expo as well as some other races.  The kids competed on Saturday, which is when I picked up my race packet.  The expo is just a massive meeting of vendors who want to target consumers that run.  Athletic wear, shoes, and accessories, in addition to upcoming races can usually be found at an expo.  It’s usually really crowded and can be confusing if the organizers do not have it tight.

Disney makes this process very easy.  I will never be able to wrap my mind around how this organization manages to move people along in a timely way.  Do you know how hard that is?  There were approximately 19,000 people participating in this race, and I never had an issue of not knowing where I was going or where I was supposed to be throughout the entire race experience.  This says volumes.

At the expo, I signed a liability waiver and picked up my race bib.  Participants are instructed to wear them for security (to make sure no one is on the track that is not supposed to be), for the photographers (when professional photographers take your picture, this is how they identify you so you all your pictures may be emailed later).

I also received a “goody bag” at the race.  When I first looked at the one I was given I thought “this is a goody bag that has just given up.”  Then I realized it is also used as a bag check for race day.  There was nothing in the goody bag but a tee-shirt and a number for your bag check.  I did receive a “virtual” goody bag in an email with offers from other races.  I will say the goody bags were really disappointing considering I got a pair of pink crocs my first race.  Design of the medal and swag is very important to participants–we pay a lot of money for the race.

In previous races, I was given a B-tag to place on my shoe.  The B-tag is used to track your time for the race.  This is important because if it takes you 10 minutes to even make it to the beginning of the start line, your time begins when you actually cross it.  So, when you get your results, you’ll have the clock time, which is the time in which you crossed, and your net time, which is the time it took you to get from the start line to the finish line.

The B-tag for this race was actually on the back of the race bib, so there were no tags on shoes.  In addition, contact and basic health and emergency information is listed on the back of the bib just in case.  Another great reason for the B-tag is that it keeps track of where you are during the race–this helps to prevent people from doing things like taking taxis to get closer to finish line (which some people have done in some races).

Now, I had everything all planned out for race day.  Since it’s Disney, the start times are pretty insane.  Organizers were closing streets at 23:00 the night prior to the race and I imagine there was a LOT of work going on afterwards.  Everything has to be set up, done, and cleared out in a timely fashion so the parks can open and make money.  This means that all the racers had to be in their corral at 5am, or else we would not be able to participate. . .yes. My start time isn’t until 6:15, so I would basically be in the corral for an hour 15 minutes waiting.  With all this in mind, I laid out all the essentials for the race the night before.

My plan:

Go to bed at 19:00 night prior for early start

2:30 Wake up, dress, hair, makeup, costume

3:00 leave home

3:30 Waffle house (exit 68) for carb filled breakfast

4:00 Arrive at Epcot, which should give me time to navigate through ridiculous traffic, park, and get to appropriate corral

5:00 Be in the correct corral

What actually happened:

22:00 Finally nodded off because I couldn’t sleep because of anticipation

4:07 Wake up, immediately panic . . .told myself to just roll over because there is just no way in heaven or hell, but decided I should just show up and beg for miracle, and if I didn’t make it I could just cheer for others (which would suck majorly, but what else am I supposed to do)

4:12 left the house

4: 50 Arrive at Epcot

4:51 Realized the enormous amount of runners who were also still arriving and that Disney understands they are dealing with people so 5am is a great time to have as a deadline to get  all 19,000 plus people in place by 5:45 am.

I was just thrilled to be there and to even be able to race, even though it was cold.  I had NO breakfast, NO contact lens (which made driving a little tricky), and brushed not one tooth before leaving the house. Yup, Princess Rhea was on her way!

Now, this is what makes Disney extra special.  Big screens with music, the fairy Godmother (that looks like Paula Deen IMHO) were broadcasted, along with fireworks for each wave.  Disney does not have one start time because so many people participate, so they space out each start to allow more room on the course.  The race started in Epcot, and we ran to the Magic Kingdom from there and ended back in Epcot.

Now, one thing that was really different for me in this race were the “Pace Charmings.”  It’s a part of the Clif Bar Pace Team.  I have never heard of this, but it’s brilliant!  My leader, Mike was excellent along with his sidekick.  He carried balloons so you would know if you were on pace or not. He would alternate between walking and running, and as long as you kept up with him, or before him, you know you would finish in 3 hours.  There were also leaders for 2 hours, 2:15 and so forth. . . This really made my experience so much more enjoyable, without having to worry about looking at my watch.

Now, the real reason I decided to participate in this race is the theme.  The costumes were out of control cute–especially the guys with their tutus.  I have never seen so many tutus congregated in one place, it was ridiculous.

All the Disney characters were out as well.  So people stood in line waiting to take pictures of the real life characters.  Sounds crazy during a race, but I had already decided I would not care about time for this one because I wanted to enjoy the sights and entertainment along the way.

The highlight for me, without a doubt, was Prince Charming.  Cinderella is my favorite Disney princess of all (I don’t believe I even saw her), but no worries, I saw the Prince.  I know this will sound really hokey, but he literally took my breath away.  I wanted to take a picture with him, but the line was too long, and I did not want to wait, so I just took a picture of him.  It’s not just the costuming, it’s the aura and the mannerisms that he had, and quite honestly, all the characters are “in character” once they put on the costumes.  I’m not sure where Disney sends these kids for training, but I need to go–I want some of that!  Just delightful!

I finished the race in an upright position, which was my goal.  I only saw one person down the entire race, which was awesome.  I met some pretty incredible people along the way.  A girl who decided to run the night before for her sister who fell ill.  A woman completing her first race at the age of 60, and another woman who had a visibly and severely deformed leg from an accident.  It pained me to look at it–it looked as if 1/3 of her leg was not even there.  She said she had the accident four years ago and was on her sofa depressed and feeling sorry for herself and decided enough.  She said we only have one life, so she decided to get up and train, and this is her fourth race since the accident.

Since this race benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, many people ran in honor or in memory of someone.  These tributes were reminders that it truly is a blessing to have ones health, and to be able to be active and enjoy the experience. . .and this is ultimately the greatest joy of the 1/2 marathon.

The end was cold and rainy.  I was just happy to have been there, and to be a rock star in the end.

I have posted other random and cute shots below.

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Dinner in Winter Park

If you have ever visited the Orlando area, chances are you may have had a chance to visit Winter Park. It’s an established area that kind of reminds you of old money. Lots of boutiques, shops and restaurants that people in a recession might have a hard time visiting.

I find this part of town very charming, and the perfect place to just window shop (if there ever were such a thing), and perhaps walk your dog.  It is quite common to see people walking along as couples, jogging or biking in groups, or walking briskly down the sidewalk in wedges of ungodly heights with a designer baby stroller. And I must add, it is not uncommon to see a very pretty young thing with a very old counterpart. Yes, this is Winter Park.

It is in this area that I have a much-anticipated meal with Roxy @ Prato www.prato-wp.com/

I actually met Roxy via Yelp when she invited me to a social networking dinner.  Thanks again Roxy!  We had so much fun that night and thought it would be good to meet up again.

The restaurant is a really crowded place on the occasions that I have visited, and features Italian food made with locally grown ingredients, which is something I can definitely appreciate. I have come to the conclusion that I am better at food appreciation rather than food preparation. And it is for this reason that it seems I find myself with yet another Yelper, trying out a new place “just because.”

Life is good.

To read my review of Prato on Yelp click here.

Downtown Credo

One of the things I love most about Yelp are the events. It gives me the opportunity to connect with other Yelpers in the area, as well as trying out different places I may not have ever tried. However, this event occurred at one of the places I enjoy working, Downtown Credo Coffee www.downtowncredo.com/

Credo is a different type of coffee shop–It seems as if a number of shops are joining the feel good, coffee shop movements.  A few of the coffee shops here donate profits to charity.   In Credo’s case, everything goes to charity as it is a non-profit organization.  It’s a clever idea for Americans.  Eat or drink something, help someone else.  Since we love to consume so much anyway, why not make choices that can help someone else as well?

I am a work at home employee. Sometimes I am much more productive and motivated if I work outside of the home. So, it’s very easy for me to pick things up and then go down to downtown coffee credo where I can set up my office for a few hours, or even an entire day if I like.

It’s really nice to be around other people who set up their office there for the day as well. This event just really had a lot of music that I love, as well as very cool pastries, and people of course.

One of the fun things we did here was write out  things that we love about Orlando. And since I’ve only been here for four years it’s really interesting to me how all people have their different opinions of the city. And I think it’s really dependent on where they come from. People from New York City seem to have a very difficult time adjusting to Orlando because they feel that they come from the center of the universe with everything accessible within a couple of blocks. It is such a shock for them to have to live with getting in a car and driving every single place in their everyday life.

Some people think that Orlando is a small city trying to be a big city. That there’s really not a lot to do here. However, because they have lived  the overwhelmingly majority of my life in Alabama, Orlando to me is a huge world of opportunity.  It seems like a Gateway city – opening up the entire world to me.

Sometimes I feel that people who have always lived in big cities should just live in a city with absolutely nothing for a couple of years and then revisit the big city to find out how really awesome it is. So, if there is any blessing in spending so much time in Alabama, I would say it’s that every place is a huge, wonderful, playground to be explored.

I have lived in Orlando for four years, and I feel as if I am just beginning to scratch the surface.  To read my thoughts on Credo, click the link below.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/downtown-credo-coffee-orlando#hrid:fcHkiuXTMioqAsInY3NOtw