#teamHBCU?

 

Now for most of you who will probably take offense to this post or those of you who simply found your way here let me break it down for you…

HBCU- Historically Black College or University

PWI- Predominately White Institution

 

Okay now that is settled lets discuss.

 

I myself, am a proud African American female. I attended an HBCU for two years and I now attend a PWI. I made good great grades while attending an HBCU. I recently made a 4.0 in my final semester at this particular HBCU. I can honestly say this 4.0 required no effort. I rarely attended classes, and I often missed important information in doing so. One thing that I always did was do my work. No matter what I turned in my essays, homework, research, projects, etc. in on time. When I was at class I was organized on time and efficient. Why I missed many of my classes was health related or simply didn’t feel like attending. Now, I always had an official excuse. Whether it be from the doctor, or the hospital themselves. I always had documentation of my whereabouts.

My classes at this HBCU were fairly easy and I felt as if I were “dumbed down” so to speak at this organization. My speech and grammar were unsatisfactory and I found myself using slang that I never really used to use. I didn’t recognize myself. Maybe I was caught up in the height of being at an HBCU and “reppin” my school so to speak. While attending this HBCU I maintained a GPA ranging from 3.3-4.0. I have made friends and came in contact with intellectual people who have fairly low GPAs. I remember my old best friend had a GPA of a 2.7- 2.9. At first we laughed at it because we were partly having a conversation and listening and dancing to music. After I sat down and thought about it. I realized she said her GPA was a 2.7-2.9 and I couldn’t bring it upon myself to even fathom having a GPA that low. I ask for extra credit and more homework. I am always one for an opportunity to earn points! The mentality and level of intelligence from many of the students I came in contact with had low GPAs and  I couldn’t understand why. I’m not sure what it is/was. But I got myself together, pulled through my finals and darted straight towards the highway home.

Now, I’m not saying my experience at an HBCU is the same for everyone. I am speaking MY piece/opinion on MY blog. You don’t have to like it, agree/disagree.

I’m simply speaking MY mind.

 

Now I am not disrespecting the HBCU I attended. It was great. I loved the people and the environment for the time being. I loved being able to be uplifted by the same people who share the same thoughts and feel the same way I did. Not only did we have that in common, we share history, a culture, traditions/customs. It’s great when people can come together. UNITE and make something great and receive an education. Now my HBCU was one heck of a party school. While I didn’t partake in many parties, I know my classmates and peers knew there is a time and place for everything and academics and education come first.

 

 

With all of this being said. Let me know what you think. Comment on the picture I ‘ve attached to this blog. What do you think of her tweet? Is she right? Wrong? Let me know what you think of my post. Do you agree or disagree? Of course I will have a poll attached to this for you to vote upon.

 

 

They’ll take your money and dreams too

This is a post from another blog. A couple of women were scammed out of their money and left with no restitution. This blog is important to me, because my mom was one of those women to be scammed. Please read and share your thoughts. Follow the link.

Thank You

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2014/06/denise_betts_moore_legacy_trinity.php

The Human Race

“Look at us. Running around, always rushed, always late. I guess that’s why they call it the human race. What we crave most in this world is connection. For some people it happens at first site. It’s when you know, you know. It’s fate working its magic. And that’s great for them. They get to live in a pop song; ride the express train. But that’s not the way it really works. For the rest of us it’s a bit less romantic. It’s complicated and it’s messy. It’s about horrible timing and fumbled opportunities. And not being able to say what you need to say when you need to say it. At least, that’s the way it was for me.”- The Switch (2010)

 

This quote is from the movie The Switch (2010). “Love at first site” is bullshit! If that were the case I’d be in love with thousands of people around the world. The “L” word is thrown around carelessly. Children/teens are walking around saying they love each other. Why isn’t this word sacred. I hear stories about couples that have been in LOVE and are still in LOVE ’til this day. What happened? Where did we as a people go wrong?

 

I often find myself being hung up on the littlest things. When I’m standing in line and a nice handsome man lets me in front of him. I hear wedding bells. But to him, he was just being nice or waiting on his significant other to come in line so he can check out with her. When I’m in a restaurant and a guy waves or winks at me, I instantly pick out baby names. When he waving or winking at the person behind me. Yep, I’m that girl. I think too much into things. I stress over the little things. That’s me. I never give up on love no matter how much I get hurt, at least I don’t stop trying.

Just yesterday I was on Facebook commenting on a status and some person liked my comment. I went to see who it was and I saw that it was someone I went to high school with. I then began to go into “teenage girl” mode and search him. I went to his profile and clicked on his pictures, his posts, his friends, family members. I even googled him. I found his twitter, his Instagram, and I found his Myspace. I mean I seriously stalked him all from a “like” on my comment.

What has happened to me? Am I the only one that does this? I can even remember breaking up with one of my ex’s and stalking him on every social media to-date! I’m not sure why I do this. It has to be something in my brain that makes me stalk. I’m not ashamed nor proud of my abilities. I consider myself a P.I Investigator. I’ve Google(d)/Bing(ed) many people. Is it so wrong to actually look up and search people? Why would it be wrong? Do you search others?

Just like the quote says, we as humans crave connection. We crave affection, attention, and love. There has got to be something within each and everyone of us that triggers our need for companionship. No matter how you find your partner, whether it be through social media, dating networking sites, etc., we want that word… That L word. LOVE. You can deny it all you want. There are the people who claim the “single life” is best life and that they’re perfectly fine with being alone. We all know someone like this. It could even be you. But deep down inside you want to be wanted, you need to be needed.

 

I’m going to wrap this up! Love is a very special thing. It’s what keeps us going. What motivates us. It’s what makes us… Well. US! You can be the most cynical person on earth, me and you both know, there’s an optimistic person out there for you. It’s only a matter of time.

 

 

 

Black Coffee 2 creams with sugar, Please

“Hi, how may I help you?”

—“Ummm. I’m not quite sure yet.”

“Is this your first time here?”

—“Why yes it is.”

“Okay, well what can I get for you? Anything seem to catch your eye?”

—“Hmmm. I don’t know just yet.”

“Well, when you do. We’ll always be here.”

 

How do you take your coffee? I’m not one to discriminate. There’s just something about a warm coffee to wake you up in the morning and get you on the go. But what’s coffee without your cream and sugar? What’s life without it all? How do you take your coffee? Do you prefer black coffee? Vanilla bean? How about ice cold coffees? Do you like mocha lattes? Frappes? What’s your preference? What does your coffee say about you? Do you drink coffee?

Let me tell you how I like my coffee—

I like my coffee straight out the pot. There’s just something about the hot, steam that inner tangles with your lips and tongue as it slides down your throat warming your body in ways you can’t begin to explain. Your body illuminates as your eyes open wide. This is how I like my coffee. I like my coffee strong. No weaknesses, sugar, or creams needed.

Give it to me straight!

After all what’s the purpose of a weak coffee? It doesn’t wake you up. Make you feel alive inside. It doesn’t carry on for your hardest days. When it’s crunch time I do not want or need weak coffee.

Give it to me strong!

My coffee never lets me down. It’s a pick me up when I feel down. More than a confidant. My coffee takes all my troubles away. That stream of coffee every time I sip takes me on a joy ride.

 

BUT.

They say you’re not living until you’ve had coffee with vanilla cream. And what’s cream without sugar?

What’s life without a little risk? Ha!

 

 

“Hi, how are you this morning?”

—“I’m doing well.”

“That’s great what can I get for you?”

—-Ehhh.

“Decisions. Decisions.”

—“Yes, many decisions. But I think I know what I want.”

“What would that be?

—“Black Coffee. Scratch that, I’ll try the vanilla bean.”

“Sounds good. Anything else?”

—“Yes, I’ll take that with 2 creamers and sugar”

 

 

How do you take your coffee?

Music is universal. Don’t you think?

There are many different languages, dialects, cultures, beliefs, structural systems, laws, customs, etc. But if there is one thing I know, music is universal. Music is everywhere. Music transcends to different races and cultures regardless of any language barrier. Music can effectively communicate to all men around the world.

Music is timeless. Have you ever had some one tell you, “Oh man. You don’t know nothing about this. This is music from my time/era” That right there is an example. Music is timeless. Music from waaayyy back when is still as effective, if not more, today. Example, everyone is on this 90’s kick. I can’t lie, I’m on one too. I like finding old music that’s not really played on the radio or commercialized. I love unedited, RAW music. It speaks to me.

Music speaks. Rhythms and rhymes, ,beats and drums, lyrics, poems, songs. These are the few of many ways music speaks. How does it speak to you? Are you listening? Tribes in Africa use song, and dance to convey feelings or emotions. Chants are a more common form of communication between tribes. But if you listen closely. Its music. There’s a pattern, a rhythm, a beat, a song.

Chants are even used today. Many sororities and fraternities use chants to convey a specific message to one another. Believe it or not protesters use chants to get across a belief or message as well. Churches use words of worship, song, and dance to express their love.

Music is in me. It’s in everyone. Even you. Yes you reading this. Music can make you feel many things. Happy, sad, mad/angry, content, and whatever else. Music flows through each and everyone of us. It’s like the blood in our veins… It’s what sets us apart from one another. Giving us our own identity. Music has the power to turn your day from its crappy beginning to a better ending. Music is essential. I know it is for me. Each and every night/day there is a song I’m thinking of.

Whether it be Beyoncé or The Middle East. I’ll always have a song on my mind.

Close your eyes. Play your favorite song in your head. Now imagine yourself… Living it. Breathing it. That’s what I do. Music is breath taking. No matter what I’m doing I will always have a song on the tip of my tongue. Its like wild fire. Once I start I can’t stop! Different countries, continents, and states use music in different ways. Here in the United States music can be used for weddings as a happy and joyous time. Or at a funeral where loved ones are mourning.

 No matter what you’re doing with your music. How you use it. Whether you write it, sing it, dance to it, whatever the case may be…

Music is everywhere in each and every one of us.

Is it in you?

I’ll list below a few of my favorite songs. Let me know what you listen to. Do you think that music is universal? Why or why not? What’s your favorite song? Least?

The Middle East– Blood

Partition– Beyoncé

Secrets– One Rebuplic

Unwritten– Natasha Beddingfield

All Me– Drake

Poetic Justice– Kendrick Lamar

Power Trip– J. Cole

Forbidden Fruit– J. Cole

Heaven– Mary Mary

Perfect– Pink

Ego– Beyoncé

I’m Yours– Jason Mraz

Free Falling– John Mayer

Imagine Me– Kirk Franklin

Unthinkable– Alicia Keys

Versace– Drake

Come Thru– Drake

Pound Cake– Drake

808– Blaque

Rain– SWV

No More– 3LW

ALL THINGS ALIYAH

ALL THINGS TUPAC

ALL THINGS DR. DRE

September– Earth Wind & Fire

Promise– Ciara

EIGHT THOUGHTS TO PONDER

James' Funnies

Number 8

Life is sexually transmitted.

Number 7

Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.

Number 6

Men have two emotions — Hungry and Horny . They can’t tell them apart. If you see a gleam in his eyes, make him a sandwich.

Number 5

Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to use the Internet and they won’t bother you for weeks, months, maybe years.

Number 4

Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in the hospitals, dying of nothing.

Number 3

All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.

Number 2

In the 60’s, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.

And The Number 1 Thought

Life is like a…

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It’s just one of those days

Sigh. Have you ever had one of those days where your bed is the only thing you want to see? Not your kids, your husband, your annoying mother in law. Just you and your bed!

It’s been a long day for you. 9hrs + at work and all you can think about is kicking off your shoes and relaxing. You shut down and straighten your work place and grab your keys to go. You drag your feet sluggishly to your car. As soon as your inside your car you slouch on to the seat and place your head on to the window. You think to yourself “I’m only 15 minutes away from my bed counting traffic It’ll be 20 min. Okay that’s not bad. Pick yourself up. You can do. Just sit up and drive.” After your pep talk you find yourself heading home. Parking your car and shutting your door seems to be the hardest thing in life at that moment. You do it anyway, unaware of what awaits you  inside. After you take the longest walk known to man down your pathway your finally at you front door. As you turn your keys inside the lock you can hear the angels from heaven singing in peaceful harmony. You walk inside, shut the door and make your way to the closest sofa. After 5 min of relaxation you decided your bed is much better. Now its time to open your eyes.
You jump back in complete shock and horror! You’ve met you match. Yep your house. What have you been doing? Or haven’t been doing? Your house is messy, filthy, dirty, and any other adjective you can think of. There’s random clothes and shoes scattered on the floor and dishes piled high in your sink.

Now it’s time for reasonable deduction. Do you wash the dishes? Do you do the laundry? Do you vacuum the floor? Do you scrub the crust off the side of the wall? Well do you?

OR do you go to bed where you can close your eyes and dream of a clean home?

Well I’m here to give you some tips on how to keep your household clean and still have “me time”.

Bedrooms (10-20min): Strip the beds. Pick up dirty clothes and toss them in to a hamper. Grab extra sheets and make the bed. Use a quick inexpensive duster and swipe across the surfaces. Take about 5 min to vacuum. Do a quick walk through with the vacuum.

Done!

 

Bathroom (10-15min): Time to whip out the fancy cleaning supplies that haven’t been used since the day you bought them. Take out the toilet bowl cleaner and go around the rim of the toilet. Use the clean wipes and tackle the sink. The rim around the tub has got to go! Brown rings are no longer in style. Spray shower and bathroom cleaner inside the tub on the mildew and rust. After that come back to the toilet and use the toilet wand and wipe all around where you see fit. Flush that and your good to go. Rinse out the sink. Sweep the bathroom floor and wipe out the tub. Scrub the rust and mildew and you’re good to go!

Done!

 

Living room (15-20min): Pick up miscellaneous items put them away. Store clothing items in their perspective places. Do a quick vacuum and focus on corners and focal points of the room. Dust where necessary. Straighten pillows or furniture and you’re good to go!

Done!

 

Kitchen (25-30min): Begin by rinsing off dishes and loading them into dishwasher. Don’t have one? Okay cool. Begin hand washing dishes. Sometimes is easier to get the leftover grime off dishes this way. Wipe down counters with small wash cloth. Sweep floor while dishes dry. Put dishes away and you’re good to go!

Done!

 

Time to turn the lights off and fall into bed to start the next day.

By doing this once or twice a week your house should be decent and clean leaving you more time with your bed!

 

 

Do you feel like I left something out? Let me know! What did I miss? What’s your strategy for cleaning house? Leave me a comment and of  course I’ll reply!

Dear Little Black Girl,

It took me awhile to sit here and write this post. I do my best thinking at night. I’ve been through sooooooooo many things in my life for me to only be 20. But I’m appreciative of the mistakes, trials, and tribulations that come with being a young black female. See, I grew up in a middle class home. We were comfortable. We had money in the bank, and the bills were paid. Now, don’t you go judging me. I’m not all high and mighty. I’ve been through “the struggle”. There have been times that the lights or water were off but that never lasted long. I had a family to support me no matter what. You would think that my life would be easy with bumps and bruises here and there. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. See my mom always told me “Jazmin, no matter what you do, how you do it, or when you do it. You’re going to have to do it twice as well, and work twice as hard.” I never knew what she meant. I let her words float to the back of my head.

As a young woman today. I now know what she meant.

Do me a favor, before you continue reading this post, look down at your arms or legs or whatever limbs you have. What do you see? Do you see two arms? Do you see two hands with 5 fingers on each? If not dial 911! Haha. Do you see two legs and two feet with 5 toes on each? Okay. There’s one thing that differs you from the next person. Its your skin. Not just your skin. It’s the pigment of your skin. Do me this one last favor, look down and tell me the color of your skin? What’s your race? Heritage? Background? Ethnicity?

 

You see I’m a product of African American descent. No, I am not black. I am brown. Smooth and creamy mahogany brown. I have the slight- deep dark rose cheeks with a gold undertone. I have silky jet black hair that will mesmerize you ever time I turn my head. My dark brown eyes will melt your heart. My lips do wonders while whispering sweet nothings in your ear.

 

But.. None of that matters. Why? You know why! Don’t act brand new!! I’m black can’t you see. No matter how hard I work, no matter what I do I’ll always be this way. My mind may very well be intelligent but that wont change my skin. I don’t have a problem being African American. I honestly don’t. It’s the working twice as hard as the next person just to get half way there. All of my life I’ve had to work twice as hard; in the classrooms, jobs, internships, leadership positions, etc. The list can go on and on for days but I wont keep you here that long.

I’m now coming to terms that I am who I am and there’s not a thing I can do about it. I do get tired. I do. But I still fight. I still work. I’m still me. When a job is passed to another person of lesser quality because of my color. I don’t get upset. I try again. And I try even harder the next time. I polish and finesse my skill set and give it another go. This is what you should do. So take notes here (little black girl).

It doesn’t bother me that racism is still very well alive in today’s society. Nor should it bother you.

 

 

I am battered and offended when I am done wrong by another person of color. It’s not the opposing race that will break your heart. Its the people that share the same background as you. Can you believe it? Your own people hurting you. Brothers, Sisters, Cousins, Nephews, Friends. I am you. You are me. We.

How can a people that have been through a tremendous amount of suffering still find it in themselves to condemn their own people? This question is still unanswered.

 

 

And this is what hurts me the most.

 

Your move… I think.

It’s the age old conundrum. Who makes the first move? Who asks who out? Who will win this war? If we keep playing this back and forth game. We’ll all end up single. The only good thing about that is all the cats and dogs from the shelters will no longer be homeless! I mean that’s a plus, right? I mean who wouldn’t want clawed furniture and poop scattered everywhere? That’s better than a human companion any day! Right…? NO, WRONG!

Personally I’m tired of this back and forth. Even the Dutch said fuck it and made the first move! Why can’t the girl make the first move? Who says guys have to always ask the girl out first? Why can’t we step up? HUH? I hear nothing but crickets.
Yep! You’ve got no response. Is it because it’s out of your comfort zone? You’re not use to making the first step? It could resort to rejection and utter denial of any chance that he has the same feelings for you? Could that be it? But why would anyone want to sit and continuously rack their brains over if another person likes you or feels the same way? Why not just ask. Just say, “Hey you. Yeah, you with the hair and face. I like you. I want you. We’re dating. Now buy me a drink. Please?” You’re probably laughing at that but honestly why not? Why hold back your feelings for someone. If you like them then SAY IT!!! There’s no reason that you should sit back and literally go bat shit crazy when you could solve all of your problems with that one interaction!

I know I might seem insensitive. I too have sat back for 4 years straight and watched a guy I like walk right out of my life. I mean I obsessed over him. I knew his shoe size, his ID number, his favorite food and color, where he lived, his license plate, where he liked to hang out… Wait. maybe it’s a good thing he’s gone considering I literally stalked him. And you know what came of that situation? NOTHING. He never knew I existed and still doesn’t til this day. All my hard work and efforts I poured into studying him like he was my Final Examination, went no where. My point is, be the bigger person, make the first move, take the initiative, be the ONE. Don’t let your feelings eat you alive and before you know it, that special someone is walking out of your life and they never knew your name or the fact that you exist. So take the first step. TELL THEM. Don’t be me. SPEAK your mind. Do it for the people that can’t. (hint hint ME!!!)

 

Tell me what you think. How do you feel? Have you made the first move yet? Will you? Are you shy like me?

Well TELL ME! As always, comment below!

I’ve got the runs…

Congratulations! You’ve decided that getting back into shape will get rid of those loveable love handles. You put on your old loose t-shirt you found in the bottom back of your drawers. Those new jogging pants you keep in the back of your closet are going to look even better once you actually begin to jog. You find some socks that may or may not match, depending on if you squint really hard with the lights off. After sliding your socks on you pull out those running shoes that haven’t been worn since the last time your went running. Your head band is snug and your phone is programmed to rock out. This is it! The big moment! You’re ready. You’re about to do it. You’re going to hit the ground running. (Pun intended)

Now you’re running. You’ve left your home street. Your house is nowhere insight. You’re actually doing it! Who would’ve thought you’d be running? Well now your on the go and you’re body feels different. Maybe it’s the lungs and heart hard at work? Or could it be your jiggling thighs movin’ and grovin’ with every step? Now your stomachs starting to do a little dancing of its own. But wait that can’t be right. The stomach? Yes. Every step of your feet hitting the ground time after time causes your bowles to get movin of ya know what I’m sayin! In other words, this repetitive motion of course causes your gastrointestinal system tract is looseness and forced out of your body. All of a sudden your looking for the nearest bathroom. Sadly your far from home now. Not a port-a-potty in sight. You’re speed starts to decrease and before you know it your walking around with your hands covering your backside hoping nothing slips out.

 

Yeah, that scenario was me today. I decided I would get back into shape. I started off walking and jogging around my neighborhood. Well, fortunately I made it home in time. Luckily I wasn’t to far from home. For some odd reason walking/running makes you poop! Yes, it makes you poop!! Yeah I said poop. Maybe you didn’t read it properly… POOP!!

My advice to anyone out there who is trying to get back in shape… Run, you’ll be shedding pounds on the inside… and out.

 

Tell me about your experiences! Has this happened to you? Do you exercise? What would you have done in this situation? Let me know! I’m game for any suggestions. As always comment below, I look forward to reading and laughing along with you.