Crash and Burn!!!

Every semester gets harder and harder for me. For some reason, the end of the semester is the worst. It's been this way since undergrad. I can't remember a time when I wasn't drugged up on energy enhancement drinks, my teeth weren't stained from coffee, and I wasn't badly in need of a haircut. Hell, I'm almost embarassed to show face in public. Eh well, I guess that comes with the territory. I just wish I wasn't so stressed around this time. I can't figure out for the life of me why the material isn't clear at this point.

To top things off, I have to work a full time job that demands more of my time and energy than anything else. I guess the stress wasn't so bad until I realized I had a test scheduled for today and have not had an opportunity to prepare for it with all that's been going on lately. Oh and a homework assignment due as well that I know nothing about. Here's to a few hours of prayerful cramming that never works. I guess I would feel like I got what I deserved if I partied all the time and hung out but I honestly don't. I really just keep my head buried in books and sometimes I surface to watch a few minutes of sports center.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

So it's the day before Thanksgiving and I'm sitting at work with a full shift of responsibility as most of my friends are off work and have gone home to visit their families for the holiday break. I guess I could complain about things but I'll start off this post the right way and say I'm thankful to have a job. Paying attention to the current state of the workforce in Florida and working very closely with a plethora of unemployment compensation claims, I realize that my employment is definitely something to be grateful for.

I won't necessarily say I support all the hocus pocus mumbo jumbo regarding the Pilgrims and the Indians and etc. but I will say that the world would be a very sad place if we couldn't take one day out of the year and acknowledge our creator for the marvelous things he has given us and the unique experiences he has allowed us to be apart of. (Go Figure)

Try to really think about all that you have versus all that you may not have. I guarantee life will paint a brighter picture. If you find it difficult to do this independently, take a trip to your local homeless shelter, hospital, and morgue and see if that provides you with a little motivation to pep up and look at the bright side. Yes, life could be worse than what it may already appear. (Just My 2 Cents)

Not to prolong the issue but here's some food for thought. The man that has it all appreciates nothing he has. He probably did not work to get anything he owns and will probably lose it all due to his lack of appreciation and understanding. On the flip side, the man that does not have much but worked for everything he has and values it all will more than likely be provided with an opportunity to have more; however, once he gets it, he'll maintain it because he knows the importance of his blessings.

Have a safe and prosperous Thanksgiving holiday folks and remember to be grateful for whatever you have.

I'm Out...

I See No Evil, Hear No Evil, & Speak No Evil

Although the title can be a bit misleading, this is exactly how I feel about the communication model. For some reason when it comes down to effective communication, the ears, eyes, and mouth determine one's success. I don't know what it is, but it's amazing how we as people (especially men and women), do not see, hear, or say what's easily interpreted by the other gender. We think we're clear and very concise when we communicate and discover that we're way off base lol. Hey, shit happens!

If I could offer my professional opinion regarding this topic (yeah right), I would say chill out. The best thing to do is to assess situations from an analytical standpoint. Try not to take things personally and if you can, remove yourself from the situation. We know that more often than not, people try to say things that they feel but oftenly have a hard time conveying it to other parties. I'm not sure of how things work exactly, but I do know that communication is vital for every business, friendship, relationship, and association.

In all seriousness, at some point, you will play the roles of sender and receiver. It's great to want to get your point across but you have to be able to allow others the same freedom. Perhaps communication should be governed from an equal perspective versus a double standard. The benefit of doubt should be extended to everyone because chances are, you will want that same consideration. Until someone develops a set of rules that allow the world to be able to communicate without interpretations and feelings being involved, I'm sure that conflict will always lurk in the shadows.

Anyway, I'm off my soap box for today....

I'm Out...

A Day at the Barbershop

I went to get a haircut today on my lunch break because I'll be taking my engagement photos this weekend with my fiance and I know these pics are going to be heavily scrutinized lol so I have to make sure I look my best. Long story short, I strategically left my office at 11:30am to make sure I got to the barbershop at a decent time. I made it there by 11:40am. I tried to get me some cash earlier this morning because this business establishment decides that they no longer take credit and debit cards. Eh, whatever floats your boat I guess, but it is an inconvenience to the customers. I'll admit I officially broke the rules because my lunch break is scheduled to start at noon; however, I knew that if I could get there early, I could beat the crowd. Well that definitely was not the case.

I get there and give my name to the receptionist sitting at the front counter. No big deal to me because I'm all about order and fairness. When she took my name, I specifically asked her how many customers did my barber have in front of me. She told me two customers. I guess that wasn't so bad seeing as how I had to be back to work at 1:00pm. How long does it really take to give a haircut right? Wrong!!! I didn't make it to my barber's chair until 12:30pm. You already know I was seething with anger due to having to wait so long to pay for a haircut. Then it all dawned on me. People are really inconsiderate and thoughtless when it comes to other people's time.

Most of the working class such as myself come to barbershops during our lunch breaks and try to make it back to work. Unfortunately, many of us wait without even receiving service because we have to rush back in order to be on time. Why? Well it's simple in my opinion. There are a million televisions in the barbershops that distract the barbers. They shoot the breeze, crack jokes, talk about women, gossip (like women), eat, (that's right) during the middle of a haircut, they EAT MEALS, and any other thing you can think of that would distract their attention from providing service to the patient customers that try and bite their tongues. He did a rush job on my haircut but because I keep my appearance up, there was not much work he had to do. I ended up missing lunch and making it back with a minute to spare.

Here's a tip for all of these barbers out here. It's ok to have fun and joke around at work but realize, you are at WORK. You lose out on more customers due to your lack of efficiency. I like to joke around and have fun just like the next customer but when I come to have a service performed, I'm not there to spend my day looking at you enjoy the current issues of life. I'm off my soap box.

I'm Out...

I'm Coming Out of Retirement "1" More Time

Stepping is one of the most socially appealling aspects of being a member of a Black Greek Lettered Organization. Since crossing the burning sands into the magnificent oasis of Phi Beta Sigma land through the Alpha Eta chapter at Florida A&M University, I wanted nothing more than to step with the MAB. Although I had an introduction to the art form of stepping with my college dorm my freshman and sophomore year in undergrad (Palmetto Step Team), there has been no stepping experience that has ever compared to breaking the stage with the men of Royal Blue & Pure White.

I can't really explain the mental high I get when it's "SHOWTIME". I become somebody different because I know that I represent more than myself. The long practices, body aches, weight loss, release of tension and negative energy, and hearing the anticipating crowd errupt with excitement lets me know that all of the sacrifice and "HARD" work is worth it.

Anyway, my last time taking the stage as an undergrad was in 2007 at the FAMU Homecoming Greek Step Show. Of course, I ended as a champion with a first place win. The video is posted below. During my transition into the alumni chapter (Beta Lambda Sigma), I committed to serve as stepmaster for my chapter. The video is posted below as well. Anyway, I'll be coming out of retirement one more time to step with the grad chapter for the local John G. Riley House Rock-A-Thon. I can't wait because I've been off the stage for far too long.

It's time to lace up the old boots and shut down the competition.

I'm Out...

FAMU Homecoming 2k10 (15 S.O.T.B.I. 5 year anniversary)

I have to admit by far that this was the best FAMU Homecoming I've experienced in my time as a Florida A&M University Rattler. From serving as a judge of the annual Dorm Step Show (P-Metto Step Team 3rd Place) congrats guys and girls, to SBI Alumni socials, Convocation, Spr. 2k5 Greek Day Party, Homecoming Greek Step Show (1st Place Winners- The Alpha Eta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. ) but you knew that already lol, Reunion Luncheon with my linebrothers, Football Tailgate, Football Game (of course the Rattlers demolished Morgan State Bears), and the 1st annual Midnight Masquerade, I had a ball.

One of the major highlights during homecoming surprisingly were my houseguests. My linebrother came to stay with me along with my fiance's linesisters and a host of LBs and AKAs dropped by. It turned out to be a great time. Spr. 05 Greeks are definitely one of a kind. Hey what can I say, tradition ended with us.

If this homecoming taught me anything at all, I would say that I am truly privileged to have been educated at the #1 HBCU in the nation. The bonds I've formed with my classmates, professors, collegues, fraternity brothers, and friends of all affiliations are priceless. I don't think I could have had this experience anywhere else in the world. If you get the opportunity to make it to Tallahassee, FL. towards the end of October, make sure you check us out. I guarantee you won't be disappointed for there is no institution of higher learning like the great Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University.

Soul Child...Will You Come Back?

Every since I can remember, my mind and heart have always had a deep and genuine appreciation for neo soul music. Artist like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Music, Mos Def, Common, The Roots, etc. have mentally taken me to places that books, television, and Internet social networking sites could not come close to. When listening to individuals such as these, my imagination is able to conceive mixtures and patterns of colors that aren't independently conceivable on my behalf.

I'm not sure what it is about the content of this music that drives me to seek it out and find more artists like them but I like it. I love the depth of thought that goes into this type of music. It shows me that the industry appreciates more than talks about money, cars, clothes, hoes, bitches, weed, etc. I walk away feeling fulfilled but yet thirsty for more. I can't explain but I sure wish you could understand.

I think in a previous life I might have been a soul child and maybe this music allows him an opportunity to consume me for the life span of one of these musical tracks. Lol, I'm sure you're like he's on some other shit right now lol. Anyway, I'm searching to reconnect with my inner soul child. You'll know him when you see him. He's lured by neo soul, poetry, spoken word, candles, dim lights, wine, and philosophical conversations with depth.

Let me know if you see him and if you find him before you see me, tell him I'm looking for him. Who is he? Simply put, CONSCIOUSNESS!!!

Detox 2k10

So this is the second time I'm doing this detox program and I've been getting a lot of questions. I just found it difficult to answer everyone individually so a universal post would be better. Anyway, here we go. This detox was brought to me as a challenge by one of my fraternity brothers who has battled issues with weight and healthy living. We figured since we were both trying to do the same thing, we would take on the challenge together. At first he did it and my fiance and I were a bit apprehensive. We jumped on board the week after he completed his goal and tried it for ourselves. SN: I tried it the first time for one hundred hours and lost about six pounds in four - five days. Second time around I'm doing it for one hundred and twenty hours. We'll see what the results will be. My goal is to be at 195 pounds by the time I complete the detox.

Here are food items that you will not be able to eat.

1. No Carbs
2. No Meats
3. No Juices or Sodas
4. No desserts
5. No Breads ( I know that's mentioned in carbs)
6. No salad dressings (But if you must have it for taste, do it in moderation)
7. No Sugars (Candy, chocolate, etc. )

You may indulge in fresh fruits and vegetables (cooked or raw), nuts and berries such as raisins and walnuts. I lived by salads and steamed cabbage and water only. After you complete your detox, it is advised to come off of this thing gingerly. Do not go back to eating full meals with everything you ate prior to starting. You will make yourself sick. Try a light broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable) to help you incorporate what you had before. Hit me up and let me know how the challenge turns out for you.