The Pull Up Queen

10/24/2023

After going to the 25th Anniversary of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill concert at Barclays Center on October 19th, the next day I was headed home and no one knew.

I wanted to surprise my sister for her birthday. The last time I was home was in early March. On March 31st, tornadoes hit Little Rock and the surrounding areas. A EF3 with 165 mph peak winds wreaked havoc through west Little Rock. Thankfully, my mom's home was spared. Life be lifing, but God be Goding!

This year I've been intentional about living my best life out loud, being spontaneous, and celebrating everything - small wins, big wins, and everything in between. In August, I spent my 39th birthday in Turks and Caicos parasailing and jet skiing - something I had never done before! If the last few years have (re)taught me anything, it's to really, really LIVE LIFE! Unapologetically.

Now, it was time to pull up on my sis! I took a direct flight to Little Rock. My flight from LGA departed at 4pm ET on the 20th. By 6:20pm CT, I already had my checked bag and was in route to my childhood home.

"Open the door, fool!"

My mom was shocked when I rang the doorbell. I made sure to move out of the way of the Blink camera.

"Who are you calling a fool, and what are you doing here?" shouted mom with a big smile on her face.

"Sorry ma, I thought you were Joce," I said laughing with my arms extended. "My bad, give me a hug!"

"Come on in here," she said as she hugged me.

I had no real plans. I just wanted to see sis and mom, hang out, eat a U.S. Pizza salad (or three), see what's new in town, and relax.

Mom told me Joce was still at work but should be home by 7:30pm. I talked to mom for a bit, then told her not to tell Joce I was here. The plan was to check-in to my hotel then come back to mom's to surprise Joce by 7:45pm.

Once I got back to the house, mom opened the door and told me Joce was in her room. I creeped down the hallway then flung open the door saying, "What the hell going on in here!"

Joce was laying in her bed, eating a U.S. Pizza salad (because... sisters) and watching tv. She hopped up excited and laughing, still chewing her dinner, said OMG repeatedly, then gave me the biggest hug! Reunited and it feels so good! Mom looked at us just smiling and laughing.

The Pull-Up Queen's plan was executed perfectly, and the whole weekend was a fun-filled vibe!