%%USERNAME%%    %%ACCWORDS%% %%ONOFF%% |
 |  Fictitious and delicious! |
| Thank goodness Aster Cafe's outdoor seating is in the shadows of other nearby buildings. Otherwise, even my cocoa skin would get a tan today. While I ordered a mimosa like the rest of my group, I'll take the smallest of sips while pounding back my water glass like there's no tomorrow. I may brunch, but I know that even moderate amounts of champagne in this weather stop being refreshing after a while. The full group is here today: Lori, Hannah, Aisha, Kaci, Rhonda and myself. It's been a little bit since the whole group has gotten together. Then again, summer is like that. People often have weekend plans that conflict with brunch get-togethers. In fact, Hannah is discussing her trip to Lake Itasca that kept her from joining us last week. I'm not much for cabin life, but walking around and swimming in the headwaters sounds glorious right about now. I'd just have to remember to put my hair in twists before jumping into the lake. I wonder when I can squeeze in a similar trip myself before the summer is over. "So how'd everyone's week go?" Lori asks as she picks up her mimosa. "Busy," Aisha replied. "I think I'm getting the hang of coming into downtown three times a week. I was driving, but I think I might start taking the bus at least one of the days where I go into the office." "Yeah, gas is still pricey even though a dime is getting knocked off every now and then," Kaci agreed. "If I lived as close the the XCel offices as you do, I'd probably add some bus trips myself. I can do that from Fridley, but I'd rather not." "You really ought to consider moving back to the city all things considered," Hannah chimed in. "With the light rail construction moving forward, there are some people moving out of the townhouses that I know you've had your eye on for a while." "Hmmm...I'll think about it. We'll see when Tyler finishes moving out." The server stopped at the table to take their food order. Everyone ordered their usual, myself included. I realize it sounds peak Millennial, but the avocado toast is delightful. The poached egg may be a bit on the heavy side in the summer, but I'll deal. Once the server leaves, I take the first sip of my mimosa. The champagne is a little light this week. Maybe the bartender is feeling frazzled. The Saturday crowd is busier than usual. "How about you, Stephanie?" I set my drink down. "My week? It's been hectic trying to wrap up my projects or hand them off to colleagues." "Really," Aisha chimed in. "Why are you handing them off?" I hesitated. Should I really be bringing this up in public? After all, I hadn't filed the paperwork yet. "Well," I started, "I'm in the process of quitting my job." Everyone at the table gasped. "Why?" Rhonda asked. "I know that Bionnovation wasn't quite right for me, but you've done so well there." "I know, and really I'd prefer not to leave given how the company has been so committed to actually putting people of color in leadership roles. Thing is, I can't do that job and run for city council at the same time." This announcement brought more gasps. Truth is, aside from a couple of people I've worked with in the neighborhood association, I have kept this plan pretty close to the vest. I have no illusions that quitting my project management work for a still-thriving medical technology company to make a run for office is high-risk. Sure, there has been a push for more Black representation in office, and from a social standpoint I know there is support. The funding and time needed is the bigger obstacle. I may be middle class now, but going without a steady income for the duration of a campaign can change that in a heartbeat. At the same time, I'd been planning this for a bit. I had made budget adjustments during the early days of the pandemic and accelerated them a couple years ago. Some of the steps were easy, such as having more vegetarian meals to bring down my grocery bills. Whittling down my hair care routine was a more difficult change. Even having natural hair like I do today is somewhat costly to maintain. However, paring down the products while still keeping my hair healthy has become easier to do as time goes by. "Wow," I hear Kaci exclaim. "That's a big move! I take it you'll be campaigning for the council seat around here." "I am. I figure I have been living in this ward for the last six-seven years and have spent a good portion of my non-working time in it. I think I know it well enough to represent it in city hall." "Well, good for you." At that Hannah raises her mimosa. "I propose a toast to Stephanie and wishing her the best of luck on her campaign." Everyone else picks up their mimosa glasses before clinking them around the table. I may not know how this campaign will go, but I am relieved that my friends are responding with enthusiasm. When I'm putting my entire lifestyle on the line, such a gesture means a lot. Entry 7 in "The Bard's Hall Contest"  June 2022 |
 Log in to Leave Feedback |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
