I started a private journal a couple days ago. My mission is to be a more open person with the people all around me. I keep so much inside and recently I got to a point where I realized that's not healthy for me at all. So, I'm beginning my journey by journaling whenever something bothers me. I've decided to incorporate pieces of that into my blog so that I can open up in more than one way and to different people, whereever you are reading this.
The first entry:
"You were such a great guy to me; you came along doing things that no one had ever done for me before. I was selfish, not thinking of what I needed to do to be good to you. I’m just now realizing that and it may be too late. But I can say that I have learned a lot and that’s all that matters. I’m hoping that I can take what I’ve learned and apply it to my next relationship. All I can say is that I am glad for all the time that we have spent together getting to know one another."
The second one, I wrote last night.
"...and all these things I ask of him and ask him to be, I am willing to do the same in return and be the same to him.
I will love him for the person he is. I will love him past all of his flaws, past every wall he has around his heart. I will knock those walls down so that I can have the real him, flaws and all. I know he won’t be perfect, but he will be perfect for me and I will love him for that!
I will love him through everything."
~LaDai
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
All I Want For Christmas...
That is it! I'd be the happiest girl alive :)
*photo courtesy of Victoria's Secret official website*
~LaDai
Your house, Your rules
There are certain things in my life that, even now as a 20 year old, I still don't understand. The first thing that comes to mind when I say that is my parents' rules at home. Through middle school and high school, I was always that kid who's parents knew every single move I made. I believe that's how it should be anyway, but no matter how old I got, it still remained the same. Alot of the rules are unsaid, they've never really been established as so, it's just something that is understood in order to keep the peace.
For example, even when I go home on breaks, such as this coming Christmas break, there's never a time where it's acceptable for me to just leave the house and not say anything to anyone about where I'm going. I've tested it. It does not work! For safety reasons, of course, it makes sense. When I think of myself as an adult living in a house with other adults, you would think it wouldn't be an issue no matter how close or far I'm going. However, in a sense of me as their offspring, no matter how old I get, as long as I'm dependent on them, it's one of those unspoken rules that will always be in place.
There are other things that work the same way, and although I don't quite understand it...the point I'm making here is that some things should be done to simply keep the peace. There's nothing I can or can't do that causes a disturbance. If it keeps a happy balance, then I'm all for it!
~LaDai
For example, even when I go home on breaks, such as this coming Christmas break, there's never a time where it's acceptable for me to just leave the house and not say anything to anyone about where I'm going. I've tested it. It does not work! For safety reasons, of course, it makes sense. When I think of myself as an adult living in a house with other adults, you would think it wouldn't be an issue no matter how close or far I'm going. However, in a sense of me as their offspring, no matter how old I get, as long as I'm dependent on them, it's one of those unspoken rules that will always be in place.
There are other things that work the same way, and although I don't quite understand it...the point I'm making here is that some things should be done to simply keep the peace. There's nothing I can or can't do that causes a disturbance. If it keeps a happy balance, then I'm all for it!
~LaDai
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
I'm a Badu-ist !
Let me begin by saying that I listen to alot of music! Different people in my life have opened me up to different kinds of music, so I think it's safe to say that I listen to a little bit of everything; from Taylor Swift to Plies, everything! One of the main genres that I really enjoy to my core is Soul and Neo-Soul music. My love for Soul music comes from my mom, one of the most influential people in my life. I think that's why I'm so in love with it. Living away from home, when I miss her, that music is there and it takes me back to certain memories that I have of her. It's just comforting.
My mom got me into Erykah Badu. I was about 7 years old when Baduizm, her 1st album, debuted. But, I can vividly remember hearing these songs. Then, Live came out not too long after that (within the same year I believe), followed by Mama's Gun in 2000. That's when my love for Erykah Badu really became real (lol)!
I remember my mom playing these albums almost everyday for a long time. I heard Erykah Badu's voice when I was getting ready for school, after school in the evening, relaxing on the weekends, just all the time! I can remember singing the songs, just knowing the words. As I got older, hearing the same songs, I began to understand what she was saying in my own ways. When she was talking about love and relationships in general, I understood it for what it meant to me years later as a 13 year old and even now as a 20 year old. Even now, having heard all of these songs for years, I pick up on things that I heard her say, but didn't understand. Recently, her song Didn't Cha Know from Mama's Gun took on a new meaning for me as I was really trying to figure out my purpose and what I wanted to do in school and life in general: "Ooh, heyy...I'm trying to decide, which way to go. I think I made a wrong turn back there somewhere." The first verse is exactly what I was feeling at the time.
The majority of her songs take me to a different place. Her songs about dealing with feeling insecure, self-discovery,social issues, and just being independent as a woman have left a lasting impression on me that I carry even to this day. I think it's safe to say that these three albums have really been influential and comforting. So comforting that when I miss my mother I can close my eyes and listen to Badu's voice and in an instant, I'm back at home!
Erykah Badu has had 3 albums since: Worldwide Underground, New Amerkah Parts 1 and 2 (4th World War and Return of the Ankh), which suprisingly, I haven't really gotten into, but I still plan to. It's just something about the 1st 3!
Now, Badu isn't the only artist my mother has introduced me to. We both enjoy artists like Jill Scott, India.Arie, Kem, Anthony Hamilton, and Chrisette Michelle. My personal favorite, of course, is Erykah Badu!
I think that's it for now...I may have to return later and add something I may have forgotten.
~LaDai
Picture Credit: http://blogs.pitch.com/wayward/2010/05/erykah_badu_at_the_midland_can.php
My mom got me into Erykah Badu. I was about 7 years old when Baduizm, her 1st album, debuted. But, I can vividly remember hearing these songs. Then, Live came out not too long after that (within the same year I believe), followed by Mama's Gun in 2000. That's when my love for Erykah Badu really became real (lol)!
I remember my mom playing these albums almost everyday for a long time. I heard Erykah Badu's voice when I was getting ready for school, after school in the evening, relaxing on the weekends, just all the time! I can remember singing the songs, just knowing the words. As I got older, hearing the same songs, I began to understand what she was saying in my own ways. When she was talking about love and relationships in general, I understood it for what it meant to me years later as a 13 year old and even now as a 20 year old. Even now, having heard all of these songs for years, I pick up on things that I heard her say, but didn't understand. Recently, her song Didn't Cha Know from Mama's Gun took on a new meaning for me as I was really trying to figure out my purpose and what I wanted to do in school and life in general: "Ooh, heyy...I'm trying to decide, which way to go. I think I made a wrong turn back there somewhere." The first verse is exactly what I was feeling at the time.
The majority of her songs take me to a different place. Her songs about dealing with feeling insecure, self-discovery,social issues, and just being independent as a woman have left a lasting impression on me that I carry even to this day. I think it's safe to say that these three albums have really been influential and comforting. So comforting that when I miss my mother I can close my eyes and listen to Badu's voice and in an instant, I'm back at home!
Erykah Badu has had 3 albums since: Worldwide Underground, New Amerkah Parts 1 and 2 (4th World War and Return of the Ankh), which suprisingly, I haven't really gotten into, but I still plan to. It's just something about the 1st 3!
Now, Badu isn't the only artist my mother has introduced me to. We both enjoy artists like Jill Scott, India.Arie, Kem, Anthony Hamilton, and Chrisette Michelle. My personal favorite, of course, is Erykah Badu!
I think that's it for now...I may have to return later and add something I may have forgotten.
~LaDai
Picture Credit: http://blogs.pitch.com/wayward/2010/05/erykah_badu_at_the_midland_can.php
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Major Update
So the first few weeks of school have definitely been suuuuper hectic! Math has been running my life, it's just so time consuming...it makes it hard for me to find time to do other things like talk to people or actually update my blog! So basically, I've been in my room or somewhere on campus trapped by endless math homework and quizzes due. My other classes aren't that bad and thankfully I don't have any other classes that are this time consuming. BUT, everything is going pretty well. I'm finally getting a handle on my time management skills. I have no time for procrastination, which is a good thing, anyways.
In between all that, I have had time to try out a new beauty product! Well, it's not exactly a beauty product...but it helps alot! I'll give a little back story first. I don't know if I've ever mentioned it, maybe I have, but I have super oily skin. No matter what products I have tried, it just won't go away. So, I basically learned to just accept it and live with my oily skin. I stopped worrying about it and just let my light shine through! One day last week, I was on YouTube looking up some skin care regimens and reccommended products for oily skin when I came across the unbelievable. The product is Philip's Milk of Magnesia. Now most people know what that is and what it's inteded for. If you don't know, Philip's MoM is a laxative. And my first response was, "I'm supposed to put that on my face?? Yea right!" But everybody who did a video on it and used it said it works wonders. Alright, why not? Either it will work or my face will still be oily. Nothing to lose. So I tried it.
AMAZING! I'm telling you, I can go a whole day now without touching up my make-up or blotting my face because it's oily. I am shine-free! I shake it up really good, use less than a dize size worth of it, and just rub it in on my face. I make sure I get my forehead, cheeks, and nose...and I am good to go for the day no matter how hot and/or humid it is outside. In a week, Philip's MoM has become a key part in my make-up routine. It's great. For any ladies out there who are battling with an oily face...please, try this product!
I have come to the concusion that I will not go natural...for now. I'm just at a point where I think my hair works for me and there's no need in changing it until I'm ready. I questioned it alot about if I really wanted to do it or not and I'm just not ready. When I'm ready, I won't have any hesistations about it and it'll be something that I'll just be able to go for and I'll love it! Just not yet.
I was missing home so bad last night. I don't know what it is, but I'm just ready to be home for a while. I hadn't planned to go home until Thanksgiving, but there's no place like home and no feeling like being around family. Lately, I've been thinking about what I want to do once I'm finished with undergrad, and it's really just stirring up some nostalgic feelings. It makes me realize how much I've grown up and how much more growing up I've got to do. It just makes it feel like my childhood is that much more in the past. It's not that I want to hold on to being a child, but I don't want to forget these memories that I've got. I doubt I will, but it's just the thought.
Well, that's it for now. Stay blessed!
~LaDai
In between all that, I have had time to try out a new beauty product! Well, it's not exactly a beauty product...but it helps alot! I'll give a little back story first. I don't know if I've ever mentioned it, maybe I have, but I have super oily skin. No matter what products I have tried, it just won't go away. So, I basically learned to just accept it and live with my oily skin. I stopped worrying about it and just let my light shine through! One day last week, I was on YouTube looking up some skin care regimens and reccommended products for oily skin when I came across the unbelievable. The product is Philip's Milk of Magnesia. Now most people know what that is and what it's inteded for. If you don't know, Philip's MoM is a laxative. And my first response was, "I'm supposed to put that on my face?? Yea right!" But everybody who did a video on it and used it said it works wonders. Alright, why not? Either it will work or my face will still be oily. Nothing to lose. So I tried it.
AMAZING! I'm telling you, I can go a whole day now without touching up my make-up or blotting my face because it's oily. I am shine-free! I shake it up really good, use less than a dize size worth of it, and just rub it in on my face. I make sure I get my forehead, cheeks, and nose...and I am good to go for the day no matter how hot and/or humid it is outside. In a week, Philip's MoM has become a key part in my make-up routine. It's great. For any ladies out there who are battling with an oily face...please, try this product!
I have come to the concusion that I will not go natural...for now. I'm just at a point where I think my hair works for me and there's no need in changing it until I'm ready. I questioned it alot about if I really wanted to do it or not and I'm just not ready. When I'm ready, I won't have any hesistations about it and it'll be something that I'll just be able to go for and I'll love it! Just not yet.
I was missing home so bad last night. I don't know what it is, but I'm just ready to be home for a while. I hadn't planned to go home until Thanksgiving, but there's no place like home and no feeling like being around family. Lately, I've been thinking about what I want to do once I'm finished with undergrad, and it's really just stirring up some nostalgic feelings. It makes me realize how much I've grown up and how much more growing up I've got to do. It just makes it feel like my childhood is that much more in the past. It's not that I want to hold on to being a child, but I don't want to forget these memories that I've got. I doubt I will, but it's just the thought.
Well, that's it for now. Stay blessed!
~LaDai
Monday, September 13, 2010
Well, I'm Back.
It's been a while!
Well...school has been keeping me plenty busy. At first, it felt like it would be a breeze, but at the beginning of the 4th week of the semester now I'm not so sure about that! I'm taking Biology 2, Intro to the Teaching Profession, Theories and Practice Teaching ESOL, and... College Algebra. Honestly, my schedule isn't so bad. I have Bio on MWF and the lab on Fridays and my other 3 classes only meet once a week, all on Tuesday and no class on Thursday. What makes it difficult is the fact that College Algebra is uuber time consuming (and running my life). I'm actually in the middle of some homework right now and decided to take a break. (At least I found something semi-productive to do.) I have a service learning project in my Intro to Teaching class and I'm excited to get started. I get to volunteer in a local school and gain some classroom experience!
Lately, I've been thinking about what I want to do after graduation. I'm not so sure, yet. Grad school is definitely a possibility. I just don't know ho soon after graduation that can happen for me. It's crazy how time flies! I feel like I was just a Senior in high school not too long ago. I'm a Junior this year and I'm looking at an expected graduation date of Spring 2013. I'm glad that it's a goal that's actually in reach and very attainable. I just feel like everything is going good for me. Loving life right now!
I went to my first football game Saturday night. We played NC State and lost...but it was fun anyway!
~LaDai
Well...school has been keeping me plenty busy. At first, it felt like it would be a breeze, but at the beginning of the 4th week of the semester now I'm not so sure about that! I'm taking Biology 2, Intro to the Teaching Profession, Theories and Practice Teaching ESOL, and... College Algebra. Honestly, my schedule isn't so bad. I have Bio on MWF and the lab on Fridays and my other 3 classes only meet once a week, all on Tuesday and no class on Thursday. What makes it difficult is the fact that College Algebra is uuber time consuming (and running my life). I'm actually in the middle of some homework right now and decided to take a break. (At least I found something semi-productive to do.) I have a service learning project in my Intro to Teaching class and I'm excited to get started. I get to volunteer in a local school and gain some classroom experience!
Lately, I've been thinking about what I want to do after graduation. I'm not so sure, yet. Grad school is definitely a possibility. I just don't know ho soon after graduation that can happen for me. It's crazy how time flies! I feel like I was just a Senior in high school not too long ago. I'm a Junior this year and I'm looking at an expected graduation date of Spring 2013. I'm glad that it's a goal that's actually in reach and very attainable. I just feel like everything is going good for me. Loving life right now!
I went to my first football game Saturday night. We played NC State and lost...but it was fun anyway!
~LaDai
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Back to School...
I'm really just in the spirit of appreciating these last 2 weeks I have here at home before I have to go back to school. Spending time with my family and friends, just the summer in general has been pretty awesome! I really like being a student and I'm just ready to get the semester started. I'm taking 4 classes: Biology 2, Chemistry (which I am retaking lol), Introduction to the Teaching Profession, and Theory & Practice Teaching ESOL Students; all of which I'm pretty excited about taking! It should be a pretty interesting semester this fall.
Another thing to be excited about is the fact that I'll be getting new roommates this year! This go round, I have opted to live with 3 of my friends. For the last 2 years, I've had random roommate assignments and although they haven't turned out horrible, I just never really made a connection with any of the other girls. I'm looking forard to living with people I already know, actually will enjoy being around, and not coming home and heading straight to my bedroom.
The only thing I'm worried about is I know it can be a different situation living with friends. We're all cool girls with diffferent personalities and that's beneficial to our friendships together because we all bring different qualities to share with one another. As far as living together, I'm a little eager to see what the mix of our personalities will stir up. Regardless, relationships with other people never always consist of blue skies and sunny days, but I think we'll be able to handle living with eachother. It's going to get crazy at times, I know this lol...But I love my girls and I know we'll make it work!
~LaDai
Another thing to be excited about is the fact that I'll be getting new roommates this year! This go round, I have opted to live with 3 of my friends. For the last 2 years, I've had random roommate assignments and although they haven't turned out horrible, I just never really made a connection with any of the other girls. I'm looking forard to living with people I already know, actually will enjoy being around, and not coming home and heading straight to my bedroom.
The only thing I'm worried about is I know it can be a different situation living with friends. We're all cool girls with diffferent personalities and that's beneficial to our friendships together because we all bring different qualities to share with one another. As far as living together, I'm a little eager to see what the mix of our personalities will stir up. Regardless, relationships with other people never always consist of blue skies and sunny days, but I think we'll be able to handle living with eachother. It's going to get crazy at times, I know this lol...But I love my girls and I know we'll make it work!
~LaDai
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Penny for your thoughts
This is just something that I've noticed. I've tried my hardest to ignore it, but the more I hear it, the more it bothers me...
What is up with some people being all over this light skin, yellow, redbone...etc...frenzy lately?? I know the thought has been around for ages, but it seems like it's more prevalent now or maybe I'm just taking notice. It seems like it's coming from everywhere, especially in the music...mainstream "hip-hop/rap" to be exact.
Women already have pressure to look a certain way because of images in the media. Now this particular genre of music is targeting black women by basically saying we have to have a certain skin tone to be attractive to our men. Whether you are fair skinned like Faith Evans or as dark skinned as Alek Wek, we are all beautiful! I just wish that more of our music and anything else in the media would portray that!!
Faith Evans
Alek Wek
Fortunately for myself, I grew up in a household where I was taught the difference. I know that even if my mother is a few shades lighter than me, I am no less beautiful. Same with anyone else. It's the little dark skin girls who have no one to tell them they're beautiful or no one to tell them they're gorgeous no matter what their skin tone is or what they see portrayed in the media that I worry about.
I've read alot about how the color complex came about, but what I don't understand is how it still exists as something that we as black people put on ourselves. We are all one as a people no matter what we look like...Why should it matter who's "light" or who's "dark"? We're all black people. We're all gorgeous.
*I don't own or claim the rights to any of the pictures I post if they're not of me or I haven't taken them myself*
~LaDai
What is up with some people being all over this light skin, yellow, redbone...etc...frenzy lately?? I know the thought has been around for ages, but it seems like it's more prevalent now or maybe I'm just taking notice. It seems like it's coming from everywhere, especially in the music...mainstream "hip-hop/rap" to be exact.
Women already have pressure to look a certain way because of images in the media. Now this particular genre of music is targeting black women by basically saying we have to have a certain skin tone to be attractive to our men. Whether you are fair skinned like Faith Evans or as dark skinned as Alek Wek, we are all beautiful! I just wish that more of our music and anything else in the media would portray that!!
Faith Evans
Alek Wek
Fortunately for myself, I grew up in a household where I was taught the difference. I know that even if my mother is a few shades lighter than me, I am no less beautiful. Same with anyone else. It's the little dark skin girls who have no one to tell them they're beautiful or no one to tell them they're gorgeous no matter what their skin tone is or what they see portrayed in the media that I worry about.
I've read alot about how the color complex came about, but what I don't understand is how it still exists as something that we as black people put on ourselves. We are all one as a people no matter what we look like...Why should it matter who's "light" or who's "dark"? We're all black people. We're all gorgeous.
*I don't own or claim the rights to any of the pictures I post if they're not of me or I haven't taken them myself*
~LaDai
I Know My Heart Will guide Me There
I got a new haircut yesterday! I haven't relaxed it in a while so I have lots of new growth! Like I said in a previous post, I'm ready for a fade. BUT I went to a new barber and he said he didn't want to cut it all off so I didn't let him lol...When you tell someone what you want for your hair and they tell you they don't want to do it, it most likely means they CAN'T lol! I wasn't in a babershop so I didn't sweat it. I'm just going to continue to not relax my hair and take good care of my new growth, which is feeling so lovely right now! I don't use my flat iron daily anymore, so I would say I'm making pretty good progress.
I'm using the Hydralicious conditioning shampoo and Organic's Olive Oil as a leave in conditioner while it's still wet. I've been letting it air dry for the most part lately and blow drying when I don't have the time. Nothing too complicated, I'm letting my hair do it's own thing!
~Dai
Thursday, July 22, 2010
♥ Five Things About Me ♥
Five things you will find if you open my bag:
(hmmm...let's open it)
1. Lip Gloss
2. Eyeshadow -- Just in case lol..
3. iPod
4. Planner
5. VS Pink with a Splash in Fresh & Clean -- small lotion and body mist
Five things in my bedroom:
1. Books
2. Teddy Bear
3. Soft Blue Throw
4. Laptop
5. Big comfyyy bed !
Five things I’ve always wanted to do in my life:
1. Finish school
2. Smile everyday !
3. Teach good children lol
4. Get married and have lots of babiessss
5. Looooove everyone ♥♥♥
Five things that make me very happy:
1. Sunshiiiine
2. Laughing
3. Being around the people who make me feel good -- Fam and/or friends
4. Cosmooo Mag
5. Food
Five things I’m currently into:
1. Sudoku
2. Anything Natural
3. Twitter
4. Blogging
5. Cuban sandwiches
Five things on my to-do list:
1. Study more, spend more time in the library
2. Get in shape
3. Keep up with my blog
4. Laugh more
5. Find more things I'm good at or just enjoy doing
Five things some people may or may not know about me:
1. I'm a total bookworm! I LOVE to read!
2. I'm more girly now than I've ever been before
3. I'm kind of artsy...I have some art related talents :)
4. I have 7 piercings and 1 tattoo.
5.
May have to come back to this...I have to do more thinking lol...
~Dai
(hmmm...let's open it)
1. Lip Gloss
2. Eyeshadow -- Just in case lol..
3. iPod
4. Planner
5. VS Pink with a Splash in Fresh & Clean -- small lotion and body mist
Five things in my bedroom:
1. Books
2. Teddy Bear
3. Soft Blue Throw
4. Laptop
5. Big comfyyy bed !
Five things I’ve always wanted to do in my life:
1. Finish school
2. Smile everyday !
3. Teach good children lol
4. Get married and have lots of babiessss
5. Looooove everyone ♥♥♥
Five things that make me very happy:
1. Sunshiiiine
2. Laughing
3. Being around the people who make me feel good -- Fam and/or friends
4. Cosmooo Mag
5. Food
Five things I’m currently into:
1. Sudoku
2. Anything Natural
3. Twitter
4. Blogging
5. Cuban sandwiches
Five things on my to-do list:
1. Study more, spend more time in the library
2. Get in shape
3. Keep up with my blog
4. Laugh more
5. Find more things I'm good at or just enjoy doing
Five things some people may or may not know about me:
1. I'm a total bookworm! I LOVE to read!
2. I'm more girly now than I've ever been before
3. I'm kind of artsy...I have some art related talents :)
4. I have 7 piercings and 1 tattoo.
5.
May have to come back to this...I have to do more thinking lol...
~Dai
Baby Mom -- Baby Dad
...As in a mother/father who is basically still a baby, too young for a baby. I'm watching TV right now and I feel compelled to blog about the issue.
With teen pregnancy on the rise and no longer such a taboo issue as it has been in the past, it's kind of hard to ignore; especially with it plastered all over the media with shows like Teen Mom on MTV and we all know about Jamie Lynn Spears and Bristol Palin. It's hard to imagine anyone who doesn't have an opinion on the issue.
I can applaud teens for owning up to their actions and taking complete responsibility, but when they don't, where does it stop? You have some girls and guys out there who aren't 20 yet and have 3 or 4 kids already. Who takes the blame? Who's responsibility is it? Is it society's fault or are we going to pin it on the parents? Why aren't we faulting these kids, these baby moms and dads? I know one thing, we can't blame the media for this problem, or any other problem in our society.
What completely blows me away is the fact that people want to place blame in the media. I've heard people say that watching Teen Mom makes teens want to go out there and have babies. Stop depending on the TV to raise your kids! Frankly, watching this show makes me gag. This shows does not inspire me to want to go have a baby or be anything related to the nature of a mother. Anyone who says they do after watching, is clearly missing out on reality. I think this show does a good job of depicting how hard it is to be a parent at such a young age. Some of these girls in the beginning have the idea that they're still going to hang out and party or have anything resembling a social life. LIE. These girls figure out pretty quick that everything they do or associate with has to revolve around their baby. Anything that isn''t going to help them be a good mother has to be let go. Seeing the difference in these girls between Season 1 and Season 2, it's pretty obvious the lessons they've learned. It's unbelievable how much they've been forced to grow up in such a short amount of time as a consequence of their actions. But that's what happens when you don't use condoms,kids.
Yes, of course, we can have better sex education courses in schools or less sex depicted in the media, and blah, blah, blah. SURE. The most important thing is that parents need to do the parenting; not the media, not school, not their peers. anything kids learn, parents need to be the first teacher.
Please watch Teen Mom with adult supervision and use condoms when necessary.
~LaDai
With teen pregnancy on the rise and no longer such a taboo issue as it has been in the past, it's kind of hard to ignore; especially with it plastered all over the media with shows like Teen Mom on MTV and we all know about Jamie Lynn Spears and Bristol Palin. It's hard to imagine anyone who doesn't have an opinion on the issue.
I can applaud teens for owning up to their actions and taking complete responsibility, but when they don't, where does it stop? You have some girls and guys out there who aren't 20 yet and have 3 or 4 kids already. Who takes the blame? Who's responsibility is it? Is it society's fault or are we going to pin it on the parents? Why aren't we faulting these kids, these baby moms and dads? I know one thing, we can't blame the media for this problem, or any other problem in our society.
What completely blows me away is the fact that people want to place blame in the media. I've heard people say that watching Teen Mom makes teens want to go out there and have babies. Stop depending on the TV to raise your kids! Frankly, watching this show makes me gag. This shows does not inspire me to want to go have a baby or be anything related to the nature of a mother. Anyone who says they do after watching, is clearly missing out on reality. I think this show does a good job of depicting how hard it is to be a parent at such a young age. Some of these girls in the beginning have the idea that they're still going to hang out and party or have anything resembling a social life. LIE. These girls figure out pretty quick that everything they do or associate with has to revolve around their baby. Anything that isn''t going to help them be a good mother has to be let go. Seeing the difference in these girls between Season 1 and Season 2, it's pretty obvious the lessons they've learned. It's unbelievable how much they've been forced to grow up in such a short amount of time as a consequence of their actions. But that's what happens when you don't use condoms,kids.
Yes, of course, we can have better sex education courses in schools or less sex depicted in the media, and blah, blah, blah. SURE. The most important thing is that parents need to do the parenting; not the media, not school, not their peers. anything kids learn, parents need to be the first teacher.
Please watch Teen Mom with adult supervision and use condoms when necessary.
~LaDai
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
I'm Ready!
I know it's been a while! It's been a busy summer so far. I have finished my job at a school in the area and I'm just winding down, getting back to my own routine. I posted a blog about it: (http://www.misshaywood.blogspot.com) Even though I'm still working, I have a lot of time on my hands to ponder things of the world. Well, more personally...I've been thinking (and thinking) about going natural.
As you may (or may not) know, I've been horribly procrastinating cutting my hair. I still want to do it, though! What I've been doing in the mean time, is finding other ways to be natural. I'm transitioning on using all natural soaps. I've found a Whole Foods Market in the area and I picked up some natural skin care items. I found a Vitamin E soap, chammomile, and a combination goat's milk/lavender soap. I'm working on finishing my Victoria's Secret washes, then I'm fully using all natural soaps. It's just better for your skin in general. If I could find a great natural shampoo/conditioner I'd be great! Whole Foods is a little expensive. I have to save my pennies!
I watched the Good Hair doc/movie by Chris Rock and I'm really inspired to go natural even more. Watching the part where he talks about relaxers, I couldn't believe that this is something we put in our hair! It's disturbing, to be honest. So whenever I happen to just feel it, I'm going to put all hesitation aside and go for it! Can't say when! But it's going to happen...VERY SOON!
So stay tuned! I'll be around these parts more often!
~LaDai
As you may (or may not) know, I've been horribly procrastinating cutting my hair. I still want to do it, though! What I've been doing in the mean time, is finding other ways to be natural. I'm transitioning on using all natural soaps. I've found a Whole Foods Market in the area and I picked up some natural skin care items. I found a Vitamin E soap, chammomile, and a combination goat's milk/lavender soap. I'm working on finishing my Victoria's Secret washes, then I'm fully using all natural soaps. It's just better for your skin in general. If I could find a great natural shampoo/conditioner I'd be great! Whole Foods is a little expensive. I have to save my pennies!
I watched the Good Hair doc/movie by Chris Rock and I'm really inspired to go natural even more. Watching the part where he talks about relaxers, I couldn't believe that this is something we put in our hair! It's disturbing, to be honest. So whenever I happen to just feel it, I'm going to put all hesitation aside and go for it! Can't say when! But it's going to happen...VERY SOON!
So stay tuned! I'll be around these parts more often!
~LaDai
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Window Seat -- Erykah Badu
http://universalmotown.com/videos/playlist.aspx?plid=1457712391&v=76010451001&aid=0
I am so excited! I have not seen a music video or heard a (current) song that inspires so much thought! I have always been a fan of Erykah Badu. She bares her soul in every song! And that's what I love. She takes everyday issues and just puts them in words on a beat we can all relate to. REAL MUSIC !!
I know I'm super late seeing this video and hearing this song, but I just saw it tonight and I had to get my 2 cents out there. I've been hearing alot of people say what they do and don't like about the video, but personally I don't see anything NOT to like!
The video definitely represents the process of groupthink and how it's destroyed us as a people, collectively. Alot of people claim to be individual thinkers, but if we all say the same thing, then we too are participating in a form of groupthink! As much as we all want to believe we are truly individual thinkers, I just don't think it happens as often as we'd like. The force of media alone kind of herds us to believe what "they" want us to. Badu shows this in the end of her video in 2 ways that I thought about it: 1) Assassination of group think can only get us to see the greater good. 2) Assassination of the individual thinker/the mind/the soul is where we are now. The fact that this happens in the same spot where JFK was assassinated...I bet the majority of people who saw this video didn't even pick up on that!!
Another thing that I noticed in this video as Badu sheds her clothing, is the concept that we must shed the preconceived notions that people have of us. At the end of the dare you can only be you. People's thoughts of who and what they think I am, majority of the time are wrong. Although she's literally taking off her clothes, it's the thought that people need to stop hiding behind what others want for them. I am not who you think I am or who you think you want me to be. I don't want what you want for me and your expectations for me are not the same expectations I hold myself to. I don't hide behind those false thoughts. I can only be me. Until people realize that, they shouldn't let what others think of them affect them. If not, then we'll all be fooled by the ravening wolves disguised as sheep!
I like that she's not afraid to get naked even though they have to censor it. It shows that through her music (one of the things I'm sure she's the most passionate about) and anything else she does, she's not afraid to be herself and bare her soul, essentially showing who she really is at the end of the day. You either love it or you don't!
[[I'll post what I think of the lyrics later]]
~LaDai
I am so excited! I have not seen a music video or heard a (current) song that inspires so much thought! I have always been a fan of Erykah Badu. She bares her soul in every song! And that's what I love. She takes everyday issues and just puts them in words on a beat we can all relate to. REAL MUSIC !!
I know I'm super late seeing this video and hearing this song, but I just saw it tonight and I had to get my 2 cents out there. I've been hearing alot of people say what they do and don't like about the video, but personally I don't see anything NOT to like!
The video definitely represents the process of groupthink and how it's destroyed us as a people, collectively. Alot of people claim to be individual thinkers, but if we all say the same thing, then we too are participating in a form of groupthink! As much as we all want to believe we are truly individual thinkers, I just don't think it happens as often as we'd like. The force of media alone kind of herds us to believe what "they" want us to. Badu shows this in the end of her video in 2 ways that I thought about it: 1) Assassination of group think can only get us to see the greater good. 2) Assassination of the individual thinker/the mind/the soul is where we are now. The fact that this happens in the same spot where JFK was assassinated...I bet the majority of people who saw this video didn't even pick up on that!!
Another thing that I noticed in this video as Badu sheds her clothing, is the concept that we must shed the preconceived notions that people have of us. At the end of the dare you can only be you. People's thoughts of who and what they think I am, majority of the time are wrong. Although she's literally taking off her clothes, it's the thought that people need to stop hiding behind what others want for them. I am not who you think I am or who you think you want me to be. I don't want what you want for me and your expectations for me are not the same expectations I hold myself to. I don't hide behind those false thoughts. I can only be me. Until people realize that, they shouldn't let what others think of them affect them. If not, then we'll all be fooled by the ravening wolves disguised as sheep!
I like that she's not afraid to get naked even though they have to censor it. It shows that through her music (one of the things I'm sure she's the most passionate about) and anything else she does, she's not afraid to be herself and bare her soul, essentially showing who she really is at the end of the day. You either love it or you don't!
[[I'll post what I think of the lyrics later]]
~LaDai
Friday, March 26, 2010
Let's Talk About Hair Baby!
Amidst all that's been happening, I haven't done a hair post in a LONG while!
An update on what I'm doing with my own hair...I haven't gone natural, YET, but I'm still felling inspiration from all around me: youtube vids, pics, people I see around town, and friends. One of my friend girls has gone natural recently and she's trying to convince me every chance she gets to go ahead and do a big chop! Slowly, but surely...
I haven't put a relaxer on my hair in a while! I think the last time I did was January. I use a flat iron everyday anyway so I figured I could skip the relaxer. I wear my hair short so it doesn't really matter to me. The haircut that I have right now, is the shortest it's been EVER! My goal is to go shorter and shorter until there's none left, haha!
I've switched hair products since I haven't relaxed my hair. I'm now using Cantu shampoo and conditioner with shae butter. I think it gives me the extra moisture I need for my new growth and even my relaxed ends that are still present. I don't do too much to protect the ends since I get a cut every so often. I still use the Cantu strengthening cream on my wet hair post-conditioning. It's a great heat protector since I use my flat iron everyday! I'll put an oil moisturizer on it while it's dry. I've tried alot of products so I use whatever I have: Africa's Best Olive Oil, Pink Oil, Profectiv, shae butter, or grease...whatever really! Then I style and use a holding spray! The holding spray is really drying so I try not to use too much (I reccommend the same for others as well)!
I recently switched hair stylists too! She's great (and alot cheaper than my last one)! She's been keeping me fresh and edgy with designs all all that jazz lately!
This one is the very first time she cut my hair. I want to say March 5th. I've had another haircut (and design) since then.
I'm a fan of cutting your hair until you're content. Anyone who wants to do it, GO FOR IT! It's just hair, it will grow back (if you want it to haha). One thing I tell people though, not only keeping your hair cut, but the daily styling is ALOT of work. So don't cut your hair if you're one of "those people" who don't like to: a) style your own hair and b) style it everyday. I mean there are alot of styles where you can get up and go and just wear it. But the point of short hair is to rock it (style it)!
~LaDai
An update on what I'm doing with my own hair...I haven't gone natural, YET, but I'm still felling inspiration from all around me: youtube vids, pics, people I see around town, and friends. One of my friend girls has gone natural recently and she's trying to convince me every chance she gets to go ahead and do a big chop! Slowly, but surely...
I haven't put a relaxer on my hair in a while! I think the last time I did was January. I use a flat iron everyday anyway so I figured I could skip the relaxer. I wear my hair short so it doesn't really matter to me. The haircut that I have right now, is the shortest it's been EVER! My goal is to go shorter and shorter until there's none left, haha!
I've switched hair products since I haven't relaxed my hair. I'm now using Cantu shampoo and conditioner with shae butter. I think it gives me the extra moisture I need for my new growth and even my relaxed ends that are still present. I don't do too much to protect the ends since I get a cut every so often. I still use the Cantu strengthening cream on my wet hair post-conditioning. It's a great heat protector since I use my flat iron everyday! I'll put an oil moisturizer on it while it's dry. I've tried alot of products so I use whatever I have: Africa's Best Olive Oil, Pink Oil, Profectiv, shae butter, or grease...whatever really! Then I style and use a holding spray! The holding spray is really drying so I try not to use too much (I reccommend the same for others as well)!
I recently switched hair stylists too! She's great (and alot cheaper than my last one)! She's been keeping me fresh and edgy with designs all all that jazz lately!
This one is the very first time she cut my hair. I want to say March 5th. I've had another haircut (and design) since then.
I'm a fan of cutting your hair until you're content. Anyone who wants to do it, GO FOR IT! It's just hair, it will grow back (if you want it to haha). One thing I tell people though, not only keeping your hair cut, but the daily styling is ALOT of work. So don't cut your hair if you're one of "those people" who don't like to: a) style your own hair and b) style it everyday. I mean there are alot of styles where you can get up and go and just wear it. But the point of short hair is to rock it (style it)!
~LaDai
Results!
So I'm a little late on this, but I definitely wanted to share how my fast ended.
SUCCESSFUL !
I definitely think I accomplished what I set out to do and I got great results. My mind was way more clear than it's ever been, I was able to focus on school alot more, spent my nights more productively (instead of going to parties, I studied and slept haha), and the most important thing was learning moderation!
I believe that with a fast, you should never dive right back into what you fast from in the first place. Then what's the point? Not to say that I never party anymore, but when I do, I make the most of it, enjoy it, and do it less. With anything in life, good or bad, too much can be a detriment to your well being. So... I stayed away from it and now I can party less, still have a good time, and have other things to look forward to Thursday-Saturday nights!
It was hard at times, but I made it through! With faith and prayer anything is possible!
SUCCESSFUL !
I definitely think I accomplished what I set out to do and I got great results. My mind was way more clear than it's ever been, I was able to focus on school alot more, spent my nights more productively (instead of going to parties, I studied and slept haha), and the most important thing was learning moderation!
I believe that with a fast, you should never dive right back into what you fast from in the first place. Then what's the point? Not to say that I never party anymore, but when I do, I make the most of it, enjoy it, and do it less. With anything in life, good or bad, too much can be a detriment to your well being. So... I stayed away from it and now I can party less, still have a good time, and have other things to look forward to Thursday-Saturday nights!
It was hard at times, but I made it through! With faith and prayer anything is possible!
Just Something I Noticed..
Females are the most bitchy, dramatic, and emotional creatures on earth. And it sucks because i'm a female too. I seem to have inherited this tragic flaw. As hard as i try not to be that way, it seems I cant avoid it. Its my nature apparently lol.... You think that we'd be able to survive together, but too many females trying to be cool eventually leads straight to trouble somehow.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Proud of Myself!
So tonight my friends were really on me about going out! They were like "you should really come out with us, you'll have so much fun, you'll have such a good time" and all that. But I had to say no!
I'm down to just a week left until spring break and I've really done a good job of standing by what I said I would do! Why would I give up NOW when I've come so far? I found a new level of strength in that moment also. To be in front of my closest friends and still be able to say no and stay true to myself. My parents raised me to think for myself and be my own person. I'm not going to give in to what other people say no matter what the situation is.
I just had to put some positivity out there saying I'm proud of myself for this!
~LaDai
I'm down to just a week left until spring break and I've really done a good job of standing by what I said I would do! Why would I give up NOW when I've come so far? I found a new level of strength in that moment also. To be in front of my closest friends and still be able to say no and stay true to myself. My parents raised me to think for myself and be my own person. I'm not going to give in to what other people say no matter what the situation is.
I just had to put some positivity out there saying I'm proud of myself for this!
~LaDai
Monday, February 15, 2010
Clarity
My mind is definitely alot more clear.
I feel a spiritual cleansing is happening.
I started my workout this morning, so a physical cleansing is about to happen.
I just feel great all around!
~LaDai
I feel a spiritual cleansing is happening.
I started my workout this morning, so a physical cleansing is about to happen.
I just feel great all around!
~LaDai
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Back 2 This Hair Thing Tho...
I am so insprired to go natural!
I always have been, but lately I'm really feeling like I REALLY want to go natural. I'm tired of wearing my hair short now. I've been doing this for 2 years now, a little on and off in the beggining, but pretty steady in the past year or so. It grows fast (and I LOVE how my new growth feels!), but styling it, it doens't grow long without breakage. Even before I cut my hair short, I've never really had problems with my relaxed hair that alot of other women experience. The biggest problems I've had with my hair is breakage and I completely expect that with a relaxer and the amount of styling I do (on a daily basis).
I'm tired, though! I'm tired of doing my hair everyday. Tired of sitting in the salong for cuts every so often. Within the last week or so I've had this urge to just take some scissors and cut it all off.
My biggest worry is that I won't like my hair THAT short. I'm just ready for something new. Originally, I planned to just get my hair cut shorter and shorter each time, but my hair stylist won't cut it short how I want. I don't know if she does that on purpose or if she really just likes my hair the way she does it lol... Then I said I'm just going to get a fade by the time the summer comes. I'm getting restless. I'm ready to start over asap!
I'm telling you, if I keep feeling this way....*eyes the scissors*
~LaDai
I always have been, but lately I'm really feeling like I REALLY want to go natural. I'm tired of wearing my hair short now. I've been doing this for 2 years now, a little on and off in the beggining, but pretty steady in the past year or so. It grows fast (and I LOVE how my new growth feels!), but styling it, it doens't grow long without breakage. Even before I cut my hair short, I've never really had problems with my relaxed hair that alot of other women experience. The biggest problems I've had with my hair is breakage and I completely expect that with a relaxer and the amount of styling I do (on a daily basis).
I'm tired, though! I'm tired of doing my hair everyday. Tired of sitting in the salong for cuts every so often. Within the last week or so I've had this urge to just take some scissors and cut it all off.
My biggest worry is that I won't like my hair THAT short. I'm just ready for something new. Originally, I planned to just get my hair cut shorter and shorter each time, but my hair stylist won't cut it short how I want. I don't know if she does that on purpose or if she really just likes my hair the way she does it lol... Then I said I'm just going to get a fade by the time the summer comes. I'm getting restless. I'm ready to start over asap!
I'm telling you, if I keep feeling this way....*eyes the scissors*
~LaDai
Testing, Testing 1, 2...
This is either a test of my faith by God or the devil is on my heels trying to stop me. Either way it goes, ya'll know which way I'm headed (I'm assuming you do lol). With that said, I want to thouroughly acknowledge this test of faith and how I feel it.
So the majority of my friends have been accepting and understanding of what I'm trying to accomplish with my fast. It was weird at first explaining to the same people (friends) I party with why I'm choosing not to for a while. With that being the case, these are people who I can say are truly my friends because they respect my desicion and don't try and get me to party when they know what I'm doing. Not everybody has been so understanding, though.
At the same time though, eventually you figure out who's really who. At this point, some people are showing their true colors. I've had this one girl in particular, even after I've explained all this to my friends, say that I'm trying to live a new found life that I suddenly don't want to party anymore and I look down on others who do. I don't know where she got all that from lol...I understand that folks are going to do and say what they want, regardless.
I believe that getting over obstacles requires that you acknowledge they exist. It's irrelevant to me, but it's probably the biggest obstacle I face at this point. It doesn't really matter to me what people think I'm doing. I know what I'm doing and why.
~LaDai
So the majority of my friends have been accepting and understanding of what I'm trying to accomplish with my fast. It was weird at first explaining to the same people (friends) I party with why I'm choosing not to for a while. With that being the case, these are people who I can say are truly my friends because they respect my desicion and don't try and get me to party when they know what I'm doing. Not everybody has been so understanding, though.
At the same time though, eventually you figure out who's really who. At this point, some people are showing their true colors. I've had this one girl in particular, even after I've explained all this to my friends, say that I'm trying to live a new found life that I suddenly don't want to party anymore and I look down on others who do. I don't know where she got all that from lol...I understand that folks are going to do and say what they want, regardless.
I believe that getting over obstacles requires that you acknowledge they exist. It's irrelevant to me, but it's probably the biggest obstacle I face at this point. It doesn't really matter to me what people think I'm doing. I know what I'm doing and why.
~LaDai
Monday, February 1, 2010
2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore if anyman be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new."
-KJV
_______________________________________________
So I've had a slip in my fast. I know it happened, but I've been sitting on it and really trying to re-evaluate things for myself and figure out what I can do to really strengthen myself in and through this fast. In the bigger picture, if I can stay faithful to this fast, I can do anything and it's just few steps on my spritual journey, but it really matters.
I'm coming to see that partying is really my vice. I really enjoy it. It's a good release to me after a long week of hard work. BUT... like I said before, it's become a distraction so I'm trying to cut it out for a while. I partied twice this past weekend. But I got a good message tonight that I believe has definitely given me more strength to make it through the time period I said I wouldn't party (until Sprink Break).
So I was at this event tonight and the theme was "Living Faithful in an Unfaitful Environment". It definitely put in perspective what I'm trying to accomplish with this fast, and made that picture clear to me. I know what steps I need to put in place and become accountable for what situations I put myself into that will lead to the success (or failure) of my goal. I will share this for anyone maybe going through the same thing of just trying to stay focused on a goal or anything else you want to do to become a better person.
The question asked was basically "What kind of person would I be if I were truly faithful?" You can apply that to any aspect of your life: in school, in a relationship with someone or your relationship with God, a friendship, or even just within yourself. The speaker used Proverbs 3:5-6 to paint this picture. He was saying that we must have visions for ourselves and our lives, particularly about who we want to become as a person. In our walk in faith, not turning away from God, His presence will give us the power, love, peace, and strength to accomplish those things.
If I am truly faithful to God and to myself in this fast, I will make it through with no problem. Of course it's not going to be easy. With anything we, as imperfect humans, strive to accomplish, we'll always have setbacks. It's what we do in the setback, in that moment of darkness, that defines who we truly are. In this setback I know that there are steps that I need to put in place so that I can enjoy success in the long run.
First thing I want to do is to become prepared. Before I set out on my fast I didn't really prepare for what I would do if I were to be in a situation where I'd be conflicted. I know I'm on this fast, I'm trying not to party so I have to remove myself from the situations where someone says "Okay what do ya'll want to do? Ya'll wanna get a bottle or head downtown?" Nope. LaDai wants to go home n chill. So then I can say, "Okay ya'll go out n have a good time. Call me in the morning, tell me all about it." I didn't have that mental preparation before. I believe I do now.
Second thing I want to do is stay consistent. With anything I do, I never want to say one thing and do another. If I can't stay true to my fast, I'm not staying true to myself and thusandsuch [yes, I did say thusandsuch lol], how can you expect me to stay true to you as a friend or anything else? So, I have got to get my actions and words to stay consistent in this vision of who I am aiming to become.
The third step in this is to stay optimistic and realistic. In any goal, a person has to be optimistic and realistic in what they want to accomplish. Specifically with my fast, I know I'm not just going to stop partying and never party again. I just have to learn moderation. Cutting it out for a while, helps me to accomplish this. As far as being realistic, I started off saying I wouldn't party all semester. That's not realistic for me, so I shortened to Spring Break with the intention of partying in moderation any time after that!
Lastly, knowing who I am and what works for LaDai is my last step in being successful at this fast. This step ties in with the 3rd one as far as being realistic. I know what works for me and I just have to stay steadfast and true to myself and success is mine to claim!
~LaDai
-KJV
_______________________________________________
So I've had a slip in my fast. I know it happened, but I've been sitting on it and really trying to re-evaluate things for myself and figure out what I can do to really strengthen myself in and through this fast. In the bigger picture, if I can stay faithful to this fast, I can do anything and it's just few steps on my spritual journey, but it really matters.
I'm coming to see that partying is really my vice. I really enjoy it. It's a good release to me after a long week of hard work. BUT... like I said before, it's become a distraction so I'm trying to cut it out for a while. I partied twice this past weekend. But I got a good message tonight that I believe has definitely given me more strength to make it through the time period I said I wouldn't party (until Sprink Break).
So I was at this event tonight and the theme was "Living Faithful in an Unfaitful Environment". It definitely put in perspective what I'm trying to accomplish with this fast, and made that picture clear to me. I know what steps I need to put in place and become accountable for what situations I put myself into that will lead to the success (or failure) of my goal. I will share this for anyone maybe going through the same thing of just trying to stay focused on a goal or anything else you want to do to become a better person.
The question asked was basically "What kind of person would I be if I were truly faithful?" You can apply that to any aspect of your life: in school, in a relationship with someone or your relationship with God, a friendship, or even just within yourself. The speaker used Proverbs 3:5-6 to paint this picture. He was saying that we must have visions for ourselves and our lives, particularly about who we want to become as a person. In our walk in faith, not turning away from God, His presence will give us the power, love, peace, and strength to accomplish those things.
If I am truly faithful to God and to myself in this fast, I will make it through with no problem. Of course it's not going to be easy. With anything we, as imperfect humans, strive to accomplish, we'll always have setbacks. It's what we do in the setback, in that moment of darkness, that defines who we truly are. In this setback I know that there are steps that I need to put in place so that I can enjoy success in the long run.
First thing I want to do is to become prepared. Before I set out on my fast I didn't really prepare for what I would do if I were to be in a situation where I'd be conflicted. I know I'm on this fast, I'm trying not to party so I have to remove myself from the situations where someone says "Okay what do ya'll want to do? Ya'll wanna get a bottle or head downtown?" Nope. LaDai wants to go home n chill. So then I can say, "Okay ya'll go out n have a good time. Call me in the morning, tell me all about it." I didn't have that mental preparation before. I believe I do now.
Second thing I want to do is stay consistent. With anything I do, I never want to say one thing and do another. If I can't stay true to my fast, I'm not staying true to myself and thusandsuch [yes, I did say thusandsuch lol], how can you expect me to stay true to you as a friend or anything else? So, I have got to get my actions and words to stay consistent in this vision of who I am aiming to become.
The third step in this is to stay optimistic and realistic. In any goal, a person has to be optimistic and realistic in what they want to accomplish. Specifically with my fast, I know I'm not just going to stop partying and never party again. I just have to learn moderation. Cutting it out for a while, helps me to accomplish this. As far as being realistic, I started off saying I wouldn't party all semester. That's not realistic for me, so I shortened to Spring Break with the intention of partying in moderation any time after that!
Lastly, knowing who I am and what works for LaDai is my last step in being successful at this fast. This step ties in with the 3rd one as far as being realistic. I know what works for me and I just have to stay steadfast and true to myself and success is mine to claim!
~LaDai
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Fasting
So after giving this much thought, I have decided that I'm going on a fast. My goal in the end is to just be a better person with a better lifestyle, better suited for the young woman that I strive to be on a daily basis, especially in the spiritual aspect!
I've looked up fasting online, discussed it with friends, and with my mom as well. What I've come to understand is that whatever you fast from is supposed to enhance your spiritual experience. So with that said, I have decided to fast from partying. While this may not seem like a big deal, it affects many aspects of my life. It hasn't become a hinderance or problem for me, but if I don't do this, it definitely has the potential to do so.
It fosters a lifestyle that I don't necessarily want to get too caught up in. It's the only reason that I do drink (have drank in the past). With that said, it's something that can get in the way of the goals I have for school: partying thursday night-saturday night and not spending what could be the majority of my spare time doing productive things like homework and papers for school. That in turn leads me to procrastinate. Nothing good comes from that, of course.
The drinking isn't a problem, but I'm willing to admit it could be (as it could for anyone who parties) if I don't keep the partying under control. I started off as the girl at parties who didn't even drink at all then I got nick named "Ladi Dadi" the life of the party...That's all I'll say on that. I've definitely dropped the nick name as a part of this journey. My next step is to let my friends know so they can go back to calling me LaDai (which is my name anyways lol).
I'm working on my relationship with God and to get closer to Him, I have to shed things that are not of Him. It definitely takes a lifestyle change to accomplish this. Partying is definitely not the lifestyle for that. I think this one is pretty self explanatory.
In general I just want to be a better person. I don't want to get caught up in that scene. I'm not saying I'm never going to party ever again, but for the time being, I have to cut it out. My goal is to not party until spring break, which is March 8th if I'm not mistaken. So that's a little over a month. I can definitely do that.
I have alot going on this semester, academically, and I just need to put myself in the best situation possible so that I have no distractions or anything. I'm aiming higher this semester and I'm coming with no excuses. The semester just started and I've already figured out that I can't party and put 100% into school. It's one or the other and let's just say school is my priority...
I always say I'll update so I'm making no promises this time!
~LaDai
I've looked up fasting online, discussed it with friends, and with my mom as well. What I've come to understand is that whatever you fast from is supposed to enhance your spiritual experience. So with that said, I have decided to fast from partying. While this may not seem like a big deal, it affects many aspects of my life. It hasn't become a hinderance or problem for me, but if I don't do this, it definitely has the potential to do so.
It fosters a lifestyle that I don't necessarily want to get too caught up in. It's the only reason that I do drink (have drank in the past). With that said, it's something that can get in the way of the goals I have for school: partying thursday night-saturday night and not spending what could be the majority of my spare time doing productive things like homework and papers for school. That in turn leads me to procrastinate. Nothing good comes from that, of course.
The drinking isn't a problem, but I'm willing to admit it could be (as it could for anyone who parties) if I don't keep the partying under control. I started off as the girl at parties who didn't even drink at all then I got nick named "Ladi Dadi" the life of the party...That's all I'll say on that. I've definitely dropped the nick name as a part of this journey. My next step is to let my friends know so they can go back to calling me LaDai (which is my name anyways lol).
I'm working on my relationship with God and to get closer to Him, I have to shed things that are not of Him. It definitely takes a lifestyle change to accomplish this. Partying is definitely not the lifestyle for that. I think this one is pretty self explanatory.
In general I just want to be a better person. I don't want to get caught up in that scene. I'm not saying I'm never going to party ever again, but for the time being, I have to cut it out. My goal is to not party until spring break, which is March 8th if I'm not mistaken. So that's a little over a month. I can definitely do that.
I have alot going on this semester, academically, and I just need to put myself in the best situation possible so that I have no distractions or anything. I'm aiming higher this semester and I'm coming with no excuses. The semester just started and I've already figured out that I can't party and put 100% into school. It's one or the other and let's just say school is my priority...
I always say I'll update so I'm making no promises this time!
~LaDai
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