Houston, Why We Beefing?

piv·ot

/ˈpivət/

noun

1. the central point, pin, or shaft on which a mechanism turns or oscillates.

verb

1. turn on or as if on a pivot. "the sail pivots around the axis of the mast"

2. (especially in a business context) completely change the way in which one does something. "the teams performed exceptionally by quickly pivoting to meet the increased demand from our customers"

One trait that I most admire about myself is my willingness to pivot. Anyone who knows me knows that I will quit a job, move cities, move states, end relationships, and do whatever is necessary for me to function at my highest potential and/or optimal health. Though uncomfortable for some to execute, I consider it one of my greatest gifts and that is EXACTLY what led me to leave Houston in 2017.

My love-hate relationship with Houston began in 2015. I relocated to the city a week after being laid off from my job and months after finishing grad school. To say it was the best of times and the worst of times…would be an understatement. While a ratchet good time for sure, Houston tested me in ways I didn’t realize was possible—loss of jobs, relationships, and at some point faith. I saw how the city could swallow you whole if you let it. So, because of the dynamic of our relationship, I don’t visit often. In the highest of keys, sis acts as if I stole her man EVERY TIME I come through. But this was important so I made the trip.

I arrived early Friday morning looking forward to the day ahead. I hopped off the plane, got the rental, and headed for HWY45. As I drove down 45, I was flooded with emotions. Recalling the super high highs but also the lows. I road past my first “adult” apartment. It is the place I called home after leaving STL. My introduction to adulthood but more importantly, the space that provided solace for the adventurer in me. The one that doesn’t know how to “sit still”. That apartment confirmed that I could make it in the world, on my own.

I drove. Reminisced. And headed to link with my friend. The day was going great. I got ready for the event that brought me there. My makeup was right, outfit was cute, and I was ready. I hopped in the rental and Yung Thug and Rich Homie Quan's Lifestyle was blasting on the radio, the perfect song for the vibes.

Now you know, two things Houston has for sure is heat and traffic and I encountered both! It was a smooth 93 degrees at 6:30 PM when the air on the rental stopped working. I went to let down the windows but apparently, the passenger side window didn’t work. So you know I’m heated! I try my best to remain calm. After all, it was only another 25 minutes until I got to my destination. But 25 seconds later, the check engine light came on followed by a prompt telling me the transmission needed to be serviced, and a turtle emoji and text on the dash said the vehicle would be slowing down.

The absolute panic!!!! I’m on 45 going 43 trying to cross lanes without getting hit as I exit the highway. I pulled over onto the first parking lot I saw. The area made me nervous so I kept my head on a swivel but in a matter of minutes I was stuck stuck. The gears no longer moved. As I waited to speak to the rental company’s roadside service agent, my friend texted she was 2 minutes away. I said a prayer and kept my cool. My friend pulled up at the same time as the agent answered. I transferred my things into my friend’s car while telling the rep that there was no way I was staying with the vehicle until a tow truck arrived. She instructed me on where to leave the keys and sent me a link to share my location. She then asked, “ Are you directly in front of the church?” My friend and I both paused because, huh? To our surprise, the parking lot I randomly stopped at was a Mexican Church. BUT GOD! He covered me on the highway and directed me to a church during my wait! As we drove off, my friend and I both gave thanks for covering! And we headed to the main event. The reason I was here! But not before the towing agent called and asked if he could pick the rental up in the morning. Sir, that’s between you and Budget! It’s above me now!

Anyhoo! My friend Ope Amosu had accomplished a major feat. He hosted a private dining experience for family and friends at the NEW Chopn Blok Montrose location. I am so incredibly proud, honored, inspired, grateful, and so many other emotions. Ope and I have been friends since my freshman year of college. With almost two decades of friendship under our belt, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to see his dreams actualized. We ate GOODT! We laughed! Fellowshipped! We listened to the stories and inspiration behind each dish and collectively as the community he created we celebrated him and the culture! It was incredibly fulfilling.

As the goodbyes ended, I requested my Uber. You didn’t forget I was car-less, did you? I hopped in and had an amazing conversation with my driver.

One of the first things he asked me was, “Are you writing a book?”

Shocked, I replied, “Yes, but I haven’t told many people about it”.

He said, “I felt a book on you as soon as you sat down”.

We continued to chat and then boom, I was once again reminded that Houston don’t mess with me! Traffic at 11:30pm is insanity. After almost an hour ride, I made it to my destination. Thanked God. And prayed I’d get out of the God-forsaken city first thing in the morning with no problems. And mission accomplished! Though Houston may NEVER see me again LOL, I’m grateful for growth. But I am most grateful for the reminders that some places are only seasonal and revisiting them may take you out of God’s will, covering, and provision. Pivots are necessary for your survival. So tread lightly!

Also, BUDGET RENTAL-COUNT YOUR DAYS!!!!!

Also Also, my makeup girlies, that One-Size setting spray had my face sitting!!!!! Get that!

Final, also, Houston friends, I love y’all deep but leave me out of it!!!! I almost lost my life, lost my Chanel perfume, and my favorite neck pillow! I’m good love enjoy!!!!