Never Believe Your Own Press

So.

In the past month, I've been featured (along with Angry Black Bitch)in the Riverfront Times; last year's Halloween costume was featured on the back page of EXP Magazine; there's two items in the Vital VOICE about me this week; and my ass is featured in a St. Louis Magazine cover story....oh, and I'm in the Glitterati Party Pix section of the magazine, as well.

So, this year for Halloween, I'm dressing up as me -- which is nice, for a change. I don't have to make a costume. I'm already wearing it.

A couple of week ago, the teller at my credit union told me he enjoyed reading my blog. And this past week, numerous folks have said, "I saw you [insert media vehicle here]." It was flattering, of course, but my fundamental reality has not changed.

The truth is: my car is still broken-down and my ass is still broke (the bank teller can vouch for my broke-assedness). Sallie Mae still wants the money I ain't got and Mrs. Thompson at J.C. Penney Credit Card Collection Services could give a shit that I'm a Glitterati.

It is also true that today is my last day working alongside a Bitch. We all went out for soul food for lunch and my boss said the nicest thing any employer has ever said to me about my departure:

I'm just glad I don't have to change the locks.

My reality can be so messy, so nerve-wracking, so unflattering and not-so happy -- and I've tried to share that with y'all from time to time. It's not what you see in those magazine articles or newspaper tid-bits, flattering as they are.

I will admit that it is comforting to know that folks give a damn, whether they're family, friends, co-workers, or magazine art directors.

I suppose that's just what happens when you just go about your life, being yourself.

Sometimes, some people notice.

And with that, I'm out of here for a couple of days. Next week, I'll start my new job working alongside some folks who are combating homelessness and trying to assist the mentally ill.

Those folks certainly deserve a lot more attention than I do.

And my task there will be to make sure that they get the attention they deserve.

Have a Happy Halloween and enjoy an extra hour of delinquency for me.

I'll be on my best behavior.