The Skinny Black Girl

After cranking through 24 posts last month, I took this week off to catch my breath and rest my mind. I gave myself permission to put Robyn as a person before Robyn, the writer (or aspiring writer, or blogger, or girl who sits down at a keyboard and just talks. Whatever.). It was a relaxing and refreshing week.

This week we saw the unofficial end of summer, which put me in the mood to reminisce over the last four months (for me, summer started as soon as spring semester ended in May), so today’s Skinny Bits will be dedicated to the highlights of Summer 2012.

I traveled more in the last four months than I have in years. I spent three days writing, sipping wine, and taking in the view of Lake Chautauqua in New York state. Tanned deep brown, devoured seafood, and knocked back tequila on the beaches of Fort Lauderdale. Spent a night in rainy Atlanta and discovered that the sprawling south may be a bit too sprawling for my northern, midwestern tastes.

I attended two weddings this summer. First, as a bridesmaid where I helped my homegirl of twelve years marry the love of her life. Second, as a guest where I proudly watched a friend glow in a happily ever after that was the result of some amazing personal growth. Both times, I cried, smiled, laughed, drank, and danced until I limped off the floor sweaty and exhausted.

I experienced a moment that left me absolutely and deliciously speechless.

After six years of managing an often debilitating driving anxiety as the result of a terrible car accident in 2006, I kicked my fear of highway driving square in the ass. I drove the two and a half hour trip between Birmingham and Atlanta twice without incident. The following weekend, I drove the length of Ohio from Cleveland to Cincinnati and back (an 8 hour trip) without breaking a sweat.

I forged a new friendship that is equal parts challenging, amusing, and self-revealing. I repaired a friendship that suffered from neglect and bad communication. I realized that I am blessed to have a best friend with whom I am totally in sync.

Due to the loss of my favorite aunt (RIP Aunt Doris), I spent a day in Birmingham with what I forget is my big, beautiful southern family.

Because I lost a bet, there is footage somewhere in the world of me doing a rendition of En Vogue’s “Giving Him Something He Can Feel.” Filming this was the most hilarious moment of my summer.

I played hostess to first-time Cleveland visitors from Chicago and Columbus. I fell head over heels in love with the shores of Lake Erie to the point that I’m finally comfortable in my choice of making Cleveland my long-term home.

I spent quality time in my kitchen learning the many ways to hook up combinations of pasta, fish, spinach, and mushrooms. I started the habit of eating green vegetables everyday. I am now confident enough to say that I can cook. Like, for real. (But no, that doesn’t mean I want to cook for you.)

I developed a community of dope writer friends. And e-bonded with free-thinking women whom I lovingly called the League of Extraordinary Chicks.

I experienced God by the water. At Lake Chautauqua. At the Atlantic Ocean. At Lake Erie. I learned to breathe in moments of trial and declare that “Life Is Good.”

Thanks for the memories, Summer 2012.