Silly Blog! Sexy Shia!

I feel so insanely upset right now. So, why not look on the bright side of things even if they're somewhat irrelevant. Or why not focus on things that make me happy...things that are pleasing to the senses: food, exercise, shopping, or enjoying God's wonderful creation. This picture makes my appreciation for God's creation grow more and more every day:

God is good...real good! :)

Top Model Teaches Lessons: Part 2

Before you ask, the answer is yes! There is no gas in Atlanta. The average person has to travel around for 30 minutes before actually finding gas! Can you sense my slight worry?

I’ve been a fan of Top Model since the very first season (when nobody really watched it yet)! I thought the idea was pure genius! What a great way to make money, further diversify the modeling industry, give everyday women a shot at stardom, and give vertically-challenged everyday women (like me *smile*) the chance to peek into how the industry really works! Although the show has changed with the progression of the seasons, it’s still a show that I look forward to watching.

Now during undergrad, I became completely oblivious to TV. Maybe because I didn’t have cable readily accessible to me, but I literally didn’t watch anything but DVDs on the weekends and on occasion, during the week when my cousin and I needed a breather. Needless to say, I haven’t watched quite a few seasons of Top Model, still have no clue what’s happened after season 4 of Girlfriends (how did they manage to write Toni off all willy-nilly?), and what’s American Idol, again?

Anyway, I found this great website that uses Youtube videos to catch people up on entire seasons of shows and movies that they may have missed. When I log on to the internet, I don’t wanna see Yahoo, Blogger, Ed2010, Clutch, Facebook, Girlprops or any of my other regularly visited sites. I’m addicted to this thing now! I won’t say the name because I’m not sure if it’s legal or not and I’m NOT trying get in trouble. Email me on the sneak tip and I’ll tell ya!...or just go to Youtube.

But as I watch episodes back to back during my down time, I’ve noticed a common thread. When the models get to the bottom two and end up coming back, they work so hard and end up rising to the top of the pack the next week. Most have to hit rock bottom and risk losing it all before they can make it back up to the top. There are exceptions like Brie, who was in the bottom of Season 5 for like 6 episodes. But, for the most part, it takes a true scare before they make it. I think that’s how a lot of people are with life. It takes hitting rock bottom before they can work really really hard to make sure that they don’t end up at the bottom again. I know that’s how I am. But, then you wonder…is hitting rock bottom really a person’s fault or a result of neglecting responsibilities? Or is it inevitable so that one can learn that his/her destiny, in a way, is NOT in their own hands so they shouldn’t try to go outside of their “pre-determined” will from God? I once heard Max Lucado say that a person can’t do anything they put their mind to simply because if it’s not in his will, they won’t be successful at it. That disturbed me to the core and so after that, I would consciously close my ears when I heard his name before a quote. I wish that God would send a tangible memo that said “Dear ____, This is what you’re supposed to do with your life. Sincerely, God.

Waiting on the answer, the question, the commands, or the green light can be quite cumbersome and confusing.

My question: Can we avoid rock bottom but still learn the lesson intended?

Who/What Inspires You?

I've been asking alot of questions. Just noticed that. But I'm one of those people who thinks too much about certain things and too little about other things. I guess you could say I'm not the only one, but I think I'm probably one of the worst ones. I say I'm one of the worst ones because I'll think and think and think and it'll take forever to get the thinking into action. I'll think about going to the store and may not make it there until the next week. I'll think about wanting to take an art class, but I'll just think about it until something else demands my attention. When my parents told me to do something, I did it immediately for fear of the consequences if I didn't do it. Most of the time, it was something I didn't want to do like washing the dishes but I would do it anyway. Why is it that when it comes to something that I think about; something that I want to do; something that I could do; Why is it that I just think about it and it doesn't get done?
On another note, I look at other people who get things done and who work so hard and are so amazing in their own right and I just get so inspired. I'm inspired to be the best that I can be because anything less would be an insult to the one who created me and continues to bless me. It's me doing my part to make the universe a little brighter. I look at Harriet Tubman (yeah, I took it back but I'm going somewhere) and I'm inspired by her courage. We take that story for granted, but she risked her LIFE every day. I look at Elie Weisel and the durability of his spirit to go through the Holocaust and not come out broken beyond repair or asking for a handout. I look at Jackie O. How could a woman be so graceful and be in so much pain yet smile through it all? I look at my mother. To endure cancer and still do it with such faith knowing that there was a strong possibility that she would have to say goodbye to her husband and 3 girls. I look at my "Big Sis" and can honestly say that I've never witnessed such peace above a storm.

I'm inspired by inner beauty and outer beauty.

Boris Kodjoe is a sight to see. You can look at him and honestly say "God is goot!!!" (Yes with a "t" and the stressed creases in the forehead saying mmm mmm mmm)! Idris Elba's chocolate skin, subtle accent, suave deameanor are all mesmerizing and beautifully engaging traits. I'm inspired by Tracee Ellis Ross. Her decision to love her unique beauty and not hide behind it is courageous especially in an industry that would encourage her to straighten the hair and get some implants (she's also my style icon. have you seen her style on Girlfriends?) I'm inspired by Alek Wek and her representation of beautiful Sudanese women and Sabina Karlsson and her 1/2 Gambian 1/2 Swedish mix. I think their beauty displays the "out of the box" of God I serve that doesn't see beauty in just one particular way and how he loves to create uniquely beautiful things and people.
I'm inspired by the inner and outer beauty of God.The mercy he shows me. The compassion he encourages us to have. The outstreched hands that exuded the love for humanity; The vivid hues in petals of a tulip; the rainbow after the rain; the silly grin of a child; I see God in all of that and I'm inspired by all of it.

So, instead of thinking about everything....doing it would be so much better.

I'm happy the aforementioned people thought so and took action.
And for every action, there is a reaction. the reaction: me feeling compelled to be great. convinced there's a higher calling for my life. accepting my individuality and expressing it actively. prepared to stop thinking and start doing.

just a thought ........Oops.

Where were you? Where are we now?

As I sat in a room of rambunctious 11th graders and a teacher who was desperately trying to calm us down, the principal got on the intercom and informed us that a plane had hit the one of the Twin Towers. I couldn’t believe it. But, oddly enough, my teacher acted like it was nothing and continued talking. I felt quite uncomfortable with that especially as students were sitting there in shock. No one quite understood why it happened and didn’t know what to think. My first question was “how in the world could that have happened?” My second question involved whether or not the FAA had some type of way to prevent something like this. But, somewhere deep down, I knew there was no way it could’ve been an accident. It just didn’t make sense to accidentally crash into one of the distinct architectural attractions within the Manhattan skyline. I remember thinking that maybe the pilot was insanely drunk. It’s sad but I was honestly trying to figure out the possibilities all while the dry erase board was quickly filling up with the notes of an oblivious jerk of a teacher...

Now of course we all know that several hits happened after the first which confirmed the fact that it wasn’t a mistake. In my fifth period class after lunch, I heard a girl say that she heard that some guy named “Ben” planned the whole thing out. Of course, she was talking about Bin Laden but no one our age really knew a thing about Bin Laden before so she took Bin and thought they said Ben. Once they hit the Pentagon, I was scared out of my mind. I just knew that a nuclear bomb was going to hit Washington and completely wipe us out. Once the government announced the state of emergency and how everyone needed to go home, I rushed home. I couldn’t take my eyes off the television. The tragedy just sucked me in. The sights were unbelievable. It was like watching a scary movie…except it was real. Seven years later, I still forced back tears after seeing some of the pictures of the services at the memorials. America is in such a mess and whether or not you buy into the conspiracy theories about how Bush had a lot to do with 9.11, look at the mess we’ve been in since then. 9.11 catapulted the war we are still in now. Everything is such a mess and the worst part about is that sooo many people are in pain. People lost loved ones that day that they’ll never see again.

9.11- those symbolic numbers represent fear, emergency, pain, and distress. Those numbers are supposed to represent relief and a place of solace and help. But, in a place like America, 911 has been transformed. There’s no relief for anyone. Life is a battle that a lot of people are facing alone simply because the government has pushed the “every man for himself” concept. And this idea spreads so much further than the pain and suffering of the physically afflicted. What about those who are struggling psychologically or financially? What about those who work so hard only to see their hard-earned, honest money go to facilitate a war that only means big business for the supplier companies…I’ll leave my conspiracy theory alone for today. But, I don’t believe they’re the only ones making money. Needless to say, I’ll never forget. But, I honestly believe that Bush has. As I looked at him and his wife pay their respects on the South lawn of the White House, I couldn’t help but feel anger towards him. He has forgotten. He’s there in body, but his spirit was sold a long time ago. He’s forgotten the people who he’s leading. He’s forgotten that they’re people…with lives to facilitate, children to support, wounds that need healing, and pockets that are completely empty. He is to be held accountable/responsible as a president but ultimately, he’ll have to answer to God. I’m not stating that to be vindictive. But, honestly we all do. I just wouldn’t want to be him. That’s the bottom line.
But there are parallels between Bush and my junior yr. teacher. Bush stopped to acknowlegde the madness( only because he had to) but not long enough to care. He had his own agenda and carried it out. The fact that people are in complete shock, disarray, and disbelief at what is coming to pass for our country is inevitable and sad to watch. But, what's even worse is that we have a President who, like my teacher, has turned his back and has continued with his agenda no matter how crappy and irrelevant it might be.

On a semi-lighter note, my close friend Jasmine was born on Sept. 11. The day it happened was her sweet 16. Now she can never forget. Her birthday is a national day of mourning. I’m so sad that she has to deal with that every year now. But, I’m so grateful God brought her into my life. She’s such a great friend. We just graduated from Oakwood together so it’s my first time (since I’ve known her) being away from her on her birthday. But, Happy Birthday, Jasmine! I love you and I hope you have a wonderful day! I thank God for your life!

I'm Craving Some Sorbet in My Life!

Ok! So, I'm so sorry! This blog is my baby! It's not like I would intentionally neglect my blog but the computer I've been working at, for some reason, won't allow me to log on and post. Otherwise, I would have been doing it all along! So in other news,....
I love Atlanta! I'm really enjoying myself here! It's been an interesting ride so far...but don't worry, it's been all good! I've met so many new people. I learned how to do the straw curls to my hair! I learned by watching a girl do it on Youtube! I watched and literally brought the laptop in the bathroom and imitated what I saw! It came out great and I've done it on another friend since then! Now, I don't have to go to the hairdresser anymore! :)

I love working at PINK. I get my writing assignments on Thursday for the December issue of the magazine (they do things months in advance). We actually just finished working on the November issue! It's really great and I can't wait to have my own copy. I love flipping through the imposition. It's just that good.

I'm still really in the middle about grad school. I always said I wanted to get a Master's in Mag. Journalism but....I don't think it's a wise choice anymore. I'm still praying on it, but I don't think I want to go that route. Education is great but if so many industry insiders are saying that a MA doesn't mean anything, then why put myself in more debt? Still praying, but I feel like the answer is no. I've had so much interesting food since I've been here. I think I need to slow down though! I had Thai food for lunch with a friend I made today. And I had Indian food for dinner with "Big Sis T". LOL! My stomach will be mad at me momentarily!

Anyhow, I'm sad I didn't get to blog all throughout the DNC. I thoroughly enjoyed the speeches and seeing history take place was such a rewarding experience.
But, I will be saving up so that I can get a better computer in the next few months and cover things all the time and post them on my blog.

I just need to take a second to say God is good. I've done nothing to deserve to be happy. And the fact that God blesses me in spite of how much I've messed up shows that HE is a merciful and loving God. All Praises to you, Jesus. Thank you.

Today's topic: Money Isn’t Everything!!!!
Writer Sarah Needleman recently published an article focusing on the difference in salaries with Ivy league graduates and liberal arts graduates. The percentage differences range from 27% to 111%. English majors from Harvard make 111% more than English majors from Ohio State. And then, it’s more than likely that the both graduates are doing the same work but the one with name gets more pay. To me, it seems like in some cases it would balance out. You pay soooo much for the four years at Harvard and compare that with the in-state tuition of Ohio State. But then on top of that, my main question is “why is it so important?”

Everyone places so much emphasis on becoming a doctor or a lawyer. My son is in law school or my daughter just graduated from medical school and is now a practicing physician. It sounds nice but are they truly happy?

After talking with “Big Sis T”, I’ve learned that there’s more to life than money….no, really.
It sounds basic, but so many people forget that. I’m not even gonna lie. I’m not trying to be broke. I want to enjoy life’s random pleasures that money can facilitate, but I’m not willing to sell my soul to a career that I’ll end up hating.
Law is, statistically, one of the most dissatisfying career paths for many people. I learned that a lot of people are miserable in law and this includes partners at firms. Now there are people who are genuinely happy doing law but it's def. not the majority.
I say all this to say that it is important to do the will of the Lord. He gave us all gifts, talents, and the intelligence to learn how to take our gifts, talents, and passions and make them into lucrative, thriving businesses…if it is in his will.
Refuse to allow anyone to make you feel bad if you’re a starving artist, or a hustling journalist, or a teacher on the brink of burnout. Although the aforementioned careers may not be the most appreciated, respected, or revered, it’s better to do something that makes you happy and tired rather than something that makes you rich and miserable. There’s a certain something I need when I go into work. It’s called my sanity. Sounds obvious, but so many people lose it once they put on the white coat or etch the name plate with the "J.D." at the end of the gold plated wood grain.

I'm tickled pink!

God is good.

Literally, he has turned my life COMPLETELY around in a matter of days. I can't believe it. After already landing the new personal assistant position in Atlanta, the Lord blessed and truly gave me the ultimate desire of my heart : an editorial internship with not only a magazine but a women's interest magazine. I am a Fall editorial intern with Pink Magazine in Atlanta. Their target audience is working women with salaries of $125,000 or more. Their offices are located near Georgia Tech so it's in Midtown Atlanta and I'm really excited about it. Check out the website: http://www.pinkmagazine.com/. This is truly a testimony of how the Lord will work in your life if you allow him to and be obedient even when things aren't looking great. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me. My testimony is proof that the Lord hears and answers prayers. I start on the 26th of this month. So after I drop off my sis in Huntsville, I'm Atlanta-bound! :)

Once again, God is good!

Cheated Out Of Comedic Pleasure

I have the pleasure of being in the company of three year old and a soon-to-be 1 yr. old for the next two weeks. I love them to pieces and am excited for the time I get to spend with them. It’s a brother duo and they’re hilarious. They are so funny to watch because they have somewhat of an understanding of one another. The 3 yr. old is a little genius and has the sharpest mind and the 11mth old has a personality and smile that is both charismatic and extremely engaging. One morning, the 3 yr. old woke me up and was so excited for the day to start and then about a half hr later, the 11mth old popped up. The two of them began a comedic banter where the 3 yr. old did something funny and the 11mth old would laugh hysterically. Yesterday, I made the mistake of taking a 3 hr. long nap with the boys. So when it was time for bed, they were filled with ridiculous amounts of energy. They knew I wanted them to sleep but at times, they were straight laughing at me….I had to laugh myself. It was just that funny to watch. Speaking of funny to watch-
I always used to think that the kids of today’s generation were robbed of the Disney classics like Robin Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and shows like The Shining Time Station, Puzzle Place, Gullah Gullah Island, etc. But, while watching a few of the movies that the 3 yr. old owns, I felt a little gipped. The Disney/Pixar/DreamWorks movies captured my attention quickly. The cinematography and computer animation is absolutely AMAZING! Now, honestly, almost half the jokes in the movies are ones that go straight over little kids’ heads, but the movies are really funny. Whenever you get the chance, if you haven’t already, check out these movies: The Bee Movie ( I was literally dying of laughter), Ratatouille (I have a rat phobia, but I loved and could actually tolerate the rats…after the fifth take of the movie!), and The Incredibles (need I say more?).