1. "Queen": I don't know how I managed to watch all of "Roots" but then missed out on this miniseries entirely. There were so many big stars in it (i.e., Halle Berry,
Raven Symone, Jasmine Guy, Danny Glover, Dennis Haysbert, etc.). It took me
awhile to watch this miniseries because you have to be still long enough to
follow the plot. There were countless cringeworthy moments, but in true Alex
Haley form, he stayed true to his family roots and history. I have always
admired the amount of depth he went into to portray his ancestors. I wish more
movies (not necessarily about slavery) were out that showcased so many
African-American stars at their best all at once.

2. Sample day at Whole Foods Market: I'd been to Soul Vegetarian East restaurant and I'd had Soul Vegan at different vegan events, but I never really paid attention to the fact that the products are sold at Whole Foods Market. I went into one location today to grab a few items, and it was sample day. Not only was I impressed by Soul Vegan products, but I had a nice time checking out some other new foods, too.

Updated 11/24/12

Some women are uncomfortable about telling their age, but I'll shout it to Maui and back. Being a year older means I'm another year wiser, stronger and able to enjoy it. I learned some things in my 20s that make me a better person in my very early 30s, and my birthday (Veteran's Day, 11/11) weekend mixed with my 10-day vacation is turning out to be even better than I expected.

I usually add five things per week, but I'll just keep adding to this blog (for this week) to make it 20 (for the rest of November -- the end of this week, my vacation week, Thanksgiving week and the week after) so check back later if you're interested in the rest.

1. Birthday calls, cards, songs and messages on my 31st birthday: Some women are into diamonds and shoes. I'm much more into cards and quality time. Diamonds and shoes don't even come close to how much more appreciated I feel when I'm listening to someone sing (completely off key) "Happy Birthday" on my voicemail or I get a print card in the mail (Facebook messages and tweets are cool, but I hoard all of my letters and birthday/graduation/holiday cards). So thanks to all of the folks who remembered my birthday and called (bonus if you sang), FB messaged me, texted me, set up "birthday dates" on my birthday and for the rest of this week, and ultra thank you's to anyone who gave me a birthday card (and gifts).

2. Pink nail manicure: I never paint my fingernails. I buff them, file them and make sure they're clean, but I can't stand chipped polish so I just never paint them. I can't stand fake nails so that's out of the question. Funny because I am persistent about my toenails always being polished and neat, and that's even when I'm not wearing open-toed shoes. But I decided to go ahead and get my nails polished when I got a manicure this weekend at Flirty Girl Fitness. My nail technician Veronica (with a "k" when she feels like it) was really pleasant and I enjoyed talking to her about freelancing and writing before I got to the Trib. I wish her the best in her writing, too. She hooked my nails up so pretty that I keep staring at them. I didn't even want to wash dishes this weekend for fear I'd mess them up, but they're still cute.