Modern Day Chivalry

Modern Day Chivalry

Is chivalry dead? Or has the definition changed?

Am I living in a fairy tale to think that the chivalry of a time before mine still exists?

Where do our expectations of chivalry arise from anyway? Maybe it was the fairy tales read to us as little girls… or maybe it was Bell and Jasmine in the many Disney movies that we fell in love with.

Did the Beast ask Bell on a date through a text message? I certainly hope Aladdin walked Jasmin to her door after that amazing carpet ride.

But I mean who am I to try and figure out where the fairy tale meets reality. Or whether they ever really will meet at all.

But we can’t blame it all on Disney movies and fairy tales that we have high expectations. Our latest love stories do not help the situation either. As I watch the notebook I get all mushy inside...That guy wrote her letters for a year.  And don’t forget Love Jones. Classic. I heard it said today…. Don’t underestimate the power of poetry… it sure did get Lorenz Tate and Nia Long in trouble. J

So as I reflect on modern day chivalry…

I guess IT IS getting asked on a date through a text, a facebook message asking if you will be in town, a tweet saying hit me up, and even a wink on the latest site.

But I can’t help wishing there was a little more of the old mixed into the modern. A phone call with plans, a walk to my door even if you won’t be invited in, a kind hearted you look wonderful, and a let me get your door.

And no I am not complaining. Just reflecting on where we are in time. A time when you really can go an entire date without hearing a compliment… only to receive it hours later through a text or a tweet. Well ladies until we can jump back in time.. I guess we will giggle over our texts, tweets and electronic winks.

Well I am off to watch love jones. Live vicariously through Nia. Haha.

PS.. please dont take my posts too seriously. Just a young gal.. enjoying life. when u get that text saying.. you looked great tonight. Please reply. haha. dont mess up a good thing. ;-) just a simple reflection... on that modern day chivalry.

this I believe....

This is a little something I wrote on Friday while waiting for something to do in the clinic...

I believe that turning 25 is so much better than turning 21.
Let me tell you why.

In 2 weeks I will be turning 25 and for me turning 25 means SOOO many different things.
Next year at the age of 25.. I will become an M.D.

As a third year med student graduation is officially in the horizon. I can feel it. I can see it. I can touch it.
For sooo long I wondered if I were meant to be a clinician.
I wondered if getting into Carolina was an accident. 
I thought somehow they let me slip in through a crack.

At 21 I was unsure of the pursuit of a dream that seemed so far away.
I asked the question ... Who would believe?
Believe that I had what it takes?
Believe that my struggles while an undergrad at Carolina were more from being poorly equipped and temporary distractions then from laziness or an unwillingness to work hard. Because clearly that was not the case.

I am so glad that someone believed that I have something to offer the world of medicine. My life is a story filled with triumphs, trials, challenges and testimonies.
From crying on the first day of medical school, to giving my first oral presentation, to standing up to the bully in small group, and we cant forget conquering step 1.

I hope you will believe in that gem in the rough. That student trying to figure out there way in the midst of a convuluted maze.

Then when you meet them again at 25.. or 35.. or maybe even 40.
You'll find confidence, a sense of peace, a patience that all good things will happen with time and hard work.

I hope you will one day believe in someone like me.

This is when I officially knew I was graduating in undergrad. One class was giving me trouble. haha.

The water flowing.. is like my spirit.. Free and Flowing. photo by Candice :-)

Indy was sooo much fun!

SNMA Conference 2011

Hello Friends!

Well the year of the 25 is alive and well. I am 3 weeks away from my 25th bday weekend in NYC with my girls.  Excited.

I hope it can top this past weekend. Where was I you might ask.... Indianapolis, Indiana. Who would have known my trip would be so fun. I should have. Me and two of my closest friends feeling that 3rd year end of the year freedom..  It feels good yeah...

We were focused this weekend. Networking.  In more ways then one ;-)  

Med school grind and single girl hustle.



We went HARD.

Workshops, networking all day, partying, socializing, looking cute all night. :-)



Night #1. I was a little grouchy. Barely made it in town. Almost didnt go out! But I held it down for Chels.





Friday Night!


Friday Night! Well if you didn't know. SNMA conferences have some of the best parties. If you put over 800 minority medical students in one city. It is destined to be on and poppin. Again me and my girls had fun! This party was on the 36th floor with an amazing view of the city. I think this is when we found our weekend Indy boyfriends. ;-0
minus sophia. :-0 







Unfortunately at the end of the night.. There were two elevators for sooo many people. Our crazy selves.. walked down 36 flights of stairs. Chelsea's idea. Our calves hurt the rest of the trip. By the time we got downstairs.. everybody was already at the bottom and we came out the door hot and sweaty. And everyone knows the after party let out is half the fun.. we almost missed it.

No worries. We still got our parking lot pimping on ;-)

Saturday Night! The banquet!! Of course the banquet is loonnnggg. We were on CP time. This is our 3rd conference. We know it is slow. And most times.. its really all about the national officers thanking each other. SMH. I really feel like the heart of the organization (the general members) gets a little lost. thats another story. Anywho.. Enjoy the pics!!

These are my girls. I know we will be friends for many years to come.

Sunday Morning! Happy Ressurection day :-)

We attended a super quick church service, Brunch, read the story of Jesus' Ressurection and said what we were thankful for!! Always aware of the many blessings in life.

WELL FOLKS!!! I am really enjoying the year of the 25. Its amazing how much fun life can be when you stop to smell the roses and enjoy the company of great friends. There are many more adventures to come!! shout out to all my friends I saw in Indy and friends that were made! You know who you are!!

NYC... coming soon.    STAY FLY AND ALMOST 25



FYI Theme song of the weekend.

What I LOVED about PARIS

I posted a few pics of Rome.. But what about Paris right??

WELL... I ABSOLUTELY LOVED PARIS. It was so refreshing for the soul. I was not expecting to enjoy Paris as much as I did.

On day 1 of Paris I actually woke up before the crew and walked the streets on my own for a few hours. It was calming, refreshing and probably one of the best mornings of the trip for me :-)  I stopped by a bakery, found a quiet H & M, and just enjoyed walking the streets of Paris.

On Day 1 and 2 We enjoyed the museums :-) We went to the Louvre (saw the monet lisa) and Musee d' Orsay. I loved both but must say that the Musee d'Orsay was my favorite. I really enjoyed the paintings of Renior, Claude Monet and Degas. Van Gogh was cool too.. but I was not in love with Van Gogh.. shrug.

A few of my favorites.

Renoir

Degas

Degas.

Of course We enjoyed the Eiffel Tower and I loved the Ard de Triomphe :-) I must say.. getting to the top of the eiffel tower was REALLY tough for me. I do not think I ever need to go to the top again. My stomach dropped and I felt anxious.  

OVERALL..

I love fresh flowers. Flower shops were everywhere :-)

I loved Paris. I loved how the people sit outside and enjoy each others company. I loved the shopping, the architecture, the old feel of the city.. And of course it is filled with romance. Young and old couples having picnics in the park, public affection (idk how i felt about that hehe), and the overall sense that we work to live. Not live to work. 

I will definitely be returning to Paris one day. Hopefully for 2 weeks or more. :-) I will definitely need more words in my arsenal then mer see.


I am blessed beyond measure.

first day in Paris.. i look a little crazy!

Beautiful streets

Streets of Paris

Cathedral of Notre Dame

The Louvre

Level 2 of the eiffel tower. I was so scared.

The Sun setting while on the eiffel tower.

Briana's Favorite Things for spring... and no there are no giveaways

It is NO Secret. I absolutely LOVE spring. WHy? I am not sure. I AM a spring baby. I love how the flowers bloom, how fresh the air feels in the morning, a nice run when the sun is setting, ice cream on a pretty day. THE LIST GOES ON!!

SOOO whats on my list for spring!?!?!

1) Wedges! I am so excited about my new wedge sandals!! There are some hot shoes out there. And Wedges are so cute with all types of outfits.. casual, dressy, relaxed... and some wedges are actually comfy.

a few of my favs.. Of COURSE I purchased my new pair off the DSW clearance rack.. :-)  "kanye shrug"  (student budget).. my inspiration board.



Coach Maleena



 

Aldo Dwele





Aldo Iveans



2)  IPAD 2. WOW the ipad 2 is sleek right??? I really have the itch for one.. HINT HINT. mom. dad. brother. My bday is coming up.  I think the ipad2 speaks for itself. Definitely a hot item for spring.

Coach Legacy Fragrance. New.

3) FRESH SPRING FRAGRANCE! Coach. Are u looking for a fresh new spring fragrance ;-)  Lets just say I received many compliments from the Parisian and Italian men on how good I smelled. ;-) The small purse bottle is great for travel and really smells fresh.  Don't hurt him with this one....

zara

h & m. soft pink shorts.

4) MY favorite color for spring. PINK. I am loving pink this year. Not all pinks... but the soft and vibrant ones as well as vibrant and bold.

5) MY SPRING TIME get up and go jam :-)  Cee Lo. Bright Lights Bigger cIty. This is going to be my new go out with the girls anthem. NYC may 14th.. Get ready!

And Britney Spears has a new song thats catchy too. I think I enjoy all this dance music that is in now :-) video is a little crazy.. Seriously though... this is good for the spring workout mix!

Young and Fly OR Single and Lame?

Hey Friends! For your Sunday afternoon pleasure :-)  Meet my Homie Amanda! BFF since Freshman year, ride or die Davis Library crew member aka Methyl. ENJOY

Amanda!

Young and Fly OR Single and Lame?

I’m sitting at home after a long day and an even loonger week wondering what I was going to do for dinner, my friends were busy and cooking was NOT an option after the week I’d had.  I was really craving some Outback when the thought entered my mind to go eat by myself.  Eating alone is no big deal to me at this point, I’ve done it before but it’s usually on a random weekday for BOGO Shiki Sushi.  Going on a Saturday night was uncharted territory.  I wondered, “would eating out alone on a Saturday night make me Young and Fly or just Single and Lame?”  I posed the question to my Tweeps and @bribri1523 replies: “@MandaPandaDDS nope! Do you! :-) young and independent!!”  That was all the encouragement I needed.  I hopped up, threw on a low key outfit (excited to wear my cute, new rain boots) a bit of makeup and out the door I went! 

I arrive and was slightly self-conscious telling the hostess, “Just one” after she asks “how many?”  Fortunately, I avoided the solo walk behind the hostess to my table, by snagging a perfect booth near the bar.  I eased my nerves a bit by exchanging a few pleasantries in Spanish with the man that cleaned the table.  The waitress finally comes and innocently asks “Is anyone joining you?”  I pause, smile brightly, grab the drink menu, and say, “Nope, it’s just me!” and proceed to order an Ah-maazing Strawberry Peach Sangria.

I must admit waiting for my food to arrive was a little awkward at first, and I did feel like people were staring (definitely think that was just me being paranoid) but once I relaxed, allowed myself to listen to my own thoughts, and enjoy the fact that I DIDN’T have to talk I realized, it really wasn’t so bad after all.  There were many more positives to the experience than negatives: I was able to get the good meal and drink I wanted, I didn’t have to wait for anyone to get ready before I could leave to meet at the restaurant, nor did I have to wait on anyone else to order!  I was able to thoroughly enjoy my meal, and most of all enjoy being with MYSELF!  By the second or third bite I was feeling pretty good, and when a waiter (a guy that clearly couldn’t help but notice my flyness) stopped and said “you’re eating alone?  That’s how you do on a Saturday night?” I happily shrugged my shoulders and said “I was hungry.”

I left the restaurant with my head held high and feeling more young, fly and fabulous than I did when I entered those doors.  Thanks Bri, for giving me just the nudge I needed to embrace my flyness and enjoy my Saturday with ME!  I encourage everyone to embrace your young-and-flyness and go out to eat on your own, it is quite liberating and you just might discover how great a dinner with YOURSELF can be!

AS ALWAYS!! STAY FLY AND 25!!!

Post Comments!! What do you think?? Will you be grabbing a bite to eat solo soon? I know I will. :-)

Taking Chances

Hey Friends!

Its been a while since I have discussed my year as I approach 25. One more month and I will officially be 25 :-) May 17th. As I get closer to this pentacle age I have come to realize how great it is to take chances and do what makes me happy.  What chances have I been taking u might ask??

before the chop

october 2010

HAIR: I really think it all started with me doing the big chop over a year ago.  That was a turning point in my adult life. If you can cut all your hair off u can do anything. :-) That was a chance well taken. I have been LOVING my natural hair. A few months ago I had hit a point of frustration.. but have since pushed through.  I have been twisting my hair throughout the week to give it a stretch and get that big hair look. A little variety was really all I needed.

the afro on the streets of PARIS. Me and sophia theme song: "Girl u be killing em"

DATING: Well... I cant say I have taken as many chances here as I would like.. But maybe I have. As I see it... Not settling for a lack luster relationship or a guy that doesnt make u giggle or smile is taking a chance. Taking a chance that someone great is out there for u. Maybe I have already met him or maybe I haven't but I am taking a chance that this time of growth and being single will make it all the much better. For MY SINGLE 25 ers out there.... Keep taking chances ladies. Get to know yourself and others. BE BOLD. wink wink

TRAVEL!!: This is where I really LOVE to take chances. I have the travel bug. No denying it. Which is so funny because my parents hate to travel. Well atleast my mom does. Everytime I mention going anywhere its greeted by my grandmother saying she will not sleep while i am gone and my mother wondering why i feel like i need to see and do it all. I LOVE TRAVELING. While in Rome I was inspired by how free spirited and affectionate the people were. In Paris I was VERY Inspired by the Fashion of course! If you haven't taken a chance to travel as much as you would like. DO IT NOW. Waiting will only cause you to grow old and WISH u had traveled when u had the strength.



FASHION: WELLLLL.... I think this is my newest area to be bold and take chances. I loved how the women in Paris were so fashionable and un apologetic about it. It was just who they were. So feminine and chic. Definitely made me think... What is my point of view? Where is my style going and how is it maturing? And why am I not having more fun with what I wear? Will definitely be having more fun with my look.

EXERCISE: As always on the grind. trying to get right before summertime ;-0 Lately I have been lifting some weights. We shall see where this goes. As I learn more I will post some good stuff. I think it will complement the running very well. Plus my knees are starting to act up :-/ sO i need some other options other than running all the time. SIDE NOTE: Anyone up for a 5k in MAY???


BLOGGING!! LAST but NOT LEAST. There will be some featured guest blog posts coming soon! Look out for some good stuff. I will be TAKING CHANCES!!! And I hope u will too!! LOOK FOR even more fun to come from THE YEAR OF THE 25 :-0


STAY FLY AND 25!!!

Rome!

It started on a cool, dark night in Rome with a bottle of wine and some bread. Four women set out to have a good time and take over Rome.

Me in rome drinking the house wine!

that girl was fresh! Hair by Chelsea :-) thanks chels!!

Our first dinner in Rome! We went hard!! This was my partner in crime and mastermind of the trip. sophia!

Piazza de republica! One of many pretty piazzas

Inside the colliseum

Of course we needed internet! the internet cafe.

Profilin on the bus. Apparently I love public transportation. Gotta be with the people

Me at the Roman Forum. Yeah Julius Ceasar was here! :-)

Inside the Colliseum. I kept hearing in my head.. Spaniard spaniard. Gladiator live and in person.

Rome was jumping on a TUESDAY night!! who would have known! Party was live! and so was the music!!

MORE PICS AND STORIES TO COME!!