Tuesday, February 24, 2009

truth v. lies

truth is usually in singular, lies always come in plural.


This is so intriguing to me because if you really take the time to think about it, it's true! Truth is a one way street, oftentimes, but lies take double the the time to construe and execute. ::sigh::

just the best show ever...

Buffy, the Vampire Slayer (Abridged)




...and the reason for LIVING! lol.

Monday, February 23, 2009

A great recipe...

for happiness...

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today. I am thankful for ______________'.
4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot c ontrol. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a College kid with a maxed out charge card.
9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
17. Forgive everyone for everything.
18. What other people think of you is none of your business.
19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.
20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!
22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. you'll be smiling be fore you know it.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

and then.

today, someone told me "don't get hurt" and I had to take a moment to think about that. Do I actually have the power of fully protecting myself against any type of negative influences, or selfish indulgences? I believe I can... to a certain extent, and then what?

All I wanna do is be happy... is that so much to ask? I'm still on my path trying to find all that "happiness" is... and it's so hard! Living life is hard, but why can't it be fun?!!? Mine is... most of the time.

Monday, January 26, 2009

History at the Inauguration

Obama Inauguration 01-20-2009

Great times were had... and I don't even think I truly have the time to communicate my experience of being at the Mall and sharing this precious moment in history.  I will... eventually, the thoughts are etched only in my mind... and have been orated via a glass of wine among great friends.

It will come.  :)

Sunday, December 28, 2008

gotta love em


"People will soon thank Bush for what he's done"


Really? Is this a true possibility? Well, by george, I hope to God it is a possibility. I don't believe selfless Americans wanted the Bush administration to fail or to permanently stain the accomplishments and prestige of the U.S., but at the same time, it's extremely difficult to feel as if that hasn't actually happened.


Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice, said these words with true admiration and conviction for both her position and respect for her job and President Bush, but had she had genuine conversations with people who are not directly related to politics? Real citizens of foreign countries who are also fed countless stories of what Bush has done, or not done, in their countries? I, for one, have traveled, and have welcomed conversations in regards to the Bush administration. I was slightly obsessed with what people really thought and felt towards Americans and I got a rude awakening. People abroad have been awaiting change, just like many Americans have... change in the politics, the foreign relations, etc. etc.


Condi might be attempting to mold the end of this administration into one that has been successful.. but it clearly has not been. You may ask that child who knows only what their parents say, or that college student who is influenced by the loudest campus org on campus or colleagues, etc. etc. --either way, we are all ready for change because we've lost brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, cousins and friends in this so-called war. We've dipped into a time that is scarily similar to the 1920s depression and the list goes on.


"And I am quite certain that when the final chapters are written and it's clear that Saddam Hussein's Iraq is gone in favor of an Iraq that is favorable to the future of the Middle East; when the history is written of a U.S.-China relationship that is better than it's ever been; an India relationship that is deeper and better than it's ever been; a relationship with Brazil and other countries of the left of Latin America, better than it's ever been ... --Condi


I believe it's easy for Condi to say these things because she truly believes them to be accurate, but she needs to leave the White house, she needs to leave the political houses around the world in which "political semantics" rules conversation, and realize that the Bush administration has made life more difficult for me.


Planning for the future, deciding to further my education evermore, moving, working... all of these factors within my life have been effected by the Bush administration and she simply does not get it.


These so-called "relationships" between the US and other countries may seem "stronger, more reliable, positive, etc." but until these relationships effect me in a direct way, I don't believe it or see it as truth.

Merry Christmas AGAIN

I love Christmas, I love it I love it I love it!
I'm not excited about going back to school/ work.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Happy Holidays...

I love the holidays. I love when my family is together, when they are happy and when we can show our love in multiple ways. We show our love through breaking bread, giving presents and spending quality time with one another. This is a special time of the year because families are influenced to look at themselves and give thanks for what they have and hopefully show their love in different ways. Making a symbolic gift, taking a special trip, spending quality time can only lead to having better moments and learning each other that much more. I love the holidays, but why does it have to happen only during a very specific time? Why can’t we feel this way during May or June? Is it because of the winter season and the cold? Scientists have proven that colder weather influences negative moods and depression… is that why?

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

my thoughts

on liposuction...

I live in the city of "pretty". I live in Los Angeles, where it's better to be a bombshell than have half a brain. I understand why I never really dug LA... I'm a San Diegan to the heart, but what LA represents is the actual problem. Now that I've been here for over a year, I've become accustomed to the happenings, the style and the fun... but, it's still not me.

I had a very close friend recently have liposuction in the abdomen area, and around the back area. I've been completely instrumental in her recovery, and I still cannot really seem to get why someone would go to such high stakes? But, on the other hand, it does make sense that we- as humans- want to look better so that we feel better. There are very few people who have no care about what they look like, or what they're perceived as. My friend is beautiful, on the inside and out, but she still felt like having the procedure done was necessary and worthwhile, so if it makes her happy, why not?

Anyway, the only surgical procedure I've done really put a bad taste in my mouth. It was utterly painful and necessary, but so not planned! I give props to those who consciously decide to undergo such procedures with clear heads and a high level of insight and research... that's how my friend did it, and that's the only way it should be done.

Monday, December 15, 2008

welcome back

wow... it's been a minute, and life is so different... how can I even begin to discuss the changes that have happened? 2009 is in for a doozie!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Prayers to those lost in Mumbai attacks

This Thansgiving has been coupled with chaos, violence, death and sadness. Close to home, some very close friends of my family were killed by one drunk driver whose life was spared.

Very far away from home, some friends were dining at the Taj restaurant in Mumbai and were injured due to bombs that were set off. This world that we live in... some say it's always been like this. We just have never had this type of exposure and capability to know what's happening on the other end of the world... but I don't know.

My prayers go out to the families of those lost in the attacks.

All the Single Ladies!

I love this song, therefore I love Beyonce, and then I saw the video and it was donezo...




If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it! so bomb...

Monday, November 17, 2008

Mr. Prez

President-elect Barack Obama can be called many things, but I feel like Maya Soetore-Ng, his sister, described him perfectly.
“I wept tears of joy for all of us on Tuesday. He may not be a perfect man. Certainly, he has often said that he'll likely be an imperfect President, but he is a good man, a smart man, a disciplined soul who balances temperance with determination and courage. We've made a great choice, I assure you."
If this statement describes anything, it paints the picture of a man who is genuine, a man whom I could speak to and then have a real conversation. Soon after the election, President-Elect Obama instantly began the transition into the Presidency. President Bush invited him soon after his victory and the meeting was very cordial and productive. This could definitely be the start of something fantastic, especially because President Bush is already conveying thoughts of regret of his words and decisions during his reign. As his term comes to a close, this time can be taken as a momentous occasion to reflect and determine what needs to be done in order to create real change and improve the state of the country.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

I would love to do this!



Oh, what I would give to do this... just fly and be free. Seems like such a simple desire, doesn't it?

Happy Veteran's Day

Thank you for letting me take work off today! Much APPRECIATED!!!

Sarah Palin

Can she stop being on television? You lost! It's over! Go back to Wasilla, and take care of your children! ok, that was a bit hostile,but stilll...

I just don't understand the point of discussing events and situations in retrospect, especially if it is completely irrelevant today. I listened to an interview in which she proceeded to discuss why the Republican party lost. She said something along the lines of America wanting a real change, and the fact that the Republican Party ultimately still represented the status quo. Can we say, duh?

uggh...

Beverly Center

That mall is ridiculously awesome. The Grand Lux is OK... but the shopping is fantastic! I thought I'd share my experience because I believe this is the second time I've gone there...

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Obama/ a Milli

Presidential Inauguration



I'M GOING!!!
 D.C. here I come...
so excited!!!

Kanye's my favorite too...

fave quotes...

"the victory tonight is not the change we seek."

"we rise and fall as one nation, as one country"

"I will be your President too."

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Brought me to tears...

Is this what it feels like?


I've NEVER felt proud enough to flash my country's flag, or stand up and truly proclaim my American origins... until this day.  I am truly astonished and taken aback by what America chose. Not only did they choose their President, they solidified his victory by making this election a landslide competition.  I have never been so proud to be an American, and even more than that, I am so very proud to be an African American.  We've come a long way and as my friend Eryck said "it's about damn time".  Although, it may be the "time", many individuals did not and do not believe it's the time and further believe that it will NEVER be the time.  I'm proud of my country, I'm proud of those who didn't vote for Obama because without them, this struggle wouldn't mean as much.  It would have been an easy feat, one that did not count for potential assassination attacks, or a change in the psyche of America... but a mindset of pure apathy and disillusionment.

I'm proud to say that I voted for Barack Obama, and that he is now our Presidential- elect.  It still gives me chills.  I believed, I wanted change, but I didn't know whether it would actually materialize.  Then, we our next President presented his acceptance speech, he continued to be eloquent, humble yet somber, and realistic.  Anyone who would have won would and will have a very difficult time cleaning up the mess of the past 8 years.  He's well aware of the fact that he cannot do it a lone.  He took this moment to remind Americans that he is the President of those who voted for him as well as the President who people did not vote for.  He will work for all citizens, not only the privileged, not only the White folks, but everyone.    That's why everyone came to vote.


Now, I gotta give it to McCain.  Despite the rampant classless audiences, he announced his camaraderie and respect for Obama and he understands that America did not vote for him in an astounding way!  He cannot stand up tall and say that this was a mistake because the vast majority of Americans stomped for Obama... and that's all.

And was anyone else perturbed at the sight of the crying Sarah Palin?  This makes me wonder- even more- whether she would have been ready for this role!  Do you see Hillary Clinton crying after defeat? NO!  A leader must realize his or her shortcomings and be forthright with the actions that must follow.  Palin lost this election, but she still has a right and duty to the people whom she's promised so much!  Her reaction only showed me her small mindedness, her actual expectance of victory and her utter weakness.  Thank God she didn't win. 

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

both proud and disapponted in Cali...

Thank the lord above.  We have supported the movement towards change that eventually lead to the election of our Barack Obama. I am elated, I am so happy and inspired.  My pride in my country has been rejuvenated and I am taken aback at the thought that the fundamental pillars of what the USA was created actually exist.

However, we've also taken a step backwards.  My fellow Californians have chosen to ban same-sex marriages, therefore solely recognizing heterosexuals as true unionships.  This disappoints me on so many levels.  Many have used the "child" as the reason why same-sex marriage should not be allowed;but, children will continue to see and be exposed to homosexuality, no matter if the couples are, indeed, married.  This was definitely a blow to fundamental rights and equality.

The FIRST Family

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

The First

Today was a good day.  This week was the best week.  I'm nervous in commenting because I feel as if a jinx is definitely possible...
We now have an African American President, and no one, NO ONE, can question it.  He didn't just win, he won by a serious landslide.
YES!!!

California was counted and it'S OVER!!!

BARACK OBAMA is the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!!

Monday, November 3, 2008

My anthem...

'THE NEGRO NATIONAL ANTHEM'

Lift every voice and sing
Till earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty ;
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the listening skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that t he present has brought us,
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun
Let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod,
Bitter the chastening rod,
Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;
Yet with a steady beat,
Have not our weary feet
Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears have been watered,
We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
Out from the gloomy past,
Till now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
Thou who has brought us thus far on the way;
Thou who has by Thy might
Led us into the light,
Keep us fore v er in the path, we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places, Our God, where we met Thee;
Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee;
Shadowed beneath Thy hand,
May we forever stand.
True to our GOD,
Tru e to our native land 
James Weldon Johnson June 17, 1871 - June 26, 1938

Pink berry!



Pink berry is my new obsession. 3 flavors of yogurt... 10 different choices of fresh fruit, and- of course- different toppings such as chocolate and captain crunch!