Christmas in July....My favorite things...

Every summer is new...it's my favorite time of the year from the climate, to having fresh fruit in the grocery store....daydreams about traveling....days when it doesn't get dark till 9:30pm......cookouts, etc etc....so to break up the monotony, I'm going to blog about some of my favorite things...why? BECAUSE IT'S MY BLOG!!! STAY LIFTED!






Cape Town, South Africa

Times Square, New York


Miami, FL......still dreaming....LOL....but i pretend that I'm in the MIA every summer...lol


It aint summer unless there's BBQ...and ya boi puts it down on the grill..ask about me...

Greentea Frapps!



SHRIMP!!





Fresh Squeezed Lemonade...my grandma makes the best...


swimming pools

Aldo Sunglasses...



the title explains it all....


Roller Coasters...

Good Old Water Fight...




This things keep me lifted....

Happy Fathers' Day, Mom....

So today is fathers' day. Typically, this day is obsolete to me...it comes and goes, and I typically pay no attention to it...because if I do it forces me to think about the lack thereof....but I digress.

Today's blog is about something that I've always heard from several people...those who wish their mothers a Happy Fathers' Day. Some of these women have played exemplary roles in their children's life as single parents, and have tried to compensate for all of the voids left by the absence of a father figure...Some have struggled to the very core on almost every level, and several have led extraordinary lives bringing in the bread to the point where their children don't have lack for anything (my aunt is a a great example of this). These women unequivocally deserve all of the appreciation, love and honor they receive PLUS MORE. It is not easy to be a single parent and products of single parent homes oftentimes have a great affinity and alliegiance to their mothers.

However, this does not (for me at least) warrant for a mother be honored on both Mothers' and Fathers' day. In my opinion, even if women have held their homes together and ensured the success of their children, there is still a void left by an absentee father. I believe that wishing one's mother a Happy Fathers' Day is an acknowledgement of the pain, void, or resentment left by the absence of a father in the home. That right there to me shows me that no matter how great your mother was, there is still the pain of feeling abandoned, unwanted, unloved, etc. because Dad wasn't there.

Consider another scenario: Perhaps your father passed away when you were younger. Even though your mother assumed the role as the provider and protector of the family, for many there is still a longingness for Dad.

On the flip side --the fact that there are more persons than I can count who wish their moms Happy Fathers' Day shows a real problem within our community. In my family alone, there are so many young people who have been forced to figure out or construct their own sense of manhood and masculinity because their fathers were absent. And there are also many young women who deal with low self-esteem and accept BS from young dudes because they didn't have the validation of a present father. That's a real problem...and if there are any fathers out there reading this...raise your kids man. Point Blank.

For those of you who have also read this and still bestow the honor of Happy Fathers' Day to your mother...do you. I don't know the relationship you've had with your mother and it's not up to me to define it for you. This is merely my personal opinion....and I may never know the personal journey it may have been for you to get to the place you are. I do, however, salute you for overcoming overwhelming obstacles due to single parenthood and achieving success inspite of.

Happy Fathers Day to all of the men out there, whether it's fathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors, pastors, etc. who are providing a father figure to several young men out here.....I salute you...and to the fathers who aren't.......Man Up.



Stay Lifted.

The same old song...."Fear of Falling"

Recently I've been pondering what we perceive as success, and the steps we take to achieve a level of success in our lives. In my own lifetime, my very short lifetime, I have thought about how many times myself and others have created this idea for what paths we should take towards achieving our success...what what in fact makes us successful. From my own personal experience, I remember creating time lines of where I wanted to be in the next five, ten or so years, and I've even given myself deadlines as to when I should know exactly what it is and where I want to be in the next few years. Now don't get me wrong, I do believe that deadlines are a good way to measure and manage progress, and I believe that all people should have some type of expectations that help us gauge where we are what we need to do...but I have learned and come to believe that setting such expectations without consideration for falling can be detrimental to our overall success.

How often have we created plans that are so well within our comfort zone and do not challenge us or make us uncomfortable. How oftentimes do we tread on low grown because we are afraid to fall from high heights? Think about this: when working out to become stronger, the longer your body remains in a state of uncomfortableness, the greater our strength and stamina. Several fresh college grads, business owners, artists, athletes, etc. etc. etc., are scared to death at the thought at taking a chance, but if you are afraid to fall...to take that chance, you'll never know the full wealth of your very ingenuity...and you'll never truly value the worth of your success. So instead of writing a long blog with meaningful (or meaningless to some) analogies, I'll leave you with a few questions that beg introspection:

Are you happy with what you're doing now? Are you traveling the safe route, following the "plans" (as ambiguous as they may be), are you utilizing your talents? Do you trust yourself enough? These are not rhetorical questions, but are question that I ask myself everyday all the time....I'm not encouraging shiftlessness, making hasty decisions without thought...but I am encouraging to sometimes challenge what you perceive as "impractical" or "improbable"...if what you've ever denied yourself of doing, or the fear you've had about a certain decision you made has ever been because of the uncertainty of the consequences or effects, then, you, my friend, are afraid of falling....and if you never fall...perhaps you'll never conquer what it is you've been so desperate of achieving.



STAY LIFTED.

Not really Videvation...but it's funny and yet sad at the same time...

So me and my classmates were having a discussion about Fried Chicken and the Black American brand...and I just though that it was ironic that the news company saw fit to make this "news"....it's funny because people are saying stuff like "How am I supposed to feed my kids???"...and "I went to the other Popeyes and they were out so I shot over to here in hopes of getting some chicken." First, never will Popeyes be the only sources of feeding your kids...i'm sure there's a McDonald's near by....and never will people be that thirsy for fried chicken....Lastly...why..JUST WHY? is this newsworthy?....peep the vid...laugh, shake your head...and then comment....stay lifted!

Knowing your worth...

What's good blogosphere...

It's been a minute since I've sat down and blogged my thoughts and perspectives on certain things...and amid all of the many things I've had to do and deadlines to meet, I have neglected my catharsis...my blog.

So I'm back...lol

I have been thinking recently about knowing your worth. I spoke with a good friend of mines the other day, just catching up and and reflecting on life. My friend told me that that basically we don't deserve to have anything until we know that we can live without it. Though it didn't quite resonate at that hour...I started thinking about how often we don't even recognize our worth.

I know personally that many times we have have looked to all of these external factors to add value to our lives...to enhance and complete us. There are a lot of things in life that we do that do enhance our "brand" as individuals. That makes us more marketable and allows us to grow in other spheres of our lives. However, there is a fine line between using these things to help you to grow, and then allowing them to make you....there is a very very fine line.

Much of the time we don't even recognize our worth without these things. A lot of times we give credit to all of these attributes for the reasons we have achiever, or how these things can help us achieve or become better people, and often we don't even recognize how great we are without them. I mean, when you look at the grand scheme of things, how much we have achieved based on our sheer personal wealth, creativity and ingenuity. Many of us have become like canvasses- blank and free to constructed into something - as opposed to being the painter in life.

Again, I say it's a fine line...but I challenge everyone who reads this...to take inventory how they perceive their personal worth. Examine all of the externals and think of how many of these things have made you feel better about yourself or have given you your worth. If you were to eliminate all of these factors...what value would you hold on to? Can you stand alone without it? I hope so....and I'm hoping that we are all growing to do so...

until next time....stay lifted.

VIDEVATION: THIS IS IT...KING OF POP EDITION

I love MJ....lol...but this is hilarious...reminds me of an infamous Dianne Sawyer interview years ago....(Ya'll know what I'm talking about..)



But...."if you can't laugh...you can't live"...and this full of foolery. HA...wait...check the head bump at the end.




Get Lifted!!!

Honestly...I can't lie...if MJ tours the continental U.S...I'm there.....don't tell nobody tho...LOL

"Going DEEPER, to be Lifted Up Again"

So this past weekend I had the opportunity to go back to my alma mater to celebrate and worship with the Miami University Gospel Singers during their 38th Annual Gospel Fest. First, I must say that if you have ever had doubts about a college choir, then you haven't met MUGS. They're organization is truly a ministry in every sense of the word. One that is Christ-centered and driven by love and compassion for people. Being apart of that ministry has changed my perception of a Christian walk, what it means to live for Christ, and what ministry is and should be.

During the Gospel Fest concert, they ministered several songs that impacted me...but one song, "Deeper," had a lasting, even latent, impact on me. After the concert, me and my friends got together, and just reflected on the goodness of God and continued to enjoy the rest of the evening and rest of the weekend.

On my way back home from Oxford, I began to reflect on my life, on where I was going, on the concept of "witness" and just where I needed to be in Christ. I thought about several of the barriers I'd set up, several of the mistakes I made, and several of the things I had become comfortable with...and the lyrics of the song "Deeper" came back to me. There is a part of the song that says, "God gives a heart, Give us your heart"...and then there is a part that says "break my heart with the things that break your heart." For once in a very very long time....I had felt the broken heart of God. My heart was broken and God began to reveal to me why His heart was broken. It felt like I had received the heart of God again.

While God was dealing with me...he revealed to me through His song that sometimes we have to go "deeper into the water"...to drown all of our old self, to be submerged and washed, to be rejuvenated, in order to rise again and be lifted up...to be restored. That's why baptism is so symbolic.

Right now I am undergoing a new baptism, a baptism that is taking me deeper into God...I have disobeyed God...I have made the wrong things okay...I have damaged my witness...and now I'm going deeper....but I realize that every wrong thing that I did was a necessity...it was needed in order for me to more deeply understand the heart of God. My life is forever changed. I am ready...and I am going deeper.


Here's the song that ministered to me: "Deeper" by Israel Houghton & New Breed

It's a slow day......so laugh...Videvation

People are mad disrespectful going at the Queen like that...LOL...



Get Lifted!

"I Always Had a Passion for Fashion....." Third Design of 'Ye's LV Sneakers

I first saw these on the Kanye Blog, and thought they were some exclusive kicks, since he didn't provide any details, but it turns out that these are his third design of the Louis Vuitton sneaker collection....and they mos def GO HARD!!!

Check them out:







.......I'll start saving now...LOL...GET LIFTED!

There is always hope....and there is always a reason to live.

I came across one of the most depressing stories these past few days involving an alleged suicide pact between a husband and wife, and the killing of their five children as well. The couple had both recently been laid off from their jobs and were facing extenuating circumstances in their finances along with several other families who are also experiencing some form of economic bereavement here in our nation.

I understand - the depression and the sense of hopefully, that is. So many people are losing their jobs; just recently the company I work for announced that they would downsize one whole department, releasing approximately one thousand of their employees. With groceries, gas, expenses, and just everything else rising, families are finding it increasingly difficult to get by, and some doubt that they will.

It appears as though this family had to feel the same way...with hopelessness and nihilism, they resorted to suicide and murder. It is a very sensitive subject, because I don't know if in their minds they genuinely thought they were murdering their children (hence, slave women often murdered their own children before they subjected them to the harsh and brutal realities of slavery...which to them was far worse than death....it's a wonder what the mind will do.) I do not excuse their behavior, and my heart goes out to those innocent children who never even had a chance to live, to make mistakes, to struggle, to overcome....it's really sad.


My heart goes out to the numerous survivors (imagine losing your child and several grandchildren in one day) whose pain, confusion, denial and resentment I cannot began to fathom, and yes, my heart even goes out to the couple who though suicide was a real option.

As a person who has survived a suicidal mind, and overcome a time in my life where it was a real option, this story is especially sensitive to me. Suicide is such a dangerous thing...and it should never be an action. My moment of deliverance came when I realized that committing suicide would be accepting my life as failure, it would be cowardly, and it would never really deal with the real issues. I found more strength in the courage and will to live, to face my demons, my past, and use my story to help someone else. I understand that there are not the thoughts that people generally think about while struggling with suicidal thoughts. Oftentimes our minds are not even operating in that capacity. Which is why mental illness MUST NOT be categorized as a "freak deficiency" or something that African Americans do not experience. Several African American young men are turning to suicide more and more, and so are several woman. In fact, men, regardless of race, are more likely to actually go through with the act of suicide. We are communities, as families, as churches, as entertainers, as friends, as coworkers, must be on alert of suicide, must be a safe place, and must let people know that the fact that you have considered suicide does not make you less than, or deem you as a terrible person. This is very serious.

If you, who are reading this, has ever considered suicide, or are considering it, please know that there is always a way of escape. There is always a reason to live, because living defeats the very thing you felt was insurmountable. It defeats and defies every evil force that has ever come against you, living laughs in the face of every person or thing that has abused you or has spoken ill of you. There is always hope - for tough times don't last always, tough people do. There are people who believe in you, who value you, and see the beauty in you. A storm may last one day, one month, one year, 5 years, 10 years, etc., but there is always sunshine after a storm. This may be cliche, but I have found this to be true....there is always an answer other than suicide.

Think about who you will affect, whose questions will be left unanswered...continue to weather the storm, continue to fight, and find joy in the little and simple things....the sun will always shine after while.

Stay strong readers and keep the faith....talk to someone and let them know how you feel....even if you feel that you are friendless, talk to someone....

Suicide Prevention Hotline:
1-800-273-TALK

24/7 - 365 days a year

Check Out The Suicide Prevention Lifeline Website.

Why You choose to leave me here?....

Today I found out that a friend of mine had lost a friend. I had been hearing about her bout with cancer, and since she was so young (only 26), I could not help but to have a heavy heart for her. I did not know her well at all, and the couple of times I met her she was always courteous and high spirited...and did I mention, the voice of an Angel.

When I heard that she was fighting cancer, I would pray for her, but not as much as I could have. It was just such a sad situation, and I had heard of her faithfulness to God, and how she tried to live a life that was in covenant with God. I began to examine my own personal relationship with Christ, and I can't help but think of all the crazy situations I have put myself in...how many times things could have gone wrong...all of the diseases God has kept me from in spite of my negligent behavior.

I don't mean to question God, because I know that everything that happens in life has a reason and a purpose for occurring, but, I can't help but ask God why He keeps me here when there are people like Melanie, who are taken from the earth. I don't know her story, but it does just causes you to wonder. It also causes us to re-evaluate what our purpose is in life, and the ways in which we should live it. A lot of times, tragedies causes us to hold our faith in our Higher Power (if you believe in one) a lot tighter, and I know that I am definitely looking for just a glimpse of the mystery of God. All I can do is pray, and take positive steps towards living an even more abundant life that is in the will of God, that is satisfying and full, because we really don't know when the hour will come...She couldn't have thought one year ago today, that she would be gone from this earth. My heart and prayers go out to her family...Maybe her purpose was served on this earth, maybe she fulfilled her destiny, and maybe this is reaffirmation that there is still work to be done in my life, there is still destiny to fulfill and SELF to overcome.

As for us who are "still here"...we have some living to do, and it will be up to us to make sure that the "dash" (what's between our birth and death dates) is filled with actions of love, of righteousness, of kindness, of generosity, and of a full and abundant life. So that when we are gone from this place, our lives will touch someone else and inspire them, but most of all, that our Father will say well done when we enter into eternity.


Check out Melanie's song: "You Came & Changed Me"
http://www.myspace.com/melrosearts

If u can't laugh, u can't live....lol

I don't intend for my posts to tear people down...but this vid is funny! I think even Mr. Gooding has to laugh at this too if he watches it too...hilarity indeed.....LAUGH and get lifted! lol

Top Floor Artist Spotlight: Q-Tip

I definitely gets down with A Tribe Called Quest, and I definitely bobbed my head to Vibrant Thing when Q-Tip released his own solo LP. Now, almost ten years since his solo album, Q-Tip returned in late 2008 with his follow-up, "The Renaissance." Predominately produced by Tip himself, "The Renaissance" is worth the near-ten year hiatus and definitely keeps up with Q-Tip's vibe and signature style, but is unequivocally progressive in terms of hip-hop. Featuring themes, of love, relationships, Life, fun, et al, the Renaissance is something that you'll want to bump to get your day started, as well as mellow out to after a long day on the grind. Album art is hot too...and Tip's rhymes transcends the lackluster attempts of many of today's radio hip-hop rappers.

Personal Favs:
Jonny Is Dead
Won't Trade
Getting Up
You
Official
Move
We Fight Love
Dance on Glass* featuring a track by the late great J'Dilla
Life Is Better ft. Norah Jones
Shaka
(notice this is most of the album...lol)

....cop the album, or borrow from a friend and GET LIFTED

Get Lifted: What the Inauguration means to me...

In the months leading up to the election of Barack Obama, my aunt constantly reminded me of something I told her when I was young child. Though I do not remember, my aunt always reminds me that it I always told her that there would come a day when there would be an African American president. She was amazed with my optimism, and though she, having lived through the modern Civil Rights era, lost hope after years of progress (and what now seemed to be stagnation) in the African American political struggle, was inspired by the words of an innocent child. Now that I have experienced my own disenchantment and moments of nihilism as a student and activist, this election has ignited a passion and inspiration within me to achieve and to join the multi-textured fabric of our American iconography in securing a more perfect union for our future. As I reflect on that historic November night, where, though I was full of emotion, my amazement at the realization of what occurred would not allow me to cry, I realize that the inauguration of Barack Obama is symbolic of three things: the igniting of a spirit of excellence amongst America’s youth, a confirmation and projection of a prophecy spoken by those who labored (and still labor) for the rights of all citizens, and lastly, the symbolic commencement exercises of an America rising to be her better self.

The incredible race President Barack Obama ran was remarkable. Not only did he opt not to follow the traditional rules of a campaign, choosing instead for the higher road of politics. Instead of responding in the same tone and candor of his opponents and critics, he chose to appeal to the greater sense of humanity and character that is oftentimes absent in many of today’s dialogues and debates. The splendid execution of his campaign inspired a spirit of excellence amongst students, as well as those in various careers, to put their best foot forward in their work. For me personally, President Obama’s campaign, his persistence, and his overall brilliance inspired me to raise the bar in my own personal achievement expectations and was a major factor in me earning a 4.0 grad point average during my first semester of graduate school. However, those who have been influenced by President Obama’s spirit of excellence extend well beyond just young African American males in school, but towards community organizations, churches, families, and young students who once thought they were incapable of achieving anything. For once, many of America's young people who have faced debilitating, and sometimes insurmountable, circumstances in life have the confidence to be the best persons they can be and now dream dreams of achievement and success in their future.

The inauguration of our 44th President, Barack Hussein Obama, not only signifies a tremendous milestone in American history; it is also symbolic of a moment in time where African Americans can exhale after years of struggle and progress. Whether I am in the presence of such a historic event in our nation’s capital, or watch it at home with family and friends, I will keep in mind that I am a vessel who has inherited the promise fought so passionately for by African Americans. Especially those like my late grandfather, who did not have the privilege of voting at the age of twenty-one having grown up in an era where the rights of all citizens were subdued. Though this is both an awe-inspiring and humbling epiphany, I recognize that this inauguration means even more than that. In many ways it is prophetic. This historic election is both the fruition of the hopes of those who labored for this day with expectancy, but died before the realization of their dreams, and it speaks volumes as to what our nation has become and will continue to become in the future.

Such a momentous occasion is much more than just the inauguration of our newly elected President; it is also a commencement for Americans where we have graduated from our not so distant realities of oppression to a more illustrious future with a promise to all. This election has brought together individuals, irrespective of background, occupation, gender, race, creed, or even musical genre preference, who may have otherwise remained isolated from each other, comforted by their personal I-pods and cell phones, communicating only with who they chose to. This inauguration not only speaks to my very proud African American heritage, but it also invokes a spirit of transcendence amongst Americans that we can indeed work together towards achieving a better future for our countries, our selves, and our offspring. That we can unite under the common resolve of making our imperfect union more perfect for those who will inherit our place in the country.

A message of hope can become cliche, especially when the areas surrounding one’s situation are less than hopeful. I recall on my recent trip to South Africa in March of 2008 where we visited an HIV Clinic in the township of Khayelitsha, where a patient thanked us for spending time with him and talking with him. He told us, “things like this give us hope.” We as Americans have faced some difficult times dealing with our children, brothers and sisters abroad at war, and a turbulent economy where messages of hope have comforted us and given us the strength to go another day. Moreover, almost every American, whether in the inner city or rural area -in Hollywood or on Wall Street, has felt a sense of helplessness in the recent years in some shape or form. This new message of hope gave us the courage to face our adversity, and ignoring our present circumstances with the expectancy of something greater in the future through hard work and perseverance. Hope unites us while we are yet divided. The election of Barack Obama as our 44th president is proof and testament that our common humanity unites us more than our differences divide us. That we can celebrate our differences, but come together in furthering the dreams our American ancestors, and unite as the purveyors of a new horizon where anything is possible for anyone. An America, where we are all immigrants, but also an America where we are one by our shared values and investment into a better country for a better future....for a new race has truly just begun.

Art Imitating Life...LV Logo in Soho store

to be honest, stuff like this makes me proud. Hip-Hop, America's quote-un-quote "problem child" still authenticates and enhances even the most sophisticated brands...peep this and get lifted.






via Kanye Blog at Kanyeuniversecity.com/blog

Videvation: Nigger, Niggas, and Niggaz - Def Poetry

I mos def gets down with Def Poetry ever since late nights back on my couch back in High School when it used to run on HBO. I haven't seen this poet before, but he gives us something to think about. Now, I don't claim to be self-righteous, rising above the word, and I have somehow convinced myself that I can depower the word by reclaiming it (even as an Afro-American Studies major)...watching this was like getting stung by a bee...quick sharp pain that will continue to remind you everytime u're in the presence of bees. So peep the vid and get lifted.....even if you don't stop using the word, it will at least give you something to think about.

"Perfect, Complete, and Lacking Nothing..." James 1:4 - a theme for the year to come

2008 for all intensive purposes was a good year! There is no perfect year, and there are always good and bad things, for we are not all one or the other. In the midst of me continuing to seek after God, stumbling, and moving forward, I have learned a lot of things. 2008 was my year or reaping and restoration...a new beginning indeed.

A lot of times people talk about how terrible the last year was, how they're throwing things away, cleaning out closets, closing people out their lives, etc. etc dot dot dot...but as for me, it's different.

I feel that I have become more mature, I've written a lot this year, and I have been doing some soul searching, if you will...trying to discover the inner me, and the heart of God in the process. I have begun to embrace who I am, and who I am not...and dare I not say, I am taking the steps to embracing who I will probably never be...and I'm all good with that.

I am comfortable, but not complacent....I am imperfect, but not impure. (that was a little poetic, huh..lol) ...naw, but seriously. I am no where near complete by the world's standards, but I am complete...by the way God views me. So many times we view our inadequacies, based on what we have and don't have, who we are, who we are not, who we know, who we don't know, who we are with, etc, and that's how we govern wholeness...that's one thing I did do in 2008...despite the newness of the year, that I will not do in 2009...A friend on myspace...yes myspace, posted a scripture based on the theme of James 1:4...and it read: "And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."...obviously the writer of this scripture knows that it is impossible to be perfect, complete and lacking in nothing on this earth, but because of Christ having walked this earth, and having given us salvation, he has made us whole, and so long as the earth views us as imperfect, wanting, and lacking, we are made whole, perfect and complete in Him....and I wrote a song off of this called "you see who I am"....though I am a sinner, imperfect, and sometimes vile, you see me perfectly...tho i have impure thoughts and actions, YOu see me as pure...because You see my heart....though I want for everything, You supply everything that I need...Awesome.

So as I go in to 2009...my theme is, though ironic to many, "Perfect, complete, and lacking nothing."....that is how I will govern my life this year and forever...I will take advantage of the open door, and of course I will seek the Lord for a deeper relationship...I will not live my life according to a schedule, and I will let the Lord deal with me according to His schedule....I will not try to please everyone, but I will try to show compassion to all....I'm going to try to be the best person that I can be for my family, for my friends and loved ones, for my God, and for me.

2009 is going to be a laid back year for me....and I am excited to see where a little faith and openness goes.....peace!

2008 In Retrospect: The Good, The Great, and the "no, please try again"

JANUARY
Begin 4th Quarter of my senior year
Make lifestyle change to loose weight!

FEBRUARY
The Miami University Gospel Singers tour the Atlanta Metro area making stops at a juvenille corrections facility, and a women's shelter.
TURBO is official.....lol

MARCH
I take the trip/blessing of a lifetime to SOUTH AFRICA...and a piece of me is still there.
Got Accepted into Grad School.

APRIL
21st Bday........check the pics homie....lol
MU Gospel Singers Gospel Fest an amazing success

MAY
GRADUATE! from Miami U!

JUNE
Hopeless summer job search in Cleveland...:-|

JULY
BROKE MY FOOT!!!!!!!
HILARY CLINTON IS OUT OF THE RACE!
Sara Palin is announced as the VP Choice of the GOP

AUGUST
"Speak" at the Youth Explosion at my church
Goodbye Cleveland, hello Bmore!
Start first grad school

SEPTEMBER
FIND A JOB! (it's a recession folks, this is an accomplishment! LOL)

OCTOBER
Homecoming at MU....it went down!
Exploring the city (DC, that is)
Tina Fey singlehandedly dismantles the GOP campaign with her Saturday Night Skits of Sara Palin....LMAO!

NOVEMBER
BARACK OBAMA wins historic presidential race by a LANDSLIDE, making him the first African American President of the United States!!!
**meanwhile, John McCain disses Sarah Palin....hilarity**

DECEMBER
AMAZING CHRISTMAS at home with the FAMILY....dispite air travel issues
Earn a 4.0 in my first semester in grad school!!!! :-)
Lost 53 pounds total in 2008!



THE "BESTS" of 2009 (My own interpretation, no need to argue..)
Best Album: Erykah Badu, "New Amerykah"
(Beyonce & Wayne tied for runner up with "I AM," and "Tha Carter III, respectively)...Kanye will get critiqued for 2009)

Favorite Book: "The Bluest Eye" - Toni Morrison (yeah...i know I'm late...lol)

Uncovered Gem of 2008 - Lupe Fiasco- "The Cool"

Best TV Show: Project Runway

Best Inspirational -non- Gospel - Single: T.I. - "Live Your Life"

Funniest Comedic Role: Tina Fey as Sarah Palin......and Sarah Palin herself..lol

Hottest Collab: Swagger Like Us...a given...

Craziest Trend: the billions of "A Milli" Freestyles...lol....and those crazy Beyonce "single ladies" dance videos on youtube.....

Biggest Come Up: Wayne killed the game with what was in my opinion a classic mix tape, "Da Drought 3," which ultimately positioned him for a major come up in 2008 as perhaps the biggest star of 2008.

Favorite Scripture: James 1:4

Fashion?: Cardigans, vests, Scarves, and exclusive sneakers...

Best Mainstream Blogs: Tie: Kanyeuniversecity.com & Theybf.com

Best Amateur Blog: wwwamachiyaminah.blogspot.com

Things that got carried into 2008: Mary J's "Growing Pains CD"

Thing that will get carried into 2009: Kanye's 808s (for a second listen

*Notice no Gospel Artists were mention, because I've been listening to all older stuff....Gospel Artists, time to step ur game up!*

Person (s) of the year: Barack Obama is a given because he has inspired so many people globally, to change their views, to be great and excellent in whatever capacity..and the role model he has provided for young, black, and abandoned black males like myself, who were raised by grandparents, is without a doubt commendable beyond words could say....with that being said, I believe that it is best that we exclude him from this category, because he has inspired the best in all of us to be the best persons we can be.

Therefore, my person (s) of the year is: Michelle Obama, Shawn Carter, Sean Combs, Mary J. Blige, Kevin Lyles, The Canvassers, the Students for Barack Obama orgs, THE HIP-HOP COMMUNITY!, and every person of this young generation who rallied behind this cause to bring change to America, and to make this imperfect union more perfect.