California Dreamin'

I have been reading the bios of some famous and upcoming African American actors/actresses--Lamman Rucker and Denise Boutte in particular. These two are extremely humble, hard-workers, who are noticably spirit-led. I found out that Rucker as well as so many other of my favorite tv faces were born and/or raised in Washington, DC. I am so inspired! I must continue to work hard, if not harder to follow what HE has for me. I wish soo much to live my life to the fullest and get to meet and work with all of these great and handsome people. In certain settings, I felt like I had been deprived from meeting certain people and reaching higher heights--but I proclaim right now that no human can set any limitations on my life and it's potential! If they can do it, I can too! I love DREAMING BIG. The imagination is a powerful thing--it has gotten me all through my school career and tough times; I believe it will also take me to places I have never been. It's only a matter of time.

Drunkorexia: New College Disease

    It seems as though all the new mandatory prerequisite online alcohol classes and those high school pledges to abstain from sex, drugs and alcohol while in college, that we took do not seem to be curving underage alcohol consumption in college. In fact it is only increasing, along with sickening new trends such as starving oneself in order to binge drink. This is a disease that has been labeled "Drunkorexia." A student will literally stop eating food or cut back so that they won't gain weight from alcohol calories. They may also purge themselves after consuming large amounts of alcohol. The habit itself is not new, but the name fairly is. This trend has been most observed among female college students. Hearing this saddens me. It makes me think 1)why would people do all of this to themselves just to drink? and 2) why do 18-year-old college girls want to drink anyway?
    I think it is safe to say that everyone, no matter what age is looking for excitement in their lives--whatever makes them happy! It could be a number of things from cardio aerobics, pottery, teaching, sky-diving, writing, shopping (one of my weaknesses)...ANYTHING! We all want to relieve stress and live life to the fullest, but, yes here comes the "but," there needs to be a balance in everything we do. Too much of anything can be bad. Personally, I don't drink because for me it is not necessary--I can laugh, have fun, and relax without a substance controlling my body/mind. I also will probably never be able to give up food. lol
    I am actually not going to throw my opinion out there full blast, because my aim is not to offend anyone. I just want you to think about what you do, the means in what you do it, and will it be healthy for you in the long run? When your body does not consume food for a long time, it begins to feed on itself. Once a man who was riding on his bike died from consuming too much water. Being under the influence may give a temporary buzz or "loosen you up," but it can also have the opposite affect and make you do things you wouldn't normally do that you could regret FOR LIFE. Please love yourself enough to make health decisions and adopt healthy habits. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AND UNIQUE! I love me--all 270 pounds of me and I don't need a drink or a cigarette to make me happy and stress-free. No one will ever be 100% stress free. All I need is a good laugh and lots n lots of love vibes!

Why Slavery? Caribbean History at a Glance

Wow! I cannot begin to tell you how mind-blowing Caribbean History class was yesterday. First we looked at the differences/similarities between indentured servitude and slavery. Then we looked at the 18th and 19th century Plantation and what this new era meant for slaves. By this time 90% of the Caribbean population was either African or African-descended. Piracy has come to an end. Broke Europeans said "Forget it!" It was no longer worth sailing to "The White Man's Grave," only to find that there was little to no opportunity for you to do much of anything, unless you already owned land and some slaves. There is a monoculture forming particularly in Jamaica around the Sugar Plantation; the most rigorously labor-intensive plantation among them all--cotton, rice, and coffee did not nearly compare. You see, sugar was a year round crop and it had to be boiled within hours after being cut in order to prevent it from spoiling. Slaves on these plantations worked 18-24 hour shifts. Women usually lasted 15 years in the field, when men would only usually last 13. Crazy right?!

I learned yesterday that slavery was not so much about "exerting power" over the inferior, but it was all about work! Work, work, work! "Squeezing every little last drop of work out of a slave, from the time they were toddlers till old age," my teacher said. I guess what they say is true--TIME IS MONEY" lol. Women not only had their plantation duties, but also domestic duties--they had to plant their own food, feed their children, reproduce, oh my. And we think we have it hard today with instant oats, hot pockets, and Hungry Man Dinners! Anyways, I learned how slaves would die from snake bits, falling into the sugar boiling pit, and getting caught in the grinders. There was a slave designated to chop off someone's arm, if it got stuck or snagged in a grinder. What kind of craziness is this? There was a whole slave hierarchy--Skilled Artisans, Head Domestics/1st gang drivers/healers, domestic females, and Field hands. This immediately made me think of how there still somewhat exists a "hierarchy in modern-day Black society," and society as a whole. Dark-skinned Blacks are still discriminated on and light-skinned or red-boned Blacks are considered to have better lives, or have it easier in the work world. I mean, we know this is not completely true, but there are still some who live in this dark mentality. I thought about the violence and division that thrives within the Black culture.
In class I saw paintings of slave plantation life/work by Steele Burden that I do not recall ever seeing in my life. You should check some of his work out. What blows me, as always, is the fact that I was never taught any of this! Tino told me he didn't even learn this stuff when he was growing up in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Censorship is a "you know what." I now understand the pricelessness of a college education, regardless of the "price tag." And I understand the saying that says, "If you want to hide something from a Black man, put it in a book." Sad, but true.
#somuchfoodforthought --think about that. Tell me if you have had any classroom experiences like this, or "slavery revelations." ???? All throughout my "younger years" lol, we mainly focused on cotton plantations in North America. That's all you ever read or heard about--cotton, cotton, cotton. Not to discredit that information at all, but sugar plantations were much more gruesome. Can you believe I have never watched "Roots?" I think it's time to do so.

Great Monday, Good Grades

I got a 100/100 on my Communications final and a 95/100 for my Rhetorical Analysis paper for College Writing! This is crazy, amazing! I hope to see my Caribbean History final grade tomorrow.
Today has been so exciting! As you can tell by all my exclamation marks. I talked with one of my favorite mentors the other day. We are moving forward on getting out the ScholarCHIPS (Children of Incarcerated Parents) application. I am so thankful for people who stay behind me and push me to be "better than my best."
I decided to finally open my mouth today and talk to some folks. I find that students on this campus are so smart--but most just need a little push to talk and once they get the talking, they don't stop, and you learn so much--it's great! I shared a piece of my poetry in my English class--that was fun. I haven't read my poetry to an audience in so long. I need to go to an open mic night on campus asap!
I emailed the TV station manager on campus to schedule a meeting--so we shall see how this plays out. I am not used to being this idle. In college you seriously have to figure out how to manage and maximize all this free time you get; but I find it rather easy. Everyone is extremely willing to help you make the most of your college experience. I hope that your Monday is going as beautiful as mine is! If not, all it takes is sparking a little conversation. Peace my lovelies.
 PS: I give my first campus tour today. I am nervous. Then gym, then math tutoring.

Heavy Heart, Congested Mind

So much on my mind. My mind is terribly heavy. I definitely need more people surrounding me "WHO SPEAK LIFE"--positive things. It is hard being a Freshman--you don't really know anyone--you may think you do, but you really don't. Or you want to know someone, but they don't want to let you. I have people (outside of college) in my life who will critique and give constructive feedback, which is necessary and important, but one also needs words of love and encouragement.

I have been thinking a lot-- a whole lot, about getting my own tv show/time slot on the Elon Student Broadcasting Station. I want to do it, but I need a plan and supportive folks in my corner. What better way than to prepare myself for the world of TV and broadcast journalism? Then I have to ask myself, well is this where God is calling me? It's my passion. I so badly want to be my own boss.
My new quote will be--"I am the master of my fate, the captain of my soul." Invictus

Well, one thing that was exciting--I got to see my first Greek Step Show--IT WAS AMAZING! It felt like I was @ Howard University. This is Homecoming Weekend. However, I am going to stay in the room and catch up on sleep, and work (so I can stay ahead in my classes)-_- Gospel Choir sings tomorrow for Homecoming. I LOVE ME SOME GOSPEL SINGING--will heal any hurts/frustrations you have. Til next time! Love Yaz

Craziness on Campus

Today, some man on campus was soliciting women (female college students) for sex. Prior a guy was "MIA" and earlier in the year, there were racial slurs being shouted. Drunk people falling on concrete. Geesshh! There are random, crazy things that have been happening on campus (as Im sure happen on any college campus) --I realize that God IS ALWAYS PROTECTING ME, even when I am not fully aware. I never (thank goodness) have run into crazy people like this, and by God's grace alone, I wont.

Fall Break--Short but Sweet

Fall Break was well worth the seven hour train ride. Sunday night, after an enjoyable morning @ my home chruch-St. John United Baptist, I had dinner with my mentor Aaron Jenkins and Judge Ellen Huvelle last night. She is currently presiding over the case of At&T trying to merge with yet another mobile company. [Our country's economic status has no room for monopolization right now, in my opinion.] Monday, I did a little school shopping at Target in Columbia Heights, went to the nail shop, and was greeted by a soul food dinner when I arrived home (Tino and I watched Spider Man 3). Tomorrow my train leaves at 10:55am. I am not excited to get back to the world of tutoring and 8-page papers, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, right?! On the train I will read Jamaica Kincaid's "A Small Place"--required reading for Caribbean Hostory class.

PS: Judge Huvelle's husband is a partner @ Covington & Burling (a prestigious law firm in DC). It would be a blessing to get a job there this summer. That way I can perhaps discover a way to merge my interests in law and communications. On the road again..., wish me luck. Fare well DC!

PS2: My dad was supposed to get out today. I cannot reach my folks in NC. Perhaps they are out celebrating?

Nancy Pelosi Released a Letter-This is Serious

The beautiful, bold, yet soft-spoken House Democratice Leader, Nancy Pelosi, just relesed a letter via Emily's List saying that "Republicans are waging a War on Women." However, lately it seems as though they have been waging war on loddi dotti and everybody! lol Pelosi says, "The are making reckless efforts to repeal health insurance reform, and end Medicare." WHAT?

The republican wives must be seriously faltering in their womanly duties. lol What did women ever do to them? Our country's going down in flames!

http://emilyslist.org/blog Emily's List: Connecting Women and Electing Women To Make Progressive Change. Check it out.

PS: I would love to see Sister Souljah in politics! If these men think they are mad now--if they met her...

Media Just Needs to Stop Subliminally Exploiting BLACK (people)

One of my friends on Facebook, just made a great point! The Urban Outfitters company is selling these shirts that say "BROKE IS THE NEW BLACK" and of course the shirts are BLACK. hhhuuummm Do you think this is a mere coincidence? I think not. The shirts are supposed to symbolize that we are in a recession. Why does being broke have to be associated with the color "BLACK," when African Americans are also? I'm interested to hear what you think.

Private, Elite Culture Shock

I am doing wonderful, but tired. Ready for Fall Break. I love Elon. Some days are FANTASTIC, while other days are a complete and total drag. I have to get used to an ENTIRE CLASS sitting in a dark classroom with their Macs in front of them. What happened to the days when you respected your elders, especially your teachers and gave them your undivided attention? Because students have their computers in front of them, they do not talk or try to get to know people and the room is dead silent. I miss Ruth Abraham. I have yet to find another close friend like her, but I am in no rush--I have to make sure I have the right one. 

I do not mean to make it seem as though I do not like college, but it is so different and so new. The resources are awesome--I utilize the Tutoring Center, Writing Center, and the gym all of the time, but because there are so many resources that so many of these kids have always had, there is a huge disconnect and a culture shock for me. I was glad to get away from DC, however, I come to a private, elite school only to be bombarded with a different kind of ignorance. And I know that this is something that will happen at any private, elite college I go to. Its just the life style, but the next question I would have to ask myself is, would I like a HBCU better? The answer is probably, no. The staff are as kind as they can be though. Perhaps it's just me.  

Aside from all of that, I just got a job as a tour guide! I am very excited about that. I am going through training now.

Beyonce "CopyCat" Controversy

WOW! There is a lot more to this Beyonce "CopyCat" Controversy than I thought! Apparently, Single Ladies, and Countdown [choreography] were not the only videos/performances in which Beyonce stole other artists' routines. Her song "If I Were A Boy," was originally sung by a 18 year old girl-BC Jean. This is crazy. The lives of the rich and famous are not always what they seem.

Presidential Election, Pres Obama's Got It In the Bag

I just got finished reading, "Are Republican presidential hopefuls having too may debates," on Yahoo News. It is hilarious. See what a lot of people do not know is that GOD is on President Obama's side. There are like 10 Republican presidential candidates--and they are all on their seventh debate already! Granted, some will drop out, but I dare to say that Obama's got it in the bag! Since he won in 2008, EVERYONE thinks they can run and win. He was one of those "one in a millions(s)!"

OccupyWallStreet

Why should WE THE PEOPLE continue to suffer in silence and suffer because we are silent? It makes no sense that jobs are constantly declining, our justice system is executing who ever they feel like, and benefits keep getting cut from Welfare and Disability--all while the "1%" just keep getting richer. Dirty wealth. What has America come to? Join your local OccupyWallStreet group on Facebook and check out their website.

Teen Pregnancy and Old Age

   Good morning Lovelies! There are two things that have constantly been dwindling in my mind. There are four teenage mothers I know who all LOVE their children so much. They post pictures all the time and post comments on FB like, "I love my (fill in the blank with a cutiepie nickname)." My question is why does our society (mainly younger generations) embrace and promote sex in music, videos, etc and yet shun someone who GOT WHAT YOU GET AS A RESULT OF SEX? Hhhhuuuummm.
    Secondly, why are older folks from their 30s on, so embarrassed about telling their age? In my opinion you should be proud of the experiences you've had in life, all the hell men and women have put you through, all the places you have been. I have two beautiful grandmothers who I love and admire sooooo much--and I am glad they are not in their 20s. When I get 60+ years old--You won't be able to tell me a thang! I will strut like a 21 years old Victoria Secret model (with some clothes on that is) and tell everyone I know and don't know. If I hear another "older somebody" say..."Well, I won't say that, because that will tell my age..."
What do you think? I know it's a bit much for an early morning thought process, but I am what they call a "Morning Person." :)

Here We Go Again

Wwwhhheeewww! This is starting to feel just like high school all over again! At first it was a nice stroll in the park-lots of free time, nap time, and Tino time :) Now there is no time to sit down for a cup of coffee (I don't even drink)--homework, meetings, homework, singing, bible study; laundry and grocery store once a week--phone bills! It's only been 6 weeks. I am grateful, however, that Spring Break is next week. My Dad gets out on parole next week to Wilson, NC. Pray for me yall, I am nervous.

And who said you have no adult responsibilities in college? Huh, what were they doing? lol

Black Baptist

And she says to me, "Do you really need two bible studies, Gospel choir, and church on Sunday?" I laugh to myself and think "Why YES! I'm a Black Baptist!"

Steve Jobs

So Steve Jobs has made his mark--He will be in the history books. Around campus, people are crying and posting statuses saying things such as "I'm mourning." Sometimes I think we mourn more over celebrities than we do over our own family members. So my question is, WHAT WILL YOU DO TO MAKE YOUR MARK AND PUT YOUR NAME IN THE HISTORY BOOKS?