If I Were a Boy....

Inspired by Beyonce's most recent hit, I decided to point out the things I'd do If I were a boy:

1. Approach the girl I liked, I've always wanted to be the aggressor as a woman, but couldn't muster up the courage too approach a guy, so as a boy, I'd do that.

2. Tell her how beautiful she is.

3. Spend time...alone. With just the 2 of us, doing nothing but just being in the moment.

4. Hang out w/the guys.

5. Ok, I'm a girl and I like it this way...I can't think of anything else! lol

Just to say "Hi"

With the unexpected loss of so many people lately it really makes you stop and think....our days are truly numbered. We can be here one day and gone the next. This is just a little reminder to take the time to call, text, email...whatever you do, to say "hello," or "I love you." I got in that habit long ago and receiving a text from me that says "I love you" is very common. When people do it to me it brightens up my day and I really appreciate it. The smallest things make a big difference. I know how precious this thing we have called life is and how quickly it can be taken away so after you read this pick up the phone and send that message or make that call...it's that simple. (I know I sound like an infomercial...but for real! :)

"Me" Time....

It is very important to carve out some "me" time for yourself. In the past couple of years I've learned just how much of an impact taking some time out for oneself can have. You'd think that since I was an only child, I'd have enough "me" time by now right? lol

Honestly I don't think that one can ever have enough time for themselves, and any time spent alone allows reflection, organization, and peace. It is hard to realize what's going on in life if you are always 'doing.' It's very important to stop doing and just sit back and reflect. This may mean being sprawled out on your bed staring at the ceiling for an hour, alone with your thoughts; meditation (my first choice), going to the spa for a massage, or doing what you love to do (painting, writing, blogging, etc.)

Allowing time for yourself is probably the hardest thing to do because it seems like there is always something, but just like you go into your Blackberry to schedule various engagements, schedule some "me" time. At one point I was the person who was always doing something, never a dull moment and when I realized the way things were going I quickly stopped and changed that. I started practicing yoga and this took some time, but I learned how to clear my mind and meditate. It's one of the few things that I can say I do solely for me. Find that "thing" for yourself, it is so very rewarding, and even more necessary. Make sure whatever you choose to do in your "me" time does not seem like a burden or it defeats the whole purpose. Happy Hunting!

Excuse Me?

"What did you just say?"

This was my initial reaction to the person who made the comment I've heard one too many times before: "You look good for a brown girl!!"

Talk about a back-handed compliment. This is the most ignorant thing I've heard come out of someone's mouth and the funniest thing about it is that when people say it they think it's flattering! They believe that I am to blush and smile followed with a "thank you." Wrong! Usually I do not have time to address this and really school the person so I cringe and say the quick 'thanks' and get out of there. People: this is NOT a compliment or a clever come-on. What it is saying is that typically "brown-skinned girls" or "dark-skinned girls" are not attractive so it's amazing to you when you see one that is....that's not a compliment, that's an insult!

I cannot tell you how many time's I've gotten this in the past and when I was younger my warped, brainwashed mind thought it was okay. When given the compliment I did not understand it back then, but times have changed. No one tells anyone "You're pretty for a light skinned girl," I'm assuming because they are just expected to be pretty? Who knows....but what I do know is that this comment is very insulting and should definitely not come out of anyone's mouth.

Next time just say, "You're pretty." Leave the other part OFF!

Appreciate Life....

While I'm here on vacation in Cabo San Lucas I have really been on relaxation mode. Half of the time I have no idea what time it is, and frankly I don't care, lol. I love it down here, the lifestyle is so laid back and carefree. I have really learned to appreciate life, no matter how hard it has been or will be, knowing that I have amazing friends and family, I am content with that. I have had so much time for me while down here! I've read 2 books so far and floating in the pool gives me time to just think and reflect about everything under the sun. I love and appreciate life!!! So should you!

Top 5 Best things about Cabo so far.....

So I'm in Cabo on vacation for a week and I'm seeing so many beautiful sights!

1. The Sunrise @ 6:30 over the blue water and white sand.
2. The waves crashing so hard around 10pm that they feel and sound like thunder!
3. People in love on vacations or honeymoons.
4. The looks of the faces of my friends on the banana boat ride!
5. My new tattoo's! No...they're just henna! lol

Too Much Going ON!

I feel like since I have graduated, that I have been even busier than I was when school was in session! I am constantly on the go! And there is always something to do! I will be so happy when I get a moment after next week, I am fleeing to an exotic location w/white sand and clear water for seven days! I will most definitely take advantage of that and use the time for ME. It seems like everything that I've been doing lately has been for someone else. And not that this a a bad thing, but I have to learn to draw the line somewhere, or else I'll be feeling overwhelmed like this all the time! I plan on reading at least 3 book, getting 2 massages, and drinking just enough to relax me on this trip! lol The countdown begins!

The Pursuit

I watched Will Smith's blockbuster hit the other day and I actually loved what he said about the Pursuit of Happiness. It is the pursuit that is the most important part. Once you achieve happiness it's almost like...then what? The pursuit is what makes the state of the happiness worth while. Knowing all of the things you went through to achieve what you have is what makes it even better. The fact that you've earned it and it was not given to you creates a larger sense of pride and makes whatever you have earned even better, being that you know you have worked for it. This is probably so significant to me now because I have just earned my bachelors degree and I know how hard it was to get here. Without the late night papers (sometimes all night; no sleep), the impossible professors, and the struggle to get out of some classes, I would not look at my degree the same. It means so much more becuase of what I had to do to get there. The pursuit of the degree is what makes it what it is. Not the actual piece of paper I will receive in the mail in a couple of weeks, but the last four years of my life that have been dedicated to earning that piece of paper. It's all in the journey.