GRE..dun dun dun dunnnnnn

Okay, As I embark on this new journey of my life another thing occurs. I am current or shall I say was studying ro to take my GRE. I am also in the process of applying to scholarships as well. Hopefully I will get it because these scholarships will cover my expensive such as housing and what not lot. I have been praying that I do well. The problem that I am facing is a lack of focus for this test. I take the test November 28th at 10am. Wowzers. the first 2 weeks I was studying for like 1-2 hours. Now for the past 2 weeks I have been at a stand still. Pray that I can get that energy back up and study for this test. My goal is to score 1200. That is a pretty high score but I believe that I can do it. Now I have three weeks to make this a realize. Pray that my application, and my essays were what they are looking for and select me for this scholarships. I always get super nervous when I am applying for something. Mainly because I do not know what they want and I do not know if I fit with what they want. I hope there is a happy ending to this. But if it is not everything happens for a reason and I will push forward. Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

new fitness: The Ab Diet

Ok As you know I have been trying to lose weight. Its crazy. I have almost been that "thin girl". I was curvy but at a small frame. And I want to say a couple of months after I gradauted college I started packing on weight. And I didnt know what to do. I mean I have been that thin girl who had a fat mentality. By that I mean, I always was eating, but I had a fast metabolism. I beleive working in a office and sitting doen and not being able to be as active as I was in college and high school had a big role in my weight gain. My mom and dad couldnt tell me how to lose weight because they look great. The both are thin. I mean based off genetics I am suppose to still be thin, right? I was that girl that the Monique would talk about. So eating healthy was something that I needed to learn to do.

Cutting out sodas, coffees, and sweets wasnt hard for me because if you know me you will know that I am obessed with my teeth, I have never had a cavity, and I HATE chocalate and candy. And in regards to coffee, sodas and softdrinks, I have always been a water drinker, mainly because water is free and drinking too much sodas and coffee stains your teeth.  If I do eat sweets, 9 times out of 10 I don't finish it.Oh and I dont really drink alcohol because I know it will make you fat. My theory is this if I am going to get fat, I want to get fat from food, dont a drink. You are probaly reading this and thinking how is she fat. Well I only eat once or twice a day. I truely only eat when I am hungry. And I am learning that I need to eat more in order to lose weight. As you all know earlier this year I began my new fitness plan. I got a trainer, and I did well. I use to think that I ate a lot but later ;learned that I actually dont eat enough. The trainer and I did great, but I fell off, when I didnt lose the amount that I wanted to lose.

 Food and I had a long going relationships. But I decided to get back and get right with eating healthy and trying to lose weight. Although mainly people say that I look great. I feel fat. I am the adeal average woman size. But I have never been the average woman size so I am not feeling that. For me I would like to be a size 7 jean and a size 6 in dress pants.  Right now I am currently a size 12 in jeans and 10 in dress pants. I am not feeling it. I was remeasured a couple of weeks ago at the gyn down here in St.Louis,Mo and I have lost so far 3.3 percent of my body fat, 13 pounds, 10 inches off my total body in the past 2 months. My goal is to lose 22 pounds , drop my BMI to a healthy level, and  have a 4 packs of abs, and of course to be healthy.  I would like to lose this 22 pounds by the end of December but I dont think I will be able to do it. I say this because since I am not that big, it is harder for someone to lost  weight verse someone who is larger than you. I am right now consider slightly over weight, and if I lose the 22 pounds I will be at a healthy weight level for my frame and height. So my goal is to lose 15 pounds by Dec. 31, 2011 and by the Feb. 28th(which is my 25th birthday) to have reached my goal and lost 22 pounds and if you add those 22 pounds with the weight that I have already lost it would have been a total of 35 pounds lost. Hopefully by Feb. 28th my abs would have began to start forming.

 Who doesnt want abs like Janet!
 I have bought the ab diet for women, which was actually referred to me by a young lady on facebook. The food and goals that they give you are the same advice that my trainer in Virginia gave me. So I am excited to start this diet and begin the exercise. The program is 6 weeks, a lot of people have lost up to 25 pounds in 6 weeks. My goal is to lose 10-12 pounds in 6 weeks and/or 15 pounds by week 8. I would also like to lose  8 more inches off my total body as well. My stomach is pretty flat, but I am really interested in weight/inches lost in my hips in thighs. I know that I am probably adding more insult to injury by saying that becuase I am an African American woman and I am also half Jamaican but I think having a large butt like niki ninq or however you spell her name is nasty(on me) I dont mind being curvy, but a small curvy that is all. You may not agree with that statement, that is fine you are entittled to your opinion. Just don't comment on my blog about me feeling this way.

I begin the diet diet this up coming monday. Wish me luck.

I will update you guys like this: Starting week. Week 3, Week 6. Week 8, Week 10, Week 12, Week 15 & Week 17. I may reach my goal before Week 17 but hey who knows.The plan is only 6 weeks but I plan on doing it back to back and then the following 5 weeks I would be trying new exercises and different recipes.

 
I bought these two books off amazon. Check it and see if you like it. It got a lot of GR8 reviews!!!

Fantasize

What an amazing duo. A one of my many favorites from this group. I hope they one day do a reunion.

woman to woman:def poetry

I always liked this poem. I rememebr the first time I saw/heard this poem. I believe I was a freshmen in high school. I laughed then and I am still laughing now. Forgive cussing but the content is good nonetheless. I hope you all enjoy it and like it as much as me.

Every woman deserves compliments ;)

I LOVE TANK!!!!!

I personally believe that Tank is  BEAUTIFUL BLACK MAN!!! I had to take a moment to honor him with a couple of my favorite songs by him! I hope you enjoy. SN. Look at this picture below of him,, sign... Im sad that he's married. Guess that means we can never get married.

ummmm about this city

So I have been in the city for about 5 or 6 weeks. I am not a big fan of the city itself but I have met a lot of really cool people. I am not sure if that makes sense or not. My car got broken into less then 2 weeks of me here. The people cannot drive and a lot of people here are rude. I guess that can be expected from a metropolitian city. It is kindof a cultural shock for being from the east coast and being from the south where everyone says hi to you if they look your way. A lot of things are overprice including the natural hair stylist. But I am determine that I will find a stylist while I am here.

TRYING Something new

So I was looking on YouTube today and one of my favorite YouTubers had a video where she shows us how to make our own products. And that's exactly what I am going to do. I have already tried everything. Why not try this! SO this should be fun and cheap!!!!! Below I have attached some of the videos.

Shea butter

flaxseed gel

hot oil treatment

deep conditioner

I am...

I'm human, therefore sometimes I stumble but none the less I keep pressing forward...I'm engaging, outgoing, that friend who's always there. I'm loveable and loving. I'm intelligent, feisty, w. my own style & spunk. I take changes that’s others may see as an obstacle but to me its a stepping stone. I'm real, don't take no mess, but also fragile, so I put up a wall. I care a lot & sometimes too much. I stay on the go, but am learning to say no. I love to have fun & be around friends & family. I have been told since birth that I can do anything & I am destined to do gr8 things therefore the sky has ALWAYS been the limit for me! I walk with confident and with my head held high becausee there is nothing for me to look down at. After reading this letter you may think that I am being cocking but I am far from it. I am just a woman. that like many have a story to tell. I am walking by faith and not by sight. I am simply a walking and growing masterpieace
1. If someone asked you to describe yourself what would you say?
2. If you died today can you honestly say that you have achieved everything that you wanted to achieve?
4. Have you left a mark? what is the mark that you would like to leave?
3. What would others say about you?

Saturday Workout

I ran 2 miles in under 23 minutes today! So I was super excited about that! I just ran today. No lifting or anything. I am going to try to run 2 miles again tomorrow. Hopefully in about a few weeks. I can run 3 miles in under 33 minutes.  I stepped on the scale again and it said that I have lost 10 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!! As you can see I am excited. I just got 15 more pounds to go for my goal for homecoming AND I am 32 pounds away from my overall goal! Continue to keep me in your prayers and pray that I continue to stay motivated and that I continue to workout like a ninja. I am just so elated right now!!!! All this hard work, will pay off in the end! Bye for now! Until next time people!

me? on a reality show

So I was chatting when a young lady who just recently inked a deal with bravo and she wants to air the lives of single women in STL and since I am new to the city they believed that I would be perfect for the show because I am new and I have no hidden agenda. Now that sounds nice and everything, and I am super doper flatter that I was even offered an opportunity like that but I will have to pass. It is funny because I have been in the city for only 8 days and I have been asked to be on a TV show. lol. Its crazy. But I always analyze and analyze again when it comes to situations like this. It is really cool that I was asked but I really don't want to be on TV. Most importantly I really do not want my life aired on TV where millions can see. We all have skeletons in our closets. But most importantly I look at it like this. What if the network, portrays me in a negative light. There goes my jobs in the future. I am really interested in helping others. I am not really into airing my business for the world to see. Although I have a blog and I blog about what happens in my life. When it comes to relationships I am super doper private. That is between me and my signinfant other. That would include dates, fights, etc... I have always been this way and I always will. So being on a show talking about being single....That is ust not me, I am not your girl. But its still cool to talk about. If the show becomes a big hit, at least I can say I was offered a role/part on the show. lol. Thanks for reading!

Shoutowt to my chapter for being on a promo video

I love my chapter! No other chapter is gr8er than Lambda Eta! OO~OOP!!!! Below shows a little cameo of my linesisters, one of my ADPs,and big sisters for a Greek picnic promo!!!  Yep, We are kind of a big deal ;)

DAY 4 at work/fitness update

Day 4 at the jOB...
So today at the job I went over policy and procedures. It was as exciting as reading any policy and procedure book would be.lol. But something exciting that I did today was play wii with the elderly at a nursing home! I really enjoyed watching them play and I had a good time! So that was a gr8 feeling, mainly because I really enjoy interacting with the elderly population.  Oh, and good news, I got a raised. well all the VISTAS at my job got one. It actually equals up to $30.48 more. Every little bit counts and is very much needed and appreciated. So I am very excited about that!

Fitness Update:
I am really proud of myself today. I ate really healthy and I worked out for over 1 hour today. I ran one mile in 10:20 mins so that was exciting. My goal is by the end of 8 weeks to be able to run 3 miles in under 30 mins.I then did circuit training for the remaining 50-55 minutes. I focused mainly on my bottom half today. I did squats while I lifted a bar as I came up. I did step ups and lifts with two 10 pound weights. I also did lunges, leg extensions, and abductor and the other dictors, chest press,lol. I also did the thingy where you are pushing up with your legs I believe its called a seated leg press. I did about 3 sets of 10-15 of each. I also did a front plank, and side plank on each side.I did pretty good on the front and side planks. I was able to hold on for 43 seconds. My goal for next week is to up it to 60 seconds and in 2 weeks to be able to whole it for 2 minutes, and by the end of 6 weeks to hold it for 5 minutes and by week 8 to be able to hold it for 7 or 8 minutes. I did 80 front crunches. 80 bicycle crunches, and 50 side crunches on each side. I am really proud of myself. Tomorrow I will work on my abs and top half. I am also going to run for another mile and hopefully make it to a group class. If I am unable to do a class. I still want to be able to workout for one hour. I weighed myself on the scale tonight and it said that I am 158... Thats awesome I am now currently down 9 pounds. I can't really see a difference in my clothes or anything. However, I know that will come with time. Last week when I did my final weigh in with my Y-change coach I had lost 7.2 pounds and lost 2 1/2 inches. My goal is to double the amount that I lost with him and and to also double the inches that I lost as well. So far I am doing well becuase I have already lost 2 pounds this week. If I keep at it I will lose  my ideal 25 pounds by Homecoming! Wish me luck and continue to encorage me! Be blessd and as always thank you for reading.

SN. I am saying a special prayer for those in the east coast. Be safe and also place all of your heavy items that could fall and hurt you on the floor! And lastly all of those that are starting school in the fall I wish you a successful school year! Continue to pray for me and my family and that God will bless us and help us financially.

New Book New book

So the other day I bought a new book. Its called Butterfly Rising. It is by Tanya Wright. The author told me that they are actually turning her book into a movie. and it should be coming out next year. So that is cool.  I ma going to stat reading this book. Probably Friday or Saturday. I hope its a good book. It cost me $15.00. I'm just saying.lol. It came with a autograph picture too. The book is only 257 pages. If the book is really interesting. I might be able to finish it in a couple of days. But I will do a mini review on the book and tell you guys what I thought. I think everyone should purchased it anyway mainly because I am a true believer of supporting black businesses. That's all for now. Take care and good night. Below I have attached a picture of the book cover.

Marvin's Room...

I love this song. I know its old, but at first, I always turned this song when it came on the radio. But one day last week, I really listened to the song and I really liked. Below I have the original plus two of my favorite remixed. Enjoy and thank you for stopping by and reading my blog!

Day 3... I am getting better

So today was day 3 at the job. So far so good and a lot of stuff is starting to make sense. I was excited about to doing some direct service today and I REALLY enjoyed that. I also did my first rider registration by myself. So that was pretty cool. The client was really nice and I really enjoyed myself.  I went over the policy and procedure booklet with my boss. Tomorrow I will oversee my clients play wii. So I am excited about that. Also today I finally got to workout. I went to a body and sculpt class and boy oh boy was it intense. my ears were sweating and I am not joking. I also ran about .60 miles today. Tomorrow I am going to run 1 mile on the treadmill and 1 mile on the elliptical tomorrow. I am so going to try the cycling class. My goal is to go the gym at 5am tomorrow. I was not successful this morning. Mainly because I went to bed late last night. So I will try again tomorrow. And maybe later on in the evening if I am up to it. I will go again after work to lift and and do some circuit training. I am going to try to do circuit training everyday. I am so serious about losing 25 pounds by Oct. 15. 2011 and lose 35 poubds by Feb 1, 2012. So far I am down 8 pounds.  I am going to weigh myself again this Friday. Pray that I am down another pound or two. But thanks for reading. I will chat with you all later! Be blessed and good night!

2nd day of work/ new siting

Hello all,
So my second day at work went well. I sometimes felt a bit overwhelmed, but I know that is natural. Mainly because it is my 2nd day at work. I found the gym for me so I am excited about that. I decided on a gym called club fitness so I will be going to that tomorrow morning at 5am! I am a early riser! Also today I attended my first staff meeting and one of my cowrkers showed me how to registar riders so I was super pumped about that becuase I really like direct service. I really enjoy interacting with people. I am a social gal! Ohhh, I am also featured in the newsletter at my job. How awesome is that...VERY. It came with a picture of me and a brief bio of what I do, where I am from, and my interests. So that excited me! Also today one of my roommates showed me around the city! I really enjoyed that. A Soror from the almanaue chapter that I joined down here offered me a free ticket to the greek step show that will be going on down here in a few weeks! What a blessings. I am thinking of possibly being the chapter historian but I am not sure yet. Also I went to walmart and got a pretty nice binder for 75 cents. Thats really not important and I am sure you dont care but I was really pumped. lol. Itr was 75 CENTS!!Also today Virginia had a pretty bad earthquake. Luckly no one I knew was injured or harmed. Well, it is getting late, I just wanted to give you guys a update on how my day went. Have a blessed and productive night and thank you for reading!

1st day of work/Fitness Update

OK, today was my first day at work! I was so excited I actually woke up at like 4am. They say we can choose our own schedule and I  really want to work 7:30am-3:30pm or 8am-4pm. Simply because I get up early and I can get off work early. My first day of work was really good. I met my supervisor and I got a quick introduction about the job and what I will be doing along with what my coworkers will do. I got a tour of the building and the VISTA that formerly had my position came by and gave me suggestions and showed me how to do some stuff. I had a fun!

Fitness Update...
Oh yeah I went to the YMCA today, it is in Downtown St.Louis. I was not a big fan of it. Everything was kindof behind the time for me. I guess living in Virginia spoiled me. A lot of the stuff that my YMCA in Roanoke,.VA and Norfolk,Va  has this YMCA in St.Louis does not have. I was asking the man that gave me the tour all of these questions and he kept saying we don't have that, or we don't do that. It cost more money than the one I went to. They didn't have a lot of group classes. And the facility was OLD. Looks like I will be looking for another gym. My goal is: I am thinking about going to the gym at the 5am-7am. Take a shower, eat my breakfast, and arrive at work. Pray that I find a gym that meets my needs and helps me reach my fitness goal.

I FINALLY MADE IT TO STL (ST.LOUIS,MO)

Its update time!  So I left Norfolk, VA on Friday at 3:30am! i took a break at 6am and filled up and also to take a 45 min nap. I filled up again in WVa, Ky, and finally in Saint Louis, Mo. I did awesome on snacks. I are fruits and veggies and a grilled chicken sandwiches.... I finally got there at 7:05pm!!! (CENTRAL TIME) so it was 805 in Virginia. Special thank you goes to my linesisters, friends, and family who called and talked to me the whole way there. It made the time go by fast. Also specail shoutout to the radio stations for playing good songs so when I was not on the phone I was able to jam out. Also praise Jesus for giving me traveling mercy and allowing me to get to Saint Louis safely and in one piece!

 It's crazy! As soon as I arrived in the city I met my roommates they literally greeted me at the door and helped me move everything in my room. My room was a decent size and everyone was so nice. My roommates also helped me arrange my room as well. Then I took a quick shower and changed and I went to my first social event ever in STL. It was fun! I met some really nice people.

The next morning I got up and volunteered with the black expo. This year it was geared toward health and fitness in the black community. It was great, I really networked with a lot different agencies and organization. I got my blood pressure check, my cholesterol was checked and some other stuff. I met some really interesting people there. I also met this woman, Toya Carter. I am not a big fan of hers. But I know a lot of people are so I figured I would tell yall.lol

The next day I came back and volunteered and I met Yolanda Adams AND Johnny Gill.

me and yolanda adams

i got an autograph from her

Johnny wanted to sing to me.lol

It was gospel day and I watched some prasise dances and heard a gr8 sermon. I also am going to start lookomng for a good church while I am here! Pray that I found one that not only preaches the lords word, but also breaks its down so that I can understand it. I like churches that gives me real life situtions and apply GOD to it. My god has done some awesome things in my life and I want to continue to praise and worship hime! Hopefully I can get involved in a Bible study or something. But we will see onlky time will tell. I know I gotta slow down. But I get really excited and want to try everything.lol

I also met a comedian

When I was volunteering, I met some cool and down to earth women.  I wasn't even in STL for 48 hours and met 3 celebs,found some organizations to possible volunteer with, and had a good time as well. How cool is that.... VERY! What a great way to say welcome to the city. Also my roommates gave me a 7 day pass to the gym so I'm so pumped. I think I am going to start doing morning runs and workouts. OHHH I almost forgot, I joined BLACK GIRLS RUN! ST.LOUIS. So I found people to run with me.lol. I know you are probably reading this and wondering how does she find out about this stuff. I cannot help it I am social and I meet people and they tell me stuff, plus I look up stuff as well.  My goal is try something new each week and learn as much about the city as I can in one year! I am excited!

My 2nd goal while I am is here is to lose 25 pounds by Oct. 15, 2011 and to lose 35 pounds by Jan 1, 2012. I stepped on the scale and I am down 8 pounds so I got 17 pounds to go in 9 weeks. I think that's a realistic goal. Also I got to run a 5K before the year is up. That's a goal that I made to myself to do this year. So I gotta do it!.Butttttt its getting late... I will update you all about the job either tomorrow or later on this week!Night and thanks for reading!

COUNTDOWN...

I gotta finish up some last min. items and then I am good to go...

This isnt goodbye, just Ill see you l8r

I leave in 2 days and I am so excited. This past weekend has a been a weekend to remember. You never know how much you are loved or appreciated until timings like this! I got a chance to hang out with my two good friends since I have been in Norfolk. We had a movie night and watch some movies. The first movie was really fun, however that last movie(i actually picked it out.lol) was not. It was the WORST. lol. But I really just enjoyed being in their company. So that made me happy. We shared laughs and it felt like old times. Its always gr8 to be surrounded by gr8 and genuine people....

Many Blessings and LOTS of FAVOR

Boy oh boy do I have a story to tell.
This weekend has been crazy...what started out gr8 almost ended fatal...I have been moving out of my place for the past couple of weeks. My LSs and friends have been helping me and for that I THANK YOU! Saturday afternoon we finally finish unpacking and I take a shower and get dress to hang to out with some girlfriends to eat! We all eat at smokey bones. Then we head to movie.Then right before the movie starts my heads begins to hurt...I thought nothing of. It at worst, and began to watch the movie. Next thing I know I am thinking girl do you have epicbelpic...so I go what if I do, then I go let's just close my eyes, bc I'm not trying to find out and start having a ceshar right here at the movies...so I just listened to the movie with my eye close.(What. Fun.lol) then one of my girlfriends go are you sleeping in a joking matter, and I go no my eye hurt...so another girlfriend(who always has something handy in her purse.lol) gave me a eye drop...so I'm thinking maybe my contact is a little dry...nope didn't help...the movie ends I don't know if the cowboys or the aliens won the battle.lol. Heck the indians probably came in and defeated both of them.lol. My eye was beginning to blur, my friends had to director me as to which way to go!!! It was crazy...one of girlfriends told me I think you have a migraine, I get thoughs all the time and that action pack movie was not helping...I never had a migraine, sratch that I have never been sick(knock on my wood, your wood, and everyone else too) so she gave me some medicine to take and told me to lay down when I got home...take the medicine was a chore within itself for me...

Countdown....

BEFORE I MOVE TO SAINT LOUIS MISSOURI!!!!



Ive been gone for a min, now Im back with the Jumpoff lol

Hello all, corny title I know but I thought it was catchy, dont judge me.lol. I have not been blogging for a while now. Stay tune, I will update everyone on whats been going on with me tomorrow. but right now I am going to a Janet Jackson concert!!!! # winning!

big thighs & sweet potatoes fries

OK, So I have been going up and down with this diet thing. I have however been exercising 3-4 times a week so the exercising part is going GREAT!! I am watching my calories so go me!!!! And as reported I have lost 2.50 more inches (2 in my  hip and .50 in leg) and I don't eat chocolate or sweets(not really into those kind of things, every now and then I eat a piece of cake, carrot cake is my favorite cake).So you are probably wondering ok, whats the problem?... Its the food thing that I am having a battle with. But this is the NEW issues... sodium.. I have noticed that I am eating food low in calories but high in sodium. oh no!!!! Help, any suggestions would be gr8.

I think I am going to buy a George Foreman Grill and see if I can grill items like tilipia, salmon, chicken, and turkey.. I love fish and turkey, not a big fan of chicken though but I know these items are high in protein. I love veggies. I have been getting my veggie intakes in by loading lots of veggies in my homemade wraps.I have been getting my fruit intakes in the morning, by placing bananas in my cereal. Also when I eat my shrimp tacos, it is loaded with pineapples(YUM). I am however going to start eating more fruits,veggies, Greek yogurt, and almond nuts as my snacks.

Since today is Sunday, today marks the first day that I start my INSANITY workout!!! Since I leave in 40 days, this will be my motivation!!!! 40 days of insanity, along with still doing Zumba and piliates.(i cant give up those exercises) I might do lifting too, but I really don't have to, since I am doing the insanity workout and you are just using your body to do the work and mold and sculpt my body. I am excited to see what my body will look like 6 weeks from now. My goal is to be a size 7-8 jean. I don't know how many inches that will be. I have lost a total of 13 inches and I was able to keep 11 of those inches off, and I am gaining muscle. I am proud of myself and what I have done so far.Oh I gotta intake more water. Right now I am drinking about 5-6 glasses of water. My goal is that by the end of day 40 I am drinking 8 glasses and by day 63 to be at 10 glasses a day. I don't mind looking curving or being curving, I just want to fit into smaller clothing. I am ok with being a curvy size 7 or 8 I just don't want to be bigger than that size. Lets see what happens people!! Wish me luck!
Thanks for reading and God blessed!

I've Got a Camera Crush!

Yeah you read it correctly!!!! So I found this camera that I am absolutely in love with it! My goal is to buy a digital camera before I move to STL. So we shall see.  Hopefully I can purchase this beautiful, amazing camera,that I must have like now!!!! I would tell you about it but I don't want anyone to have it before me. I will feel like a photographer with this camera. This post was silly, but I am so excited to purchase this item. Hurry up Craigslist items and sell so that I can buy "Mahogany"... Its sad that I have already named her, but I must speak her into excision. That's all for now! Until next time people,

Stay Blessed and Happy Sunday!!!

Selling,Packing, Moving

Hello everyone. So this weekend I decided to pack up 90% of my clothes and other items.

this isn't me, but this is what my living room looked like this morning. Just add space bags & hangers.

But I got a lot of stuff accomplished and I should be completely done for the most part with my clothing at least by tomorrow. So I am very excited. Which leads me to my next topic, SELLING!!! I sold my bed and mattress on craigslist. Now I just have my dresser and and my dining room table with 4 chairs. I am also selling some shoes and clothing. What I cannot sell, Ill will donate to job/ shelter and/or salvation army. I need/want as much money as I can get before this big move. But that is all for now people. But you are interested in these items or know someone who is message me or you can check my items out on craigslist!!!

SN: 40 DAY until the BIG MOVE!. I wish 40 days would turn into "I leave tomorrow!!"

Be Blessed and Happy Saturday!

Natural Frustrations | I'm Not Trying to Be Erykah Badu JUST Because I am Natural!!

I was just called "Jill Scott". I am sick and tired of all of these natural stereotypes. I went natural so that I could be myself 100%, not so that I could be stereotyped as something more or less than  me. Unlike most, I don't try to be anyone or anything.... I just AM. I am me.

Not Erykah Badu, not Lauryn Hill, Macy Gray, or Jill Scott either. It's crazy how people that wear all kind of crazy, unrealistic, weaves and wigs don't get called a different name  or stereotype as the hair changes {you know, like BECKY or HANNAH, better yet Lee Wang (although they AREN'T clearly themselves {ever}) but the moment we go natural, we're called the names of the faces that wear kinky curly hair, {although it grows out of all of our scalps in a highly textured form}. 

This is the way my hair grows. I hate how people see the one external change and it changes the entire way that I am perceived. Are we that shallow that a change in hairstyle changes how a person is seen? Yes, I do believe that my decision to go natural symbolically represents my mentality (like breaking away from the oh too familiar collective consciousness that too many engage in) but, nevertheless, I am still basically the same person, just a little more aware. Not Erykah Badu, Not little Miss Afrocentric or Miss save the planet. Just Nikki. 

          Dear World, 

 Please treat me the same as I was treated before going natural. 

Yours till death do us part, 

NaturalNikkiDST

P.S. I'm still the same chica as before

New Seasons of my favorite showss!!!

Plus I have a new show that I really like

Single Ladies on VH1

you are NOT winning if...

I have been looking at people's facebook pictures and they have these pictures of them with money in their hands, or pictures with all of these expensive clothing, shoes, and jewelry. At first I thought that will be me... Then I thought about it.... They are not winning, because they live at home! I have been independent for some time now, I have my own place, my own car, my own cellphone, and I(me) pay for everything on my own.... that would include my insurance, my electric bill, my cell phone bill, my cable, my Internet bill, and basic maintenance of my car... From time to time I ask my mother for money but not that often. I usually work two jobs,because I like the idea of having a paycheck every week, but since I am a VISTA it is against the rules and my contract to work another job while a VISTA, so that pretty much sucks.... But I know that once my terms ends, everything will be all good again. Its crazy because I hate being on a VISTA salary, but the good thing about it all is that a large potion if not all of my tuition for school will be paid for! So that is a good thing! Plus since my new assignment is in a new location and my rent and ult. is super cheap that will be an extra 100 in my pocket to save or spend as I so chose! SO THAT MY FRIENDS IS WINNING.

Update!....on my LIFE!

I have not been on in a while and I would like to personally apologize for that. I have another blog where I talk about my hair, and I answer people's questions about natural hair care. I am not licensed but I gather my information from my experience and information that I find. Typically if I researched it I have the link where I got the information from. But back to my life. So I took my braids out!

IT GREW IT GREW LOL

Then I put a new protective style back in my hair

I also got back into the gym and I started working out!!! So far I have lost  three inches in my waist, .25 inches in my hips, my arms stayed the same, but I gained 2 inches in my thighs!!!! ugh. That is something that I want to decrease. I want smaller hips and thighs. My trainer said that it probably muscle. A lot of people say that I am crazy, because I want to lose inches and weight in those area. But that is not me. I am currently a size 12, and I want to go down to a size 7 or 9. Below are recent pictures that I took of what I look like now...

I have not ran my 5k yet

However I did find a race to run, that is on July 26th. I am not sure how well I will do, because I haven't really been training like I did for the first one. So I have three weeks to get it together. A couple of months ago I could run 3 miles in 33 mins. So we shall see.  I am going to start one week on the treadmill/ elliptical;. and then the next and final week on the road and timing and seeing how I do. As long as I can run this 5k in under 45 mins I am happy. So we shall see.
Also my new roomie in St.Louis, wants me to run in a 5k adventure race in October, so I got to run in at least one before that. So I am excited about that race.

Yeah so that is a quick little update on what I have been doing. Oh yeah I have 47 days left  before I move to the "Show Me State"

Oh yeah I almost forgot, I found an amuni chapter and that Soror paid my national and local dues, thank you so much Soror, I really do appreciate it and I am so happy that you helped me out! Because I was pretty low on cash. I typed that up like it was past tense, I am still low on cash! So I am happy to join that chapter!!!! yay for my amazing sisterhood!!!!

Oh And I found 2 other organizations that I want to join when I get down there. The Urban League and Toast Masters. I went to one Urban League meeting  down here in the Hampton Roads area and I loved it. So I am excited to join one in STL. I hate being bored and if I am in these organizations, along with Delta and work, I will never be bored!

So I currently work at the YWCA and I love my job, so I was very much interested in volunteering maybe 2-5 hours a week with them. So a coworker/former VISTA helped me find a number for a YWCA in STL. So I called and I inquired about possible volunteering there once I got down to STL. I briefly descibed what I do and what I am experienced in. Next thing I know, the woman on the phone offered me a job there. How cool is that?!? I told her that I already had a job in STL, then she asked me when does my contract end with my new job? I told her then she tells me: "well, we have a program that I would like you to join it is for young women 22-42. I would like you to be a part of that along with volunteering and when your contact ends if you are interested maybe you can work for us!" I was shocked! What a blessing!!! The Lord is soooo good!

Oh yeah I got TWO more things to say. I am not that close with my father or his side of the family so I was able to connect with one of my aunties on my father side and I was able to talk to her. So the plan is to go and visit his side of the family for Thanksgiving! So I am very excited about that. I want to say that the last time that I saw them I was 7 or 8. I am 24 now, so that's a long time. I also connected on facebook with some of my cousins. I do not have a big family. It has always been my mother, my brother, and me. that's it. My mother was in foster care as a child so I have never been to a family reunion or anything because I don't have anyone to reunite with. On my father's side he is one of 7 so he has a big family. So this will all be new to me. I am not use to having a big family and having cousins, aunts, and uncles. I knew I always had them but I never really interacted with them so this is exciting for me. I think that is why I love being a Delta and I loved being apart of my undergraduate chapter, because they were my version of this big family that I never had and also why I enjoy interacting with so many of our old heads.

And lastly education, education, education..I cannot believe that I forgot to talk about that...I am a firm believer in education! I absolutely love to learn! I have two degree now, but I really really want to go back to school and receive my Masters In Social Work! I have already been accepted into a wonderful university and I deferred it for one year to finish out my contract in STL. One of my gr8 friends told me about a very prestigious university in St.Louis,MO. I am now in the process of applying to that school! Now you may all be asking why is she applying to another school if she already got into one already. Here is why.... I am interested in getting my MSW with a concentration in clinical. I am interested in mental health, genealogy, substance abuse, and research... Now I know that is a lot, but this university will allow me to receive my MSW with these different specialise and it all can be acheived in two years! I know that I said this before in previous post, but I am really intriqued my addictions, family/marriage counseling... I really like trying to help adults and teens, not and I repeat NOT children. I also enjoy learning more about aging, because eventually everyone will be old, so you really want to make sure that you have people in your corner that will help make your aging process worthwhile. I finished up everything for the application process, including a 7 page, single space personal statement. Also another gr8 thing about this school is money... they awards over 3 million dollars in scholarships to their students each year, and some recieve 2 years paid tution. They also award AmeriCorps VISTAs with scholarships as well. Now as a VISTA yes I recieve money, but I really want to use my VISTA money to pay off my $13,000 school loans that I have.(not bad for 2 degrees)  I just need to round up my references and transcrips. So I will be in the process of getting those before I leave in 47 days.

So yeah that's what's been going on with me!

Be blessed, Thanks for reading, and I hope everyone has a happy 4th of July!

Sometimes by Angie Stone

I am having a Angie Stone kindof day. I love this song by her. I heard it on the radio today and realize that I had not dedicated a post to her. Now the song is kindof old, but I love it all these years later...

Am I true to myself: A mirror to the soul...Inspirational Poem of the day

Am I True to Myself

I have to live with myself, and so
I want to be fit for myself to know,
I want to be able, as days go by,
Always to look myself straight in the eye;
I don’t want to stand, with the setting sun,
And have myself for things I have done
I don’t want to keep on a closet shelf
A lot of secrets about myself,
And fool myself as I come and go,
Into thinking that nobody else will know
The kind of man I really am;
I don’t want to dress up myself in sham.
I want to go out with my head erect,
I want to deserve all men’s respect;
But here in the struggle for fame and pelf
I want to be able to like myself.
I don’t want to look at myself and know
That I’m bluster, bluff and empty show.
I can never hide myself from me;
I see what others may never see;
I know what others may never know,
I never can fool myself, and so,
Whatever happens, I want to be
Self-respecting and conscience free.

Edgar Guest

WORST DATE EVERRRRRR!!!

I have never been know to talk about a date that I went or even a relationship that I have been in with anyone. I just a very private person esp. when it comes to the person that I am seeing. But this had to be posted. I went on a date with a guy that was rude, arrogant, a liar, and on top of all of that he was CHEAP!!!.. I am not a gold digger, but come on now man you cannot be cheap on the first date. I am an understanding individual, so if you tell me you don't have it like that, I can work with you. But what made it so funny, I wasn't even trying to go anywhere expensive. But talk like you have a lot of money and you can't even afford to rub two pennies together. I h8(not that is a strong word, I dislike when people rude or talk down to you OR EVEN ACT LIKE THEY ARE BETTER THAN EVERYONE. I don't like that. I also do not like when people try to talk to me as if I am 12. Now granted I am 24, but I am wise and very mature for my age. I got a lot going for me and I got a good head on my shoulder. I am far from perfect but I am very thankful for everything I have and I work VERY hard for everything I have. Just because you are a little bit older than me doesn't mean a thing. I can continue to blog about how bad this date was, but I am not. That would imply that I actually care about the insignificant individual/ non mother freaking factor in my life.lol. Bottom line he thought he was going to get a second date and he didn't. In fact he didn't even get a response when he texted and attempted to call me.

Question of the day: I wanted to know everyone opinion for today. What is your worst date? and Why was it your worst date?

So Just What Does It Mean To Be Natural? Everyone's Got An Opinion.

Hey Curly Nation!

It's NaturalNikkiDST, and today, I would like to discuss the concept of "being natural". Just what does it mean to be natural anyway? I actually thought I knew what it meant until I visited various chats and online discussions, but now I'm a tad bit confused.:( I've always thought that being natural in its basic definition was being free of relaxers. Now, after being a part of different online conversations, I've found that the concept of what is natural can vary from person to person. I remember visiting a Facebook fan page that was not a natural hair page, and they posted the question "What does it mean to be natural?" Of course, I looked at several people's answers before posting my own and was shocked and amazed that some people actually believe that being natural included being free of weaves, wigs, and any type of extensions (such braids). I thought that was rather absurd considering the fact that your natural hair will still remain natural even while covered under weave, because it does not alter your natural hair pattern (I digress). I then proceeded to give my opinion which was along the lines of what I stated previously, and tried to educate people on the use of extensions as protective styles by natural women. I was then verbally chastised by one young woman and told that women who do that only do that because they don't want to do their hair. She also told me that she had been natural for quite a while and didn't use protective styles, that I didn't need to either, and that people should do their own hair in a nutshell. I did try to explain that everyone is different and that there is no right or wrong to this natural hair thing, but I wasn't going to argue. I just left the conversation with a "to each his own" type of comment, and kept it moving. Upon further analysis of this whole natural hair debate, I've realized one thing. For some people, natural hair is a state of being and not just a simple change in hair texture. In other words, unless you're rocking your own natural hair 24/7, in some people's eyes, YOU'RE NOT NATURAL.  I say, WHO CARES! Whether you rock your natural hair as an Afro or under a weave, we all belong to the same sisterhood of naturals and should embrace each other for our differences as well what we have in common. As I climb off my soapbox, I hope you all have a wonderful start to the week! Until next time Curly Nation!


  Live Free! Live Natural!

the answer is YESSSS

I am a hopeless romanic and I love songs that touches my soul. I love Musiq Soulchild and I think he an amazing artist. I heard his new single on my way to work today, and I had to share this with you. What are your thoughts?

Last Nights, Early Mornings?

I came across this music video the other day, and I  wanted to share it with everyone. I love the concept behind the whole video... What are your thoughts on Last Nights, Early Mornings?

Should Tattoos be accepted in the workplace?

In 2010, when I was preparing to graduate college with my first degree, I had to do a senior capstone project. My groups decided to research tattoos and piercings in the corporate world. What we found interesting was that more people in corporate America have tattoos then those that have more liberal jobs. They just know how to cover their tattoos well. I personally do not have any tattoos, and I have been wrestling with the thought of getting a tattoo because of work reasons. I really want to put the tattoo on my inner wrist. But so many people tell me not to do that, because "its not professional and it would be tacky." I think tattoos should be accepted in the workplace. Employers need to be more open about that. Just because a person has tattoos, doesn't make them a bad person or be the judge of someones work character. However, I may sound like a complete and total contradiction, but I feel like people should have tattoos in moderation's, not just a walking art canvas.

Also check out THIS LINK RIGHT HERE about tattoos in the work place. Its pretty interesting...

A Strong Woman vs. A woman of Strength:

I stole this poem, what?!? it was catchy, at least I told you guys I stole it, I could have just pretended like I was the author and soaked up all the praise for this awesome poem.lol.

A Strong Woman vs. A woman of Strength:

A strong woman works out every day

to keep her body in shape

but a woman of strength looks deep inside

to keep her soul in shape

A strong woman isn't afraid

of anything

but a woman of strength shows courage

in the midst of her fear

Why do Women Hate Each Other so Much?

Women can be very hateful and recently it has really begun to churn my stomach. We can be brutal. If a woman is seemingly perfect, rather than giving her props, we find ways to tear her down, we talk about her and rather than finding out things that are going great for her, we try to sort through and report the negatives.
I dislike the word “hater” but what else can you call it? We tend to aim to kill with our words, back stabbing demeanors and even our quest to harm. Becoming an enemy of a woman is like signing a death threat or volunteering to be a firing squad dummy. We must seek to uplift, to build, to help and to restore. I have done my fair share of gossiping in the past and have said things that have hurt and harmed others, but I have learned this is not the way.

Am I Denouncing My Sorority???—-My Views…

Simply put, NOPE!
I have noticed the changes in the world. Things used to be so sacred, so secret, beautiful and fun and now, those things are everyone’s business. It has come to my attention that now so many people are “coming out” about their torrid sorority and fraternity experiences and are deterring possible new and present members from seeking and keeping membership because these organizations are deemed “satanic” and “ritualistic.” Well my thoughts are that it is in the individual. Many of these organizations were built on Christian principles, pride in different races and ethnicities. Why is it NOW they are so horrible? As someone who had a good experience, I feel that my organization supported my religious beliefs and only interfered if I allowed it. I am sad that these people who leave or openly and freely talking about our sacred information and submitting it to common knowledge. In my opinion, if you leave, leave quietly, not kicking and screaming. What I have noticed that many who go this route have had to leave the organizations because of things they “participated” in or because of other issues. Also there are many non-greeks who have NEVER had the experience….