Urban Thought Collective

About Me:

Diane is (quite) a character on the online soap opera Buena Beach (www.buenabeach.com). Her weekly insights on what’s happening at the Beach are featured exclusively on Urban Thought Collective each weekend.

What did I wish for this Christmas? Aside from the standard stuff – like a new Prada bag or a pair of 4-inch tall Christian Louboutin shoes – there was something I was really hoping to get. So far, it’s proven harder to score than a Wii Fit or a lead-free toy made [...]

I got the first notice last year some time, the bright red words printed on the envelope screaming out at me from the pile of mail in my basket. Upon picking it up, the immediate warmth of nausea overwhelmed me causing me to throw the parcel right back down where it came from.

Sitting on my couch on the last evening of 2008 (by myself), I had one of those moments. An epiphany, I suppose. You know, one of those times when you’re forced into introspection simply due to your circumstances… (and, I’m sure, the bottle of wine I sucked down didn’t hurt). I spent [...]

While doing my part to revive our ailing economy last Friday, I seem to have lost a bit of control. You see, Black Friday is part of my culture, my spiritual essence and being. I mean, how often do you hear the word ‘black’ being associated with something positive? Black Friday has [...]

In 1970, Edwin Starr asked us all about that thing called war – what, exactly, is it good for. While I’d agree that our country’s current set of wars are good for absolutely nothing, some battles must be fought in the names of integrity, honor, and freedom. I happen to be a solider [...]

While making my weekly rounds to pick up time cards from everyone in the building, it’s not uncommon for me to notice any changes around the office.
Like Jessica in accounting, who manages to decorate her cubicle for every holiday on the calendar. Even the Canadian ones. Having worked at this place [...]

I can admit it – I’m a Facebook junkie. I’m on it ALL the time, “poking” my friends, uploading just about every photo I take of myself, supporting causes left and right, and taking just about any and every quiz I come across (*Note: for those of you not familiar with the drug Facebook, [...]

Fall is here – at least in spirit. The official change of seasons is still a few days away, but nevertheless, the leaves are already starting to fall in some places, kids are going back to school, and Starbucks is selling their Pumpkin Spice lattes. By next week, I’ll likely be breaking out my Uggs [...]

It only happens twice a month, but it’s always an experience. With a phone call from the receptionist out front, I’m spurred into action, grabbing the small mirror and lip gloss I have stashed in my top drawer before hurrying out to the lobby. Other folks who’ve been in my shoes before have [...]

It seems like I’m always learning something new about my co-workers. I’ve been around at the City of Buena Beach Recreation Division for a few years now, so I figured I knew most folks pretty well. Not necessarily because they’ve spilled their guts after a few too many drinks at happy hour or [...]