A Year in Review: 2010

Wow, 2010 is almost over! I must admit it was an interesting year for me professionally and personally, and I am looking forward to 2011. With sadness we began this year with the loss of the late great Teddy Pendergrass in January. Who can forget the songs "Close the Door?" and "Turn out the Lights?!!!" In May, we lost another entertainment icon, Lena Horne. I loved her in "Stormy Weather" and "The Wiz." She was a true legend. Finally, we say goodbye to Teena Marie who passed away the day after Christmas. She was so far ahead of her time, and was loved dearly in the African American community. And yes, I have been playing her songs constantly including, "You Make Love Like Springtime," "I Need Your Lovin" and of course, "Square Biz." We will miss all of them, but their legacy will live on.

Personally, I had to deal with a milestone birthday this year. Yes, I turned 40-years-old. As a teenager, I really thought 30 was old! Needless to say, I certainly don't believe that anymore. (And 40 is not the new 30!) This is a great age, and I am at the point in my life where I am not living up to anyone's expectations, but my own. Moreover, I have made some New Years resolutions too! But, I hope to stick with them. First, I actually started taking Detroit-Style Ballroom dance classes in November and I plan to continue with my lessons in 2011. I will be dancing in high heels in 2011. That is an important goal for me. Secondly, I joined a gym to help me stay in shape. I am doing ok with my exercise bike, but I want to really get fit to stay healthy. Third, I will continue to attend church which is important to me as well. Prayer does make a difference. Professionally, I believe things are moving in the right direction, and I do like my progress as a chemistry professor. Life is pretty good.

Finally, I just want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Spend time with family and friends and enjoy. And, yes SibrinaSpeaks will continue in 2011. Stay tuned!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Finding Another Beautician

We all know that hair has always been a very big deal in the African American community. Finding the right beautician is just as important as finding the right shoes to match an outfit. It really does matter. Today, I decided to try a new beautician near my home for a quick blow dry and curl. When I arrived at the salon--on time--the salon was closed. I decided to call the beautician on her cell and she informed me she was about 10 minutes away. She actually showed up about 20 minutes later, but I was trying to give her a "pass" because the weather was a little nasty outside. While waiting, another young lady was waiting to see a different beautician who was also late. She an I chatted for a minute and she told me that her appointment was at 10:00am, but it was pushed back to 11:00am. (It was about 11:20am at this point.) My beautician finally arrived and apologized for being so late. She actually did a decent job, and I did accept her apology. She tried to convince me to get
Read more

Unsung Chemist: Dr. Booker T. W. White (1907 - 1990)

Born in Tryon, North Carolina on September 9, 1907, Booker Taliafero Washington White was an agricultural chemist and one of several African Americans that earned a doctoral degree in chemistry from The Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio) between the years 1940 and 1970. Booker T. W. White began his college career at West Virginia State College (now know as West Virginia State University), an HBCU (Historically Black College and University) located in West Virginia. White completed his undergraduate degree in 1929. White pursued graduate studies in the Department of Agricultural Chemistry at The Ohio State University earning his M.S. degree from OSU in 1937. He attended OSU during the 1936-37 academic year and the 1941 - 1944 academic years. In 1941, an article entitled "Southern Educator Tries to Find Use for Buckeyes," was published in the student newspaper, The Lantern and briefly described White's research efforts. "Booker T. White, on leave of absence
Read more

A New Place Called 'Better'

Image
     The year 2020 has been tremendously difficult, challenging, and so hurtful. How did I manage to keep my head above water this year? I could not have achieved anything in 2020 without the amazing support of friends and family. Honestly, I kept going because of them.      If anyone had told me that in the year 2020, I would publish a new book chapter focused on "superhero chemistry" and two articles in both Nature and Nature Chemistry focusing on achieving equity in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines , I would not have believed it. In addition, I actually officiated my little sister's wedding this year! Furthermore, I turned 50 years old in 2020, which actually still shocks me. There were so many milestones achieved in 2020. However, like all of you, I am looking forward to the year 2021. In other words, I am truly looking forward to new spaces and places called 'better.' Happy New Year everyone! Sibrina #HappyNewYear2021
Read more