Verdict is in

After a few hours, I have calmed down enough to compose a logical message. The news of George Zimmerman being found not guilty for the obvious murder of a young teenage black boy, did not surprise me. However, the verdict still sparked a fire inside of me.  Throughout the Trayvon Martin trial, it was clear to me that he was going to get off.  Zimmerman was going to walk out the courtroom a free man because he was just carrying out he normal behavior of this country.  As I kept up with the news and tracked my social media timeline, I saw that people were still unable to grasp the totality of what this case meant.  Yes, the actions of Zimmerman are disgusting, but what we should be more appalled with is the fact this case showed in 2013 nothing inside of this "great country" has changed.

America was built on murder, to be more specific, the murder of African people. What this case proved was that today, in 2013 with your silent black president, the African body still means nothing. I would like for people to take a look at what is important here in these states and recognize, that it is not you. Whether you are black or white, hispanic or asian. If you are a breathing living creature, you do not matter in this country.  With that being said, I bring the focus back to African people because we are a group that has been severely oppressed and will continue to be if we do not get ourselves straight.  We can not continue to rely on this country to have our backs.  We can not continue to rely on this country to bring about justice and or peace.  We can and must only rely on ourselves.  

While people are trying to figure out what to do, I am displeased with the answer being to riot.  Why have I not heard anything about establishing unity?  Coming together as one should ALWAYS be the first step in taking action. Working as a unit and having solidarity is the best way to get through times like this.  Furthermore, operating as a people is what we need to demonstrate that we mean business.  How can we ever expect others to respect our minds, bodies, rights, families, children, women, and men if we are unable to do that for ourselves?  Our attention needs to be on the following: 1) Unity/Community- this would be inclusive of strengthening our relationships and families, and forging better platonic bonds where we don't have hate from woman to woman, or man to man, or woman to man, and man to woman. 2) Education and Economy and 3) Health and spirituality. This trial was an indication that we are still in a struggle!  We are still struggling with ourselves and answers will not be found in contentment and the constant begging of approval from a country that will never and has never accepted you!  Our dependency on grand wizard America is gross. Our mind set is disturbing and we need to break away from it immediately. 

While we work on reclaiming our greatness as a people, the global community has a job to do as well!  People of all races and ethic backgrounds should be filled with emotion and start taking action.  Wrong is wrong, and right is right.  What happened with Trayvon Martin was WRONG.   There is no other way to put it.  In order to have a transformation, we as human beings have to stop perpetuating these ridiculous ideologies that have been placed on groups of people.  I do believe that my generation and the generation after us have a fighting chance at doing this.  We have a fighting chance at transforming many issues that plague this society from race to poverty.  I hope that in my lifetime I am able to see the destruction of the tyranny we are under.  I hope that we are able to create a brighter future for our children where they are not gunned down with snacks, burdened with insane debt, or spied on.  We should want to implement a better way to live- if we don't, then we have done a grave injustice to ourselves and those who come after us!

6 Minutes and 58 Seconds of the Klan

It bes like that

Closed Door

I waited and then it came.

A knock at the door...

Peering through the peep hole, I saw it was you.

My heart came crashing down.

Lifted my hand, grabbed the door knob, but it fell limp.

Standing there, on the other side, I listened for what you had to say.

The door-deep, thick and protecting, caught all the sound.

Stuck within the still, unable to escape- I never heard a word. 

A Deeper Love Inside

Whenever I read something written by Sister Souljah, I pretty much become a serious recluse. I can be found either curled up in my bed or the corner of a couch. Either place you find me, I am completely enthralled in the story. There has only been one exception and that was with her novel "Midnight". However, the first day I had "Midnight" I read about 300 pages only to discover there wasn't much being said about Winter. I did pick it back up, finished it in a day and then got the sequel-so obviously those books were still great! I digress though. The point is, if you have read "The Coldest Winter Ever", then you have been waiting to read something-anything- that gave you more. Finally, that 'more' is here. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked to Marcus Books http://www.marcusbookstores.com/  in Oakland in search of a suggested read, and came across this sitting on the check out counter. I immediately asked where the other copies were, purchased one and left a happy ass camper. Since then, yesterday, I haven't really left the couch but to stuff my face with food, pineapple juice and the necessary shower- and even when I got up, you better believe I was walking around the crib still reading. Point I am trying to make here is the book is great! I always enjoying opening a new book, I hate having to part with it-that shit is like a break up to me.

I would suggest reading the sequel to "The Coldest Winter Ever", "A Deeper Love Inside: The Porsche Santiaga Story". As always, Sister Souljah tells a story while educating you- if I go any further, I fear I will give too much away. I will just give you a heads up-get ready to be sucked in, smile, laugh a little and cry some too.

 I thank Sister Souljah for her talent and I hope to read more!

Witty Unpredicatable Talent And Natural Game

And there I was, standing outside of the Independent, when I was approached by a thick chocolate brother. " I love coming out here. Every time I am here [San Francisco], I see so many beautiful people" he says. Being that I just got to California and still tend to not really talk to strangers at 25, I just nodded and smiled. He put his hand out and I extended mine, told him my name was Tanara and he asked me " do you know who I am?". I had to keep it real, I had no damn clue who this dude was- like at all. I literally assumed he was a California artist, so I informed him that I was from the East coast and apologized. His response " I'm from the East too, I'm from New York".

Rewind back a few hours....

Around 4:50 I get a call from my girl Queens and she tells me to meet her on campus at San Francisco State. Now, I have walked around the block a few times, but I had to actually get my ass to a location I was not familiar with on my own. I looked forward to the travel and learning the new transportation system that will now get me from one place to another. I walked to the BART and hopped on the train to San Fran, caught a shuttle up to campus where Queens and I linked up. We had some errands to run before we hit this GZA show.

Doors opened at 8, but we didn't get there until 10. Standing in line, we saw GZA's car pull up and him get out and walk into the venue- already shit just seemed to be happening on point. We had our wrist bands, drinks and balcony view. The opening act was rocking and then out came GZA- the genius of Wu Tang.

Flash Forward.....

" I'm priest, Killah Priest from Wu Tang", now I'm standing there feeling like a fool. All I could do was smile politely to mask my slight embarrassment. I suppose its a good thing I smiled, "you have really white teeth, keep them that way" he says and then invited me back stage. I told him I didn't come alone and had to get my girl, he told me to go ahead and do what I have to do. I found Queens and told her to get her shit because we were moving from the balcony to VIP. We returned downstairs and like the true sweet and kind man Priest was, he smiled and told security to let us through.

Queens and I got great seats directly across from the left of the stage and a had a wonderful time. When the show was over, I wondered if there would be some expectations. I have seen all the movies, watched tons of interviews and witnessed groupie action in real time.  However, Priest was not at all like that. He was a sincere spirit who was happy to see beautiful black people coming out to enjoy music. When he got off stage with GZA, Queens and I asked if we could go meet him, and it turns out we were more than welcome. Unfortunately, we were unable to locate GZA but I think the time we got to see him perform will suffice for now. Before we took off to go home for the night, we snapped a few pics with Priest and hung out back stage socializing with a cool older cat- who spat some knowledge to us, upcoming artist and other young entrepreneurs.

I think I am going to like Cali just fine!

GZA- from the balcony

GZA & Killah Priest- from VIP

Queens and I with Killah Priest

Get up, get out and do sumthin

I did it! Finally got up the nerve to do the one thing I have been in deep contemplation over-taking a risk. January 27, 2013 I kissed my momma and daddy goodbye, spent one last night in my room, and took off. It is a scary ass thing to do, but a bold and liberating one as well.  Never in a million years- okay maybe not a million- did I think I would pack my life into three duffle bags and come across the country to live in a state I have never been too-California.

A place I have only read and heard about is now my home and I am determined to make it.  I kind of have to since my parents looked me in my face and said don't come back ( not exactly that harsh, but you get what I am saying). I don't mind though, I actually look forward to laying my own foundation. Sitting around in an office, staring out windows and wishing I could do more, was not going to cut it. Coming out here was more than just a way to go beyond the familiar, but a real opportunity to find myself and Mary Tyler Moore it out. I have got to see if I can do me on my own. Soo, I took my own advice and said " fuck it, it's now or never" and right now I can proudly say, I am sitting in Oakland, California writing!

Sure, there are somethings to be vexed about-like finding a job- but I think its best to keep in mind all the wonderful aspects of life and this move, instead of viewing life as a glass half empty. As cliche as it is, I find that keeping positive is the best policy. Of course there will be hardship, but when is all just rainbows, glitter and daydreams of dancing onstage with my boo Prince?? In life, there will be challenges. Life doesn't care about your age or lot in life- it just decides when it wants to happen to you and mine thought now was the moment. Who am I to say no to that?

With that said, I hope that everyone who has the burning urge to get up and go, just dives in. Life isn't really a box of chocolates to me (especially since I have to be in the mood for chocolate, so when I get some, you are damn right I know what I am going to get), its more like a big body of water- you jump in and you either sink or swim.  Your move doesn't have to be as drastic as picking up your life and moving it across country, it can be as simple as picking up a new hobby. Just do what feels right to your soul. I would strongly suggest a little preparation, but sometimes life hits you fast and you don't have the time to do that- I ain't judging.

I would like for people to be happy and feel more free in the decisions shaping your life. For me, this is where I not only want to be but NEED to be. Surrounded in the spirit of freedom fighters, art and creativity. I have been here for a day in half and I can already tell ya, it won't be all peachy, but it will be rewarding. The main goal must be to stay focused while enjoying the experience that is life, as much as I can!

Where is the Love?

Where to start? First and foremost, I am horribly disgusted! I can not stress enough how bothered I am by abuse. Furthermore, I can not stomach the idea that some people find videos like this funny. A few weeks ago, I watched the super "hilarious uppercut". I did not find anything about that to be amusing. As mature adults, we should be able to see something like the Ohio incident or this young man, known as Lil Reese, and automatically know that there is an issue.  An issue that is no joking matter. The problem is not just the fact that we are witnessing men abuse women, but women abusing men. The larger picture illustrates that we have to address violence, and more specifically, violence within our community.  It pains my heart in a way that I can not explain, to watch black folk inflict pain upon ourselves. The hate and misplaced anger is outrageous and instead of finding such acts to be funny, we really need to think about how abuse/violence/hate/anger will lead to the erasure of our people. We have men beating on women, we have children killing each other as a result of gang violence, we have men and women locked away, children left to raise themselves, disconnects amongst the old and young, a lack of family units or a feeling of general kinship- the list goes on. I most certainly do not have all the answers, and I wish I did, but I do know that laughing and encouraging this type of behavior is deadly. It's deadly to that young man, that young woman ( who is the mother of his child by the way) and our community as a whole. 

"Scary" is the only word I know for the day and age we are living in. We are too insensitive and removed from the realities of the world. People die. I don't think that is understood. Die- wiped from the earth- and for what? I don't know what Lil Reese and his baby mother were arguing about, but to come into her space, threaten her, punch her and then commence to stomping her out is barbaric.  It is also a reflection of how jacked up things have gotten. Where is the guidance and better yet, where is the Love? May seem corny, but love is what is missing. Love for ourselves and love for others. It is clear that when we see footage like this, those persons involved need love and help. 

There is so much that can be said, but my thoughts aren't all here. Its just pitiful to know that there are videos like this circulating the web and that people will still support this young man, when he needs to be counseled.  I can not support anyone who inflicts unnecessary pain upon another. You fight to defend yourself. Period. Point. Blank. I certainly can not endorse the destruction of a Great People.  With that said, all I can do is pray and keep trying to educate myself and others who want to be informed. I hope that we reach a point where we realize we won't need "the man" to break us down or kill us off, because we are doing a fine job ourselves.  The shit has to stop. 

2nd Presidential Debate

For those of you who missed it. I don't really want to get into this debate too much. I will say this- I was intrigued by the responses to questions regarding equal rights in the work place for women and the lack of talk on education. I was happy that the issue of "cheating China" was brought to the forefront.  

Inspiration

"The very best proof that something can be done is that someone has already done it"

-- BERTRAND RUSSELL

I think about this when I start to feel a tad bit defeated. It brings me comfort to know that its true and there is proof in the pudding- just look at the people who are getting the "impossible" or "silly" shit done!  *Salute* So, keep in mind the the saying " Been there, done that"- it holds weight. 

Relationship Revelations Ep. 1

Whenever there are two or more women in a cicle discussion, the topic of relationships is bound to rear its head. Discussing men, love, marriage, sex, kids etc is not uncommon. In fact, its super common. Almost annoyingly common. But, I would be a huge liar if I said I didn't participate or have some commentary to add here and there. The last few conversations I sat in on/contributed to, left me thinking...

A co-worker said that the relationship with your first boyfriend- i don't mean the sucka you held hands with in elementary school- shapes how you interact or view relationships afterwards. Pretty much saying, that your first boyfriend jades you. Now, I could agree with that and when I was 22, I probably would have. Not to say I am this super mature being, but I do credit myself for growing up and being a critical thinker.  I can't blame my first boyfriend for failed relationships post him, or my behavior while I was in them. I can't blame the second or third either. I realized that any unhappiness, pain and sorrow I experience is of my own doing. Let me expound....

Its not to say that the interactions you have with other people inside relationships does not influence your development or taint your mental/physical/emotional state - because they do.  I am not saying that you are the sole reason for all your anguish. To get personal, I haven't had one boyfriend who was the alpha and omega and I am sure they would say I wasn't either for whatever reasons. But, its okay because we were and will forever be growing people who have to learn. However, at a certain point you start to figure out what you want, need and like. The problem though is ensuring that you get it- which brings me to the next topic that has been getting a good deal of my mental energy- desperation.

A friend and I have concluded that women have this issue where we are super desperate for love, affection and attention. We see a "man" as validation, even if that "man" aint shit. A "man" validates beauty and how much you are wanted. As I get older, more women are fearing that the lack of a "man" means you will end up a spinster because you won't get married. *blah, blah, blah*. I put "man" in quotes because most of the "men" we deal with who aren't mature enough to provide what we need and want, are just "boys" who think that we are play action figures or something. The real issue though is the fact that we let them. See, it doesn't have to be a "Niggas aint shit" campaign. We could just do a " I want more and you aren't doing it for me" rally. 

 If we stop feeling like we need a "man" to feel good, then we would be much better off. At the same token, we could also work on ourselves so that we are ready for a Man. Once we are confident enough in ourselves to be without, we will see oceans full of fish who want to be hooked. Its never easy to walk away from someone you love, I get that. I have been there. It took me a while to leave just about every serious boyfriend I had. I mean, like the breaking up process was forever- like longer than the relationship itself forever. One of the most recent ones led me to beg this question of myself " why are you doing this?" and when I didn't have an answer that was true to me, I just stopped worrying about him.  I have no negative feelings toward him and hope that he finds his peace and happiness in all that he does. I just realized that I need and want much more. The way I saw it was this, the longer I spend time going back and forth in a relationship that is going no where and has me feeling cruddy, the more I am passing up on meeting and being with someone I could have a healthy relationship with - I think that's what pretty much had me sold!

These dudes be acting up, and we just be letting em. SMH Desperation, amongst other factors, is the cause for this. When you are thirsty, you can become delusional. Think of being in a desert without water and seeing a huge Mr. Kool-Aide guy filled with water-  yea that's called a mirage. This same mirage exist within relationships when you are thirsty- you get crazy and start thinking the relationship/man is something it isn't. I can only say this because we have all been there. I've been thirsty for love...shit who ain't. But we have been quenching our thirst with flavored sugar water (Kool-Aide) and over time that shit turns out to be no good for you. I'm trying to get that good ole PURE H2O and a tall fucking glass of it. In order to do that, I have to be OK with walking away from anything or anyone who is not giving me what I deserve. I don't expect to obtain perfection-shiiit I ain't perfect. I just want something that's real based off of my own standards. Be the best Man you can be in order to maintain a relationship with the best Woman that I am. If a "man" ain't given you no act right, let that piss ant go. Trust me, there will be others. No need to stress it. As my beloved friend would say "soon come baby". Everything is going to happen how and when it should, but if you don't make space in your life for it, then you will really end up bitter and you will be responsible for that.

Remember, no one can make you feel any way unless you let them. People will do to you what you ALLOW them to do. So overall, I can't blame anyone but myself. That's not to say that these dudes in my past weren't assholes or didn't do some fuck shit- which Karma always takes care of- but I played a large role in how they treated me by staying around too long. I am glad I figured that out and am sure that there is much more to learn.  To be honest, I look forward to what else the world has to offer now that I'm no longer desperate for half ass love. Don't nobody got time for that! Nobody- including you.

Be Love, Peace and Light Y'all!

Lost, Dazed and Confused. B.K.A "Your 20's"

It shouldn't be a secret by now, but most people are coming to realize that your 20's are tough.  I am going through it and so are the rest of my friends, peers, and colleagues. When you are a child, you fantasize about being a "grown up", but when you become a grown up, you forget that you are no longer a child and spend a great deal of your time trying to figure out how to A) maintain your youth and B) still participate in the world as a fully functional adult.

I still don't have all the answers, but I have reached a point of clarity (this clarity could be temporary, but it feels good for now).  The truth is, when you are in the "real world" , you are told what it means to be an adult, but no one really tells you how to get there and still have your sanity. For example, you are told to get a job, pay your bills, live on your own etc. But what about the fact that your job shouldn't feel like a prison, but because you HAVE to work as an adult, you stay at your job and slowly die a little each hour that ticks by. No one should want or have to work for a pay check, you should also want to work for fulfillment, joy and pleasure. I mean, what's the use of getting up, going to work and then not even enjoying the fruits of your labor? So when you start to ask yourself these questions, you begin to feel crazy. But you aren't, trust me. It is normal to wonder about these things and it is normal to not want to live your life based on what society is telling you to do. Hence, your 20's- the time for you to figure it all out.   I am in no way saying do not work, I am just saying do work in shit you do like to do and if you don't know what you like to do, try some shit out till something fits.

Don't feel like you are the only who doesn't have their "shit together". I know people in their 50's who don't have their shit together.  Point is, does anyone every really have their entire life together?  I don't think they do.  I think, at best, you reach a point where you are content with what you have done with yourself. To get to that point though, you have to establish a foundation. Your foundation is important, it is what you will stand on and is ultimately a large part of who you are.  Your foundation is what you should be trying to accomplish right now. All you need is a baseline, something firm at its core, but allows for changes and modifications. Life happens, so everything is subject to change, but if you have a baseline, then you have something to go back to.  Your foundation should be your own beliefs, wants, needs and desires for your life. Its crazy how quickly we forget that only we can live our lives for ourselves. I know that is easier said than done, hell I struggle with it every day, but its possible and necessary. Once you create your own code to live by and start doing that, I think we will find that we feel much better about our choices and direction.

We have to remember to be grateful for what we have and not harp on everything wrong occurring at the time. This is something I tend to do- like a lot. One little thing goes wrong, and I'm downing drinks at a local bar talking about "Woe is me. Lawd take me now!!".  Of course, the next day (or realistically, a few days later) something amazing happens and I'm tap dancing in my closet, having a private party. Point is, LIFE has ups and down, but shit don't stay down forever. Everything is going to be OK, it has to be. However, I know that doesn't change the fact that some days you wake up just not knowing what the fuck you are doing here on this planet. I just spoke to a friend last night and explained to her that some days I wake up and feel completely disorientated. You know like when you wake form a crazy dream and look around trying to figure out if you are in your home, in your bed? Yea, its happens man. The key thing though, is 1) I am not alone in this and neither are you and 2) Every now and again, you have to re-adjust and re-focus. With that said, when things start to look like shit on a stick, just try to change your perspective on things, formulate  your next move and make your play. If it works, Bang Bang- you are in there. If not, try something else.

No one knows what they are doing, just some people are better at making it LOOK like they do more than others. I mean really, there isn't a manual on how to do shit. No one can tell you how to be the perfect parent, or student, or person.  Those are all things you have to do for yourself and once you are grounded in something that makes you feel good, then I think you are off to a good start. Just remember, you can't please everyone, so you might as well at least make sure YOU are taken care of at the end of the day. Embrace the confusion! Sounds strange but think about it-the more you resist, the harder it will be for you to get out. Its like quick sand or whatever- you fall in that shit and if you struggle, you sink faster. Try to be still, look around for something to pull yourself out. Got it? Good! Not everyday will be sunny, some days its gonna rain like shit. Just break out the umbrella and rain boots. If you don't have any, then you are fucked!! Sike. Find a place to chill until the storm passes. Ya dig? The 20's will be over soon enough, then we can worry about the fucking 30's and what the hell all that means.

Be Love, Peace and Light Ya'll

National Womb Day...

What will be interesting about this blog, is my honest attempt to have and maintain it. In doing so, I have recognized that there will be times when I'll share some private and personal things with the world. I'm not too sure I am 100% OK with that, but I suppose it is worth a try. Why not start here, as in today, like now.

The 9-5 was as long as it has been in a while. For 8 hours, my emotions peeked and dropped. It was like an emotional menopause- hot then cold then hot again- and I was uneasy. To make matters worse, I couldn't tell you what the problem was, although I do have a clue. Its that wonderful red dart that gets thrown into my mix once a month....every fucking month. Yup, my period. I kind of hate that its referred to as a period. I once had a significant other, if I can call him that, who asked me if I was "on my flow"- my flow??? Don't know why, but that term annoys me too. Actually, at this point, everything annoys me. I am not here to list my annoyances though, I just want to express how awful a menstrual cycle is and how as a woman,  I have to hide it and walk around like I'm not bleeding and in discomfort. For starters, shit pops off BEFORE you even start to "flow". Your back hurts, your uterus is doing flips and karate chops, your head hurts and your emotions are on 1000.  Point is, you don't know if you are coming or going. To top it off, you have to go on about your day as if everything is normal when you just wanna lay in your bed and relax. 

As a woman, I honestly feel as though I should not have to do a damn thing when I am menstruating. In fact, I should be pampered and spoiled and given wine through out the day in honor of my womb and the things I go through.  That's right, my womb should be honored and my body should be rested.  I don't know how many times I have wished a menstrual cycle upon men just so they would understand.  When I go to work and I have to deal with people, I visualize myself screaming " MY VAGINA IS BLEEDING. Please leave me alone". But, we know that would be "inappropriate". So instead, I go about my life pretending everything is confetti cake icing, shoving sanitary napkins and tampons into pockets and holes where they can't be seen, so that other people aren't uncomfortable - and by other people, I mean men. Ain't that a bitch, I'm the one bleeding and cramping and I have to worry about a man's comfort. I think that from this point on, I won't act like I am ashamed of menstruation. Its a normal part of life. I am a woman and having a cycle is a large part of what makes me a female. I can only hope that one day, all females rebel against this terrible assault against our femininity by no longer hiding something that is so natural.  I also hope, that one day, a law of some sort is created that gives women a spa trip during our "special season". OK, that isn't really gonna happen, but damn can I at least get a few days off from the world so I can chill and recoup??



Be Love, Peace and Light Ya'll

Obama vs. Romney

Presidential debate took place last night and I wish I walked away with more answers to pertinent questions. However, I was left looking at GIFs about Big Bird.  I am not sure of what I was expecting exactly. I suppose I was looking for more detail outlining both Obama and Romney's plan for the citizens of America. Instead this is what I got:

1) Obama was not as "aggressive" or forthcoming.  Perhaps this is because he didn't want to be seen as the angry black man, or he is saving his energy for another day, or he just feels like 'I'm the President, so I ain't worried". Whatever the case may be, I think that we are at a critical time with the economy being as shitty as it is, education almost meaning nothing, and our health being seen as a non-factor. On account of those few things alone, its is vital that Obama be as pushy with his ideas and plans as possible. We need to know how this whole thing is about to go down. I like Obama, but I am also critical of him - as we all should be.  With that being said, I just want someone to be straight up with me. Do not dance around problems as if we, the people, can't see them. Bringing me to my next point.

2) Obama did not deliver as well as he could have, but at least he delivered something. Romney was a mess.  He talked in circles, that's right, circles. For some reason, people on my TL (Timeline... as in twitter for those of us who have not taken a step into social media for real) really felt that Romney "did his thing".  Just because this man was rude towards the poor old, pitiful moderator, does not mean he "did his thing". Actually, Romney demonstrated even more that he doesn't know what the fuck is going on and he may have a slight case of amnesia. All of a sudden, Romney cares about the middle class. Um, since when? Oh, since you got on the stage and tried to used that as your platform to sway the middle class to believe in your bullshit. I hope for the sake of my generation and those to follow, we are able to see that this was nothing more than a ploy. Romney is not interested in the middle class. He is a rich republican who win or lose, will return to his home where he does okay just like the rest of his rich friends that he mentioned last night.

3) To go on further about Romney, he made a lot of Sesame Street fans and children upset! I bring this up to say, HELLO...here is a hint that he doesn't even care about the education of our youngsters. Sike- I kid, sort of. But on a serious note, these were the types of things that Romney did last night. He would make corny jokes, duck and dodge questions, talk for ever and by the end of his statement, the audience still didn't have a clear understanding of what his plan was or what he really did believe in. I am still trying to figure out what it all meant. It gave me a headache to be quite frank.


There are many more points to be argued, but I'm not really in the business of discussing politics too heavy. I am not political science major or expert, but I do pay attention to what is happening around us and we are living in some scary times. It is imperative that we keep our eyes open and make a well informed decision when it comes time to vote.  Do not be afraid to pick at each candidate's plan and be sure to read up on the facts that they spew while on stage. I believe some incorrect "facts" where thrown around last night- I'm just saying.  There are too many resources out there for us, the citizens of this country, to take everything that is said to us as undisputed truth.  I encourage people to conduct their own research, if you did, I'm almost sure you would find that things may be worse than you imagined. We can not continue to embrace this "ignorance is bliss" nonsense. So far ignorance has left a lot of suckas broke, uneducated, homeless, hungry, sick and depressed! I am NOT about that life.

For those who missed the debate because you didn't have cable, or weren't at home, or passed out on account of that crazy debate drinking game.... here is a link to it.

P.S. Kudos to Michelle Obama for holding her Man down as he debated on their anniversary.


Be Love, Peace and Light Ya'll

Hell Yea...We Want ROWE *raises pickett sign*

As of late, I have been reading articles about "Generation Y" and the workplace. Of course I am interested-- I mean I am a part of Generation Y and I am employed. While browsing the Internet, I learned about a new policy that companies are implementing to retain their young employees known as ROWE.  This acronym stands for Results Only Work Environment.  With ROWE, you get all these crazy wonderful incentives/benefits such as, my personal favorite, UNLIMITED PAID VACATION. Its the best idea since slice bread, or roll over minutes (before minutes became unlimited of course).  ROWE stops the petty hour clocking and instead, evaluates your work based on the results you put out.  What I can't understand, is why companies have waited this long to do this. It makes perfect sense to me to only be concerned with the quality and turn-over of one's work.  But, you know we work in America and here they are more concerned with running an adult day care ( I digress). 

ROWE is exactly what I need, I don't know about the rest of you, but I feel confident in saying that most of the people I know need and want ROWE too.  Think about all the time you can spend living your life---which is what we should be doing--- while getting work done at the same time.  ROWE is a clear illustration of how great life can be. I am proud of our generation for making it clear that we don't just want sub par work conditions and since companies need us, they most learn to work WITH us.  I like the sound of with instead of " I work FOR".  ROWE has proven that employees even work better knowing that they have the opportunity to take vacation with out feeling guilt and have the option to work from home.  Employees come back to work all happy and shit 'still smelling like vacation" and they are motivated to get projects done. Not only does ROWE allow you to kick your feet up, but you can leave work early ( something else I NEED in my life).  Don't you just hate finishing all your work in like an hour and then sitting around for 7 more dying? You know what I'm talking about. You can usually tell when this happens according to your Twitter timeline -- its that period of the day when everyone is tweeting more than usual and those tweets sound like suicide notes or read something like " its only 10:30...AM * insert blue faced emoji with the home alone expression*". Well comrades, be depressed no more, ROWE is here to save us all. With a ROWE policy, you can leave work as long as you have your work done.  All of this sounds too good to be true, so good that I spent some time browsing the web for proof that such a thing exist.  Behold, I present you with links about the policy so you can read for yourself AND a wonderful little list of the companies who have implemented ROWE thus far.

There are downfalls ---sad I know--- ROWE is relatively new so there are a number of places who are not hip to the game yet. But, I feel pretty hopeful that given a few more years everyone will be able to ROWE out...hahaha get it?? Ok, I'm corny. SO WHAT!

Be love, peace and light ya'll.

List of companies who are using ROWE: http://www.rowecall.com/rowe-companies

ROWE explained: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/more-firms-bow-to-generation-y-s-demands.html

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-51237128/what-is-a-results-only-work-environment/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/how-those-spoiled-millennials-will-make-the-workplace-better-for-everyone/2012/08/16/814af692-d5d8-11e1-a0cc-8954acd5f90c_story_2.html 

Boomerang Generation

Class of Howard University, 2009.

Class of Syracuse University, 2011.

Class of Hard Knocks, 2012-Present

Now is the time that all college graduates should be celebrating. We should be bragging to our friends and family about our new found social, professional and economic freedom... new jobs, new cars, new apartments. Instead, most of us are up to our eyeballs in ever-looming debt, and even sleeping in the same bedrooms where we found puberty.  The struggle is very much real and alive. Our frustration is growing from an ant hill to a mountain and the only solution to all our problems seems to lie in conformity.

From the age of gaining motor and cognitive skills  we have been told that we can be what ever we want to be. We can “follow our dreams” and the possibilities are endless. We were instructed to go off to school in order to "make it better" for ourselves and amass all the material possessions we could ever want or need with our high paying jobs of choice.  Yet, we crossed that stage, ready to leap for the stars and looked down only to find that we were falling into the arms of student loan debt, a diseased economy, and most of all, the scrutiny of our parents.

There are many problems here that I wish to address... in large part just because I need to vent.  However, my venting is not necessarily an untruth.  Everything I have said and will say is REAL.

1) LIES of promise: We all have been hoodwinked...  tricked into believing that we could give our all and be rewarded for it. The truth is, unless you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth or with parents who belong to a class similar to that of Jay-Z and Beyonce, you won't be receiving many rewards.  Instead, you will be given the gift of stress! Stressed, because you cannot find a job that you genuinely enjoy.  Stressed and depressed that you will spend 40 hours a week {A little math for you: 40 hrs/week x 1 month (4 weeks) = 160 hrs. 160 hrs x 12 months = 1,920 hrs/year} doing nothing that contributes to society in a positive way, discovering that you must give up all aspects of your social life if you wish to repay Sallie and the Gang and move out of your parent’s house. You might even find that for a period of time you will drown your sorrows in alcohol just to feel a little bit normal. By the time the drunken haze fades -- sometimes not until the middle of the next day -- you look up and are sitting right in same the place, doing the same things that drove you to the comfort of your favorite bar in the first place. The "chase your dream" speech you were once unable to escape has turned into the " stop dreaming... welcome to the real world" challenge.  Questions emerge. What is this real world you speak of?  Is it being complacent?  Is it working every day of your life to buy things that in the end will not provide moral or spiritual value?  Is it coming home to sit on a couch and watch reality TV shows that display grown ass people exploiting themselves? Or better yet, is it watching the world crumble before your eyes knowing that one day you will die (we all saw Lion King), and not being able to comfortably enjoy our lives before we become shit for the earth to thrive off of? While it may seem like my message is one of anger (and to an extent it is), I am really trying to amp everyone up, including myself, to say FUCK THAT SHIT! We have earned and therefore deserve the right to dream and be dream-chasers. We are in the prime of our lives, the age where we should be exploring and making demands so that we can establish the tone for the rest of our lives. The way I see it, I have plenty of time to sit around on my ass -- its called being married with children.  During that time, we will have completely switched our focus and will no longer be able to do all the cool things we are suppose to be doing now.  A familiar line rings loudly in my head: "Why so serious?" There is nothing wrong with being focused or driven, but save that shit for things that actually matter.  It doesn't make sense to harp over endless and meaningless jobs that most of us don't want, and in my case, took to pay bills and soothe my parent’s concerns. I know they are really just worried about me and where my life is headed. They want me to be "successful." Hell, I worry about the same things. Speaking of parents... please understand that shit is not like it use to be. In some ways, it's a good thing and in others, a bad thing. Life is hard and we are all trying to figure out the best way for us to get through it. It does not help when you are on our backs. We get enough of that when we walk out the door each day and head to work, or when we check our bank accounts or dodge calls from the loan sharks (I mean student loan officers). We are not trying to fulfill the hope of YOLO, but we would like to cozy up with it every now and again because we worked for it. As a person of much valor and a possessor of two degrees, I can honestly say I have been looking for a job since my body left Syracuse, NY, without a moment to breathe and regroup and it has landed me nothing but a perpetual headache. After many months of searching, I still haven't turned up with anything and it is because the truth of the matter is this: The job postings we are bookmarking and applying to are a formality. That's right!! A FORMALITY. That means that these positions are already filled.  The employers knew who they wanted before the position opened up. Most were just required to put a posting out there just because. All this emailing and writing cover letters is for the birds. So, we must take things into our own hands. We need to stick together and network with one another and return to our dreaming. If you can't find a job, make one! I said it, MAKE ONE! What can it hurt to take all of your knowledge and skills and build something of your own? Get together with some like-minded people and have discussions. Create a road map and put together a plan.  All throughout school we were forced to do this with people we didn't even like -- it was called a group project. Ah yes, that is a skill too. The ability to work with others. I know we forget about that because society tells us to be individualistic. Truism.., you won't make it alone, no one does.

2) Student Loan Debt: FUCK YOU. That's really all I have to say on that.

3) Dear Economy - You are like an abusive partner in a fucked up relationship. You whoop my ass and then present me with a gift such as the failing idea of home ownership ( I mean ownership…not a mortgage).  You beat me and then say I’m the blame for your Ike Tuner assault. Then you go get drunk (corporations with their power hungry, thieving, greed infested drive), gamble everything away, come back home, and ask "now how can YOU fix this?" It's rather unfair and complete fuckery, if you ask me.  I don't know how to get around this -- my ideas would be considered radical -- so I should leave them for another day.  Just know this my fellow strugglers, we cannot do anything if we are not at least AWARE of what is happening... and what is happening is not good in any shape, form or fashion. The economy is a like the mom on "What's Eating Gilbert Grape;" unable to move and just growing more and more depressed. So, take your knowledge, talent and skills and try to make things better for you AND the community you belong to. Understand that we are going to need each other more than ever. Reach out to people, build relationships and help one another. Be supportive! B-E- supportive. Support those new budding businesses, art shows, clothing ventures, music, stores, books, and articles. Just support till you can't no more. HAVE faith....its all we got y'all. Faith in ourselves and in the little bit of humanity left. Stop thinking the economy is going to help you. It won't... it doesn't care. Think of the economy as a prostitute. Yeah -- a prostitute -- and capitalism is its pimp. The "hoe" will do what the "pimp" says and right now the pimp is saying what it always says "bitch, you better give me my money" and that is exactly what is happening. The economy is stretched so thin that our government doesn't even know how to fix it, so they just keep making it worse at our expense. Needless to say, don’t wait around for things to “get better”. We have to save ourselves.

4) In the words of Lil Wayne, "Bitch, I'm ME." YUP! That is how I feel at 10 a.m. on a Tuesday. The truth of the matter is, we should never feel doubt in ourselves. Remember all of the things that you CAN do and stop trippin off the shit you CAN'T do. The latter will get you nowhere. Be confident in yourself and your future, even if you don't quite know where you are heading. No one ever really does, if they are doing life right, because life is um... IDK? UNPREDICATABLE. All I know is, we have to be open to the world and its possibilities and when opportunity strikes, be bold and self-assured enough to jump on it. Failure... we look at it in such a negative light. But failure is necessary in order to succeed. I hope that makes sense... because it does in my head. You see, we have to fall sometimes in order to get it right. When a child first starts walking, they fall and fall and fall until they get it right. No matter how many times they fall, the end result is always that child walking. So, don't be scurred. Put one foot out in front of the other and see what happens. As long as you believe in yourself and follow your ideas through with passion, things will work out. Just look at 2 Chainz and my personal favorite old-as-hell rapper (but he is getting money)... Flo-rida.

Be love, peace and light y'all.