2011 in One Thousand Words.

BLOG 46: "Anyway-love"?

"Nad -- I'm gona say this with as much love as possible -- what the F*CK are you waiting for?! What are you scared of? " Markus said.  We had just finished brunch and he (who is a chronic cheater and drank so much that he's currently sitting across from me struggling to stay awake) decided it was the appropriate time to analyze my singledom.

Brian Omni Dillon - No Gravity

this is breathtaking.

NEW VIDEO: Beyonce -- I Was Here

Beyonce -- I Was Here






"I was here...
I lived, I loved
I was here...
I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here...

I just want them to know
That I gave my all,
Did my best
Brought someone some happiness
Left this world a little better just because...
I was here... "

Today's Thought.

Sometimes, while I'm studying Real Property or drafting a pseudo-will, I feel like I'm living someone else's life. I wasn't the child who stood in the middle of the class and said she wanted to be President of the United States. No, that wasn't me at all.

I was the little girl who sat in her bedroom and wrote poems about boys. Now I'm a woman... But most times, instead of studying, I still want to run off and find a boy to fall out of love with and write a poem about it.

Oh, law school.

... For Showing You How Beautiful Your Mistakes Can Be.

(Korim begins speaking at the 00:50 mark)

Korim- Arkansas Grand Slam 2011 Finals round 1 from Rahim Adeigbe on Vimeo.

This is beautiful. *snaps*

This Week's Random Quote...

"There was a moment over the summer when I was floating in the ocean. Getting to that point had been a chore in of itself. I’d been losing a war with the tide for well over an hour when finally Arz said to me ‘the problem is, you’re fighting the wave.’

So when the next rumble began to roll towards me, instead of turning to outrun it, I waited til it was right before me, said a quick prayer, and jumped directly into it. The lesson was I had to trust that I would float, having no more proof than the fact that I always do."

Sometimes Hoodrat Love Songs Inform My Life Decisions.

This show is so cute, couldn't help but share. The Mis-Adventures of an Awkward Black Girl follows J, the "awkward black girl," through her professional and personal dilemmas. I laugh so hard watching these. I hope you enjoy, too. :)


Episode 8 -  "The Project"

MUSIC: Drake ft. Jhene Aiko -- July

I'm gonna just ramble these thoughts off real quick....

Some of the things Drake says in this song are EXACTLY how I feel right now.  I've got it in heavy rotation on my iPod. The track is about a year old and I guess it's technically a cool breakup song.  But for me, it makes me smile because well... I'm excited. About what? I'm not quite sure. That's the fun of it, I suppose.  Anyway, take a listen:

Drake ft. Jhene Aiko -- "July"

"Uhh, this verse starts as my snipers hit their marks

And your guards fall down from a rifle to the heart

Like clap clap, let em fall slow

I know you had your fears 
You can let them all go

And most women are motivated, so I act accordingly

But this is so refreshing that it means a little more to me

Dedicating time when I really can’t afford to be

I provide protection if you open up the door for me

Couple stares, couple texts, couple dates

Couple "I think that we’re ready’s"

Couple "I think we should wait’s"

Are we acting like a couple, I’m just trying to get it straight

'Cause I’m over here convinced that it’s too early for mistakes..."

Wanna Know A Secret?

This Week's Random Quote...

"I disregard the proportions, the measures, the tempo of the ordinary world. I refuse to live in the ordinary world as ordinary women to enter ordinary relationships. I want ecstasy. I am a neurotic -- in the sense that I live in my world.  I will not adjust myself to the world.  I am adjusted to myself."

– Anais Nin 

I Wrote This.

So, please read it. :)

CLICK HERE: Will Usher Have to Pay Up For Stealing Hit Song?

BLOG 45: Moment of Clarity.

Tonight is my first free night in weeks.  And, while I made a failed plan for tonight,  somehow I know that sitting in front of my computer in the middle of my new bed with this cup of tea is everywhere I am supposed to be.

I am proud of me.  I sat today and reminisced upon that moment in February when my roommate -- my sweet, sweet India -- told me she was going to be moving to Baltimore at the end of the school year.  I was happy for her but, of course, I was more concerned about myself.  I was 24 years old and the idea of moving back into my parents' house made me sick to my stomach.  I remember how many times I told India that I would find my own apartment sans roommate and make it fab. Today I walked into my apartment and realized that I was living the life that I said I would. A tedious 6 week apartment search amidst law school assignments, work and haters... I did it.

I'm proud of myself for this small feat, but in a larger sense, I'm proud of myself for always following through.  I set goals for myself and take the necessary steps to achieve them.  It's a blessing to live your dreams, even the teeniest, tiniest ones.

This brings me to my next thing.  Law school sucks, but I have a feeling that at the end of it my professional life will be pretty much set.  It's time for me to work on my personal life.  I should go out more, even when my leopard print snuggie seems like the more appealing option. It's time for me to date with purpose, not just for a free dinner or to see the latest movie.

I gotta get it together.  I think that when you've been hurt by people the way that I have, the relationships that should probably be the simplest become the most complicated.  The wonderful thing about love, though, is that what I want will want me as much as I want it -- flaws and all.  I've been broken into a million pieces this year. I'm soooooo ready for the good stuff, but I'm also patient enough to wait for what's right for me. Still waiting for my knight in dirty Nikes (hehe. remember that?). No lies. No pretenses. No walls. No regrets. No anger. Just pure, unconditional, fun, reckless love.

I guess you could say that when it comes to my personal life I'm working on carpe dieming -- with caution.



---------------------------
Anyway, thanks so much for your emails of condolences at my grandmother's passing. It means more than words can articulate that you -- many of whom I've never met -- took time out of your day to send some love my way.  I won't ever forget it.  Not ever. Love you.

Alicia Myers -- I Want To Thank You

I've had this song on repeat so much lately that I just had to post it.  LOVE this song!

Alicia Myers -- I Want To Thank You (1981)




"I want to thank you, Heavenly Father
For shining your light on me,
You sent me someone who really loves me
And not just my body...

He keeps me happy, so very happy
And he loves me
I don't know how to be
It's been a long time since I had someone who loves me
I owe my thanks to Thee..."

*dancing* *smiling*

Here's to the Crazy Ones: Farewell, Steve Jobs.

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, Inc. , died yesterday of pancreatic cancer.  He was an innovator way ahead of his time.  What I appreciate most about Steve, though, was the fact that he used his position as chairman and CEO of Apple to inspire others to greatness.  For that I am appreciative and, in tribute, I've posted the commercial that caught my attention just a few years ago and confirmed that being crazy, thinking different and walking to the beat of your own drum is not just okay -- it's genius.

Farewell, Mr. Jobs.

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The trouble-makers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify, or vilify them. But the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do. “

-Jack Kerouac

NEW VIDEO: Six Reasons -- Raindance

The majority of my readers/subscribers are from the East Coast, so you may not know who Six Reasons is.  But my friends on the West Coast are all abuzz about this burgeoning hip hop star.  I did a short write up on him for CHARGED.fm over the summer and since then he's been making some major moves.

His latest single, "Raindance," features one of my favorite freaknasty artists, Too Short.  I've had the song on my iPod for a few weeks now and it definitely makes me want to shake somethin'. Anyway, take a look at the video and let me know what you think.


Six Reasons -- Raindance






"I don't speak no other language, but my money's bilingual.." 

Ayyye..!!! *puts hands up* lol

NEW VIDEO: Tyson Kruze - She Got Me Like

This is the latest video from one of our Summer Spotlight artists, Tyson Kruze.  He's on his Cool J in this one... and his co-star in the video is one of the sweetest young ladies I've met in my life.  Take a look and send your feedback to nadia@shakesomething.com.  Enjoy!

Tyson Kruze - She Got Me Like

This Week's Random Quote...

"The person who can create herself—choose herself—is the one who can overcome the feeling of nothingness and hopelessness that breeds indifference and lack of concern. Once she becomes visible to herself, she may find her vision clearing, she may find that she is transcending herself. She may find self-commitment possible —the commitment to orchestrate herself with the selves of others with whom she can empathize as a fellow-creature confronting the same crucial human problems, moving to the same beat."

-Maxine Greene

Will Smith Says Good Stuff

I don't think it's any coincidence that I watched this video at this point in my life. I've skipped over the link as people tweeted it to me, friends emailed it to me and other blogs posted it. Finally, nearly one year after hearing about it, I watched the video. And yes, Will Smith is a bit eccentric when it comes to his message about life and success... but's he's also completely correct.

Greatness exists in all of us. And, consequently, greatness exists in ME. :)

UK Siblings Get Too Close for Comfort and for the Law

Because My Hard Work Means Something...

My editor decided not to publish my story this week.  I worked hard on it though, so I've decided to post it myself.  It's a tough thing... when you're so close to living your dream and are met with difficult people as an obstacle. And, believe me, my editor is difficult. 

I've come to expect difficult situations.  But difficult people, especially in a professional setting, always seem to catch me off guard.  I will, however, meet my editor's sass with compassion.  Mean people live lonely lives...  and I'm convinced that my kindness is my God-given strength. 

Why Do Twentysomethings Always Feel So Old...?

"I think the reason why twentysomethings are so fixated on age is because we feel a pressure to be a certain way at 23, at 25, at 29. 

There are all of these invisible deadlines with our careers and with love and drinking and drugs. I can’t do coke at 25. I can’t vomit from drinking at 26. I just can’t! We feel so much guilt for essentially acting our age and making mistakes. We’re obsessed with this idea of being domesticated and having our shit together. It’s kind of sad actually because I don’t think we ever fully get a chance to enjoy our youth. 

We’re so concerned about doing things “the right way” that we lose any sense of pleasure in doing things the wrong way. Youth may be truly wasted on the young..."

Excerpt from "Why Do Twentysomethings Feel So Old" by Ryan O'Connell

"You Hold A Revolution In Your Hips."

Shane Romero -- "Prayer for Her"

"I remember the morning when your name echoed its way into my prayer..."

Dear Nadia...

"Hi Nadia!

I love your blog! I'm just wondering why you didn't write about [what happened during your] summer in NYC like you told your subscribers you would. I know you had to have some kinda nice job cause I saw you post the pics from the Big Sean concert. What's up?

Micah

(White Plains, NY)"

I know that I usually write a short blog about how New York City captivates me, how I'm preparing for the semester and some of my favorite summer moments at this time of the year.  It's not that those things haven't been a part of summer and aren't part of what I may want to say.  My summer has had some extreme highs, extreme lows and everything in between. 

It's just that no matter how many wonderful experiences I've had, both personally and professionally, this will always be the summer that I watched my grandmother die. 

This summer has transformed me in ways that surprise me sometimes. And, while it seems as though my friends and some family members are able to focus on other things, I'm not quite there yet.  I'm moving. I'm working. I'm schooling. I'm doing. But... I guess... I'm also mourning.

NEW VIDEO: 'Everything Good' -- Mann Of H-Cide Ft. BarryBlackk,Fly Gee,Mayback Swang

Long Island natives Mann of H-Cide, BarryBlackk, Fly Gee, Mayback Swang and Rocket of Waverspace dropped the video for their single 'Everything Good' today.  It's a party anthem and lyrically, this song is a beast.  Take a look and email me at nadia@shakesomething.com to let me know what you think! Enjoy.

My favorite part of the song starts at the 2:55 mark though.
Not that I'm biased or anything. (*whispers* ...SWANG!)

Night Before My Final Year of Law School (in One Thousand Words)

This Week's Random Quote...

"But believe in a love that is being stored up for you like an inheritance, and have faith that in this love there is a strength and a blessing so large that you can travel as far as you wish without having to step outside it."

-Rainer Maria Rilke “Letters to a Young Poet” 

 

 

 

 

Shake Something Spotlight: Meet Cashflow Family.

SWANG is the movement. 

And Cashflow Family? They are the founders and ambassadors of SWANG.  Their message, Success While Achieving New Goals, is not just a catchy phrase.  It's a lifestyle.

College graduate Dwight Jackson (aka Mayback) did not let his degree chain him to the corporate machine.   In 2008 him and group members LondonCash and Guapo pooled their talents to form Cash Flow Family. After recording many videos and freestyles, they released their first mixtape entitled 'Bossman Swang' to rave reviews.  The Long Island, New York natives just dropped the much anticipated sequel to their 2008 mixtape, Bossman Swang 2, which is available for FREE download HERE. 



These three young men are so determined to make it,  not only for themselves but for their family and friends.  They are not a rap group they are a family!  I am proud to be a member of the SWANG movement and you can stay up on Cashflow Family's achievements through twitter, youtube and here at ShakeSomething.com.  Below, you can find their contact information and a video from one of Cashflow Family's most recent performances in New York City, where they took home the grand prize!








Twitter:  Mayback, LondonKash, Guapo

Myspace:  http://www.myspace.com/cahflowfamily

Mixtape:  http://www.datpiff.com/CashFlow

Youtube:  http://www.youtube.com/user/CFFTV87#p/a/u/1/Mp7UmhJjOjA

I'm Moving at the End of This Month...

...and I have NO IDEA where I'm going. Lol. I have my heart set on a particular building in Brooklyn, but when I call (everyday) there are still no apartments available.  Anyway, this video reminded me that the possibilities are endless.  I'm packing my things away, slowly but surely, knowing that things will work out. They always do. :)

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

Take the Box.

I'm sincerely going to miss this.

I Don't Want to Be A Rapper, But This Inspires Me.

For my short writeup on Machine Gun Kelly, CLICK HERE.

Beyonce for Complex Magazine

For the full story and photo gallery, go to Complex Magazine.

Shake Something Spotlight: Meet Tinashe.

I've actually received quite a few emails from fans asking me to feature this young lady in my summer spotlights, but since I hadn't heard from her or her management, I was hesitant.

However, when I received a video of 18-year-old pop singer, TINASHE, covering Lil Wayne's hit song "How To Love," I knew I had to post something. So, here she is.

If her face looks familiar, that's no surprise. Tinashe is the former lead singer of girl group, the Stunners. The Kentucky native has also appeared in several of your favorite movies and television shows. Now, as she embarks on her journey to solo success, Tinashe is performing at small venues and communicating with her many faithful fans via twitter. You can stay up to date about Tinashe's future endeavors by following her on twitter or visiting her personal site.


"Her sexy style, laid-back attitude, and crazy sense of humor sets her apart from other young artists currently in the business; She comfortably inhabits the singing/dancing/acting realm of some of entertainments most iconic firebrands, yet manages to breathe fresh air into an industry of copycats and idea-recycling replicas. Her zest for continuously evolving as an entertainer and keeping people guessing will surely make for an exciting journey." - via TinasheNow



Tinashe - "How To Love" (Cover)

"Your Parents May Not Have Planned You, But God Did."

Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, spoke on the success of his best selling book. Whether you're religious or not, this video is a must watch. It definitely inspired and encouraged me. We matter to God. We matter to history. We matter to the universe.... Enjoy!

"The good life is not about looking good, feeling good and having the goods. That's not the good life... It's about being good and doing good. It is in giving our lives away that we find meaning, we find significance."

BLOG 44: "Grandma's Hands"

My grandmother passed away on Monday. There are few people who sacrificed for me the way my grandmother did. Before moving in with my family when I was in high school, my grandmother walked from the other side of our town every single morning to watch me before school. She wasn't the best hairstylist, but on mornings before school pictures she'd throw side ponytails in my hair to make sure I didn't run out of the house looking like sideshow Bob. She showed she loved us by quietly taking care of the small things that we sometimes didn't even notice we neglected. She was wise, and kind, and personified LOVE.

I'm going to miss walking into my parents' house and running upstairs to hug my grandmother. I'm going to miss the conversations we had and the laughs we shared. I'm going to miss faintly hearing her voice in the other room while she was on her phone with one of her many "hotline" callers. Lol. Put simply, I'm going to miss her.

My little brother posted this video on his blog. I remember my dad playing this song over and over when his grandmother, who lived in Mississippi, passed away. I couldn't quite understand it back then, but now it's so clear. Grandparents fill in the gaps that parents sometimes can't. I get it and I'm grateful.






"If I get to Heaven I'll look for Grandma's hands..."

Shake Something Spotlight: Meet Kemist Da Kidd.

Intellect is something that is sometimes lacking in Hip Hop. Artists rarely bring true wit to their party anthems. However, one new mixtape artist has been able to incorporate a sort of smooth savvy into his music that has garnered the attention of the underground hip hop scene.


KEMIST DA KIDD, born Darnell Arnold, is a Dallas-based artist who hails from Freeport, New York. His life hasn't been easy. And it's his uncanny ability to bring the reality of his struggles to each and every track that he blesses with his unique rhyming style that sets him apart from your average mixtape MC.


The 24-year-old lyricist dropped his first mixtape, Like I Bought It Vol. 1, earlier this year to rave reviews. On the heels of the success of his debut, Kemist has been performing at venues meeting fans and gaining new ones. He is truly a rising star in hip hop, and his positivity in spite of life's hardships make him more than worthy for a Shake Something Spotlight.






You can stay posted on Kemist Da Kidd's future accomplishments by following him on Twitter and YouTube. CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW to download Like I Bought It Vol. 1. FOR BOOKINGS, email: KemistDaKidd@ymail.com

BLOG 43: Sleeplessness & The Sweetness of Doing Nothing

I hadn't slept in nearly a week. Or, I hadn't slept well at least.

I took a few hours for myself yesterday, tried to find a way to force my body into submission. "Il dolce far niente" is what Elizabeth Gilbert called it in Eat, Pray, Love.... "the sweetness of doing nothing." I turned my thoughts off, breathed deeply and let tears fall if they needed to. I turned off my phone. I didn't eat. I didn't speak. I didn't read or watch TV. I laid on my back and stared at the ceiling as if I was waiting for something to swoop in and carry me away. I did nothing and it was perfect.

There are heavy things going on around me and I've become an expert at being strong for everyone else. It's a role I'm accustom to. I'm positive it's a God-given gift. But in being strong for everyone else, I may have forgotten about me. My lack of sleep may actually be directly related to my inability to lean on someone outside of myself -- to momentarily take everyone else's burdens and place them on someone's shoulders.

I know for a fact that on Saturday, July 2nd for about three hours the burden was lifted... and I'm grateful. I took a long nap and woke up feeling refreshed and re-energized. I know that this season of chaos in my family is only temporary. And in some strange way I'm also very, very honored that my relatives trust me enough to lay their burdens on me.

I'm thankful for the sweetness of doing nothing. And now that I've realized its importance, I'm going to make every effort to carve that time into every week.

This Week's Random Quote...

"I remember lonely and
what it tasted like before
your name took root in my throat,
before everything reminded me of your mouth.
I don’t know how I lived that way…"
-Warsan Shire


<3

Raekwon -- Ice Cream

90's Hip Hop has my heart. I'm sure of it.

"french vanilla butter pecan chocolate deluxe..."

"I'm Not Sure When We Forgot that We Are GIANTS."

This video is a collaboration between Reebok and "spoken wordsmith," Joshua Bennett.

"The most honest parts of me,
Are the ones I spend the most time retreating from.
I'm not sure when we forgot that we were giants,
When I stopped thinking that the sunrise
Was just an entire world's dream from the night before,
That God mixed together into sky paint...

We are so much better than the desk jobs
And the childhood fears we chain ourselves to.
Believe me.
There's an opera in your chest right now,
its melody is the key to your ribs,
that you've been looking for for all this time.
So, sing it like a vow, like it's a theme song
To the best day of your life."

I sat this evening and watched this video over, and over, and over again. Some things speak to me in ways the I, myself, am unable to articulate. All I can say is, this poem is amazing... and every fiber of my being relates.

I've been following Joshua Bennett's successes since I watched him years ago at Youth Speaks. He's grown since then, and his poetry is still blessing me.


*QUIVERS*

Big Sean's Album Release in One Thousand Words

Mr. West was in the building.

LOL... and my bro caught me slippin on the morning after.
Didn't I tell you guys I'd show you the real me?
(Note that I'm wearing a Big Sean tee. #DORK)

I love my job :)

Summer 2011 Artist Spotlights

Hello, my loves.

This summer I want to do a few more artist spotlights and I need your help. If you know of some local, unsigned talent who need a platform to showcase their work, let me know. I'd love to feature them on Shake Something!

Send contact info, YouTube and/or mixtape links to nadia@shakesomething.com ...


xoxo

Nadia

Watch This: Frank Ocean -- "Dust"

It's not the official video, but it's great art.
Have had his mixtape on repeat since March...

Frank Ocean "Dust" (Stop Motion Animation) from Sam Frank Productions on Vimeo.

Ahhhh! Rock the Bells 2011 Lineup Announced!

Rock the Bells is the premiere hip hop event of the year. This year's headliners include Lauryn Hill, Nas, Erykah Badu and Common. I'll definitely be in attendance when the tour hits Governor's Island on September 3rd! :-)

BLOG 42: There's Nothing Tragic About Me.

Between the Dark Girls trailer circulating around the web and the widely publicized comments by Satoshi Kanazawa in Psychology Today in which he claimed women of African descent are scientifically less attractive than women from other racial groups, I'm feeling a little... Angry? Disappointed? Confused? I can't exactly pinpoint the emotion, but I know that it's not a positive one. Why are all of these media outlets -- these individuals who have a voice that could do so much for racial harmony-- choosing to write and distribute such elementary fodder?

We are a human race. That's not to say that there are not notable differences between the cultures and historical difficulties experienced by certain races of people. It's just that pointing out those differences and, in some cases, presenting them as a basis for placing one race in a category as "better" than the other really grinds my gears.

CONTINUE READING...

Random: How To Shake Something.

I don't know who made this chart, but it's cute...only cute.

Shake Something Spotlight: Meet Tyson Kruze.

Tyson Kruze, is a smooth lyricist and aspiring model from Long Island, New York. He has gained notoriety as a local Long Island MC, but his passion and drive have caught the ear of many industry insiders. Kruze has recorded over 600 songs and has also appeared on over 40 released projects to date.

As you all know, I like to keep my blog about me. But, when you see and respect something that someone else is doing it doesn't hurt to say so. I salute young people doing POSITIVE and creative things to ensure that their dreams come to fruition.





When I asked him what inspires him to keep writing songs and putting out mixtapes, he replied "I just give the people chapters of my life, I got a million left." Currently, Kruze continues to promote and do shows all over the New York City area, as well as events outside of New York. You can stay posted on his future accomplishments through social networking platforms like myspace, youtube and twitter (available below). You can also check for his mixtape, "BLACK TY AFFAIR," for free download on mixtape distribution sites now!

www.myspace.com/tysonkruze
www.youtube.com/TysonKruzeTV
www.Twitter.com/tysonkruze
FOR BOOKINGS: (917) 727-7411


Tyson Kruze -- Let's Wait A While
(music starts at the 00:50 mark)

Today, I Feel Like This...

Sometimes you feel like a nut.

New Music: Lil Wayne -- How To Love

CLICK HERE TO PLAY:

"You had a lot of crooks trying to steal your heart
Never really had luck couldn’t never figure out How to Love
You had a lot of moments that didn’t last forever
Now you in a corner trying to put it together How to Love..."

This song makes me smile so wide...! Lil Wayne surprises me sometimes.

I'm Going to Miss This...

Farewell, Godmama O.

New Music : Beyonce "1+1"

LISTEN HERE:



<3 ;-)

The First Lady in Tom Ford

Michelle Obama looked AMAZING in the ivory Tom Ford gown she wore to the state banquet at Buckingham Palace during the President's visit to Europe this week.

Enough said.
















Photo via Getty Images

Toddla T - "Take It Back"

This song reminds me of London in springtime. Sometimes, when the rain is pounding against my window in Brooklyn, I remember my walks through Picadilly Circus on misty British days and smile. No city has loved on me like London did and in my most honest moments, I long for the familiarity & the challenge of sweet London-town...





(the music starts at the 1:15 mark)



"All of the little things, simple things, they remind me
Hidden deep inside of me, uh baby
All the sweet memories, all behind me, always seem to find me
So tell me can we take it back ?
To you and me baby, how we used to be baby?
Can we take it back ?
To you and me baby, sweet memories baby?"

Introducing Al B. Suave DeBarge...

My little brother is growing his hair out and I just think it's the cutest, funniest thing EVER. He's gona be so mad at me, but look at my little munchkin! He's all growed up! *crackin up*

Who Ran the Billboard Awards?!?

BEYONCE.

This Week's Random Quote...

"One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle
will strike you as the most beautiful."

-Sigmund Freud, in a letter to Carl G. Jung

Apocolypse Now? I Don't Have an Opinion...

Apparently, according to some religious zealots (as well as the crazy people who've stood outside of my subway station screaming at me ALL WEEK...!!!) the world is going to end tomorrow -- MAY 21, 2011. I've had several conversations with friends and colleagues about this and even after those conversations, I can't say that I really have an opinion. I will say that I probably don't believe it's going to happen, as I haven't gone into a cave and started pleading to my sweet Jesus for mercy. And, if it does happen, I'm going to be QUITE upset that I spent 2 years of my life in law school stressing out when I could've been just straight chillin. Also, I need the world to hold up at least until the final episode of Oprah on Wednesday. Sheesh! Anyway, below you'll find a few articles that explain the theory and may give some opinions on the matter:

The End of the World Starts on May 21... Well, Perhaps.

By The Numbers: How May 21 Was Calculated to be Judgment Day

Christian Leaders Respond to Camping's May 21 Rapture Prediction

How About an End to End-of-the-World Predictions?

Harold Camping: The Man Behind "Judgment Day," May 21, 2011 (VIDEO)

Biblical Evidence too Overwhelming to be Wrong

Kirk Franklin -- "I Smile"

Kirk Franklin premiered his new video, "I Smile," on BET's 106 and Park yesterday. Just in time for this rainy New York week, this video brings a little sunshine. :-)

"I smile, even though I'm hurt see I smile,
I know God is working so I smile,
Even though I've been here for a while
I smile, smile.. "



(PS... Did yall peep my CNN boo, TJ HOLMES at the 1:25 mark? Lol.)

Ghostface Killah's Blog, Nah Mean!!!

As I said before, we've got a lot of catching up to do. So much can happen in a month without blogging! I'm sure I'll get to everything in my own time, but this one thing that I'm about to share with you guys is very, very important. In the month I spent on hiatus, I discovered THE most ignorantly clever blog. It belongs to rapper Ghostface Killah & I love you guys so much that I've decided to share it with you. (Disclaimer: If you're not into mainstream hip hop -- or as I call it "hip POP"-- you may not get it.)

CLICK HERE to view "BIG GHOST CHRONICLES"

You're welcome.

[UPDATED TO SAY: Haha, thanks for your emails guys. I know it's not REALLY Ghostface, but it's still hilarious nonetheless...]

Jessica's Daily Affirmation

On some level, I do this every single morning. Lol. I first saw this video probably over a year ago, but the sentiment remains: "I can do anything good...!!!" :-)

GUESS WHO'S BI-ZACK?! (hehehe..)

I slept in this morning. Then, I woke up and immediately took a photo on photobooth. Makeup-less and without the signature bags under my eyes... I sighed a breath of relief. Finals are almost over, as is my second year of law school. I am approximately 1 year away from placing "ESQ." after my name. Aint that a blip??? Lol.

I've really enjoyed reading your emails. They've made me feel... uhhh... well... Honestly? They've just made me feel. You never know what someone is going through. Your kind words at times when I've been discouraged have meant so so so so much. I appreciate you, my readers, my loves...



Anyway, so much has transpired since the last time I wrote something worthwhile. The Knicks made it to the playoffs, then got knocked out in the first round (SMH!). My President gave into the racist white elitists by releasing his birth certificate, proving his citizenship. However, in THE most gully scene since the movie American Gangster, he followed that up by killing the most wanted man in the universe. The world has just been wildin out..!!!

The most pressing questions on all of your minds, however, seem to concern my love life. "Who is this "Brooklyn Bridge" character?" "Have you finally been tamed, Miss Shake Something?" Haha...and the one that tickles me the most, "Can we get a picture of this individual, please?"

ON THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE:

Let me think. What can I say about the Brooklyn Bridge? I've visited the Brooklyn Bridge several times since I wrote that blog. I took in a few lunches. I watched a few orangey-purple sunsets. I even did a charity walk across it for multiple sclerosis. I look at the second to last paragraph of my post about the Brooklyn Bridge and I'm proud of me. I knew that he -- I mean, the bridge -- was a point of intersection in my life. It's located directly between where I was born and raised and where I wanted so badly to be.

The thing about having a relationship with a bridge, though, is that it's stagnant. No matter where I'm going in my life and no matter how much I want to take it along with me, it isn't going anywhere. I'm a mover and shaker. I was stuck on a bridge when I really needed to be in a cab or on a boat!!! (*crackin up*) Though I enjoyed every minute of my rendezvous on the Brooklyn Bridge, I need to be able to travel uptown for a basketball game at Riverbank Park or go midtown to take in a Broadway show. The Brooklyn Bridge is still one of my favorite places. My relationship with it has simply been transformed. I realized that the bridge is only a TEENY TINY part of the "maaaagic" that is New York City.

ON NEW YORK CITY:

Why have I spent so much time, so many blogs and so many conversations trying to pinpoint a part of this city that I love the MOST? Why do I have to pick just one thing, or just one place? I've visited many cities around the world in my little life, but I'm pleased to say that New York City has my heart... entirely, fiercely and unconditionally. New York City nurtures me and compels me to grow. He is everything I dreamed when I was a little, little girl and I am grateful to God that He saw fit to let me experience the wonder of this city. So, from the Boogie down Bronx all the way to the tippity tip of Queens, this summer my blog will be a reflection of me finally finding my FOREVER love. :-)

Hang on tight, loves. It's about to be a wild ride!

Hello, sweet summer.

(lol. i took another, more awake pic before leaving the house...)

Transgender Male Brings Employment Discrimination Suit

Transgender Male Brings Employment Discrimination Suit <-- I wrote this. Feel free to read it. :-)

I'll be back to blogging mid-May. I have so much to share with you, my loves...

I Wrote This.

Still on hiatus.... Just keeping you guys updated.

Muslim on Muslim Hate Crime in Staten Island? <--- Please read it. I wrote it. :-)

ON HIATUS

Barring some catastrophic event, I won't be blogging for the next month or so. I see all of your many emails and the high site traffic and I'm appreciative. Finals season is upon me and my career as a professional student (haha...) is priority. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I love you guys and I'll be sure to send a huge email blast when I'm back to posting the things that you enjoy.

"All of life is about growing into your greatness."

-- Oprah Winfrey

(I'm on my way there, loves. Soon come.)

I'm honored to occupy your eyes, my readers, my loves...

Miguel at S.O.B.'s on 3/31

I was gona blog about the AMAZING listening session that I went to last night, but Takeem Omar beat me to it. Lol. View his post on our terrific night HERE.