Dear Friend,

So, I just got off the phone with one of my dear friends who is struggling in the job department. I know what you're thinking, 'well, aren't we all?' Yes, but this lady has been struggling for the past 3 years since she was handed her degree. Today she said, "I quit."

I think my heart sunk when I heard her say that. Actually, I know it did. I don't know what to say her. It's hard to see such a resilient person defeated. Can't say what sucks more it's either not being able to give any sound advice or not knowing what to do for my-damn-self.

Friend, we have to click the refresh button on our life browser because what we're doing isn't working. It's great to have dreams (sometimes they explode), but sometimes we have to tweek them. Do what you have to do (a 180), which is something out of your usual pattern to get stability. Sure, I still give my keep hope alive speech for the journalism industry, but I have to keep it real. I can have a career that pays and continue with my column and blog.

It's time that you and I step outside of our artistic selves and make a living.
Question: What do you do with creative people (like myself and my friend)?

Answer: You tell them to get a real job.

So Wilder in Real Life and friend have to get "real" jobs. Stay Tuned.

Sincerely,

WRL

The First Snow

It's been about a couple of days since it started snowing here in Chicago. No, it's not anything serious just flurries and the sticky mix of rain. As I look outside the white sheet resembles powder instead of ice. Back at home it snows, melts, freezes, melts, and it's no more.

Today I battled a tame Chicago wind to the Metra with the help of a coworker. I was equipped with my calf length down coat, snow boats, and obnoxious yet warm scarf. I made it back home in one piece, but I have to say this commute is going to be a beast this winter.

Now, that I'm all warm and comfy in my pjs, I look outside and appreciate how beautiful winter can be. I've never had a white Christmas and I guess this will be another one since I'll be flying home. I remember asking Santa for snow as a kid and I never got it. Well I'm in Chicago and have all the snow I could ever want.

Damn Miami sounds good right about now. Meanwhile I'm going to stick a beer in the snow.

Yes, it's because you're *insert nationality, ethnicity, religion, etc.*

This blog post will be about race, one of the most controversial topics to discuss in any American social setting. I thought I was comfortable with discussing this, but I found out today that I'm not.

I was in the lunchroom this morning at work prepping my bagel and one of my coworkers, we'll call him Joe, walks in and asks me how do I like the snow. I'll tell you right now that I'm from North Carolina and we have flurries and the whole place will shut down, but not in Chicago (business as usual). So, I told him I don't like the snow. Sure, it's pretty from the inside of your house but actually walking in it to get to work, eh not cool. Joe responds, "What is that a black thing?"

Car crash, train wreck, record screeching.

Yes, that's what he said. I pretended that I heard him wrong and just said "No, I do not like the snow. I'm Southern we don't know what to do with snow." He proceeds to add fuel to the fire "Well my black friends don't like snow." And I said, "It's a Southern thing."

That put a serious damper on my morning. Mainly because I was caught off guard, singled out, and didn't expect someone to have the audacity to say some bullshit like that, to my face. Now, I'm not sure who's reading my posts. I will say this if you've never been a minority I want you for a second to think of a time when you were the only one that looked like you in a room. Got it? Now, think about it if your life was like that every day what you see on t.v., your coworkers, and strangers on the street.

Do you still feel the same? If the answer is yes, then I'm not surprised because chances are you'll never know. I don't like to be put on display, be the token or caricature. Imagine any time you get put in a setting where you stand out people want to ask you questions like you're from a different planet. For a minute you might feel special and may continue to like it, but then there's that one moment where you'll feel alone. Then all you want to do is crawl in a hole to hide.

Still drawing a blank?

Bitch, I'm human and I have feelings too.