5 years from now...28 years of Age

Ok so I wanted to blog but was unsure of what to say so I asked a friend and he gave me the idea of talkin about my life and compare it to what I foresee it being like 5 years from now...scary

I'm 23 now and about to finish up my undergraduate education. I have an offer to intern at Bellevue Community College and I'm waiting to hear from the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA. This causes for an interesting perspective. Right now life is chill I'm young, single and trying to enjoy life to the fullest. I'm unsure of what I really want to do with my life, but I know that I want to get my masters. I'm looking around at schools, I'm thinkin of stayin in Seattle just to make it not so expensive since I'm already in debt from grad school and I'm not really excited about taking out more loans. The world around me is crazy...the economy is screwed, people are screwed and the world over all is in complete shambles. I can't believe that in just 8 days the United States could forever change by electing it's first African American president...holla! I think that having a new perspective that the US has never seen before will really help us not just in the next 4 years, but for years to come....OBAMA! I'm like a leaf right now just kinda goin where the wind blows me...I'm feeling like a liberated hippie child..lol. I care about little else besides my education, the welfare of American people, sports and GOOD music and the arts. That's a lot when I list it...lol.

Fast forward....

28...married? kids? amazing career? YES!!! I have settled down a lot! I have it all...well I'm pregnant with my first child. I got married a year ago to an amazing man...took a while, but I found him in the last place I was looking...right in front of me (funny how those things happen). I'm very happy though! I got my masters and I'm now working at Georgia Tech in their Athletic Department as and associate AD for Student Athlete Development...I love my job. I made my husband move, but he's ok with it, because he fully supports whatever I do. He understands the work I put into being where I am. He has his own hours so he'll be doing a lot of the work with our baby once I go back to work. I miss my family and friends, but it's the sacrifice you make to follow your dreams. I still have the same core group of friends and my 2 best girls are coming down when the baby is born...they're also the Godparents. Barack Obama has just started his 2nd term as president and I must say the 1st was trying for him, but he definitely did a lot of great things. The economy is much better and healthcare is the bomb...the education system is also on th up and up. How life changes in 5 years. My brother is also now married and it's kinda weird, but I love my sister-in-law.

Ahahahahah...that was fun...creating my own life the way I'd like it to be 5 years from know, they say that writing things down helps to make them more real so maybe all this will happen in the next 5 years...

Just because I need this

I attempted this blog about 30 minutes ago and that didn't go so well. I was really angry and upset, but with the help of constants I've come to realize that frustrations shouldn't really mean anything.

My constants are my friends, family, music and most of all my friends. My friends keep me grounded and remind me of the wonderful person I am. They are the siblings that God forgot to give me. I love my friends so much it's rediculous. They know me better than anything or other people. They are the reason I smile and they are what drive me to be my best. I have my best friends, but one friend means more to me than anyone will really know...my BA. He has been my hero and inspiration over the last 3 years. He's driven me to be better than even I thought I could be and he's always loved me in his own way. Many times when I'm goin through things I always think what would BA say or do, what would he want me to do. He came into my life as someone I liked, but has ended up as someone I respect and love. He has become my refuge when I don't know where to turn I know I can always go to him. It's like whenever something is going on he always seems to know how to put things into perspective for me. We share a bond that no one can really understad or break. Although he lives 3 time zones and 3000 miles away he is my constant, he is the definition of a best friend. Other than moving to Florida he has never faulted me, doubted me or let me down.

It's in my darkest moments and my moments of worthlessness that I think of my BA and it makes me happy. Thinking of him reminds me that no matter how down, how lonely or how upset I am I've always got someone on my side who has never failed me. I've got pleanty of other friends who have never let me down, but I don't share the same bond with them that I share with my BA. He's more than just a friend, he's an EVERYTHING man!

What a week!

This past week has been one of the most life changing in a while! I found out that I'm for sure leaving Pullman in December. I also received a phone call from the Chula Vista Olympic Training center about an internship...I had the phone interview today. Everything is moving so fast, in less than 2 months I'll be out of Pullman and on to my internship and the beginning to the next phase of my life. It seems like just yesterday I didn't see and end and now it's almost here. It's bittersweet! I'm really excited about the next phase of my life and the possibility of working for one of the greatest non profit organizations in the country and living in California, but at the same time I'm really going to miss college life :)

This week has been a whirlwind of emotions and this blog is not meant to be my goodbye to college quite yet. I've got about 7-8 weeks left to live it up in college. There are still parties to attend, drinks to be had, dancing to be done, football games to attend and basketball season to kick off...I'm not gone yet! This week has made me realize that your really don't know what you have until it's almost gone, but it's also taught me that seasons change and this season of my college career is getting ready to change.

Onward and upward....let's see what the weeks ahead have to hold!

For Serious...Obama 08

So after lastnight I officially know that I will be casting my ballot for Barack Obama come November 4th. John McCain is the biggest joke ever...well combination of a bad joke and an even worse nightmare. He thought he was being funny lastnight during the debate, but really he was just awkward. And can someone tell me why is is sooooooooo stiff???? It scares the crap out of me. I need someone that can move freely, I mean I know he was injured in war and all, but for serious...the non movement scares me.

I just hope that people actually watched the debates (including the VP) and that they seriously consider how IMPORTANT this election is. I'm excited for November 4th and I hope everyone makes the obvious and clear decision to cast their ballots for Obama. Even if you are a McCain support, I just want people to go out and vote...it's our God given, democratic right...so do it! I definitely can't wait to see what happens, but if anything we better not get jiped on the count like in 2000 and 2004!

Lastly as a student of a Pac-10 institution I for one am BEYOND JEALOUS that Oregon State University has Barack's brother-in-law as a coach...how freakin cool! Calvin you are one lucky S.O.B.! Can't wait to see him from the sidelines this year and know that the coach we're beatings (lol) brother-in-law is the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES!!!! OBAMA 08!!!!

My boys...

So I was supposed to do a special blog dedicated to my boy, but I decided to wait on that and do one dedicated to all my boys. Since I can remember I have always had a close and special relationship with either one guy or a group of guys. I love being around guys...they make me laugh, you can say the dumbest shit and they just laugh, but most of all they have taught me some of the most valuable life lessons. So here's to my boys the old, the new and the ones I have yet to meet, the past, the present and the future...

Quinton: the first best guy friend I ever had...although we don't talk anymore your friendship is still something I am thankful that I was able to have, if even for a short while. I loved you like a brother and I always will. I pray that some day we will come back together.

Miguel and Family: I have to say and family, because he has 6 brothers almost all of whom I have had the chance to meet and several other friends and family members that I consider as friends. When you came into my life 7 years ago I never thought we would have all the fun that we did...even though you've gotten me in trouble and caused great grief, your friendship has been valuable beyond belief.

BA (Brandon Anderson): Mi Amore! What more can I say...you started out as someone I just wanted to hook up with, but you have become a true friend and inspiration. Thank you for believing in me and showing me what I am just now fully beginning to see. I love you more than you will ever know!

Anthony: Thought I forgot about you...7 years and 2 kids later...you've always been there and one day we may be able to get it right. Thanks for all the love.

Jerome: Oh Rome! You are the realiest guy I could have met in Pullman. Thanks for always bein real and being there for me to vent. Wonderful things are in store and remember yellow cake always got your back! Lol!

Jayson (Jason): I love you! What more can I say. We've had our moments, but I think more than anything we've been able to find honesty in each other and a type of friendship one can only hope to find in a lifetime. Although I already have a big brother you've been like a big brother and a best friend. Thank you for the good times and the laughs and I love Q like a little big brother and I hope to stick around to see the good times that are in store for him.

There are several others who have been great sources of joy: Kwapi, Michael P., Michael C., Jon, Tabarak, Jeff, Sam, Bruce, CJ, Lod, Rod, Terrence, Andre, Antoine, Quinn and Allen G. The list goes on, but these are the ones that standout the most.

I love my boys...without them I wouldn't be the girl that you now see. You've thoughened me up, made me smarter, schooled me and most of all shown me love.

This be the realiest shit I've ever known....

Ok...I know I already wrote once today, but I just read something that made me want to write again. Lastnight I talked about my friend Casey's clothing line. Standing next to Casey is a young man that goes by the name Havek Osten. Another real ass dude. Never had the privilege of actually meeting him, but I have had the opportunity of encountering his mind through his facebook page. He like Casey inspire me and give me hope that there are young black men out in the world still that are not afraid to stand up against what the world has precieved them to be. They are not afraid to challenge the status quo, they are not afraid to dig deep and try to follow in the footsteps of the many strong black men that came before them and sacrificed whos footsteps are all but gone from a world too concerned with dumbin everything down.

My aunt was a Black Panther one of the few women amongst the men paving the way for blacks in Seattle during the 1960's and 70's. Many times in my life I have admired her for being a Black Panther and standing up, for being apart of a movement...something real. I do not agree with the philosophy of the New Black Panther party and there are few other positive black groups to believe in. I guess that is why CentLess has drawn me in. That is why I am drawn to young black intellects like Casey, Havek and another friend of mine Kwapi. They speak truth that tries to build up, inspire and continue the movement that people like Martin Luther King Jr, Malcom X, Angela Davis, Huey P. Newton, Stokley Charmichael and the countless other revolutionaries and visionaries began so long ago.

I feel like as young black people we have lost sight of the greatness that we come from and the greatness that we are meant to be. Don't get me wrong I love the latest dances, fashions and other things fed to us, but I also never forget what is real. I never dumb myself down, I never let anyone intimidate me or take from me what I have earned though the work done by those who came before me. I might not be out here being an activist, but I do support whatever positive things I see my fellow young blacks doin. I do educate myself and take every opportunity given to me to display my intellect given to me. I may be going into a superficial field, but I believe that Sports was one of the first arenas of life in America to become integrated and I want to break into the field and make a difference and show that my young black brothers are more than their bodies and physical prowess...I want to give them the confidence they so desperately need to be more than what everyone thinks, wants or expects them to be. I want to use my education to continue the changing face of the front office...it has always been a dream of mine to knock the socks off "fat white guys" runnin shit, by showing them that a young black woman can "run with the big boys". I plan to make a change and do right by my people, in my own way.

Wild Ass Dudes....

Ok excuse me for being blunt, but dudes in my opinion are beginning to lose their minds. They are becoming more and more wild...quite frankly it worries me, more than that it's bothering me. I felt it was time to approach this subject, because I've been witnessing just how wild or in some cases reckless guys are becoming.

Case in point: 2 weeks ago a really good friend of mine got a call from a guy that she had been talkin to off and on over the last several months. This dude had the audacity to tell her not to show up to a party (at a public place) or there would be problems and he would put her on blast simply, because she decided not to put up with him and his bullshit and dropped him. WILD!!!!!

Case #2: There is a guy I've known for about a year and a half...we talked, hung out, cool dude. Well he stopped talkin to me all together around the beginning of this year. About 3 weeks ago we ran into each other and he tried to play me like I was stupid. Then the other night he calls my girl and is like where is your girl Ashley I need her to bring some Wendy's...whoa! 1) he goes to Uof I and Wendy's is in Idaho, 2) he hits my girl up like she's my keeper, 3) he can't even hit me up (claimin he ain't got the number, but we're friends on myspace?), 4) don't hit me up through my friend 3 weeks later after you tried to play me...PLEASE! To add insult to injury he calls yesterday and I missed the call...no more than 5 minutes later I get a call from my same friend who is like why does ol boy keep hittin me up lookin for you...wow...really! Too much. This dude wants to act like my friend and I don't have anything better to do or that I don't have more respect for myself than to go get him Wendy's....n***a ...PLEASE!

Man and these are just the worst examples as of lately. Guys are off the hook. I mean I know it's the year of the Independent Woman and all, but why must guys find it necessary to act up even more now that many of us have finally found our confidence...scared? intimidated? I don't know, but I need guys to grow up and stop actin like little boys and like ALL women should drop to their knees...

Please ladies watch out...dudes are WILD and they seem to be getting worse.

Real Change...

So I thought about blogging about the debate, but I'm gonna take a different approach tonight. I'm going to blog about something I believe in...CentLess! It is an amazing clothing line that has a real message behind it. It was developed originally as HaveKnots by a Howard University student Casey Crawford. I had the privilege of being graced by Casey during my short stay at Howard. I found Casey to be a person of great character, whom I came to respect. He will never know (unless he's reading this) the deep respect I have for him. He is a young man that caught my eye not only, because he was good looking, but I could tell he was about something. Although Howard didn't work out for me I was fortunate to meet some wonderful indiviuals one of those being Mr. Casey Crawford.

CentsLess speaks to me. It is an urban clothing line with a message. It speaks to my generation, the generation of hip hop, bling bling and the finer things. A generation who in some ways has had things handed to us, but at the same time must work to continue the legacy of those who came before us. It is a clothing line of conciousness and change.

I'm not one who usually speaks on issues, but for once in my life I feel compelled to share CentsLess with many of you who other wise probably would have no clue as to what CentsLess is. I believe in the clothing line and the movement in which it speaks for. I could go on and on about CentsLess, but I feel that it's better to just let the creator speak to you via the CentsLess blog, http://www.dimesandnicks.blogspot.com/. I'm not asking that you believe in CentsLess or agree with what they're trying to do, I simply felt compelled to share a love of mine with all of you.

With this presidental voting year I like so many other young Americans are seeking REAL CHANGE. I see that change in Obama and I see that change in CentsLess.

Please be aware of the issues and what is going on in America. We can talk all we want about foreign policy, the energy crisis, the war, healthcare and the economy, but what is really important in this election is the state of America and the people of America. We have already lost so much in the last 8 years and stand to gain or lose so much with this election. There are people here in the United States suffering and struggling each and everyday who we can't continue to fail. People who work hard, pay taxes and are still just barely getting by. We owe it to them, we owe it to the world, we owe it to future generations and most of all we owe it to OURSELVES to make the right and most educated decision come November 4. Please educate yourself on the issues and cast your ballot

Real Change can happen...I see it in Barack Obama and young black entreprenuers like Casey Crawford and his visionaries (Havek Osten) and his company CentsLess.

Here we go...

Thanks for checkin me out. I was inspired by my sissy to blog...she's insipred me to do so many other things in life so I decided to give this a try. I've been reading a lot lately about gettin things out, because it makes stuff more real. So thanks Sasha for inspiring me like you always seem to do.

Where I'm at right now...well reading this I'm sure many of you know me. I'm a fresh 23...2 weeks tommorrow to be exact. I definitely feel like I am comin into my own for the first time. I look around me and I am blessed. I have an amazing family, I'm gettin my college education, and I have friends who have kept me solid.

I'm definitely new to this whole blogging thing, but I'm interested to see where it takes me. I think it will be fun. It will also be a good way for everyone to catch up and keep up with what is goin on with me, espeically once I finish school in December. So be ready to see things the way I do and live my life through my words.