Life's Unexpected

     It is crazy how life changes. In my short 24 years of life, I have experienced a lot. I feel like everything in life is a blessings. Even when things don't go the way I think I want them to go, everything happens for a reason, and it leads to a learning and growing experience. In these past 24 years I have learned a lot about myself, others, and life. I have lost and gained friends. I have even been in and out of love. How crazy and funny is that. lol. I graduated from college with two degrees and two minors and I did it in 4 years. I landed a wonderful job after college, which led me to another great job opportunity in another state and I even got accepted into graduate school.I joined the best sorority in the world, and I have the best linesisters in the world. I love my collegiate chapter and I love my big sisters, they are beautiful women inside and out and they are full of knowledge and they are simply fun to be around. I joined an alumnae chapter and I am so honor to be around such beautiful, resourceful, and friendly women. I am very honor to have met them all.  God has placed wonderful individuals in my life that are a blessing in my life. And in return I hope that I am a blessing in their life as well.

     My whole life I have dreamed of moving away and being independent and exploring the world and doing my own thing. I never had a bad childhood that is just how I always been. If you ask my mother, she will always tell you that I have been goal orientated and I am not a quitter. I say what I want and I do what I say. I have been truly independent since I graduated high school. I moved out of my parents house, went to college , and I have been living on my own ever since. Not bad for a girl that was raised in Roanoke,VA in a single family home to now in the Hampton Roads area to St. Louis. Wow, I would have never expected to be where I am now. I knew I could make it on my own, but I am just happy and blessed to live out my dreams and live life. I don't have any children and I am not settle down., so the least that I can do is explore the world and enjoy myself while I can.

I GOT THE JOB!!!!

GR8 NEWS EVERYONE!!!!! I GOT THE JOB!!!! I AM SOO EXCITED.... What a blessing and honor to be considered for this job. I am so glad that they have faith in me and believe that I can do a good job. Hopefully working here for one year can open up different opportunities for me.. I am going to defer my acceptation letter to the school that I was originally going to attend this fall. But there is also another university that is in St.Louis called Washington University in St. Louis and they have the number one social work program in America. #Winning... It turns out that the Executive Director works as a adjunct professor there AND teaches classes in gerontology (which is a concentration that I am interested in) also my new supervisor graduated from that school as well. If I don't get into the school that is fine, I can attend the school that I was originally going to go to in the first place. I talked to a Soror and a really good friend of mines, and she told me to express my interest in wanting to attend that school to both my supervisor and the Executive Director, and hopefully they will write me a letter of recommendation to the school. I also found two alumni chapters in the city and I am in the process of emailing the presidents of the two alumni chapters now that I am interested in. So hopefully I would have selected one before I leave in July.Special thank you goes to everyone for their kind words, advice, AND PRAYERS. Thank you thank you thank you!!!

new hairdo

Check out my new hairdo from all angles... Special Shoutout goes to my hair stylist Faith from Black Butterflies!!! Shes the best!!!

Quote of the day/week

Respect me as an individual, and you will be surprised by my intellegence. I expect to be respected. Is that too much to ask for? It doesn't matter what people think about you. Bc even if you were to please everyone, there will always be someone to criticize you. Just live for yourself. You're all you've got.

 ~ Author:Alyshia Merchant~

Informal interview update

So I had the informal interview with the VISTA in that current position today. Everything went very well. She was really helpful and gave me a lot of good advice. I got my supervisor at my current job to look over my questions this morning and she helped me reword and modify what I was going to ask the VISTA, and the questions that she helped me create were actually better than the one I had originally created. lol. So special thank you goes to her. I cant remember how long I was on the phone with her, I wanna say maybe 30 mins or so. She told me that the room that I would be living in was pretty big and the apartment is actually over top of a food bank. She told me that there is large roof that a lot of them go on top at night that as a gr8 view. She told me that my closet space was pretty large too, so that made me feel better. She told me about the city and I love the fact that its a lot of free stuff to do and the cost of living in St. Louis is cheap. She discussed the pros and cons to her job. That was very helpful. A pro would def be working with the elderly population and she really enjoys her coworkers. Which is good because I feel like having a good work environment and having a good staff that you enjoy to be around is always a plus. She stated that a con would be if you had a fair where no one came, or not being able to find a driver for an elderly person. She also broke down a typical day at the job and her thoughts of the city of St. Louis. We had a lot of similarity, mainly because neither one of us is from St.Louis, and we both became VISTAs right after college. After getting off the phone with her it really sealed the deal for me. The other position that the VISTA Supervisor suggested that I look at was the Social Engagement. I personally feel like that position would be super easy. Basically I would plan all the fun activities for the elderly ie winery, eagle watching etc. That job itself seems fun too but my question is: Which one would look better on my resume; the HEALTH PROMOTION/TRANSPORTATON OR THE SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT? I emailed the VISTA supervisor and I told her that I would be happy with either position that they gave me and that I would put in 110% in either job.  I personally believe that the Health Promotion/Transportation position would look better on my resume. Both positions will allow me to network with various professionals. Since I am interested in the mental health, substance abuse, and helping the elderly population on a social worker perspective, I feel as though this would be more beneficial to my career goals. What are your thoughts? If you had to chose between these two which would you suggest? And which do you think would help me in the long run as far my career goes?  (SN I want to get my Masters in Social Work with a concentration in clinical with a focus in gerontology and mental health or substance abuse.)

INTERVIEW: FINAL ROUND

GR8 NEWS!!!! I Made it to the final round of the job..I have an informal interview with the VISTA in the position tomorrow at 9am!!! They also informed me of another position. So now I get to choose between 2 jobs instead of 1! God is so good!! What a humbling experience & a blessing. Special thank you goes to everyone for their prayers, kind words, and suggestions. This last interview is informal and I can ask the current VISTA whatever I want. I am going to ask both VISTAs in both positions these questions. I am very honored to have been offered two different positions.But I am still leaning more so toward the original position that I applied for. Below I have compiled a list of questions that I would like to ask the current VISTA in that position. If you have any other suggestions, please free to tell me.
1. How long have you been a VISTA?
2. What do you like most about your job?
3. What do you find most challenging about your job?
4. Describe a typical day at the office, if there is a typical day?
5. How is the social scene in St. Louis? cost of living?
6. How do I transfer my benefits?
7. What is your plan after VISTA?
8. Do you live in the apartments that they provide?
if yes, a. What is the apartment like?
          b. Is the apartment and the rooms furnished?
          c. Have you encountered any challenges living there?
          d. The apartment and bedroom big or small?
          e. What do you like most about the apartment
9. Do you have any suggestions or advice for the VISTA(ie me) in your position?
10. Crime rate?
11. How far is the apartment from the job?
12. How much is the stipend for this job?

 Have a blessed and gr8 evening!!! thanks for reading!!!

I AM FEATURED ON A NATURAL HAIR BLOG

Yep you read it correctly, I was just recently featured on a natural hair blog spot!!! how cool is that!?! I am very honored that people like my hair and natural hairstyles.  Anywho the website is  http://naturalsunshine.ning.com/  also check out my profile while you are there. it is http://naturalsunshine.ning.com/profile/latoyaedwards I have uploaded over 40 different pictures of my natural hair journey. There is no real order to the pictures. I tried to put dates with most of the pictures though. Happy Monday and I hope everyone has a blessed and successful week!

Busy Bee

Yesterday was Good Friday and I decided to play with the kiddies at the my job. Below are some pictures of my customs. Hey if you don't know how to have fun and laugh at yourself, your a dull baby. I hope every one has a good Easter!!!
sn. i don't have any rolls or a big stomach. i just put the costume over my regular clothes.

SKYPE INTERVIEW UPDATE

Hello readers! I just wanted to give you guys an update on my skype interview I had with the Executive Director and the VISTA Supervisor for the job in St. Louis. First off, this was my first time ever in life skype interview. (Man you gotta love technology.) The interview was about 25 mins. and I really think they liked me. I tried to smile the whole time and I thought before I answered each questions. The interview started out wonderful. The first thing that the ED said when the interview began was she was very impressed with my resume and she loved my drive to help others. They asked me some really interesting questions and I feel like I answered them all very well. A couple of questions that I answered they told me that those were the best responses that they had ever heard. At the end of the interview the ED told me that I nailed the interview and this was one of the best interviews that she has ever had. She stated that she loved my confident and my bubbly personality. A interesting fact that she told me was that ST.Louis had a lot of free entertainment and the cost of living isn't bad. They smiled the whole time during the interviews and they appeared to be impressed.A second interesting fact was that the ED is an adjunct teacher at Washington University in St. Louis. A school that I was looking at. So I was thinking in my head and I jokingly said to them. "A possible Letter of Recommendation" I said it in a joking fashion, but I was serious. Washington University in St. Louis school of Social Work is the number one social work program in the United States and they have the gerontology track that I am interested in. I don't want to get excited until I know for sure if I got the job or not. This whole experience is still very humbling and I am very thankful to even make it to the second interview. After chatting with one of my big sisters, I emailed both the ED and the VISTA Supervisor thanking them for interviewing me. They informed me that I will be notified by the end of next week if I received the job or not. I will also interview with the VISTA that is currently in that position now. But I am unclear as to if that is before I am notified if I got the job or not or after they notified me if I got the job or not. Keep me in your prayers and once again thanks for reading!!

Happy 2nd DELTAVERSERY TO MY LINE SPR 09 OWT 2 GET '3M

me at my probate..can't you tell.lol.

2 years ago today 23 women began a journey that changed my life forever. All on different paths to greatness, we have proved that we are women to be reckoned with. My love for you all goes so much deeper than people could possibly begin to understand. Watch out world for Spring 09 Owt 2 Get '3m. From the outside looking in you can NEVER understand it, from the inside looking OWT you can NEVER explain it! Happy 2nd Deltaversay to some of the most outspoken, hilarious ,dynamic, beautiful, and intelligent women I  know! Every since our Bigs let us loose we have truly been OWT 2 GET '3M - as in everybody!

OWT 2 GET '3M...Missing one LS in this picture. I LOVE MY LINESISTERS!

Natural Hair Meet Up in Hampton Roads Area

April 23, 2011 from 12pm-3pm
Bd's Mongolian Grill
Peninsula Town Center
3530 Von Shilling Dr.
Hampton, Va. 23666

May 21 from 11am-6pm
Embracing YOUR Beauty Natural Hair Extravaganza
Ted Constant Convocation Center "Big Blue Room"
Vendors, info sessions, entertainment, hair show, giveaways
Sponsors include: Giovanni, Karens Body Beautiful, Beautiful Curls, Jane Carter, Thank God I'm Natural, Hair Therapy Wrap...just to name a few
$10 Entry fee
For more info, go to the Embracing YOUR Beauty page on Facebook or email embracingyourbeauty@gmail.com.

The ABCs Of Life

I know I have been MIA for the last couple of days. I have been super busy with work. Anywho, I came across this poem, that I thought you all might enjoy it! Take Care and have a Terrific Thursday!

The ABCs Of Life
A lthough things are not perfect
B ecause of trial or pain
C ontinue in thanksgiving
D o not begin to blame
E ven when the times are hard
F ierce winds are bound to blow
G od is forever able
H old on to what you know
I magine life without His love
J oy would cease to be
K eep thanking Him for all the things
L ove imparts to thee
M ove out of "Camp Complaining"
N o weapon that is known
O n earth can yield the power
P raise can do alone
Q uit looking at the future
R edeem the time at hand
S tart every day with worship
T o "thank" is a command
U ntil we see Him coming
V ictorious in the sky
W ell run the race with gratitude
X alting God most high
Y es, therell be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!
-Author Unknown

I love Ne-Yo!!!

I love Ne-Yo. One of my favorite lines that he said during an interview was "If I don't make it as an musician, I will be rich as a writer/producer" And I totally agree, he is one of the best songwriters(next to R. Kelly.lol) out here. Its crazy that he can write songs from a female prospective,but then at the same time write a song from a male's point of view. I mean who would have thought that a man wrote Flaws and All or Irreplaceable,Spotlight, Unfaithful, and knocks you down to name a few...I perfectly believe that 88% of all of his songs deserve a video.I was trying to see which album was my favorite. I wanna say I loved every single song off his debut CD "In My Own Words".  But 2 of my all time favorite songs by him never was released as a single. But I have always loved them.

Music Monday!

I decided that I would upload a couple of music videos some old, some new. like it, love it, enjoy it.

Today all the songs are somewhat old. 1st up is T.Pain and Chris Brown

2nd is one of my favorite songs by an amazing musican Adele.

3rd. The latest song by Llyod.

APRIL 10-16 IS NAT'L VOLUNTEER WEEK

I'm so happy to be a VISTA. April 10-16 is National Volunteer Week, it is when VISTAs and other volunteers who are doing public service for the United States are celebrated and appreciated...below is the press release from President Obama!! http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/newsroom/releases_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=1947

GR8 NEWS

Gr8 news everyone!!!!! I got moved to the next rounds of interviews for the job in St. Louis! It is a funny story that goes with this too. Then again its me, so it is always a funny story to tell. I was calling her to ask a question about one of the documents that she sent me. And she said "its funny that you called me because I was just reviewing your email and I was going to email you back and schedule second interview." I was shocked mid sentence and I had a stuttering moment. lol. But seriously I actually stuttered.. She started laughing and said "would you be interested in doing a second interview with myself and the Executive Director." And of course I said yes. So that's it guys,I get interviewed next Tuesday via skype with the Executive Director and the VISTA Supervisor of the organization! I'm excited and thanking GOD for taking me this far!!!! Currently doing my "Thank You Jesus" Dance. That dance looks kind of like this:

If this interview goes well, then I will have a informal interview with the VISTA that is currently in that position. If all goes well with both then I will be moving to the mid west for one year!!!!!!!! What a gr8 day!

Scrapbook/photo album

I am thinking of creating a scrapbook or photo album of my year as a VISTA. I am going to have to go back and take pictures of things that I have already done. For example I am going to take a picture of the resource room that has the four computers that were donated. I am also going to have to go back and see if anyone has a picture of all of the shoes that my sorority donated to the shelter.  When  we have salon day, I will take a  picture of their hair not their face. I won't be able to upload any pictures from Christmas though. But I def will be able to take pictures from the shelter makeover. So I am excited about that. My next task will be to buy a camera!!! I know I said a longggg time ago that I would buy a camera, I just don't have any money to buy one. ;( So for now I will take pictures with my phone. I am thinking about breaking my photo album into months so August to Now. I want to place in the album "Community Thursday",  which a day out of the week where different organizations from the community to come to the shelter and educate the women/children. Some of the different organizations are: R.E.A.C.H., Access AIDS, Planned Parenthood, KoolSmiles, United Way, and ForKids

Phone Interview Update

The Overview:
So I had the phone interview a couple of days ago. I think that I did pretty good. But I guess we will shall see. The phone interview was about hour. The interviewer (If I get the job she will be my supervisor) was really friendly and she broken down what the interview would consist of.  She informed me that if the phone interview went well, she would email me and tell me to look over three documents about VISTA, the company, my living allowance, and housing. If I believed that this job is a good fit for me then I needed to email her back telling her that I would like to move forward with the second interview with her and the Executive Director via Skype. If the Executive Director and her liked me, then I would move to my third and final interview which would be with the AmeriCorps VISTA that is currently serving in the position that I applied for. The last interview with AmeriCorps VISTA would be an informal interview and it would just consist of me asking the VISTA questions about the job, the city, and his/her thoughts on being a VISTA. If I get the job I would train in Alberkury July 19-July 22, 2011. I am not sure if that is in New Mexico or New York. I just simply said oh ok that's nice.lol. Since this will be my 2nd year as a VISTA, it is optional for me to go again. I informed her, that I would like to go again if given the opportunity. (Free food, free lodging, and I get to connect and network with other fellow VISTAs, why would I turn that down?).
The Job Itself   
   She did a really good job of giving an overview of the organizations and how long her organizations has worked with VISTAs. She informed me that her organizations currently has 500 volunteers and 300 of those 500 volunteers are older adults. (Which makes me feel a little better, because I wondering how I was going to recruit a lot of the volunteers for this job.) She also broke down, exactly what I would be doing if I got the job. She stated that their work environment is laid-back with an open door policy and all the VISTAs are independent and self-sufficient workers. 
The Interview
   During the interview, she asked me why did I want to work with the elderly? I told her that the elderly are a vulnerably population and if I got this job that would be a way for me to learn about myself, the population that I wish to serve, as well as to see if this is a field that I would like to truly be apart of. She thought that was very good answer and she liked that I wanted to work with the elderly. She told me that the deadline to inform AmeriCorps was June 3rd and they would like to have reached a decision by the end of this month. She also saw when my AmeriCorps position ended  and they were willing to be flexible with my start date. Overall the interview was pretty good I believe. She asked me a lot of questions. She asked me questions like how I would describe myself and how would my boss and others describe me. She asked me what my favorite ice cream was? She asked me to discussed my job currently as a VISTA and what I have done there. She asked me some conflict resolution questions and ideas that I had for the job. She also asked me if I wanted to stay in their housing that they offered the VISTAs or would I like to live somewhere else. I informed her that I would interested in living in the housing they provided. She also asked me were there anything on the job description that I felt would be a challenge. And I honestly didn't have any, because the one thing that I was nervous about, I didn't have to do. I felt pretty confident that if I was given this job I could do it.
Interesting Fact:
   I told her that I aspire to receive my MSW and she told me that she was a former VISTA member that came from a different state and was assigned to this company. She stated that St. Louis had several gr8 social work programs. She liked St. Louis so much that she decided to received her MSW in St.Louis and concentrate in gerontology and after she graduated she came back to the company to work. I thought that was pretty cool.
Closer/My thoughts:
   The moment that she gave me the job description I began to do research on not only the company but ideas that I personally thought would be a a good fit and work well with the population that I want to serve. I love networking and meeting people. She emailed me about 15 mins after the interviews the three documents that she wanted me to look over, and if I was still interested to email her.I emailed her back and I told her thank you for interviewing me and I informed her that I would like to move on to the next round if the job is still available, I am currently w8n to hear back from her to tell me if I made it the next round. Keep the prayers coming and wish me luck! Thanks for reading and have a gr8 Sunday!

Phone Interview Today!!

Today is the day! I have a phone interview for the St. Louis job. I have done my research on the company and all the ideas that I would like to do if I was employed with this organization. Keeping my fingers crossed!!! I am excited and nervous at the same time. I tend to talk really fast in general, so I am going to try my very best to talk slowly and clear for her. This post will be TBC. I will follow up with what she says and how I think I did. Along with what the next steps will be after I have my interviews. Will there be a second interview? Or will they decide in the next couple days?weeks? months? I am 1 hour away guys!  I have been on my toes all day just w8ning. Its an exciting  and nerve-racking feeling. Bye for now! ;)

Ill take "8" for 800!

If you guys didn’t already know I am a member of the Largest Black Sorority in the world Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. I crossed the Lambda Eta Chapter in Spring 2009 and I was the number 8. Since I am in the 8^th position, I decided to looked up what my number means and if it applies to me. I broke it down in numerology and in dreams. So far it looks like I was born to be a 8. ;) Check it out and if you agree or disagree please feel free to comment. Have a Wonderful Thursday!

What it means in numerology?

The Life Path 8 suggests that you entered this plane armed to lead, direct, organize and govern. You are very ambitious and goal-oriented. You will want to use your ambitions, your organizational ability, and your efficient approach to carve a satisfying niche for yourself. If you are a positive 8 you are endowed with tremendous potential for conceiving far-reaching schemes and ideas, and also possessing the tenacity and independence to follow them through to completion. In short, you were born to be an executive. (This is so true about me, my line name is Organized Chaos, and anyone who meets me will tell you that that name fits me to a T.lol. I am very goal orientated at one point in time, when I was in high school I had a 45 year plan. Anal I know.lol. Even to this day, I am still very goal oriented…. I am glad that I was born to be an executive..lol.)
You know how to manage yourself and your environment. Your ability to judge the character and potential of the people around you is an asset used to your advantage. A large part of your success in life comes from how hard you work. This Life Path is the most prone to producing workaholics. But your ability to spot good people and engage them in your endeavors is a special trait not to be overlooked. There is an inspirational quality in your makeup which allows you to become a great leader. You are practical and steady in your pursuit of major objectives, and you have the courage of your convictions when it comes to taking the necessary chances to get ahead. (I am really hard worker, esp. for a cause that I am passionate about.)
With the Life Path of the number 8 you are focused on learning the satisfactions to be found in the material world. The Life Path 8 produces many powerful, confident and materially successful people. Most of your concerns involve money and learning of the power that comes with its proper manipulation. (Anyone who knows me knows that I am broke.lol. I love being a VISTA, but I would love to make some more money so this comment was on the dot.lol.)
This Life Path is perhaps the one that is the most concerned with and desirous of status as an ultimate measure of success. You want to be recognized for your hard work and achievements. The attainment of honors and acceptance into the club of executive leadership is all important. For this, you may find yourself very well suited to compete in the business world or in the political arena. (This too is so true of me. I was in 5 clubs in high school, 6 clubs and I joined my sorority in college, and now that I have graduated I am still active in my sorority but on a alumnae level, and I am apart of different committees, and I in the process of joining 2 other clubs in the Hampton Roads area. And in all of these club, at one point at time I was in a leadership/other than general member)
In relationships, you are frank, honest, and steadfast. You may be very much in love, but watch that you are not too busy and preoccupied to show it. Being the lavish provider is not always an adequate substitute for showing your devotion and affection in more personal ways. You have a great need for close personal relationships to mitigate and somehow soften your nature. You must find the time for love and keep it as an important project in your life. (This is true about me as well)
The negative 8 can be dictatorial and often suppresses the enthusiasm and efforts of fellow member of the environment. Often, the strength of their own personality excludes close feelings for other people with whom they come in contact. Material gains and rewards often become issues of utmost importance, even to the neglect of family, home and peace of mind. Dedication to success can become an obsession. Emotional feelings are often suppressed by the negative 8, resulting in isolation and loneliness. All Life Path 8 people must avoid discounting the opinions of others

What it means in your dreams?

Eight stands for power, authority, success, karma, material gains, regeneration, and wealth. When the number eight appears in your dream, trust your instincts and intuition. Alternatively, the number eight may be a pun on "ate". Perhaps there is some information that you need to digest. 

Ne-Yo - Telekinesis

One of my favorite song off this album... Its so smooth. I heard this song weeks ago and I have been on a massive search for it..."LET ME TOUCH YOU WITHOUT TOUCHING YOU..." WOW

Y-CHANGE II = Very Inense!

I worked out today for the first time with my trainer in 3 weeks. We will be working out for 6 weeks again and he will track my progress. All I can say is INTENSE. I burned 824 calories in one hour!!! Insane I know. It was a very intense workout and he def pushed me. I had him measure me afterwards. I am happy to say that in 3 weeks I have lost 1.2 pounds. I am gaining muscle in my arms. And my waist, hips,and thighs have stayed the same since I been working out on my own for the past 3 weeks. I would really like to go down in my hips and thighs. Oh you guys probably wanna know what my measurements are.lol. I weigh 152.6. My arm is 10 1/4. My waist is 34 1/4 at the navel. My hips are a even 42 and my thighs are 23 3/4- 10" above the knee... Now before I started working out I was at 160, and I lost 4 pounds on my own then I entered into the Y-CHANGE I on Feb 1, 2011 and I weighed 156. My waist was at 37 1/2. My hip was 42 3/4. My arm was 9 3/4 and my thigh was 22 3/4. My trainer told me that I have gained muscle in my thighs, and arms. I kind of wish I wasn't though because like I have said in several posts, I am not a fan of big thighs, bellies,and wide hips. I am not judging anyone who has any those. I just don't like them on ME. Anywho let me get back to work. I looked online and the Internet said that a healthy weight for me based off my size and age. I am suppose to weigh between 112-140. I actually would like to get down to 135 in weight. And A healthy BMI is between 18.5-24.9. Right now I am at 26.9. SOOOOO technically I am slightly overweight. YIKES!!!! I am def. trying to get in the healthy everything by the end of May.   

stingy by lyfe jennings

One of my absolute favorite song by Lyfe Jennings. Then again, EVERY song by Lyfe Jennings is my favorite.  This song has so much meaning, everyone that considers themselves in love should feel this way about their mate. This is such a beautiful way to say I LOVE YOU.  It is a song simply about him loving every aspect of his woman. Only a true lyricist could make up something as GENIUS as this! "I wash my hands b4 I touch you so I don't have to share you with the dirt." LOL...Love Lyfe!!!

Lyfe Jennings - Hero

I like this song... The words are really good, and make you think. Its a really sweet song. I know I have said in a post before, everyone should def go out and purchase his album. I have it and love it!!!

kandi ft ne-yo - me & u

I like this song! its a remake of the outkast song, but with a r & b twist. Check it out and tell me what you think. If you havent noticed yet, I am a r & b girl.

I heart Chrisette Michele!

Its my 88th post!!!! WHOSE excited?!?! This GIRL!!!
In Honor of this, I gonna have a Chrisette Michelle moment and I decided to post three songs by her that I really enjoy. Although I can do several post by her because I love her voice and I love all of her songs. I hope you all like them as well. Happy Tuesday!!

Skin- Rihanna

This song is kindof old but I like it. Its by Rhianna its called Skin. I like, its kindof hot fire.

Quote of the day

"You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you."

Did you really just express interest to me via twitter?

I know I am friendly but really though...and that's all I'm going to say about that. I just disregarded that whole conversation. I mean you could have asked for my number and said something then. But twitter though.I remember when someone expressed interest to me via facebook...I need to start being rude...naw, its takes too much energy. Plus look at this face it looks like a baby people can't help but love me!! Lol

3.75?

You gotta be kidding me. my gas was low, and I almost lost my religion, and life when I saw the price of gas...I'm about to start taking the hrt with my clients...gas is getting out of control and I simply can't afford it. its sad that you really gotta make life decisions at the pump.

Intervention,relapse, & granny panties

I love this show. Intervention is basically a show that documents the day in the life of an addicts. it takes you through when the addiction started, how they got hooked, and the intervention and the steps they take after the intervention. They have a new show called relapse. its basically coaches the addict back to recovery after they relapse. its really good. I loveeeee documentaries. There are two things that I really love gerontology and substance abuse...I have always been fascinated with those two. Mainly because I love old people. I actually love elderly more than children. Even as a child I wanted to be "big". I believe that the elderly are full of knowledge and is a population that is oftentimes forgotten. Many have children, sometimes their children for whatever reason don't want anything to do with them. I like to sit with them and assist them when I can. Plus one day we are gonna get old, and I want someone to treat me well, and generally care about my well being.
Substance abuse...I like learning about all things related to it. that would be addiction, relapsed, and how the brain functions during that time and so much other things...my main thing is the discovery. The reason why I would like to work with someone who has substance abuse issues is because its not the drug itself. But I enjoy cracking the code. There's always a reason why they are doing this drug to suppress their emotions and feelings. Once I figure out what is their trigger and why they use drug, then I can walk them through the steps of healing, and then recovery comes...now I know its not that simple but that's kind of it in a nutshell as to why I enjoy learning and working with both!!! Some may say or think I'm weird. But hey that's me...someone has to do the job...why not have someone that ultimately enjoys helping and assisting those two population. Thanks for reading guys!!! Have a happy Tuesday!

You met your MAN where???

 So I was talking to a couple of my girlfriends and they were telling me where they met their significant other...I was discussing how I try to place myself in places that I think a good man would be...now let me explain what I mean by this statement before you give me the side eye or simply stop reading all together.lol. For example...I feel that I need to exzimlify(I can't spell) everything I want in a man in Myself as well. For example I want a god fear man, so I need to make sure that I go to church and follow the Lords word. I want a man that's fit so I too need to take my butt to gym and be fit myself. I want a guy that can make me laugh and is social and I can take him anywhere and he knows how to dress. You can def take me anywhere, I'm funny and silly at the right time and place. I know myself and I know what I want out of life. So why am I single?? Well if I knew the answer to that I would tell you. Lol. I stopped wondering and asking. A friend told me she met her friend at the gym...I go I go the gym 3-4 days a week, can a fine man like yours drop in my life. Lol. Another one found hers at the grocery store.  I was reading somewhere that a girl met her man on craigslist, and another on a another dating website. But you gotta watch those though.Everyone on there is either married, weird, or you decide its best you guys are friends because they have X amount of kids....its funny how when your not looking, or you have a man that's when you meet all the guys. A friend of mines said that its a orva that those that are taken have...well I need that I'm taken orva. Haha...  But then again now that I think about it. Maybe I am not ready. If God thought I was ready he would show him to me. Well what is God showed him to me, and I passed him by?...I hope not.

i dont know these people fyi

and i dont know these people either lol

Total body workout

Some of you guys may be wondering what exactly is a total body workout. My apologizes for just assuming that you already know. Well, the gym I go to uses a system called activtrax. The program is pretty good. You can type in your workout, track your workout, also activtrax can create a workout for you. Each day I go to the gym I get a different workout and its good mainly because your body isn't getting commutable doing the same thing. I do that along with my group exercise classes. Also since it program/designed for you it tells you exactly how much calories you have burned and you can rate how intense the workout was, calorie count, food diary, and other good goody... I was looking at it today and I was so impress with how far I have come to now.

Gym Update 4/4/11

Sooo I was suppose to update you guys yesterday however I left my laptop in my car and I was just to lazy to walk outside and get it...anywho I went to the gym last night and I did awesome. I did a total body workout which took me about 1 hour. Then I ran 3 miles in under 33 mins(It was 32:56 to be exact but it was still under 33 mins.)!!!! Now that may not seem like a lot to y'all but that is fabulous for me!!! 4 months ago I could barely run a mile in 15 mins That means that it takes me a about 11 mins to run a mile. That's pretty good, eventually in the next month of so I would like to run a mile in under 10 mins...I have come a long way and I am so proud of myself. Looks like I will be ready for my 5K race...my goal was to be able to run my 5K in under 45 mins...yay! Also I started Y-change II today with my trainer. Its another 6 weeks training/workout session but this time he is not focusing on the nutation aspect because I already learned that information in Y-Change I, and I am suppose to be applying that to Y-Change II.. My goal these next 6 weeks are to lose 4 more inches in my waist and 3 more inches in my thigh. I'm still eating healthy and I have been doing really well with portion sizes. So I always know exactly how many calories that I take in and I am very aware now what I am eating and what is and is not healthy for me. Also I burned over 500 calories last night at the gym. So far I have working out Monday-Thursday and I have been resting Friday- Sunday. I think I need to workout on Saturday and rest a extra day during the week. So its an even balance. So I am thinking Monday-Thursday, rest on Friday and Sunday and workout on Saturday. Well see, I just happy that I am working out 4 days a week, that within itself deserves a standing ovation. lol.

Jaheim - In My Hands

One of my favorite songs by him.... I heard this song last year and I could not stop listening to it. I hope you enjoy. I believe this is a beautiful wedding song!! What do you guys think?

Loan Forgiveness/Broke Rant

I was doing some research and I am currently looking in to see if I can get a loan forgiveness seeing that I making 105% less than other. Basically living in poverty but looking fabulous while I am doing it. However I do not like that concepts because you don't have to pay me nothing  to know what being broke feels like. I have been broke my whole life I don't need someone to tell me that's gonna change my outlook on life. Having money will change my outlook. Sorry I just had a moment. Back to happy lol. I think I may have found a lead, especially since I am doing this VISTA thing. Also I am looking up universities that match the education award that I get from AmeriCorps and I found Washington University which is located in St.Louis and its in their Masters In Social Work...ooooo but their school is geared towards a lot of research, and its ranked number one for Social Work...wowsers.... idk... I  like the idea of going to HBCU for my Masters since I went to a PWCU for undergraduates.  But once again. It is always good to have options.

why are you concerned about what OTHERS are doing?

Why be concerned with other people and what they are doing? For example if someone is fronting or talking about others behind others back or what not. I believe that we at least I know that I am suppose to be a little bit more mature than that... think about things before you post them! Is is really necessary? If you already know you are on a different level than the people that you talk about or blog about then why bother posting it... I know I am already on a different level than most of the people!! Just like I tell my friends... you have made the decision to better your life and continue with your career goals... therefore, don't be distracted with how others think and/or act... it has nothing to do with you... it should be something you laugh at to yourself silently and then keep it moving...

flat tires and blessings

So after services. My lss and I decided to go out eat. I go to my car, and what do you know? one of my tires was flat. Thank God for boyfriends and baby fathers.lol. I don't have any children, nor do I have a boyfriend. But my linesisters do.lol. Their significant other fixed my car and put a spare on it. Then another older man came outside.He saw the other two gentlemen fixing my car. Next thing I know we all began to chat, and he ends up giving me $20 to get my tire plugged. The two places that we were originally suppose to go to were close. I mean it is Sunday. So we ended taking it Walmart and it only cost $10 woo hoo. Way better than a brand new tire right??? Thanks Older Guy at the church for tip and the cash to fix my baby MissyBu. We then went to lunch and My ls paid for lunch!!! talk about a blessing!!!! Something that was suppose to be a disaster turned into a blessing!!!!!

Lord 4give Me...

I hope after reading this post I don't have any enemies. I guess if I have to write a disclaimer you are probably thinking why bother writing it. lol. But let me tell you about this church that I attended today. I went to this church today mainly to support my ls and her son because they were doing a praise dance. I don't like this church mainly because the pastor goes on massive tangents. Now granted I go on tangents all the time, but I am not a pastor so I can do that. Now back to the story, I told my ls before coming I am not a big fan of your church but I am coming to support you. I got there early. So when I walked in there were a few people there. But not a a lot. I wasn't greeted by anyone, instead I got awkward stares like I had mustard on my face. I smile and ask a man does he know what time the service starts, he stares at me blankly, so I ask him again, he stares at me blankly again, So i ask again then he goes I cant hear you, so I say it again. I saw he had a program. I then ask, do you have anymore and he goes this was last week, they will give you a new one. I say ok. and I go to sit down. Then next thing I know a group of older adults, are looking at me strangely(more so gritting on me) I smile and then say good morning how are you all on this blessed Sunday morning. I hope you all are having a blessed and wonderful day. Nothing.... They just stared then turned around and started talking to each other. By then I was ready to leave... But then I kept thinking if I leave here now and go to my regular church then I will be late to their service. I h8 tardiness and I h8 arrivng anywhere l8. I like to know whats going on from beginning to end. Back to the church... the pastor kept going on these tangents and he was talking to people in the crowd. and it was not a call and response kind of talk he was having full blown conversations with the people. and they were standing up and talking to him...ex. where is brother john...brother john:here i am pastor pastor:ok, how you doing today brother john ....then he would go has anyone seen sister Rebbecca, oh shes not here, oh ok... The audience is looking back and forth. They did a alter call. But all the ab libs were uncall for.  I was so confused the whole time .. People kept standing up talking and it was unorganized and I was ready to go. Then it got really strange when a woman got on the mic and told everyone to get out our cellphones and then she say call the pastor anytime. So I think she is going to give us the pastor's number. Next thing I know she walks off then its awkward silence for like 2 mins, then I hear a hit it. and one of the members has glasses on and a dreadlocks wig. He was suppose to impersonating Stevie wonder and they start playing Stevie wonder's I just called to say I love you. then they sing that all the way down the alse with their cellphone in their hands. Then they get to the alter and sing the wholeeeee song. It was cheesy.  I still kept asking myself what is the flow of this service. This nonsense went on for a full hour, and he didn't start services...He asked people to run around the church. he had the mic in his hand, but he would never talk in it so it was hard to him. His sermon was ok. He basically stated that  we need to riot for Jesus because Jesus he bought us out of our bad situations,woke us up this morning, and for that he deserves total praise.

oh no i hope my car doesnt die on me!!!!

not my actual mileages, but pretty close to what mines say

Hello everyone, so I have had my car now since 2005. So a good 6 years. My car is nothing fancy. Just a white little 2004 Chevy Classic. My plan is to keep my car(MissyBu, that's her name) As long as I can. I really want her to live until 2014. I know that's a really long time from now. Now you may ask, that's not a long time. Well my car has 90,000 on her. She has been good to me. But I love the fact that she is paid for, and the only thing I pay is my insurance. However if I renew my contract for another year and MissyBu dies on me, I am not only screwed, but I am SCREWED. Call me cheap, and then call me cheap again. But I don't want to pay for a new car. If you guys haven't noticed by now from reading my blog, I am frugal. Don't get me wrong I like eating at nice restaurants, and wearing nice clothing however I want to pay little to nothing to do everything I enjoy. Also if someone wants to pay for it they can and I can enjoy it at their treat. Anywho (I know its not a word, its just my favorite word, right next to swiggle.lol) I am getting nervous about this whole my car might die. You know how they say after 100,000 miles your car starts getting real sick, unless you have a Honda. I was talking to my mom and she was trying to give me her 2008 Jeep Liberty. I was like mom, thanks and all, but Jeeps are high up, and your trying to pass that down to me because the gas is high. lol. I wanna small car like MissyBu. Shootttt if she offering cars I might take her up on her offer. Maybe she might talk to my step-father who is always trying to win my love by purchasing superficial items for me. That would be great to get not only a job but a new car to match. As long as they will foot the bill of course. If y'all didn't read my post a couple of days ago a sista is broke. The LORD has been helping and blessing me this year, esp. since I transitioned with my LSs into this Alumnae chapter because this stuff is not cheap, but I love doing what I Do and serving the community and working for Delta. But def keep this "struggling, but smiling while I do it, post- college graduate, working for little to nothing but making an impact by empowering others to be self sufficient woman" in your prayers.

Psalms 91

I was talking to my mother on the phone tonight (I am actually talking to her right now, as I write this post). She told me that she reads this Bible verse everyday. I remember when I too, use to read this everyday. The words hold true in any situation. I remember reading this everyday when I was just feeling bad, and I remember reading this when I was having a gr8 day. I truly believe that if God is with you who can be against you. I would rather walk by faith and with God by my side, then to walk alone and without him. I am going to start reading this scripture everyday again. Starting today.

Psalms 91

1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust . 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust : his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet . 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high , because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Looking up

I am kind of excited about my next steps and moves in my life. As of today , I was nominated to be apart of the nominating committee. Voting will happen next month so hopefully I will get it. Even though there is a possibility that I will be moving if I get this job. I still like to have options because there is no guarantee that I will get the job. Plus I may get the job, go visit, and I may not even like it. So its always good to have options. I have been looking up Alumnae chapters in that area, graduate schools, as well other social/networking organizations such as the Urban League. Because if I am in a new state and new environment I really want to rub elbows with the right people. I have also been researching the population that I will be working with and I am trying to think of ideas that will be great for what I want to do. I will also contact people I know about ideas and writing those down as well. If anyone has any ideas on better ways to serve the elderly population please hit me up on here or by phone. All ideas are welcome. Stay blessed and thanks for reading!!!

Nothing like Friends, Fine Wine, & Gr8 Conversations

Today was a great day. I left from a chapter meeting and went out to eat with some friends and it felt like I was in one of those Black movies. lol. But in a good way though, We talked for hours and hours about everything from fashion, family, and relationships. I like the friendship that I have gained and developed from with these women,. I really enjoy listening to them, mainly because I am one of the youngest in the group and they give gr8 advice and they always a pleasure to be around. Do you have a group of girlfriends that inspire and motivate you?

Ginuwine-Superhuman

ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS BY GINUWINE

K.michelle "Testimony"

This is real AND I feel her. She is real and raw with her life and story. She is also advocating at the end about the stop against domestic violence. Which is something that I too am advocating against.

How Many Times- K.Michelle

This is K. Michelle's new single produced by Sean Garrett taken for her upcoming debut album entitled "Pain Medicine". I don't know which I like more her voice or the beat. This was a good collabo. I hope you enjoy...Its very rare that you hear someone with so much range and soul in her voice!!!! I wish her so much success in her career! Please check her out on youtube. I cant w8 until her album drops because I will def be purchasing it...Andddd did I mention that her mentor is R.Kelly...So you know she is truly talented!!!

UPDATE TIMEEEEE(in my Pauly D voice)

This blog post will be short. I got a email from the organization and the supervisor of the organization stated that she would like to schedule a phone interview with me Friday, April 8, 2011 at 2pm central time... so that means 2pm there time and 3pm my time. Right? lol... Keeping my fingers crossed!!! Also prayers are going up...NOW!

Moms are gr8,@LEAST MY MOM IS THAT IS

I finally talked to my mom today about the job offer that I got and her response shocked me. I usually notify my mom last about different things/situations in my life. Not that we have a bad relationship or anything. Its just that my mom is a very laid back, go with the flow, kind of of woman and mother. Plus, My mom always tell me to pray about it and whatever I decide to do in life she will support me no matter what. So I figured OK, let me weigh out my opinions before I call her. The first people I talked to about the situation was my linesisters, because well they are my linesisters and they are honest and open with me even though sometimes I don't want to hear it. They gave me a lot of good advice. Which I really appreciate. Then I put it on the social networks...Facebook and my blog of course. Everyone on both networks gave me a lot of good advice as well. "Pray over it" and "follow my heart" was the poplar phrase heard throughout. So I finally talked to my mother today on the phone about everything and she shocked me with what she said. She said go, your only 24, and if I was given the opportunity to go to a different state and they are helping you relocate like that go!!! Then she said how much do you have to pay a month in rent? So I told her, then she goes, and you are only considering it, yeah you should go. Normally she pretty passive, but she was very firm with this answer. My mom was basically my determining factor over the matter. I told her that I am now w8n on the organization to look over my information. I told her that I was not sure how many VISTAs they emailed about this position. One of my coworkers who is a VISTA Alum said that shes thinking maybe 10-20, if that. She stated that because of the subject matter and the population that I will be serving, I had to fit the qualifications in order for them to send it to me. So that made me feel a little hopeful, and it made me feel a little bit better. Which is pretty good, because there are thousands of VISTAs throughout the United States. So I told her I am w8n to hear back from the organization. So now I am anxious to see what they think of not only me, but of my resume as well. If they like me and hire me I will be moving. My mom and another one of my coworkers kept telling me that I will get the position. I am trying to stay positive and keep a open mind. Boy that would suck if I did all of this soul searching and they deny me the job, the job that they asked me to apply to. My VA money will be straight and my VISTA scholarship is straight as well.If I get the job, looks like I will be deferring school number 3 for one year. Keep me in your prayers if all goes well... looks like Ill be a MIDWEST GIRL for 1 year!!! I cant w8 to see what other doors God will open for me when I get there. Check out some of the pictures of one of my heroes and my biggest cheerleader in the whole wide world, my mommy good ole Mary A.