Random Thoughts

Hey Peeps!

Well as you guessed... I am still in Chicago. It feels like I have been here forever but I have two weeks left. Whats on my mind this week... Just a few random topics.


Lets talk hair real quick.. 
Last week me and my natural hair were having issues. I looked like I had a brillo pad on my head. I could not figure out what was going on. MY HAIR WAS DRY. That was it! Simply needed some moisture. I had to grease that stuff up real good!! It always amazes me how much moisture my hair needs. If you have natural hair... Don't doubt yourself when your hair is not looking its best. Its probably in need of some love.
A few of my favorite lines.. Jane Carter and Miss Jessies baby buttercreme

my up do..

Side note.. Does anyone know of any new hair styles I can try. I am approaching another awkward stage. My fro is getting a little robust.. and sometimes I feel like my hair is a bit much for the hospital. I could be unnecessarily self conscious. Here is my go to hair style when the fro gets to be too much... But I really do need more ideas. If you know some good styles.. EMAIL ME! briana1523@gmail.com



WORK OUT GROOVE.

Guess whose slacking.. Me. I know. Not my style. Things will get better when I get back to my own crib and routine. Until then... I have enjoyed running the Lake Shore trail in Chicago along Lake Michigan. Its really pretty and peaceful. Fall is upon us.. but keep up with the work out hustle! It always feels good to roll up to fall football games and parties feeling your best ;-)





WORK LIFE BALANCE

At 25.. I find this one of my greatest struggles. How to balance being intense in my career and passionate about life. Have you mastered this yet? If so... please let me know. I always start a new rotation on point.. studying hard, reading everything, working out, and by the end.. burnt out.. barely functioning. Where do we strike the balance? There are so many aspects of being on point. Looking presentable and put together... not wearing your fatigue on your sleeve or bringing unexpected moods onto co workers..  Trying not to have a Serena "I am not the one moment" is really a daily goal. Some nurses push me REAL close.. not going to lie.   Oh and don't even add underlying currents of work life... Like that cutie on your team that distracts you when you are trying to present.. or that hater that gets under your skin... or your homie who always makes u laugh at the wrong time..   And can someone answer this question for me... Do men really try and talk to attractive women in the work place.. ?? What is the trend these days.. I feel like i am new to the work world. The hospital has its own weird rules anyways.  Just thoughts to ponder. Give me your comments.   Pray for me.. this medical ICU is wearing me out :-)



MUSIC OF THE WEEK.

My Chicago run playlist  Google a few. :-)

- Electric Feel MGMT  ( little bro put me on this)
- Beautiful People Chris Brown. chris breezy makes me want to stop my run and dance. no lie.
- Cudi Zone: Kid cudi. man on the moon. Love this kid.
- Thank You: The Blueprint 3 Jay Z. Jigga. No words needed.
- Christian Dior Denim Flow. Kanye ... "Kanye shrug"
- Common: Love is! I cant come to chi town and not listen to common. Chicago's finest :-)
- end of time. King B! and baby B too ;-)
- Party.. Beyonce.. Cause what.. I'm dripping swaggooooo
- Champion Graduation Kanye West
- Lift Off: Watch the Throne :-)  I am taking it to the stars



ALRIGHT FOLKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

KEEP IT FLY FREE AND 25

Live your dreams. Love Life. And Thank GOD for all his mighty blessings :-)

Chicago Update

Hi Peeps,

Still enjoying the chi. Since my living quarters are sub optimal.. leaving much to be desired. I have decided to use my need for wi fi to discover different neighborhoods of Chicago. I am currently staying in Hyde Park which is very diverse and eclectic. Although a wonderful neighborhood.. it is only a couple of blocks and I definitely need to see more.

Today I hopped on a few trains and came to the neighborhood of Lakeview/Lincoln Park. Although this neighborhood is not as busy and dramatic as downtown.. it definitely has character. The street of Armitage is full of boutiques and great shopping. Once you hop off the train you can walk all the way down the street to the water where of course the view of Lake Michigan is beautiful. The homes are beautiful of course. I wish I could have explored more.. but my 20 lb computer often makes me stay close to the train station. darn ibm..

If you are a regular reader.. U know the deal. I left my camera. :-( Iphone quality photos.

Lake Michigan Near Promontory Point in Southside Chicago. 

My view from starbucks in Lakeview in N. chicago. 

Cute consignment shop boutique. Designer stuff! If i wasn't broke..

STAY FLY FREE AND FOREVER 25. 

Shades of love

You look exotic.

You should date a white guy and oh my goodness you all would have the prettiest children. 

Do you prefer black men or will you date anybody?

These are a few of many comments that have prompted this quick discussion on race and love. What is your preferred shade of love? If you have a preferred shade.. are you doing yourself and others an injustice? 

As you all know I am spending a little time alone in Chicago away from the southern streets of North Carolina. In many ways this trip has been refreshing.. Walking and exploring on my own. I have also been refreshed surprisingly by how many interracial couples that I see walking the streets. Before I drift lets start with my first response to what I say when people ask me do I date white men. Which is a problem in itself because there are so many different groups of people.. anywho. 

Response #1: They must not find me attractive. No one other then a brotha has ever asked me for my number. 

This unfortunately is usually my first response. Although this statement is true. I have never been asked on a date or felt pursued by anyone outside of my socially constructed race.. I must wonder how much of this is a result of my own actions. When I go into starbucks to study I immediately assume there are no prospects once I do not see anyone that looks like my dreamy version of my future dr. huxtable husband. hmmm. It could be when the "other" guy at the coffee shop started conversation he was being a little more then friendly and I did not even realize it! It could be that while jogging if I gave every handsome young man the eye contact stare I provide for the less appeasing men at the club.. I might have a few more occupied Friday Nights. ;-)

This thought was also confirmed by an interesting article in the September issue of essence. A good read! This myth that "other" men aren't attracted to black women.. the author finds hard to believe and argues that we should too. And this thought should apply to all women not just black women. SO NO I'm not too exotic. whatever that means.. 

Response #2: I'm trying to be like the Obamas. You feel me. Looking for my Barack! 

Well I'm sure even Barack dated "other" women. And I am quite sure that as highly educated as Michelle Obama is she could have EASILY ended up with someone of a different shade. I know others might hate to hear this. Seriously.. no one wants to be like the Huxtables more then me.. But I'm just sayin. These days it appears that education and common interests might make for a marriage that lasts more than the color of your skin. 

Response #3: I think I'm a little loud and opinionated for a white guy. 

I do feel self conscious of my southern ways and often wonder if it would be too much for another guy that's not black. Again. Let me stop myself immediately. Vibrant people with opinions exist in all shades and colors. My "loud" negro tendencies might be surprisingly just what that man of another race is looking for. Learning the electric slide and the wobble might be the highlight of his life. Oh and my drive/ambition. Might just give him life as folks say on twitter. lol. 

LONG STORY SHORT.... What really defines love. Is it based on skin color. Now I did not address men that have preferences and do not date a certain woman. Another topic for another day. Just bringing up the idea.. the basic notion.. That next time someone other then a black man, or white man or asian man or a man other then the group you identify yourself with... open up or hold his glance for a second longer. You never know what might happen. You might be the first interracial couple in the white house! And  we'll forget we ever wanted to be the Obama's. :-) 

STAY FLY CUTE CONFIDENT... AND FOREVER 25

;-)