Reflections on Life, Advocacy, and a Little Effervescence

Some days, I feel like my thoughts are everywhere, yet somehow, they connect. Today was one of those days. It was a mix of diving into research, reflecting on equity, and even questioning why I love the taste of original Alka Seltzer tablets (don’t judge me!).

WFH Trends: Why Do I Keep Coming Back?
I spent part of my day scrolling through remote and WFH job postings. I don’t know what it is, curiosity, opportunity, or just me trying to stay in tune with the latest trends. Sometimes I apply; sometimes, I don’t. But it’s fascinating to see how work has shifted and what companies are prioritizing in the remote space.
​
Voting and the Board Elect Trustees
My investment fund sent me a notice to vote for Board Elect Trustees, and I started researching my options. That alone was interesting, but then I stumbled across this insightful article: “The Economy Has Been Great Under Biden. That’s Why
Trump Won.”.

This piece completely captivated me. It aligns with what I often share with my friends and network: people don’t vote against their interests as much as we think. They’re responding to their current needs, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs at work.
Think about it: when someone’s basic needs or safety are threatened, they’re less likely to focus on long-term economic growth or tax policies. Instead, they respond to immediate issues that feel personal. It’s not just about poverty either; Maslow’s Hierarchy applies across social and economic statuses. This realization was a reminder to stay empathetic in understanding why people make the choices they do.

Volleyball Advocacy: Fighting for Black Female Athletes
Over the holidays, I had so many conversations with friends about the challenges Black female youth face in volleyball. I’ve been in this fight for eight years, starting with my own daughter, ensuring she got all-around and specialty training across the country.
The sport can be tough on Black girls. Clubs want their athleticism but often only in a narrow, workhorse role. They limit the skills these athletes develop, and when families want to leave for better opportunities, some clubs block them. The worst part? Parents knowingly sign unilateral contracts that give all the power to the club while they pay hefty fees for the privilege.
The NCAA has made strides with the transfer portal to give athletes more freedom, but club volleyball hasn’t caught up. These organizations are still operating under outdated, unfair practices. It’s frustrating, but I’m determined to keep advocating for change.

Movie Night: Rediscovering The Age of Adaline
To wind down, I watched The Age of Adaline (2015) on Netflix. I usually stick to new releases, but this one had been on my list forever. I loved it! There were so many profound takeaways.
One quote that stuck with me was the Italian saying, “Anni, amori e bicchieri di vino, nun se contano mai,” which translates to “Years, lovers, and glasses of wine; these things must not be counted.” It hit me how conditioned we are to measure everything instead of just living and loving.
Another line resonated deeply: “The better our instruments get, the further we can see, but not into the future, into the past. The events whose lights haven’t reached us yet.” It’s such a beautiful paradox and reminded me of a family discussion about magic.
I believe magic exists. In human creativity, connection, and even the seemingly mundane. Art, persuasion, empathy... all of it feels magical when you step back and think about it. Likewise the obvious engineering and innovation advancements people typical think about are also indeed magic.

Alka Seltzer: The Unlikely Star of My Night
To top it all off, I ended my night with some Alka Seltzer to get ahead of the sniffles brewing. Here’s the thing: I genuinely enjoy the taste of the original effervescent tablets. I know, I know...it’s weird. But there’s something about the fizz and the flavor that I find comforting. Am I the only one who feels this way? Poll time: Effervescent tablets or pills—what’s your go-to?

Final Thoughts
Today reminded me of the beauty in diving deep, whether it’s into research, advocacy, or even a good movie. Life is full of connections waiting to be made, and I’m here for all of it.
What did you learn or reflect on today? Let me know. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
​

---