Man Calls 911 over Fast Food

I couldn't help but post this...it's so ridiculous. Until Next Time...

Judge not, that ye be not Judged...

After last night and all of the madness that was the BET awards, there has been so many opinions about the awards show. According to mostly twitter and some facebook, it seems as though half of the people thought it was repulsive and set black people back a few years and then the other half just found the comical nature in it. Honestly, I am between the two camps...but what I did want to address today is what a lot of people seemed have negative commnents about (there were a lot of elements in the show), but I'm going to discuss the Mary Mary performance of "God in Me" which was featuring Queen Latifah (Even though I was disturbed by Wayne and all the kids on the stage...(another post)).

Ok whew...deep breath. First let me say, that I in fact like the song a lot, and I think it is a great song to listen to in order to remember that NO ONE knows your relationship with God but you. Also I think it is important to keep in mind that they have gotten a lot of criticism from their video as well, which featured many popular artists. Anywho...so folks were saying that they were ungodly because of their clothes or the beat of this particular song. So what I'm wondering is what did you want them to wear? Long drab gowns? Or large pant suits? Part of what makes Mary Mary and other "urban gospel artists" so effective is they appeal to many people who might not even be saved, but by listening to their songs who knows what may happen...

The ironic part is if people actually stopped and listened to the song it is addresses exactly what people are doing, which is JUDGING. I think judging has become a global epidemic...not even in the world, but as small as a local/college level happens because people judge and don't know who you truly are or what you believe. So here comes an artist that has been able to transcend what people usually think of gospel music (a large choir, jubilant director, and passionate people performing solos), and they are still criticized. So is gospel music only acceptable if you are in long choir robes that cover up every inch of your body? I will post some lyrics here and let you interpret it yourself...

But what they don't know is when you go home
and get behind closed doors man you hit the floor
and what they can't see is your on your knees
So the next time you get it just tell em
It's the God in me

(My fav verse...wasn't performed on the awards show)
Kierra Sheard:
What is it you think you see
when you see me, you see me
You don't know how much I pray
don't know how much I gave
don't know how much I changed
I'm just trying to explain
It's the God in me.


So anyways...all I'm saying is what do people expect from you if you are saved? I think the dichotomy that we create, makes people think they cannot obtain a healthy relationship with God; we are all imperfect striving to be better..

So anyone that really knows me, knows that I believe most problems can be solved with much personal introspection. Often people are looking to blame others for their problems/issues/things that have happened, but things are different once you look within yourself. So I think it will be fitting to conclude with a bible verse.

Matthew 7:3-5 3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

Until Next Time...

Trying something New...

So I'm watching the BET Awards...which is hilarious btw...Thanks BET for 3.5 hours of pure comedy (don't ask why it is this long). But I just had to blog about this...cause I have been thinking about it for some time...TWITTER! Yes...twitter. So I posted as my facebook status: For all you folks updating your facebook statuses on the randomness of the BET Awards...just get on Twitter...it's so much easier. lol....I thought no big deal and I kept it moving, but of course I knew I was going to get some comments, but not that many.

So I just wanted to discuss why folks seem to detest twitter. I'm not going to lie, when I first heard of twitter, I wasn't completely sold on it. I thought it was silly, and a waste of time (but isn't most things). Anyways...so I was completely bored at the beginning of the summer and I decided to get a twitter account to see what the hype was about(which is what I usually do, before I say I don't like something) and also because one of my closest friends had been pressuring me about it for the longest time.

So I got it...and it was ok...which is what I think twitter is...I don't think it is life changing/altering or essential, but you will surprised how much downtime you have and instead of sending a text to multiple friends, updating your twitter is just as easy. So basically I went through all that to finally get to my point...which is about resistance. What happened to Obama's "change" premise. I don't think twitter will change the world or the way we think but it is something new. Just like lots and lots of people opposed facebook when it first came out and didn't want to try it...I feel like it is the same with twitter (and those same folks are on fb now).

I'm often down for trying new things...just because it doesn't hurt. All I ask is you don't vehemently oppose something that you have NOT even tried. And again, I always say twitter isn't for everyone (just like most things in the world), so if you try it and you still think it is stupid that's cool with me... I just know that I hopefully won't be the old lady who doesn't want to try something new because I think it is stupid when the whole world is passing me by. I just urge everyone to try and step out of the box somehow...no it doesn't have to be with twitter, but trying something new will definitely keep your life interesting and fun!

Tatt it Up while Hiking the Appalachian Trail...

Wow what can I say...another an un-newsworthy story from CNN...Really 56 stars on your face...the only folks I know with a Tattoo on their face are Mike Tyson and that chick from the Ray J show.. Poor girl, she is sooo young, pretty much kiss your professional life goodbye. I can't believe she lied, all these liars...Watch the video and crack up at the ridiculous of it and the fact the anchors are mocking/laughing at her...



Speaking of liars and ridiculousness, lets talk about the SC governor. So today he came out and said he was having an affair with an Argentian woman, instead of hiking the Appalachian Trail..what kind of mess...no one actually believed you were hiking the trail, if you going to lie come up with a better lie. The sad part is he missed father's day and everything..oh yeah btw, he has 4 sons. So he went from the "missing governor" to "hiking the Appalachian trail" to "being caught in Hartsfield Jackson airport (Atlanta)"...ridiculous...the sad part is in his confession/apology...he first apologizes to the woman for hurting her...and then to his wife and kids, and then the people of South Carolina...ridiculous! Here is a video...Until Next Time....

Burn Baby Burn

I stumbled upon this interesting site that listed physical activities and how many calories you burn per hour...thought it would be interesting to list,and also to comment on them. Although they did leave off a few activities (*wink, lol.) they had an expansive list. I'm procrastinating from starting my scrapbook...


• Sleeping: 45 calories (I've been doing a lot of this lately)
• Typing on the computer: 107 calories (I do this quite often)
• Folding clothes: 142 calories (Yuck I hate folding clothes..)
• Grocery shopping: 164 calories (Does shopping at the mall count?)
• Playing miniature golf: 207 (I haven't done this in a longg time,I really want to go)
• Flying a kite: 207 (I want to do this)
• Picking strawberries: 207 (That would be a cute date..lol.)
• Bowling: 216 calories (I suck at bowling)
• Walking slowly: 240 calories (hmm...)
• Stretching: 272 calories (Anybody that knows me, knows I stretch all the time.lol.)
• Horseback riding: 272 calories (Never been, I want to go)
• Swimming, 25 yards/minute: 275 calories (I love to swim, an amazing workout)
• Playing with children, moderate: 288 (Yeah, my nephew can be a handful)
• Dancing, general: 306 calories (I LOVE IT, probably burn the most cals doing this)
• Walking, moderate pace: 320 calories (ok cool...)
• Washing the car: 324 calories (I used to do this a lot...)
• Gardening: 333 calories (I'll do this once I get older, I want to be the cute old lady gardening, does watering houseplants count?)
• River rafting: 333 calories (I want to go)
• Bicycling, stationary: 340 calories (This firms your thighs like no body's business)
• Dancing, fast: 375 calories (Shake it fast...lol.)
• Stair-master, treadmill: 409 calories (Love it)
• Weightlifting, vigorous: 409 calories (I usually lift no more than 20 lbs...sad I know)
• Walking, brisk pace: 440 calories (Walk with a "purpose")
• Aerobics, high impact: 477 calories (I love aerobics)
• Moving, carrying boxes: 504 calories (I burned at least 2000 cals when I moved last month)
• Running 6 mph, (10-minute mile): 705 calories (yay for running!)

Until Next Time...

Sugar as a Substitute...

After my impromptu trip to the mall today, I decided to try one of McDonald's Iced Mocha's. I don't know if seeing all the commercials and advertisements drilled it into my head or what, but I figured I'd just try it. Although it has gotten to be cliche' I genuinely enjoy Starbucks. Well if you are looked for Starbucks quality, this definitely isn't it. I don't know what I was thinking, I paid $3 which was almost the same as Starbucks, only to get milk and sugar and a hint of mocha. They honestly just filled it with an obscene amount of sugar, which is why hours later, I can still feel the sugar running through my veins...lol. I seriously feel jittery...

I should have known because their Iced Coffee is the same exact way, loads and loads of sugar. I once bought it before heading out to a party one night, and I was simply wired off of all the sugar, you would have thought I had a lot of "spirits" to drink (note: no need to pre-game if you have their iced coffee). Ok back to my review...lol. So I was given the choice of whole milk and skim milk, I was like dang what happened to 2% or 1%, so I figured since I'm splurging, I'd just try the whole milk. I just checked the number of calories in that one drink on McDonald's website...310! Ok let me say it again to reiterate...three hundred and ten calories. That would take me about 30+ minutes on the elliptical. :sigh: Basically I should have just gone to Starbucks. Oh well it is always good to try something new...Until Next Time...

I [heart] my Daddy!

I want to keep this post short, but I felt like it is necessary. It is Sunday (my second favorite day of the week), and Father's Day. Every time this "holiday" or "Commemorative Day" comes around, I am just so thankful for my daddy. Since I am the last child, I have always had a special bond with my dad. He is an amazing man, very hardworking, and vowed to give us everything he never had and more. I am just so grateful, especially in a time when people are growing up in single parent households.

Watching the relationship that my nephew and my dad have is so priceless! He calls him "papa" and he just loves my dad. I think it is amazing especially since he has such reverence for his own father. I don't take my dad for granted, especially since this is the second Father's day since my grandfather has passed. Fathers are so important for running of the society, and integral to the black community. Their love or absence have long lasting effects on their children.

So in order to not end this post abruptly, like I usually do...I'll share my top three childhood moments with my dad..

1) Riding on the lawn mower with him, while he cut the grass (that wasn't exactly safe, but it was fun..sometimes I got to steer..)
2)Listening to stories about him growing up in Nigeria
3) Watching Jeopardy and seeing how many questions I can answer (We have revived this tradition this summer..yay!)

Until Next Time...

Body Change

I thought I would share the highlight of my day. My sister gave/bought me a gym membership to a local gym which has been great. These past few weeks since I've been home, I have occasionally been going and doing mainly cardio: treadmill, elliptical, and stationary bike. But this week I decided to explore the fitness classes. On Tuesday, I went to Awesome Abs, which was indeed an awesome class. I came away feeling quite sore, but just happy that I didn't have to do crunches alone.

So this gym isn't any ol' gym, but it is a Ladies Only gym, on the Eastside of town. Which is what makes it sooo amazing. It is wonderful to see all of the black women working out along side each other. Women of all shapes, shades, ages, and sizes! Ok back to class, so today I decided to take a Body Change class today. I thought no big deal, I workout, I'm pretty fit, I swim often.. ok...boy was I in for a shock, the class should have been named an Hour in Hell, MANN we did everything in that class...we used the steps, weights, our own body weight. Geesh! Again I was happy to see all of the beautiful black faces. There was about 20 women in the class and I think the ages ranged from 18 to 75...no joke. So part of what was motivating me, is not letting the 75 year old lady out do me...lol.

But on a more serious note, I am pretty sure that most if not everyone is aware of the epidemic, that is occurring in the black community. Do I really need to name it, high cholesterol, high blood pressure/hypertension, diabetes, which could lead to even worse things, strokes, heart attacks, glaucoma...ok no need to get grim, but you get it. So basically all I'm saying is it is absolutely essential that the black community, especially women get out there and get some physical activity in.

So now I'm going to just rant about how much I love exercise, cardio, physical activities. I think they are imperative to a healthy lifestyle, or just any life style really...From softball and track at a young age, to dancing in high school and some of college, to swimming the last year of college...it's something that I plan on continuing for the rest of my life. I think what people need to realize it's not about looking thin/fit or whatever, but actually being HEALTHY. Being able to run a mile comfortably, or in an emergency situation, if need be...

So if you are reading this, just access the past week and how much physical activity that you have gotten in...is it a lot, not enough, none at all...whatever it may be, I'm sure you can strive for more, and encourage those around you to join you or to get some physical activity in because this is something that we as a black community need to fight/combat together.

As always, feel free to leave a comment or just show me some love. Until Next Time...

Go Meat!

I absolutely love the Hillshire farm "Go Meat" commercials. I think it is a brilliant ad campaign and just plain hilarious. It might also have something to do with me loving MEAT and being a firm believer that it is an ESSENTIAL part of your diet. I mean has a lot to do with my upbringing. However, that is one thing I didn't understand when I got to Emory, it seemed like everyone was vegetarian. Yes there was a few people that had been their way their whole lives, but for the majority of people it was some type of fad. Oh well to each his own. I'll enjoy meat and you enjoy your tofu.

Furthermore, I went to the Hillshire farm website so I can get the videos to post on here. Their website is so interactive and just plain cute. There were so many things to click on, lol. If I hadn't already just eaten lunch I would have wanted some Hillshire farm meat. I also like how the commercials are racially diverse. I couldn't decide which video to post so these were my four favorites.









Ha...weren't those soo funny. On another note, this past semester at Campus Movie Fest, the world's largest student film festival, they showed soooo many hilarious movies. One of my favorites, which is highly related to this post, A World In Crisis. Watch and enjoy (It's purely comedy, hopefully it doesn't offend too many people)!



Oh yeah...any feedback is welcome and appreciated. So if you liked this post or any others, leave a comment...even if you didn't like it or if my excessive comma use gets on your nervous, still leave a comment. Until Next Time...

Man I got that swag...

I'm sitting here watching the Magic/Lakers game on my couch. I couldn't bring myself to go out to a sports grill, bar, etc. and get all passionate only for Magic to lose...Anyways...so I got to thinking about this term "swag" which is no longer new, and often abused. So what is swag? Last semester, I found myself trying to explain the term "swag" to some of my white and asian coworkers. The girls were trying to describe this guy that had something that was "intriguing" and "sexy" about him, but they couldn't tell what it was that was so different about him...So I introduced them to the term "swag"...lol.

The reason I brought up swag and the NBA game is because I am not usually a celebrity crazed kind of person. Actually I never really am, except for my temporary delight in seeing D. Howard. Yeah I think he has swag, but actually I think Rashard Lewis has beaucoup swag. Lewis seems like an ordinary dude that would be trying to get your number at the club, but instead he is playing bball with all of his swag. Ok enough about D. Howard and R. Lewis.

But yes..."swag" is essential. Either you have it or you dont...I was trying to remember how we described guys before the term "swag" came along. Also it annoys me when folks say "swagger.."
ugh anyways... Something else that is random is in the song Swag Surfin, which I absolutely love, but is getting kind of old now... When they say Man I got that swag, my hat matching my bag....err what did you say? Hat matching your bag? What bag are you talking about? Your man bag? Your gucci bag? What baggg??? lol.

I love swag surfin..its so random and fun. Especially when guys are really getting into it...Depending on where you go, you might see some hood guys "swag surfin" and it is funny. What's even funnier is the low budget video they got for this song...I just have to post it. Oh yeah this is the extended version, hilarious. Watch the whole thing...the actual song starts 2 mins in. lol. That's all my random thoughts for today. Until Next Time...

Dog Eats Bag of Pot, Gets High

So when I saw the above title when I logged onto my CNN homepage, I couldn't help but click on it. Once again thanks CNN for all the important news that you bring. Even though I hate watching these videos, I just had to look at it. It is ridiculous, but hilarious. lol. Until Next Time...

Can I get your #?

Yesterday, I decided to detox and get a little walking in so I headed to the mall. I made it through my whole shopping excursion, and I decided to get some "chinese food" from the food court before I left. While I was standing in line, the guy in front of me kept asking me all these questions, I didn't think anything of it. He mumbled something and I just did a smile and chuckle (which is what I do when I don't hear what someone says). AfterI paid for food, and he like jumped out from behind the mall shrubbery and was like "HEEYYY." Startled, I just did a small smile again. So after a little small talk (which I hate), he very smoothly asked for my number. I knew it was coming, and I tried to get out of it, but I figured why not...he seems kind of nice, he is dressed kind of nice, and my creep radar wasn't going off. And plus if he was some crazy psycho killer I didn't want him to get mad if I said no thanks. I mean I was at the mall by myself and all.. So I gave it to him, forgot about it and left the mall.

Probably 25 minutes after I got home, my phone rang. It was the random guy from the mall, I didn't answer cause I was surprised he would call so soon. So he called 3 more times before the end of the day. I was like dang. Oh and get this he left a voicemail one of the times saying ,"Hey what's up Vanessa...this is ____ from the mall, I just met you a COUPLE MINUTES AGO, just calling to see whats up." So he knows that he just met me soooo soon. So I woke up this morning to a text message, saying "whats up?" from the MALL GUY. I was like geesh...he needs to calm down.

So I started thinking...when and how soon is it appropriate for someone to call you once they have your number?

Honestly, I don't really give out my number, and I never expect anyone to call, but I figured a day or two is alright...but not a couple of minutes...And if they don't answer, don't keep calling, at least not the same day. Ugh the whole thing is ridiculous...all I wanted to do is detox in the mall...oh well. Until Next Time...

An Appreciation of the Arts

So I don't know why I missed this...or didn't hear about it until today, but while I was browsing through "cyber land," I came across the "White House Poetry Jam," which took place on May 12th (I was probably still on my graduation high). It was an evening of "Poetry, Music, and Spoken Word at the White House. Gosh I love the Obamas... I am glad they have brought some type of culture to the White House. In the introduction that Pres. Barack gives, he details the importance of the arts, which I think is eloquently stated, and sums up how I feel about the arts. Also it is so wonderful how Pres. Barack introduces the First Lady, by saying she is someone that brings a lot of poetry to his life. awww...Also First Lady, Michelle looks simply amazing, beautiful shirt and earrings. I have dictated that below and also posted the video. Until Next Time...



We are here to highlight the importance of the arts in our life and in our nation and our nation's history. We are here to celebrate the power of words and music to help us appreciate beauty but also to understand pain, to inspire us to action and spir us on when we start to lose hope, to lift us up out of our daily existence, even if it is just for a few moments and to return us with hearts that are a little bit bigger and fuller than they were before, the great jazz musician Louis Armstrong once said simply, "What we play is Life." That is what these artists do, they express the joys and hardships of life and remind us how much all of us have in common. It is a great gift, a great responsibility.

The Importance of Lyrics

Before I really discovered/fell in love with the Neosoul genre, I simply had a fond appreciation of lyrics. This past weekend I went to the No Doubt concert, which was simply amazing. I began to listen to No Doubt in that complicated teen angst period Middle School/High School. But it is when I got to college that I truly realized how phenomenal No Doubt really is. There is no artist/band that has been able to achieve the fusion between sound/beats and vocals with the most meaningful lyrics that I have ever encountered.

So as I was there on Friday night singing along to every single song, I remembered the things/people that I associated with those songs. And how those songs helped me through difficult times in my life; as recent as last year. It was simply wonderful, because I never thought I would have the chance to ever go to their concert. It seemed almost symbolic that I was able to see them this summer; a sort of culmination/right-of-passage of the last number of years of so many emotions, either good or bad.

Although popular music is in a trendy sort of state, where people just seem to come and go and the hit sensations have become so commercialized. In no way will it ever compare, and there is still a sense of importance in lyrics. As I left the concert experiencing a surreal high, all I could do is smile and remember how truly fortunate I am. Until Next Time...

Krispy Kreme...mmm...

Today is National Doughnut Day! Happy June 5th! I love doughnuts! My fav are Krispy Kreme glazed as a late night dessert, especially when they are hot and they practically melt in your mouth. mmmmmmm... I'm not the biggest Dunkin Donuts fan, because they are less of dessert and more of a breakfast food. If I was to eat DD it would either be the Blueberry Donuts or Chocolate.

Another random thing is the way Doughnuts/Donuts are spelled. I'm not sure if you have noticed, but KK spells them "doughnuts" while DD spells them "donuts." Random..huh?

I figured that I'll end this post with some poetry from Def Poetry Jam, that pretty much sums up Krispy Kreme...lol. Until Next Time...

One of my Passions...

This year Judith Jamison, my Soror and long time role model, received the 2009 BET Honors Award for Education. This is monumental in so many ways. First off Soror Jamison is an amazing dancer and choreographer and she is currently the Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company.

I have included below a link to when Soror Jamison accepts this award. On the stage there are two dancers of the company performing an excerpt from Love Stories which was choreographed by Soror Jamison, Robert Battle, and Rennie Harris. In addition, Anthony Hamilton is serenading her...his voice is amazing. The first song is a rendition If It's Magic by Stevie Wonder and the second song is A Song for You, which has been performed by many artists, but the one I am most aware of is by Donny Hathaway. I am so glad that they chose Anthony Hamilton, he is soo amazing and his voice is a joy to listen to. I listened to his album "Coming From Where I'm From" for like two years straight.


The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. This is paramount and pivotal in so many ways, (it even gives me a chill). 50 years ago, Ailey had the idea to create a dance company, during a time when African Americans were not necessarily even welcome in the US, let alone in the dance community. Wow! And so many years later its presence is still felt within the dance community and African American community.

If you have not had the opportunity to see an Ailey show you are definitely missing out. Of course their most noted piece is Revelations which is sooo moving and beautiful (I think most of the pieces are). One of the reasons that people may see that in Revelations is because of the spirituality of the piece and just the sheer gracefulness. This is an excerpt from many of the scenes in Revelations.



I am an avid believer in the creation and support of arts, both performing and visual. Although I danced before college (in high school), taking modern technique classes at Emory really gave me a different view of the much treasured art form and how it gives an individual the ability to express themselves through their body. I can go on and on about dance ,how it helped mold me into the person I am, but another day. Until Next Time...

Being A Community Servant

So I am in the middle of downtown at a healthfair doing blood pressures screenings. When I tell people that growing up I used to volunteer ate least twice a week they don't believe me. Now that I have moved home for the summer by mom has resumed her usual shenanigans and has lent out my services.Please remember that I am not a certified healthcare worker in any way. Lol. But that doesn't seem to matter.

I am thankful that those beliefs have been instilled in me. I dont feel as though nearly enough people genuinely volunteer. Even some organizations that consider themselves community service oriented may lose sight of that. Well i am glad that it is an important component in my life and I plan to continue. People need to remember that they have been helped and blessed and should try and make the same thing happen for others. Well enough writing and back to volunteering. Until next time...

Nothing Like A Mother's Love

Today I went to work with my mother. She is a research nurse and she is employed by Emory's School of Medicine but works at Grady Hospital. It was pretty cool. I got to see all of the staff (nurses, doctors, other folks) that I havent seen in a while. As a child, I spent a lot of time in her office, part of the reason why I knew that I wanted to have a career in the health field.

So today was interesting because my mother was pretty much a celebrity. I know that she is a very outgoing and charismatic woman, but it has been a while since I have had the opportunity to see her in her element. It seemed as though every turn we made in that HUGE hospital, she knew someone. And if she didn't know them, she decided to strike up a conversation with them.

The cool but weird part is whenever she introduced me as her daughter, they first knew EVERYTHING about me; the fact that I just graduated and that I was starting optometry school this fall (most even knew it was in St. Louis). I was like geesh. They asked about my sisters and my nephew and everyone...I was like wow...My mom clearly LOVES her family and she is sooo very proud of me (us). The second thing that everyone immediately said was how loving, caring, and funny my mom is. They kept saying how she is such a joy to be around...It made me feel really happy and every single person kept saying that I should be honored to have her as my mom.

As I get older, I have come to love and appreciate my family. They truly are awesome people and I am indeed honored to have them in my life, especially my mom, who keeps me sane. Even though I distracted her from completing most of her work, I left the day feeling very happy. It also gave me something to strive for and I hope I can be even half as charismatic and loving as my mom is. Until Next Time...

CNN explaining Twitterverse

So Cnn.com is my homepage, which means that I have gotten used to some of the ridiculous stories that they consider newsworthy for the website. The video below is hilarious, just because I didn't think it took a whole video to explain these things. Is this for parents that want to be hip? I'm confused...Twitter terms in Twitterverse...really? lol.



And another thing that has just been kind of annoying about cnn.com, is all of their videos. Do they think people are unable to read news articles anymore or what is it? Sometimes I get excited about some "latest news" update and then get disheartened cause it is a video. Geesh cut down on all the videos...Until Next Time...