I am a total fan of Awkward Black women characters in fiction. I relate to them. You know the black chick that is not cool, maybe didn't get the best start in life and some way usually in a bumbling fashion she ends up with a great outcome. They are my imaginary heroes wait, no, sheroes. So I decided to reread two of my favorite books, 32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter and Diva, Inc by Donna Hill. I was missing them so I decided to stop by and see how they were doing.
32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter kept me company one summer/fall when my grandmother was rushed to the hospital then placed in a nursing rehab three years ago. My mother had just retired and was with my grandmother most days. I had lots of downtime at home with my brother. After reading a review in Essence Magazine & A trip to Walmart for grocery I picked this literary gem. Loaning it to my sister, my niece picked it up and I have not seen that copy since. I have a Kindle now and uploaded it there. Here's its description:
This debut novel of longing for family, love, and acceptance finds some interesting territory before settling too early into inevitability. Davidia Jones, a nerdy child of poverty, is abused by her alcoholic mother and is the subject of merciless taunting at her high school. But it's the "Molly Ringwald Ending" that guides this fragile 15-year-old when she bolts town with a lesbian trucker named Mama Jane and lands a gig as a '40s-style chanteuse in L.A. With a little Hollywood stardust, she redefines herself and begins living the life she's dreamed of--until James, the rich golden boy she had a crush on back home, walks into her nightclub. Not knowing their connected past, James promptly goes gaga for the overhauled Davie, whose need for sweet revenge adds a welcome dark edge to a trajectory toward self-empowerment.
If you are a fan of John Hughes movies, this book will give take you right down memory lane. Davie is a hoot. Such an attention grabber. Totally relatable. The Then & Now section dividers were brilliant The In-Between Now & Then (The Amendment) bowled me over. It made me wonder what could have the late John Hughes do with such a nice book like this. After rereading it, I have decided they should make this into a movie. I have the perfect actress, the Awkward Black Girl herself, Issa Rae. If you know her, tell her I said so. I totally see her in a Strokes T-shirt, with quick quips and an atonement list giving this character life. I don't know if she can sing but that is minor.
Donna Hill is one of my favorites in Romance. I was "Black Friday" shopping years ago and I saw this Diva, Inc. and thought "Umm this one sounds different. Let's get it". I read it in one night. I loaned it out (yeah a pattern I've ended) to someone and never saw it again. I rebought it used and like the taste of soda after Lent, I quickly knew why I loved this book described here.
Tiffany Lane and Chantal Hollis are bonafide divas in every sense of the word. They've also been Margaret Drew's best friends since they were children. Margaret has always been the plain Jane of the threesome, living vicariously through the exploits of her friends. But when Tiffany and Chantal head to Europe on an extended vacation, leaving Margaret to tend their apartments, Margaret decides to see how the other half lives. Co-opting their apartments, their boyfriends (current and past), their fabulous lifestyles, and Tiffany's very savvy pooch, Virginia, Margaret finally feels like she has found the life she has always wanted and deserved. But her double living begins to catch up with her and Margaret might soon be homeless, manless, and friendless all in one swoop.
The description only speaks of Margaret Drew's Diva friends but she has a grandmother that will keep you chomping at the bit and in stitches also. She reminds me of an old family friend, Ms. Dorthy (RIP). Margaret's Diva Journey is very hilarious. She is a true ABG. She is so bumbling it is pitiful. It has a very quick and straightforward ending. Now with the invention of YouTube and Web series, I could see this as a web show or maybe an indie film. I wouldn't want Hollywood to touch this.
Maybe I should go looking for more reading gems like these. I love them. These characters exist and I am happy someone sees our story and helps us tell it. So what books help tell your story. Let me know if you dare in the comments.
As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms
Friday, May 31, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Grooming My Man!!!
I just watched Steve Harvey and he did a segment on Male "Beauty" Products. Male Pantyhose, Male Polish, Man Makeup, Male Clutch, and Padded Briefs. The male clutch was the only thing that got a green light. It was a funny segment.
This made me think about the grooming habits of the guys I've dated and some I know and how they shaped my preferences now. I always see the questions about men's grooming habits and quirks. I think I like men who are "basic" metrosexuals
I refuse to date a man that does not lotion his body regularly. I grew up watching my grandmother put lotion on my grandfather's hands if he forgot right before they entered a public building. I have a cousin whose wife does the same thing. That was cool until I dated a guy that regularly forgot like that. Quickly that became annoying. Ashiness is a pet peeve for me. No one should not have to tell an adult man to moisturize. In the words of the viral sensation Sweet Brown, "Ain't nobody got time for that". Once, I had a guy call me on the road on the way to pick me up for a date and asked would I bring a little lotion. Now that I can get behind. He was trying. On any given day, I'll rather a man smell like Original Cherry Almond Jergens and moisturized than he smells the best men's cologne and be ashy.
Sometime last year in the grocery my nephew asked me could he have a lip balm he was holding up. He was holding up some glitter Lip Smackers. I told him yes but not that brand. We were on the makeup aisle & he picked what he thought he wanted. This "macho" guy agreed with me by making a gay slur/comment, that pissed me off because that was not the message I was trying to convey. He was 6 years old. His lips were chapped. Glitter does not help that. Glitter is for cute not lip chap. We walked over to the medication aisle and I got him some cherry-flavored Chapstick and he was delighted. I have a friend who is adamant about his lips not being chapped. He will whip out his lip balm in a minute. Lip Balm is a Gay thing. No one wants to kiss a chapped lip. All lips need to be smooth and kissable.
No secret, I only date men with haircuts. Haircuts just look neater. Also In My Observances and One Experience men, with hair hide secrets better. That's another blog. So if he has a regular appointment to get a haircut, that's points in the hotness chart. I don't like beards but a man needs a mustache. Oh, and a goatee is sexy!!! Not a fan of hairless male lips. One of the main things I look for when I suspect the guy may be a girl (6:7 times been right (had to just ask her)). Body hair is a whole different issue for me. Hairy chest scares me. It's like extended facial hair. Wax that stuff off. Luckily, I have Never dated a man with a hairy chest. I am a friend and relative to quite a few with excessive body hair. I learned to "sneak and look" when a man has a few buttons unbuttoned on a shirt on what the chest may look like. I know Naughty, Naughty! Hairy Lips and Chin!!! Hairless Chest!!!
I think every woman interested in men has a level of grooming habit that is acceptable to them. Personally of those of the aforementioned products. I could fully accept the Male clutch (looks like a modern briefcase) and partially accept the polish and makeup (only in clear, no colors, and makeup only for the lips). I don't want a man to wear male Spanx(Manx) or guyliner either. That's just my preference. I told you "Basic Metrosexual" is my type.
As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms
Monday, May 27, 2013
Wait! It's Not That Bad!!!
I've been reading some of my past blogs. I know I tell people "My Life is an Open Book! Just make sure you're Literate enough to Read it!" I just hope my story does not make you guys don't think I had this harsh life growing up. I hope that was not the impression I am giving. I have a very Blessed life. I got a tattoo to symbolize just that.
Yeah I grew up plus size but I was well liked. I had many friends. I see people who were not plus size growing up and they have a hard time handling it and become depressed. I learn long time ago; this is the skin I am in.
I may have been horribly picked on in 5th grade but in 4th & 6th grade, I was an honor roll star. In 7th grade, I was became a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Oh yeah I went to a Magnet School. I watch TV shows and movies about people who went to a regular comprehensive high school and I know, Socially, I had it so easy.
I may have been a church nerd but I don't have a fear of public speaking because of the opportunities of given assignments to teach a bible lesson, being the Youth Announcement Clerk, and the welcome giver for several programs. Have you seen Raj on Big Bang Theory? His parents should have been members of my "foundation" (childhood) church.
No my father was not in my life but I've mentioned I had my grandfather, my uncle, and several great uncles as my father figures. These men are the reason I've never agreed to anything with a man (a boy in the past) unless "I Wanted To". They taught me how to carry myself and showed me how Men should treat women and girls. I am proud to say, “I have Standards".
Yeah, I write with my left hand and a person commenting on it gets on my nerves. But that book scholarship one semester felt better than me making some smart-butt quip. I where a relaxer and someone else have a natural but Thank God we have hair. There is some one out there wishing they had hair to relax or twist.
I am a Christian. For me the have been more good days than bad. God gets all the glory for it. And in my blogs I'm not complaining. Just hopefully being a cautionary or inspirational tale to someone that might be going or have been through something similar. A story to see that No everyday is peachy keen but most days are not rain clouds. Just sharing part of my story. Thanks for reading it as I share.
As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms
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| Miss Smiles!!! (Yes, that is a foot) |
I may have been horribly picked on in 5th grade but in 4th & 6th grade, I was an honor roll star. In 7th grade, I was became a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Oh yeah I went to a Magnet School. I watch TV shows and movies about people who went to a regular comprehensive high school and I know, Socially, I had it so easy.
I may have been a church nerd but I don't have a fear of public speaking because of the opportunities of given assignments to teach a bible lesson, being the Youth Announcement Clerk, and the welcome giver for several programs. Have you seen Raj on Big Bang Theory? His parents should have been members of my "foundation" (childhood) church.
No my father was not in my life but I've mentioned I had my grandfather, my uncle, and several great uncles as my father figures. These men are the reason I've never agreed to anything with a man (a boy in the past) unless "I Wanted To". They taught me how to carry myself and showed me how Men should treat women and girls. I am proud to say, “I have Standards".
Yeah, I write with my left hand and a person commenting on it gets on my nerves. But that book scholarship one semester felt better than me making some smart-butt quip. I where a relaxer and someone else have a natural but Thank God we have hair. There is some one out there wishing they had hair to relax or twist.
I am a Christian. For me the have been more good days than bad. God gets all the glory for it. And in my blogs I'm not complaining. Just hopefully being a cautionary or inspirational tale to someone that might be going or have been through something similar. A story to see that No everyday is peachy keen but most days are not rain clouds. Just sharing part of my story. Thanks for reading it as I share.
As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms
Sunday, May 26, 2013
It's Just A Hand!
I can be a Jerk sometimes. I know that is surprising. A nice sweet person like me can be a jerk. *smile* The Lord is yet working on me about that. One issue that brings out the sarcastic a-hole in me is: Being Left Handed. First, enjoy this cute morsel that found me on YouTube
I am a Left-Handed person. I write, cook, eat, and function mainly with my Left Hand. I was the first in my family to actually write with my left hand. My grandfather was left-handed (who didn't write with his left hand until the 1980's when I did). My youngest aunt is ambidextrous. I didn't know anything was "wrong" until the evening before I started Kindergarten and my grandmother was practicing me write with my right hand. You ask why she would do that. Well back in the "good old'" days of handwriting oppression, children were forced to write with their right hand. Somewhere in the 1970's, we were liberated to write with our left-hands. Well when the school didn't make a big deal about that, she stopped practicing me. So those are my simple beginnings about me left-handed.
Yes, like the video, I groan at scissors, can-openers, desk (hard to copy off me) that made not suited for my left hand. They are a pain, but they don't bring out the jerk in me like right-handed people. I don't understand this statement-questions It's that kind of frustrating that I don't know what kind of sentence it is. "You write with your left hand" or "You're left-handed". I don't understand the amazement of writing with your left hand. It's like they are talking to you like you’re handicapped (I know not PC) and you are breaking the odds. You're left-handed and you writing anyway. You Go Girl! My attitude about it stinks. I can't just ignore it; they expect me to say something. So I decided to be sarcastic. "Yeah, my right hand is trifling & lazy". "Yeah, I don't bother my right hand for menial things like writing and eating". Once as a teen, an elderly minister was shocked that The Teachers let me write with it. I had to remember that like my grandparents, he grew up handwriting oppressed. The pastor spoke before I could because I had a very respectful doozy for him. One day I'll just leave people be. One Day, ONE DAY!
Left-handed people are still people. That's sounds so cliché' but it's true. There is nothing special about being left-handed. Stop being shocked, surprised or amused. I actually got a book scholarship for being left-handed in undergrad. So yeah, it came in handy, Once. Other than that We've adapted well. No One has died because they were a Lefty. It's just a hand.
As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms
I am a Left-Handed person. I write, cook, eat, and function mainly with my Left Hand. I was the first in my family to actually write with my left hand. My grandfather was left-handed (who didn't write with his left hand until the 1980's when I did). My youngest aunt is ambidextrous. I didn't know anything was "wrong" until the evening before I started Kindergarten and my grandmother was practicing me write with my right hand. You ask why she would do that. Well back in the "good old'" days of handwriting oppression, children were forced to write with their right hand. Somewhere in the 1970's, we were liberated to write with our left-hands. Well when the school didn't make a big deal about that, she stopped practicing me. So those are my simple beginnings about me left-handed.
Yes, like the video, I groan at scissors, can-openers, desk (hard to copy off me) that made not suited for my left hand. They are a pain, but they don't bring out the jerk in me like right-handed people. I don't understand this statement-questions It's that kind of frustrating that I don't know what kind of sentence it is. "You write with your left hand" or "You're left-handed". I don't understand the amazement of writing with your left hand. It's like they are talking to you like you’re handicapped (I know not PC) and you are breaking the odds. You're left-handed and you writing anyway. You Go Girl! My attitude about it stinks. I can't just ignore it; they expect me to say something. So I decided to be sarcastic. "Yeah, my right hand is trifling & lazy". "Yeah, I don't bother my right hand for menial things like writing and eating". Once as a teen, an elderly minister was shocked that The Teachers let me write with it. I had to remember that like my grandparents, he grew up handwriting oppressed. The pastor spoke before I could because I had a very respectful doozy for him. One day I'll just leave people be. One Day, ONE DAY!
Left-handed people are still people. That's sounds so cliché' but it's true. There is nothing special about being left-handed. Stop being shocked, surprised or amused. I actually got a book scholarship for being left-handed in undergrad. So yeah, it came in handy, Once. Other than that We've adapted well. No One has died because they were a Lefty. It's just a hand.
As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms
Friday, May 17, 2013
Beards
Who watches the show Let's Stay Together on BET? I do! I do! It's a fun show about a couples & family love. I love it. One of the storyline involves a college student who is in a paid relationship with a closeted gay professional athlete. Yes, she is a Beard. That what pop culture has decided to call a straight woman in a known relationship with a closeted gay man. It is to keep up a heterosexual appearance in public. Some are paid. Some are not. All are "helping" out a guy in a "lurch". Well now there is a hitch in this relationship, she's met someone. He knows she dating the athlete but he doesn't know he's gay. Also, the athlete does not want her dating other men. She needs to focus on her education that he is paying for or he will sue for breach of contract.
This is why I could never be a beard. I accept a man honesty to me because there are gay men in relationships with women and the women don't know. My issue with being a beard is squelching my desire to be with a man that wants me. I guess I have never been broke enough that the money and things my gay boyfriend pays that could block my true self, a heterosexual woman. If I was a beard, it's my luck my "perfect" man would come alone. I couldn't let being a beard block that blessing. A man who is not romantically involved with me could not dictate that I could not date another man who is. Now somebody just said "Maybe the datable guy would be okay with it". I don't want to date a man who is "okay" with that arrangement. I want a man who wants me and not some convoluted mess of a relationship I packing with me. I want a man who would think high enough of himself to be a "side piece". I want a man that would be bother with me, as a Beard.
So if you're going to be a beard look over the contract. Think about it with your whole heart.If it is something you agree to fully. Even though I could be a Beard, Could you?
As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms
This is why I could never be a beard. I accept a man honesty to me because there are gay men in relationships with women and the women don't know. My issue with being a beard is squelching my desire to be with a man that wants me. I guess I have never been broke enough that the money and things my gay boyfriend pays that could block my true self, a heterosexual woman. If I was a beard, it's my luck my "perfect" man would come alone. I couldn't let being a beard block that blessing. A man who is not romantically involved with me could not dictate that I could not date another man who is. Now somebody just said "Maybe the datable guy would be okay with it". I don't want to date a man who is "okay" with that arrangement. I want a man who wants me and not some convoluted mess of a relationship I packing with me. I want a man who would think high enough of himself to be a "side piece". I want a man that would be bother with me, as a Beard.
So if you're going to be a beard look over the contract. Think about it with your whole heart.If it is something you agree to fully. Even though I could be a Beard, Could you?
As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms
TV Thursday
Leave if you have not watch the season finales of Big Bang Theory, Grey's Anatomy, or Scandal and plan to. That's your warning.
Now on Facebook I said this about TV Thursday: Season Finale night for TV Thursday. Big Bang Theory, Umm Raj has a girlfriend. So I'm good. Grey's Anatomy's, as long as Meredith does not lose the baby, I'm good. Scandal Since I'm not Team Olitz once all else (Who is Joe Morton's character really) is solved I want Olivia to tell Fitz to screw off Again and next season go back to being a Fixer of other people's scandals and not part of one. #agirlcandream So let's talk about it!
Big Bang Theory: Okay why does Leonard always get to go away from Penny? First the North Pole now the North Sea. When will Penny get to go away from Leonard? I want Penny to get a movie role (1st and foremost) and it is off location. Make Leonard wait for Penny for a change. As for Rajesh, now that he can talk to women with out the aid of liquor maybe the right lady will come along. So HAPPY, the show make Sheldon & Amy have sex. I like that dynamic. I was a little scared after last week that they might keep pushing the envelope.
Grey's Anatomy: Richard might be dead/might be hurt. Yeah, I was shocked. Grey had a healthy baby. Miranda finally rejoined the surgery world. She couldn't let one her "babies" die. Arizona cheated and maybe we can be rid of her selfish a-word. I've never like Arizona. Like the last lady, Callie dated there is forced chemistry. I wish Callie would go back to men. She was more believable with men and not so forced looking, Even with O'Malley. Arizona left once. In my opinion she should have stayed away. Also she keeps throwing up the plane crash. Callie get the point and let her go. Jackson didn't die and Kepner finally admitted she truly wants him. Did you see the paramedic fiance' see her reaction. Dollars to Donuts that the wedding is off. I am tired of Yang & Owen having the same " break up discussion" about kids. Why is this being rehashed? He wants kids and she does not. Part ways because there is not a grey area in this. Then they cause Richard to fall out where no one can see him. I look up later to see if he is coming back. Either way we get to see Debbie Allen for more episodes. She'll be the grieving girlfriend or the girlfriend worried about his health.
Scandal: Let say it together: DAD!!! I've been wanting to know who Joe Morton's character was and Wham-mo he's Olivia Pope's Father. (My choices for her mother are Debbie Morgan, Phylicia Rashad, Lynn Whitfield, or Mercedes Raul) I am on the fence about him having his daughter murdered. I WANT think that was a tranquillizer about to be shot. If not, dang Olivia! What did you do to TICK daddy that bad. Since I'm not a fan of Team Olitz, I was happy she let Fitz go, Again. I'm tired of it. Olitz is distracting Olivia from being a Fixer, the people's Gladiator. Oh I'm not Team Jake. I might change my mind after the season finale. Even after all his "stalking", I think he might have genuine feeling. The "sleeping with you" comment is not fooling me. I also don't want her or any of the Gladiators to date each other. There is no crying in baseball and there's no romance in the Gladiator ring. Do you sleep with folk at your job? Exactly! She donned the white hat (Loved the choice of Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder as the background music. Genius!!!) to be The Fixer and the cameras in her face. Olivia being Fitz's mistress has been leaked. My money is on the White House (Cyrus (Rowan told him to do it) or Fitz(He's bitter enough)) being the tattlers. I really hope Harrison is not actually her brother. I hate the whole all the black folks related. This is not One Life to Live or All My Children. I will admit I want more story line for Harrison. Why does Olivia trust him so much?
Okay until the Fall, I'll miss TV Thursday. I watch reruns of Big Bang Theory but not of the others. The suspense is not the same. What did you think? What do you want to see happen next season?
As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms
Now on Facebook I said this about TV Thursday: Season Finale night for TV Thursday. Big Bang Theory, Umm Raj has a girlfriend. So I'm good. Grey's Anatomy's, as long as Meredith does not lose the baby, I'm good. Scandal Since I'm not Team Olitz once all else (Who is Joe Morton's character really) is solved I want Olivia to tell Fitz to screw off Again and next season go back to being a Fixer of other people's scandals and not part of one. #agirlcandream So let's talk about it!
Big Bang Theory: Okay why does Leonard always get to go away from Penny? First the North Pole now the North Sea. When will Penny get to go away from Leonard? I want Penny to get a movie role (1st and foremost) and it is off location. Make Leonard wait for Penny for a change. As for Rajesh, now that he can talk to women with out the aid of liquor maybe the right lady will come along. So HAPPY, the show make Sheldon & Amy have sex. I like that dynamic. I was a little scared after last week that they might keep pushing the envelope.
Grey's Anatomy: Richard might be dead/might be hurt. Yeah, I was shocked. Grey had a healthy baby. Miranda finally rejoined the surgery world. She couldn't let one her "babies" die. Arizona cheated and maybe we can be rid of her selfish a-word. I've never like Arizona. Like the last lady, Callie dated there is forced chemistry. I wish Callie would go back to men. She was more believable with men and not so forced looking, Even with O'Malley. Arizona left once. In my opinion she should have stayed away. Also she keeps throwing up the plane crash. Callie get the point and let her go. Jackson didn't die and Kepner finally admitted she truly wants him. Did you see the paramedic fiance' see her reaction. Dollars to Donuts that the wedding is off. I am tired of Yang & Owen having the same " break up discussion" about kids. Why is this being rehashed? He wants kids and she does not. Part ways because there is not a grey area in this. Then they cause Richard to fall out where no one can see him. I look up later to see if he is coming back. Either way we get to see Debbie Allen for more episodes. She'll be the grieving girlfriend or the girlfriend worried about his health.
Scandal: Let say it together: DAD!!! I've been wanting to know who Joe Morton's character was and Wham-mo he's Olivia Pope's Father. (My choices for her mother are Debbie Morgan, Phylicia Rashad, Lynn Whitfield, or Mercedes Raul) I am on the fence about him having his daughter murdered. I WANT think that was a tranquillizer about to be shot. If not, dang Olivia! What did you do to TICK daddy that bad. Since I'm not a fan of Team Olitz, I was happy she let Fitz go, Again. I'm tired of it. Olitz is distracting Olivia from being a Fixer, the people's Gladiator. Oh I'm not Team Jake. I might change my mind after the season finale. Even after all his "stalking", I think he might have genuine feeling. The "sleeping with you" comment is not fooling me. I also don't want her or any of the Gladiators to date each other. There is no crying in baseball and there's no romance in the Gladiator ring. Do you sleep with folk at your job? Exactly! She donned the white hat (Loved the choice of Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder as the background music. Genius!!!) to be The Fixer and the cameras in her face. Olivia being Fitz's mistress has been leaked. My money is on the White House (Cyrus (Rowan told him to do it) or Fitz(He's bitter enough)) being the tattlers. I really hope Harrison is not actually her brother. I hate the whole all the black folks related. This is not One Life to Live or All My Children. I will admit I want more story line for Harrison. Why does Olivia trust him so much?
Okay until the Fall, I'll miss TV Thursday. I watch reruns of Big Bang Theory but not of the others. The suspense is not the same. What did you think? What do you want to see happen next season?
As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms
Saturday, May 11, 2013
The Tuck
Dallas Independent School District is getting rid of a very archaic part of the student dress code. Students will no longer be required to tuck in their shirts. Read the article HERE I was a senior in high school when the policy started to lightly be enforced. I never liked it. It's just not modest for everyone to tuck in their shirts.
It was around the time when some of the male students made sagging pants and no belts a hardcore fashion statement at school. Some schools made them put ropes around their pants and pull them up. Some did not. The rule made sense to those who wore sagging pants showing their underwear. Then the district decided to suggest "All Student's Shirts to be tucked in". I didn't take it seriously. It was a rare & force occasion for me to tuck in my blouses when I was younger and even then I pulled them out some to make me look more flattering my clothes. The president of the Mother's Board of my childhood church disapproved of it. I dislike ushering near her. She was always stuffing more of my blouse further in my skirt.
The Dean of Instruction of my school must have been kin to her because she saw me one day in 1996, 10 minutes before the first bell, and was outraged. "Young Lady, You Are In Violation Of The Dress Code". I thought it was my skirt. I'm 5'2" with short legs. 2 inches above the knee or the fingertip rules always got me stopped by some teacher but my mini skirt was within the boundaries. Short legs can come in handy. Oh but not this day. She wanted me to tuck in my shirt. I tucked it in and my skirt didn't have belt loops and a belt. It was an elastic waist skirt. With wide eyes, she said, "Let's go to your counselor's office. Because you are not dressed properly and you need to go home". We get to my counselor's office. My counselor asked what was the problem because she had no clue why I was in there if it was not scheduled issues or college-related. The Dean ranted about my outfit and my counselor started laughing. I was told by her to tuck my top in. Then she turn me around and showed the dean my backside. "When she fights because somebody squeezes her side rolls or rubs her hip. Because she will hit them in response. Send her home then. That's what is going to happen if she tucks her shirt in". She looked at me "Go to class". I untucked my top and went on my way. I didn't see the dean until graduation, months later when I shook her hand like the rest of the administration. A few years later DISD and other area school districts made it a rule.
I know the Dean who was very tall and thin did not understand until that day that plus-size, wide hip, large-busted student should not tuck in her clothes. DISD didn't either. My counselor knew she was sending me into a land that included name-callers, junior perverts, and mean girls call a school hallway. With already being awkward, nerdy, and sarcastic I didn't need the drama just because of an untucked top in a place where that was not even a "real" law yet. DISD finally saw it like my counselor and I knew it. School is hard enough without added pressure. One might say "It's just a tucked-in shirt". Say that to the kid who has the back fat, large buttocks, and love handles getting physically harassed every day. All because it is out there for some cruel kid(s) to pick at like it's their right to do so.
So kudos DISD for loosing up on tucked-in shirts. Now belts still need to be enforced because sagging is still an issue. Everyone does not look flattering with a tucked-in shirt. I wonder if that Dean heard this decision and remembered me and the skirt incident. Probably not! LoL
As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms
It was around the time when some of the male students made sagging pants and no belts a hardcore fashion statement at school. Some schools made them put ropes around their pants and pull them up. Some did not. The rule made sense to those who wore sagging pants showing their underwear. Then the district decided to suggest "All Student's Shirts to be tucked in". I didn't take it seriously. It was a rare & force occasion for me to tuck in my blouses when I was younger and even then I pulled them out some to make me look more flattering my clothes. The president of the Mother's Board of my childhood church disapproved of it. I dislike ushering near her. She was always stuffing more of my blouse further in my skirt.
The Dean of Instruction of my school must have been kin to her because she saw me one day in 1996, 10 minutes before the first bell, and was outraged. "Young Lady, You Are In Violation Of The Dress Code". I thought it was my skirt. I'm 5'2" with short legs. 2 inches above the knee or the fingertip rules always got me stopped by some teacher but my mini skirt was within the boundaries. Short legs can come in handy. Oh but not this day. She wanted me to tuck in my shirt. I tucked it in and my skirt didn't have belt loops and a belt. It was an elastic waist skirt. With wide eyes, she said, "Let's go to your counselor's office. Because you are not dressed properly and you need to go home". We get to my counselor's office. My counselor asked what was the problem because she had no clue why I was in there if it was not scheduled issues or college-related. The Dean ranted about my outfit and my counselor started laughing. I was told by her to tuck my top in. Then she turn me around and showed the dean my backside. "When she fights because somebody squeezes her side rolls or rubs her hip. Because she will hit them in response. Send her home then. That's what is going to happen if she tucks her shirt in". She looked at me "Go to class". I untucked my top and went on my way. I didn't see the dean until graduation, months later when I shook her hand like the rest of the administration. A few years later DISD and other area school districts made it a rule.
I know the Dean who was very tall and thin did not understand until that day that plus-size, wide hip, large-busted student should not tuck in her clothes. DISD didn't either. My counselor knew she was sending me into a land that included name-callers, junior perverts, and mean girls call a school hallway. With already being awkward, nerdy, and sarcastic I didn't need the drama just because of an untucked top in a place where that was not even a "real" law yet. DISD finally saw it like my counselor and I knew it. School is hard enough without added pressure. One might say "It's just a tucked-in shirt". Say that to the kid who has the back fat, large buttocks, and love handles getting physically harassed every day. All because it is out there for some cruel kid(s) to pick at like it's their right to do so.
So kudos DISD for loosing up on tucked-in shirts. Now belts still need to be enforced because sagging is still an issue. Everyone does not look flattering with a tucked-in shirt. I wonder if that Dean heard this decision and remembered me and the skirt incident. Probably not! LoL
As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms
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