What Jade Says

Mac or PS3

2012-01-31T16:32:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to figure out what to do for my birthday since I suddenly decided it was too expensive to go to Bar Sinister. But buying a PS3 or a Macbook is also expensive. I don't know that I am ready to spend $2000 on a computer. Sure they have models that are cheaper, and I have them considered also.

Mac: Pros, Cons and the Comparison to PC
I feel like a Fighter/Mage in a battle shop trying to figure out what to buy. Do I buy another book or more pages for incantations or do I buy these really awesome swords which I can Dual-wield. I can use these swords effectively or I can shoot fireballs at you at 100mph and 10 fireballs per minute.

That is exactly how I feel. I can either love my computer until it dies, or I can get a mac book pro and use both until my PC dies.

The macbook pro is the "It" computer in my field. Everyone has one. They may not have iPhones, but they all have Macs. They have Adobe suites, cool apps and Macs. Whether they are a graphic designer or a musician, Public Relations Consultant or a dancer, they all have Macs. It's the computer for the creative world.

The cons of the Mac are simple. Expensive. That is the biggest con to me. Apple now advertises that Macs can run Windows and windows programs sooo... that is no longer a huge problem. Even with free shipping and the student discount (which is only $100) the Macbook or Macbook Pro is still expensive. I mean if I save my money now and I didn't spend any money between now and Graduation, I could probably afford it.

PS3: The need to relax and just play
I would love to come home from a hard day of work and play Sacred 2, Need for Speed, Infamous 2 or Assassin's Creed. Unwind, do some quests, play over the network with my friends...it would be awesome.

If I am serious about getting a Mac I probably shouldn't even consider getting a PS3. The PS3 is under $300 with all the accessories and if I pick it up in-store, I am guaranteed no shipping cost. But would I really use it? Sure I would at first, but then sporadically once I get a full time job. Then it will collect dust as I bring my work home with me. Comparing a Mac to a PS3 is kind of a no-brainer.

PS3 vs Xbox is a no-brainer as well. PS3 plays bluray. Xbox doesn't. On the same TV screen and the same game, PS3 looks better and performes better than Xbox. But If I wanted to play Halo, I would have to go to my bestfriend's house if I did not own an Xbox (which I don't). Xbox Kinect is lightyears better than PS3 move (which is a copy of Wii system but not as cool).

I will mention that 85% of my friends have a PS3 or access to one. Only 75% of my friends have Macs but 92% of co-workers or collegues have Macbooks or Macbook Pros.

Whatever. I will probably spend all of my money on books anyway.

Snack Making

2012-01-25T14:08:00.001-08:00

This is Day Nine of this year's first Daniel Fast. We are doing pretty well. I made this snack dip thing and I just had to share.
Mix spicy hummus, pesto, sundried tomatoes, and feta cheese together. Pour in a little of the oil that either the pesto or tomatoes are packed in. Spread on pita bread and voila, instant delish! I also used carrots. It was great. Try it.

EDIT: I wish the photo would display larger. I will post a new one soon.

Birthday Preperations

2012-01-08T12:49:00.000-08:00

Sooooo for my birthday, I plan on going to Zulu Lounge on March 29. Its gonna be more belly dance till your eyes fall out. I'm so incredibly excited. It's at the King King in Hollywood. Then I'm going out Saturday night and I'm getting a VIP table and bottle service. For that Saturday night (my actual birthday), I want to wear this dress

from Hips and Curves.

I would absolutely love to get a new pair of heels to go with this and a corset from the same website.

Sooo so far since I started this change of eating habits, I have only had one diet ginger ale and all water. I haven't really had meat since I started. Mostly salad, soup and sliced Turkey breast. I did add turkey bacon to my butternut squash soup, but I couldn't add that many pieces because its still pretty salty. I'm trying to limit my carbs but I like bread.

Since Jan 1, I have only not worked out 2 days. I think this is so good. Even if I did only 30 minutes of high energy belly dance or 35 mins of yoga, I did something.

The Daniel Fast starts for FCBC next Sunday. I'm already on the right track with my eating habits. I will just have to cut meats out of my diet until February 4.

Queen Liana + January Goals

2012-01-04T15:22:00.000-08:00

I just want to say that my home girl Liana has lost an amazing amount of weight and I am so proud of her. She has documented her journey on YouTube and on her blog. One of the videos she posted really spoke to me. It was essentially five tips for people who want to lose weight. I am constantly in talking with people who bring up how they are on such and such diet and they want to lose X amount of pounds by a certain date.

I PRAISE GOD for Move Your Booty Blog and Queen Liana. MYB is helping me stay accountable with my exercise routine and Liana reminded me that Losing weight is something you do for you to keep your body (God's Temple) in good health.

So January GOALS:

~ It's water and unsweetened tea only. No juice. No Soda.
~ Few Sweets
~ When eating snacks, eat fruit
~ Continue my morning/evening yoga workouts.

W00t!!!

New Year Changes

2012-01-02T12:13:00.000-08:00

A Day late, but who cares. A couple of things have changed for this new year. I started a new work out in efforts to get in shape for my performance on the 21st. A couple of things happened. I joined a blog called Move Your Booty. The author, Emily, has decided to lead the effort to get people in shape for 2012. She created a excel sheet and invited people who said they needed the motivation. Everyone tracks there efforts for 22 days because that is how long it takes to make something a habit. So for 22 Days. I will work out...in some way. When its over, I will create my own excel spreadsheet in Google to track my habits. This includes changing what I eat and how often. :)

So working out aside. The new year brought with it interesting communications from Ex-boyfriends. The first and the one who never really dated me. The first seems obsessed. I am quite sure he isn't the one. But anyway, on to the story. New Years morning I got a text message from my ex. The one who cheated on me. The one I wanted to marry. We were young and a little stupid. As time goes on I realize more and more that he and I were not meant to be. In his text, he said he was sorry and he hoped I had a happy new year.

I answered. My mistake. I shouldn't have done that. I gave him hope. Hope that we could be together again and we can't. Ah, but I cannot believe that 7 yrs later he's telling me how he misses me and wants to marry me. Gah! I've stepped my game up sooo much. Even if I wanted him back, he would have to step up too. Way up! Way, Way up! Also, I still don't trust him. I forgive him, but I won't trust him again. C'est la vie!

Happy New Year!

2012 - New Year, Same Me but Better

2011-12-31T11:02:00.000-08:00

I saw a post from edeniadancer that said "Obsessed is how the lazy describe the dedicated." I must agree. Now that there are so many more people in my life that are getting in shape, getting fit, and loving themselves, I am more motivated to take those walks and do my yoga work outs in the morning. I must not be discouraged because I eat like a lil piggy just one day or if I get sidetracked by my studies and miss a few work outs. The point is to get back on track an keep it up.

Now I won't say that 2012 will be the year I will lose 20 lbs cause I don't know what 2012 will bring. but 2012 will bring me joy. I will be happy and loving to all those around me. I won't stop loving myself because my thighs grow or because they shrink to a size that makes me feel weird. I will simply deal with it and move on. I won't complain about things that I can't change. I will try not to complain about things that I can change, I will simply change them. So Come one 2012...bring on the Change.

Cupcake Frenzy - Christmas Edition

2011-12-28T15:06:00.000-08:00

I miss cooking. I miss baking. Well, not anymore. For Christmas, I made more Golden Butter Cupcakes, but this time, I made two different types of butter cream. I used the recipe on the back of the box of powdered sugar instead of my recipe.

My recipe takes 3 cups of powdered sugar, 1/3 cup of butter, 1 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk. The one on the back of the box uses 2 cups of powdered sugar (the whole box), only 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract and an entire stick of softened butter. Either recipe can be altered by putting in or substituting ingredients. Its not difficult at all.

NOTE TO SELF: Get better at icing cupcakes. This was my first time with the piping bag. It was messy and strange but very, very awesome. I opted for disposable decorating bags with reusable tips instead of reusable bags. Those pastry chefs on Cupcake Wars make it look soooo easy.

Adding 1 tablespoon of cinnamon creates a cinnamon swirl flavored butter cream. I iced half of my cupcakes with that. Adding 3/4 cup of nutella creates a chocolate hazelnut buttercream and the other cupcakes were iced with that.

Celebrating the Life of Our Matriarch

2011-12-09T12:16:00.001-08:00

The matriarch of my mother's side of the family is my dear 79-year-old aunt, Mary Lou. She passed away on Dec 3, 2011. She was sweet, kind, yet firm. Her love held our family together. We would all gather at her house for holidays and celebrations. Thanksgiving and Christmas were the best times of the year because we knew that when we were gonna make the trip to see her and her family consisting of kids, grand kids and great-grandchildren. My aunt was everyone's biggest cheerleader. When ever you would tell her of your accomplishments she would say, "Alright!" And likewise when you would tell her something you were trying to accomplish, she would say "Don't worry, Angel. I know you can do it."

Many in our family considered her our rock. Even during her ill times, she smiled and made you feel like you were the best person in the world. She was a beacon of the love and light of Christ that held not only our family together, but other families as well.

One cannot describe Loss. But those of us who know we will see our loved ones again someday know that we really didn't lose her. We are merely separated. We celebrate because they suffer in the world no longer.

We celebrate because she showed us how to be a "Grand Lady," how to be a good wife and how to be a Christian woman. She was ALWAYS loving, ALWAYS bright and ALWAYS encouraging. We celebrate her life because she shared hers with us and left us with pieces of herself. We celebrate because we couldn't have done it without her.

We will miss you MiMi.

Mary Lou Prior
1932 - 2011

Save the Tatas + Conversations with Friends

2011-10-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. So until Halloween, the theme for this site will be pink. I have actually found myself wearing pink or shades of pink for the past several days. I am not sure if that is my unconscious effort to support breast cancer awareness or not. I know someone who recently passed away due to cancer, I'm don't remember correctly whether or not it was breast cancer. I definitely know someone with pancreatic cancer. Oh and my Grandfather passed away due to bladder cancer. What worries me is that cancer is a huge killer of women in our society and "no one knows why" or at least that is what they say. So I urge all of you who may come across this digital page to take care of yourself. Stay active. Eat right. Say no to drugs and cigarette. Alcohol in moderation. Talk to your doctor. If you don't have one, go to a free clinic. Don't be afraid to hear the doctor tell you something is wrong because if you go soon enough, he/she might be able to treat and/or reverse your problem.

Moving right along...

I had a conversation with a friend of mine yesterday. He suggested I may want to rethink my birthday travel plans. I'm not sure if he thought that he was motivation for my trip (which is not that case) or if he was just having a bad day. He gave me one of those irrational answers which is unlike him. Instead of giving me a solid reason why I should travel or why I should alter my travel plans. He simply said "I just think that you could be doing something more worthwhile with your money".

-_- yes. I made this face. I looked at the phone like he had smacked me. Not because of what he said, but how he said it. I let it go, thinking that he was stressed out because of his recent life change and perhaps he needed some space. He suggested I spend my money on traveling AFTER I graduate. I fulling plan to be working when I graduate.

One must understand that the trip I propose is not just a frivolous trip to Vegas, again. It also includes in it a trip to what has become the Tribal Belly Dance Mecca - San Francisco. This takes into account that I will probably not attend Raqs LA, but I will attend Cairo Caravan 2012. I hope to have a car by then. Shortly before Cairo Caravan is Tribal Fest 12. Bad news is my Graduation is on Friday, May 18, 2012. I am NOT missing my graduation for Tribal Fest, but I will leave after my graduation to go to Tribal Fest. "Will" in this case refers to my willpower, not to my actual ability to do it.

Unfortunately my friend had to go and I did not get to explain to him all the information you have just read.

Contrary to this friend, another friend (female this time), agrees with me. She understands my love of dance and what it means to me. She understands that 2012 is my dance journey year. She has a highly logical brain which allows her in other words to "think like a guy". Strange that the male friend gave me an irrational, unfinished answer where the female gave me a highly logical answer based on her analysis of my life and personality.

Curiouser and Curiouser.

Positive

2011-09-22T23:39:00.001-07:00

Today was one of those days I long for. It was full of positivity and beautiful women. My sisters. My kin. The revolution is starting and I hope you want to be a part of it. I guess we'll call it the "love me" revolution. Its where women everywhere accept who they are. They accept their curves, their dimples, the height, their weight, their skin tone and their hair.

African sister everywhere are opting to take out their weaves and stop wearing wigs. They're deciding that natural is what's best. They are becoming just as comfortable with shorts, a tank top, flip-flops and no makeup. They may put on their heels and their eyeshadow, but their attitude is different. They're thinking now "hey if you don't like it, go be somewhere else because I am beautiful just the way I am".

I believe that. I believe that women who know themselves can walk with more confidence than a girl who hides behind her makeup, weaves, acrylic nails, fake eyelashes and 5 inch heels. Now there is nothing wrong with these things, but a woman who doesn't know herself and is not proud of who she is will appear different than a girl who does these things because she is insecure.

I encourage every woman out there to do the following:
Look in the mirror while you stand in front of nude. Try to find something beautiful about yourself. Don't be negative and give up right away. It could be your eyes, your lips, your smile, the way your hips curve -- anything. Try it. You might be surprised what you find.

Today's Decoration: The Watch

2011-09-19T14:22:00.001-07:00

Finally! I got a new watch. Lane Bryant at the one of the many malls near me was having a sale. Buy one get one is like crack. So now I don't always have to reach for my phone to know what time it is. :) and im still stylish,

Moving + Android + Thesis

2011-09-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

To address the question of "Is this blog moving?" The answer is . . . 42. I'm kidding. Shout out to all of you who read, watch or listened to "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." The answer actually is no. I'm quite comfortable where my blog is now. On a platform supported by Google, easily reachable from my new phone. It even has its own app. No more "mobile" tags. No more Sent from My Verizon Wireless Blackberry. It's quite liberating actually.

While wordpress does have a mobile app, I found my blackberry didn't really like applications. I put an SD chip in it and everything. Still, apps ran slow and it took forever for the Google apps to sync with the Google servers. Now, I am a loyal Android user.

Side Note:NeilsonWire reported that 40% of smartphone users are using an android based system. 28% are using iPhones and 19% are using Blackberry. Sounds like everyone else wants a Google phone too.

P.S. I got a good grade on Chapter 1 of my thesis. But that was the easy part.

Thesis + Pressure = Good?

2011-09-11T19:10:00.001-07:00

Having to write a thesis has taught me that I write better under pressure, mostly do to the fact that had writers block for three days. But now, its started, i've gotten the hang of it. To my semi-dismay, I have a research partner. Someone who will read my work before I turn it in and fact and all that jazz. I should be more excited about this. It means that upon completion (and passing) I will be closer to graduation. At this point, it is the only thing driving me to push through. Almost there . . . Almost there . . .

Moving?

2011-08-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

I just found out that WordPress not only supports mobile blogging, but they "Have an App for that" on basically every platform. And while I like blogger, WordPress has better layouts and its overall easier to integrate with other websites. If I have time in the coming week, I will research and prepare to move What Jade Says to the Wordpress site. But if I move What Jade Says, I will also have to move Jade's Dance Diary.

-le sigh- So much work. So little time.

Today's Decoration

2011-08-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

My Blue Suede Shoes. Oh my, are these shoes fantastic. Thanx ShoeDazzle!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Today's Decoration

2011-08-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

Today's Decoration is the hairflower. It's brighten up my face. It's fun and festive and it can be totally flirty if you do it right. You can get them anywhere and they usually come with 2 of 3 things on the back: hair tie, hair clip, or a pin. So you can clip it to your hair like I have mine, put it on your ponytail or pin it to your sweater or blouse. Love it!!!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

What's On My Desk + ASI Goals

2011-08-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

What on my desk? Well I'm in the office of Associated Students, Inc (ASI), so my desk if different.

From left to right: Faux daffodils, CSUDH padfolio, phone cover, sunglasses, Venti White Chocolate Mocha from Tully's (its closer than Starbucks), Sparkletts water, rent-a-text.com pen, speakers, monitor, keyboard, and a student software discount brochure. Wow, that's a lot.

So, I'm sitting here wondering if this is gonna work out. I wonder if my plan to leave a legacy for the Public Affairs Commissioner after me will work. I want to have given him/ her the tools they need to do well in this position.

My goals for year are: 1) have a completed updated website; 2) have marketed all of ASI's programs better; 3) have made ASI, as an org that sponsors departments and other orgs, more visible and more well known; 4) have template created for the newsletter and instruction on how to use Adobe In-Design.

Looks like I have my work cut out for me.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Lamesauce + Break Up Reasons

2011-08-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

For some lame reason, my emails won't update my blog. I have been trying for three days to do my "Today's Decoration." ugh.

And if one more person asks me why I am either not with my boyfriend anymore, or if I want to get back with him, they're gonna get really close with my friend, duct tape.

Once and for all, My ex and I are not together for various reasons. One of them being he does shrooms....alot. And that was a recent thing, like in the past few months. That really, really bothers me. Once in your whole life you can do shrooms. Maybe twice. Maybe...maybe three times. But every other weekend?

-_- Everytime I talk to you, you're telling me about your shroom trip. Oh Please. Then there is also the fact that he is thirty-five and still being lazy about school. He's not driven enough to just live a stable life. I'm 26 now. I need stability. I need a man who at least won't give up on a class he needs just because he's feels overwhelmed. The clock is ticking. The financial aide money is drying up. Now is not the time to bail. Now is the time to GO HARD.

This is my last year. I'm a Senior!!! I'm Going HARD!!! Go Hard or Go Home. That's what they say right? Why be with a guy who when you're going hard, decides he's not only going to go home, but he's gonna sit down, put his feet up and give you no support.

Sorry. Ranting. My Bad.

The bottom line:

-- I loved him. He loved me. But love wasn't enough to save our relationship.

Lamesauce

Today's Decoration - DIY Bracelets

2011-08-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

Do it Yourself! This is just the start of a DIY wrap bracelet like the one shown to me by a friend -- Shout out to EmoneyMinon! Today was I feeling dainty and I didn't want the bulkyness of leather ... today. But that isn't gonna stop me from getting more of this chain and making a ton of bracelets. :)

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Today's Decoration - Brooches

2011-08-08T13:06:00.001-07:00

Today's decoration is a brooch and some ribbon. Of course I just had pink and white ribbon just laying around >.< The brooch, well, I kinda jacked-- I mean borrowed it from my mom. No worries though. She still has my earrings so its all good.

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Random Thoughts to Share - Vol 1

2011-08-06T22:13:00.001-07:00

Wow, I'm so sorry dear blogger readers...all two of you. I've been negelecting this place for various reasons. Mostly time. -_- I wanna share some thoughts with you. Mostly random ones.

[Random Thoughts Begin Here]

~ The next person who asks me why I don't like men my age is going to be shot. Ok not really. But I am tired of being criticized for liking men who are slightly more mature than me. When it comes to relationships and romance, I know what I desire. Most men in their 20s don't.

~ Although feminist movements have helped create an era of independence for what used to be known as the lesser sex, the growth in the movement has cost us romance. Chivalry is not dead, although people question whether not it should be. But respect is certainly dying.

Certain things that used to be considered proper and respectful are now considered to have no place because of a woman's desire for independence. Like holding the door open for a woman or coming to the door to get her when you pick her up (instead of beeping the horn). It is my belief that because of this, women aren't courted. This causes both men and women to be lazy, believing that they don't have to work at a relationship. So when the hard times come and serious work is required, one or both parties bail, opting for the easy way out.

~ If you are a leader, that means living with hard decisions. That means not being selfish or acting in the interest of one person when you need to think about the group as a whole. I personally have a problem with people who abuse their power, especially when they do not have the power just to make decisions for themselves, but for several groups of people.

~ Although shopping online can be greatly fulfilling, especially when you don't have to deal with sales tax or clerks with attitude, nothing beats going to the store, finding the perfect pair of shoes and being able to walk out of the store in them.

[End of Random Thoughts]

Ponder that for a moment.

Just Like Me

2011-07-26T17:04:00.001-07:00

I just realized I don't have any friends that are just like me. I'm 26, nearly 27, senior in college, working a part-time job, living with a parent, with no car. Oh and I am single, which isn't so bad. Its nice to have friends that inspire you. All of my friends have cars or at least know how to drive. Ok so, not all of them have jobs but some have full-time professional jobs and some are full-time stay-at-home moms.

All that is good and dandy, but it made me realize something. When they are going through something, I answer their calls and I am understanding. When I am going through something, they can't understand. How lame is that?

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

They Made Me Do It

2011-07-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

I wonder how many times people have reached their breaking point and their only defense is "he/she made me do it". Ever been there? When you just snap, sometimes you'll say or do the wrong thing out of anger, pain or frustration. Then there comes the judging. People assume they know what happened because so and so said or because they read it somewhere. But there are always two sides to a story. Don't be so quick to judge.

I challenge you, the next time you hear something or see something ...interesting. Don't be quick to judge. Try to look at situation unbaisedly. Imagine all the possiblities of the other side and then make your judgement. You may find that you chose a different verdict. You may find that after you have all the facts, the bad guy isn't really the bad guy or the victim isn't really a victim. You may find both sides at fault. You may find that circumstances were at fault and not really the people involved.

Having said that, have a nice non-judgemental day.

Seasons of Friends

2011-06-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

Friendship is just like romantic love. It fades. It changes as it grows or shrinks and it is never the same. Sometimes its better, sometimes its worse.

Who you keep as your friends and who you let into your inner circle says a lot about you. What you let those people say to you or do you is also very telling.

You can never take back what you say them, or the secrets you share. So have a care when you open your mouth to speak. You might be telling your darkest secrets to a "frienemy"

I know its not a word, so don't judge me. It's the only way to describe those who take and take from you, give you advice, tell you their opinion, but deep down inside, don't have your best interest at heart.

They say keep your friends close and your enemies closer. But is this true for "frienemies?" Do you keep a "frienemy" some where in the middle or even further away than a friend or enemy?

It's hard to say. With an enemy or a friend, you know where they stand. You know that they either love you or hate you and if circumstances are extreme, an enemy may switch sides. Friends have been known to do it to. So does that make them "frienemies" or "enemies in sheep's clothing?"

What ever the case, have a care for your heart. Have a care with your tongue. If you are constantly a good friend and receive non of the same. Re-evaluate.

Friends change seasonally, whether the season be a week, a year or a lifetime.

My New Toy

2011-05-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

My sword arrived. Yay me!

Now I don't have to bug my professor when I wanna practice at home or when I want to perform off-campus! Woohoo!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

A Woman's Letter

2011-05-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Woman,

Stop doing this to yourself. Stop selling yourself short. Stop not paying attention. Stop making excuses. Stop being selfish.

Just stop.

My sister. My cousin. My heart. My love.

You're crippling yourself. You're destroying yourself. You will inevitability screw up your mind.

You know what I am talking about. I'm talking about the way you speak, the way you dress and the way you act. It's the way you walk and the way you talk. Its even the way you think.

Remember, you're always being watched. We are always there. Don't think I don't see you. Or that he doesn't see you.

You know what he I'm talking about. Your Love. Him. That one who would crawl over broken glass for you. And her. Your girl. The one who looks up to you and cherishes you.

Live a life before them that you can be proud of. Live a life before the world that you don't have to explain. When God asks you at the Gates of Heaven "Why?", Have a Good answer. Don't leave God hanging, or him or her or me or you.

So my sister, my friend, my girl, STOP.

From Woman to Woman, let me just say, these actions don't go away all by themselves. You have to try harder.

Stop being demented and start being smart. Stop thinking with your wallet and start thinking with your heart.

Cause the Craziness will only last so long before they all walk away. We all can walk away. We can all say "Enough is enough and I can't stand it."

So my friend, my cousin, my girl, my sister. I pray for you. I pray that you will change paths. That you will to right by HIM and him and her and you. That you will smile because of HIM and her and him and you. That you will grow with love and compassion. That you will be the you that HE has called you to be.

With Love,

Qbee Challenge: The Effects of Social Media

2011-05-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

When I first started using the computer in the early 90s there was no twitter, facebook, myspace, linkedin, foursquare, and there were definitely no such things as blogs. The internet was for work and information only. It was not for communications, at least not the casual way we think of communication.

Now in the early 21st century, we can connect with people around the globe and not only share words, but photographs and videos via sites like facebook, flickr, photobucket and youtube.

I have just as many friends across the globe as a I do in my city.

Social media has also changed my career. I spend much of my day updating the twitter and facebook for my job. Every week, I finish so new social media thing that is more efficent which inveitably impresses my boss, even if it only for a short time. I mean, I am in the generation of texters and chatspeakers. I am expected to keep up with the changes in social media communications.

For personal use, I find that blogging and using twitter and facebook are the things I use the most and I don't even use facebook and twitter ever day. I go through periods of time when I am sick of facebook and I don't want to look at one more weird status message. That is where work comes in. For work, I manage the social media using Hootsuite and TwitterFeed. Hootsuite and Twitterfeed do the same thing in different ways. They both let me update the Twitter and Facebook Fan Pages for my job. Hootsuite lets me post lots of different things where Twitterfeed mostly publishes RSS feeds from blogs.

The advances in social media will forever change the way people communicate with each other :)

-Challenge Complete-

I love these challenges. So there will be more until the end of May... Just FYI.

I have great friends

2011-05-07T13:16:00.001-07:00

Congrats to Djeneba for being inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society!

And congrats to Angelica for winning the Leslie Akami Nakai Schoalarship

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Cupcake Maniac

2011-05-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

I helped my friend make strawberry cupcakes with chocolate frosting for her friend's birthday. If they had been my project, I would have made my buttercream. But they were delicious non the less.

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Qbee Challenge: The Best Gift Ever

2011-05-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

The best gift I ever received lately was this laptop which I got from my then boyfriend. The laptop I had was old I had it since 2003. It didn't run fast, constantly crashed and I couldn't really edit my photos on it. Oh I am pretty sure it had a virus. Now, it doesn't even turn on. My boyfriend sat me down one day and said, "I'm getting you a laptop." And sure enough we used his computer to order me this new HP. It arrived in the second week or March (last year). Some girls want dinners, shoes, shopping sprees....a car (which would have been nice). He saw that I needed somewhere to write, edit my photos and do my work for my job. So for my b'day... I got a laptop and I still love it.
-Challenge Complete-

What's On My Desk

2011-05-04T12:19:00.000-07:00

Another episode of "what's on my desk". To the left is my film camera. A Minolta SRT101. To the right, the course catalog. That red box has my tea in it...and chocolate.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Online Filter Bubbles

2011-05-04T12:01:00.001-07:00

Have you ever been browsing online and you see an Ad for something but when you go to another site, there is the same ad or a similar one? Happens to me all the time. Ever since my trip to Vegas, I have been seeing adds non-stop for Vegas trips, Vegas deals, Vegas shows, Vegas shopping - you name it, I've seen it. Want an explanation? here is one.

Qbee Challenge: The Most Adventurous Thing

2011-05-01T17:31:00.002-07:00

The Quilting Bee gave its members an activity today. We are to write about one of our most adventurous things we've done and how it changed me as a person. This challenge is slightly difficult because I am often adventurous so it is difficult to narrow it down to one specific thing.

Perhaps the most adventurous thing lately was travel alone. For those of you who travel alone often and with purpose, it may not seem that adventurous to you. But for me, getting on plane and going to a city where I know one person and I am not going to see them that often was indeed a bit adventurous.

First, I invited someone, but when they couldn't go, I decided to go anyway. I bought my own ticket, booked my own suite at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, my transportation to and from the airport and my own spa appointment. Most people travel to Las Vegas with a group or even just a companion. I traveled alone and trusted in God to protect and keep me as I went.

It was fun, even in those moments when I was alone. It taught me about how independent I really can be. I mean think about that for a second. I went all the way to another state, by myself. As a young woman, that is huge. Most women I know, don't travel alone and if they do, they are meeting someone there.

Ok so I did meet one of my really good friends there. And she did stay with me in the hotel. But she lives in Vegas. She had to work everyday I was there. But anyway. It was nice. :)

-Challenge Complete-

The Quilting Bee

2011-04-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

Today, I finally became a member of The Quilting Bee or Qbee for short. Sometime in 2003 or 2004, when I first created GraciousHearts.net, my very first website, pixel cliques and groups were all the rage among young web designers (especially the female ones). There were Pixel Trains, Pixel Gardens, and Pixel Closets. Usually in the pixel groups, cliques, or clubs, members make a specific pixel picture for trading, and all others made are for fun. It's a nice way to let out your creativity. I didn't have time back then. Graphic design was not something I was familiar with so everything graphic oriented took lots of time. Now, years later, pixeling takes me a maximum of 15-20 minutes for small pictures.

The Quilting Bee revolves around two ideas. Quilts and Bees. I don't particularly like bees, but pixel ones I can deal with. I can deal with bees way more than I can deal with spiders, but that's a story for another time. The Qbee does not require members to pixel anything other than their member patch. But if you really want to learn, joining a club like this is a great way to figure it out.

Every member needs to have three patches on their Quilt page: 1) Qbee Main Patch; 2)There own trading patch; and 3)their official Qbee Member patch which has their member number on it. Your Quilt should look like a quilt. Click the tab at the top that says "Qbee" to have a look at mine.

If you like what you see, click the Qbee Patch on my quilt or the button at the bottom of my Qbee page. Wish me luck in my Pixeling endeavors.

Free Love Day - Draw a Heart on your Wrist, Change the World

2011-04-25T12:58:00.000-07:00

I was invited to a facebook event called Free Love Day. Today we draw hearts on our wrist to "promote awareness of suicide and depressions as well as advocate a lifestyle of unconditional love."

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Earth Day = Changes

2011-04-22T09:21:00.000-07:00

In honor of Earth Day, both of my blogs have been changed to GREEN!

Go Green people! Recycle your plastic, aluminum, cardboard and paper. Donate things you don't use instead of throwing them away. Conserve energy by using Fluorescent bulbs and turning off lights in rooms you are not in, even if you aren't paying the bill. Save water. You can take a shorter shower or make your laundry load larger. Try watering your grass in the evening and not in the middle of a hot day.

Use an aluminum water bottle instead of a disposable plastic one. Unplug appliances you are not using. Every little thing helps. Don't be discourgaged if you forget to do some of these things. Try to just change one thing at a time. The easiest for you may be to remember to turn off the lights or it may be to remember to recycle your disposable water bottle. According to the PETA protest earlier this week, one pound of meat equals 2,463 gallons of water. That is roughly six months of showers, according to the protest. So you could try cutting back on the red meat.

Whatever it is, take that step. Your planet needs you.

I will remember to recycle. I will conserve water by doing larger loads of laundry.

Peace, Love and Toros,

~J

FlashMob at CSUDH: Labor, Social and Enviornmental Justice Protest

2011-04-22T08:05:00.001-07:00

They left out the Labor, Social and Environmental Justice Fair. Originally, we danced as part of the Protest for Labor, Social and Environmental Justice/Earth Day. But I guess we can throw the CSUDH 50th Anniversary in there too.

The Best Photo of Me ... EVER

04-21-2011---Staff Photo by Sean Hiller--- Students form a flash mob and dance to Janet Jackson's " Rhythm Nation" at the annual campus Earth Day activities and the Labor, Social and Environmental Justice Fair on the East Walkway of the Loker Student Union at Cal State University Dominguez Hills Thursday at noon.
Thanks Daily Breeze

With Music by our side to break the color lines,
Let's Work together to improve our way of life,
Join voices in protest to social in justice,
A generation full of courage come forth with me.
People of the world today, are you looking for a better way of life?
We are a part of the Rhythm Nation!
~Janet Jackson

Made in the CSU

2011-04-16T13:52:00.001-07:00

This weekend is CSSA (California State Student Association) in Sacramento.

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Uber Nail Review

2011-04-13T09:43:00.001-07:00

So I finally went and got my nails redone. I went to Nailspa Excel in Hawthorne. The awesome and fantastical Lisa did my Pink/White Acrylic Full Set with UV Gel. You can read about my review here. I'm Jessica R on Yelp. :)

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Vegas Jet Lag

2011-04-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

Hello there dear readers. I will first apologize for my absence. There has been a lot going on with school and work. And of course I just got back from Vegas for my birthday. Happy Birthday to Me!

[insert Vegas Review here]
I stayed at the Luxor in a Tower Luxury Suite in the West Tower. I didn't want to go all the way to Vegas on my birthday and stay in a hotel room that reminded me of my bedroom. The Suite was a nice size. Definitely bigger than my bedroom. It looks just like it does in the photo on the website. In fact, the photo on the Luxor website makes it look smaller than it really is. I stayed in the East Tower, with a nice view of the mountains and the airport. My view of the strip was blocked by the Excalibur because I was only on the 14th floor.

The Luxor has an open casino and by that I mean it doesn't have lots of walls separating the different sections of the casino. Even the bars and lounges inside are open in terms of space. They are Flight, Liquidity and Aurora. I went to both Liquidity and Aurora. There are three restaurants in the Luxor and two nightclub/lounges. I didn't go to any. There is a food court with places like Quiznos and McDonalds and there are two exhibits. I didn't go to that either.

I did go to Nurture Spa and Salon inside the Luxor. The Spa is beautiful, newly remodeled from what I understand. The pool isn't really that big, but this isn't the Bellagio. But I loved it.

For more details read my yelp review

[end review here]

I had a great birthday. I got a massage and a facial and I saw Phantom: A Las Vegas Spectacular and it was fantastic. I cried at the beginning. :)

Ok, I have to go back to work. Toodles.

The Big Picture: How your relationship with the Lord relates to your life.

2011-03-18T15:56:00.000-07:00

There comes at time in every adult's life when you have got to start looking at the great scheme of things.

How do you fit into the big picture? Are you going down the route God has set for you or are you deviating off to the left somewhere? Are you being true to yourself, or are you being the person you think they want you to be? They can be anyone. It can be your friends, your parents, your employers or your significant other. It can even be your church family because "you don't want to disappoint them."

If you look at your life and realize I'm pleasing everybody but God, check yourself.

If you look at your friends and see that they can give you advice on every aspect of your life minus what the Word of God says, check yourself and them.

If you look at your romantic relationships and see that the man or woman you are dating, engaged to or married to isn't standing in the gap for you, take a closer look at what is keeping you together.

Because love can only conquer all when you are talking about the Love of God.

Yeah, so about 5 or 6 of you who read this are going to stop reading my blog and may not speak to me again, because as your friend, I'm about to check you. There is no reason to put yourself in the position to disappoint the Lord and yourself for some people who don't matter, who aren't helping you go anywhere and who are constantly putting you down.

Don't worry, I'm checking myself at this very moment.

Check. Mate.

With Love,

~J

The Birthday Girl: Pt2

2011-03-10T16:13:00.000-08:00

A while back I posted a picture of a martini glass and painted on it was the recipe for a drink called "The Birthday Girl." I think that was the first time I mentioned in this blog that I wanted to go to Vegas for my b'day. The Entry is here for your backreading pleasure.

As previously posted...the glass is from thelolitastore.com. :)

But that is beside the point dear readers. I'm going to Vegas for my B'day! I am so excited. I haven't actually had a party in many years. So I will come back and write about my trip and how much fun my friend and I have. But that's not til the end of the month. Woohoo!

Manners in Many Languages

2011-02-22T15:08:00.000-08:00

Manners are important in any setting you are in. So for your info, I am posting how to say Hello, Goodbye, and Thank you in Spanish, Italian, French, German, Chinese, Korean and Japanese.

Hello
Hola, Ciao, Bonjour, Hallo, Nǐ hǎo, annyeonghaseyo, and Kon'nichiwa

Good bye
Adiós, Addio, Au revoir, Auf Wiedersehen, Zàijiàn, annyeonghi gyeseyo and Sayōnara

Thank you
Gracias, Grazie, Je vous remercie, Vielen Dank, Xièxiè, gamsahabnida, Arigatō

Google translate - http://translate.google.com - is an easy way to translate ig you need another language.

Now you have no reason for being impolite. You should not say "Oh well they don't speak my language" or "Oh, well, they should learn to speak English". Your impoliteness is all on you.

Little Brown Baby by Paul Laurence Dunbar

2011-02-22T14:57:00.000-08:00

LITTLE brown baby wif spa’klin’ eyes,
Come to yo’ pappy an’ set on his knee.
What you been doin’, suh—makin’ san’ pies?
Look at dat bib—You’s ez du’ty ez me.
Look at dat mouf—dat’s merlasses, I bet;
Come hyeah, Maria, an’ wipe off his han’s.
Bees gwine to ketch you an’ eat you up yit,
Bein’ so sticky an’ sweet—goodness lan’s!

Little brown baby wif spa’klin’ eyes
Who’s pappy’s darlin’ an’ who’s pappy’s chile?
Who is it all de day nevah once tries
Fu’ to be cross, er once loses dat smile?
Whah did you git dem teef? My, you’s a scamp!
Whah did dat dimple come f’om in yo’ chin?
Pappy do’ know you—I b’lieves you’s a tramp;
Mammy, dis hyeah’s some ol’ straggler got in!

Let’s th’ow him outen de do’ in de san’,
We do’ want stragglers a-layin’ ’roun’ hyeah;
Let’s gin him ’way to de big buggah-man;
I know he’s hidin’ erroun’ hyeah right neah.
Buggah-man, buggah-man, come in de do’,
Hyeah’s a bad boy you kin have fu’ to eat.
Mammy an’ pappy do’ want him no mo’,
Swaller him down f’om his haid to his feet!

Dah, now, I t’ought dat you’d hug me up close.
Go back, ol’ buggah, you sha’n’t have dis boy.
He ain’t no tramp, ner no straggler, of co’se;
He’s pappy’s pa’dner an’ playmate an’ joy.
Come to you’ pallet now—go to you’ res’;
Wisht you could allus know ease an’ cleah skies;
Wisht you could stay jes’ a chile on my breas’—
Little brown baby wif spa’klin’ eyes!

In The Morning by Paul Laurence Dunbar

2011-02-22T14:47:00.000-08:00

When I was in 4th grade, my teacher made me learn this poem. It was the most challenging thing she could give me at the time because I was ahead of everyone in the class. I ended up performing this for Black History Month that year. This is written by Paul Laurence Dunbar.

Paul Laurence Dunbar was the first African-American to gain national eminence as a poet. Born in 1872 in Dayton, Ohio, he was the son of ex-slaves and classmate to Orville Wright of aviation fame.
Although he lived to be only 33 years old, Dunbar was prolific, writing short stories, novels, librettos, plays, songs and essays as well as the poetry for which he became well known. He was popular with black and white readers of his day, and his works are celebrated today by scholars and school children alike.
His style encompasses two distinct voices -- the standard English of the classical poet and the evocative dialect of the turn-of-the-century black community in America. He was gifted in poetry -- the way that Mark Twain was in prose -- in using dialect to convey character.
--- via http://www.dunbarsite.org/

In The Morning

'Lias! 'Lias! Bless de Lawd!
Don'you know de day's erbroad?
Ef you don' git up, you scamp,
Dey'll be trouble in dis camp.
Tink I gwine to let you sleep
W'ile I meks yo' boa'd an' keep?
Dat's a putty howdy do
Don' you hyeah me,'Lias --you?

Bet ef I come crost dis flo'
You won’ fin’ no time to sno'
Daylight all a-shinin’ in
W'ile you sleep --w'y hit's a sin!
Aint de can'le-light enough
To bu'n out wid out a snuff,
But you go de mo'nin' thoo
Bu'nin' up de daylight too?

'Lias, don’ you hyeah me call?
No use tu'nin' to'ds de wall;
I kin hyeah dat mattuss squeak,
Don' you hyeah me w’en I speak?
Dis hyeah clock done struck off six-
Ca'hne, bring me dem ah stick!
Oh, you down, suh; huh, you down-
Look hyeah, don' you daih to frown.

Ma'ch yo'se'f an wash you' face,
Don' you splattah all de place;
I got somep'n else to do,
'Sides jes' cleanin' aftah you.
Tek dat comb an' fix you' haid!
Looks jes’ lak a feddah baid.
Look hyeah, boy, I let you see
You sha'n't roll you' eyes at me.

Come hyeah, bring me dat ah strap!
Boy, I'll whup you 'twell you drap;
You done felt yo’se’f too strong,
An' you sholy got me wrong.
Set down at dat table thaih;
Jes' you whimpah ef you daih!
Evah mo’nin on dis place,
Seem lak I mus' lose my grace.

Fol' you' han's an' bow yo' haid-
Wait ontwell de blessin"s said'
'Lawd, have mussy on ouah souls-
(Don'you daih to tech dem rolls--)
'Bless de food we gwine to eat-"
(You set still - I see yo' feet,
You jes' try dat trick agin!)
'Gin us peace an' joy. Amen!'

The Daily Toro + Shoes

2011-02-05T20:43:00.000-08:00

Hey lovelies. I know it has been a minute since I have posted, but its been quite the hectic few weeks. So the mighty might Toros (my school mascot) are having some technical difficulties.

Whether it was by accident or on purpose, all Waiting Lists closed and were non--existent the day before school started. So that Monday when you went online to lookup your classes ... BAM! Nada. Zip. Zilch. So if someone dropped the class, you WOULD NOT automatically be added to the class. You had to go into class and fight with people for that spot when it should have automatically been yours.

Now, if you are a senior and about to graduate in the year 2011, then this shouldn't be a problem. But alas, some teachers care not that you must take the class to graduate in May. They just put names in a hat and drew out some. Those who win the strange lottery are in the class. Those who don't are just out of luck. Does it matter that the winner is a junior transfer in their first semester at the school and they already have 15 units? No. Does it matter that the other is a sophomore who can easily take several other open classes? Nope.

So that was my little rant. Now I'm going to find text books. Oh did I mention I am sick of Facebook?

Sure its a great way to keep up with people, but I no longer feel the need to post their. So don't go looking for me. I just now use it to share pictures and read peoples status messages or easily share links. I am so over the games though. It's just so much work. I have enough stuff to do.

In other news: SHOEDAZZLE.
LOVE IT!!!

-J

Daniel Fast: Year 2, Day 8

2011-01-19T10:03:00.000-08:00

FOR THE RECORD:

Fasting is difficult, especially during a season when people are likely to get sick. My bestfriend got sick. So did her son. I, stupidly went over there to see her and to teach her sister belly dance and what happened? I get a scratchy throat that night. So for the past three days, I have had the most horrible headache. Things are getting better.

Whilst on this fast, my mother and I have discovered food products of awesomeness, such as protein crumbles in place of ground meat, and a brand of meatless sausages that is fantastic. We may just decide to eat this way for a while. It's not like we're missing anything.

Daniel Fast: Year 2, Day 2

2011-01-12T10:53:00.001-08:00

Once again my church began the Daniel Fast. We started yesterday, Jan 11, 2011, and it will continue until Jan 31, 2011.

Once again I will only be able to eat the following things:

All fruits, all vegetables, all whole grains, all nuts and seeds, all legumes (these can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans) all quality oils and the following beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters. I may also enjoy tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.

So for breakfast today, I had an apple. For lunch I'm gonna have veggie soup with cilantro and avocado...or maybe I'll eat that right now.

Important Links:

The Daniel Fast Website
The Daniel Fast Blog

Happy 2011

2011-01-03T10:35:00.001-08:00

Let's start the new year off with something to look forward too.

Shared with my by a friend via Facebook.

In other news, I passed my thesis proposal class. Now all I have to do is do my actual thesis. Pray Saints!

I hope you all had a great New Year and a merry Christmas.

I'll post more later in the week. Toodles.

FINALS

2010-12-06T15:50:00.001-08:00

Finals is a scary time for any student. But I will just continue to pray study and remember Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

With that said, I now have to do my thesis proposal presentation today, My chemistry hmwk and tests are due by Friday. My Science and Technology final is next week and so is my PR final. My dance finals are all this week.

I probably won't be really updating until then so here is a bit for now.

My mom and I went furniture shopping yesterday. We didn't actually get anything, but we have an idea of the things we want. I am an expensive person. Everything I like was more than what my mom was willing to spend. So alas, we walked away with nothing and we will probably have to compromise later. I'm too busy to think about furniture right now.

Golden Butter Cupcakes with Vanilla Coconut Rum Buttercream!

2010-11-26T11:15:00.000-08:00

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Thanks and Giving

2010-11-26T10:52:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was nice, calm and a little quiet. I made my famous Mac and Cheese, Butternut squash soup, and Golden butter cupcakes with Vanilla Coconut Rum Buttercream. My dad, who doesn't drink, said there was WAY too much rum, but everyone else said it was fine. Oh well. It was nice. A couple of my friends came, including my boyfriend. This was the first Thanksgiving in a while that I had seen my brother, Greg. he's 6'1' and 20 years old. I can't believe it. I remember when he was shorter than me, was a while ago because I stopped growing almost 10 years ago.

Anyway, my mom brought collard greens, dressing via Mother Taylor, Sweet Potato Pie via Auntie Gloria and a paper utensils. Dad brought chips, dip and juice. I made sure I was the only one in my kitchen and thank God my roommates weren't home. I don't think I could have handled them and my family simultaneously.

The day before they had a party. At least 15 people were in my house, with alcohol and weed heavy in the air. I had no idea when I walked in that my RA had just been here. It was a little scary. It was even scarier when I realized my pillow was missing. It was in the hall closet with dried vomit on it. No one even tried to clean it. Oh, they tried to clean my garment bag, but not my pillow. I freakin' sleep on that. I had to wash it. For the Record: I was hurt and disgusted, especially when I realized that someone had been laying in my bed. It doesn't matter that the person was a good friend of mine. It's gross. I hate when people do that. I wanted to smack that person for being so drunk they didn't realize how their actions effected me.

I am thankful that my mom's new house is around the corner...literally. I'm thankful for my boyfriend who volunteered to sand and redo our hardwood floors (I LOVES HIM). I'm thankful that as I approach age 26, my parents are not only speaking, but are there for each other even though they are no longer together. I'm thankful for my Godparents and my Grandmother. I'm thankful for my school and all of the friends I've meet there. I'm thankful for the discernment God gave me to not cut people out of my life, but to know when do to so.

Mostly I'm just thankful that God is there for me and that he has placed people in my life to love me and be there for me and let me love and be there for them.

Happy Thanksgiving. Mwah!

Say Hi!

2010-11-24T10:28:00.000-08:00

I have two new affiliates, Huma and Millie. While Huma and I have only recently met, Millie and I go way back, like four flats on a Cadillac ... is it a Cadillac on four flats ... either way. Their links are in the sidebar. :) *waves*

Cupcake Maniac

2010-11-21T12:24:00.000-08:00

I made 46 chocolate cupcakes for my belly dancing girls. Chocolate w/ chocolate. For the cupcake I used devil's food (super moist) and regular chocolate frosting.

For thanksgiving we'll improvise. :)

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

More Changes

2010-11-19T15:47:00.000-08:00

I am getting to old for this. By this, I mean living with people under the age of 24. I mean I'm told old to be associating my self with certain people of certain types. Anyway, I'm moving out of University Housing. I turned in my slip today and I have to be out by Dec 23, 2010. My boyfriend (MWAH!) is still doing my mom's new hardwood floors and I will be moving in with her at the end of the semester.

I will still have to answer to her, not take so many liberties with my life (when I'm around her) and find a way too and from school at the wee hours of the morning and the dark hours of the evening. These are changes I can live with so I think I work around that. That also mean I can save for a car.

Staying at home means I don't have to deal with loud music (of any kind) at 7 a.m.. I won't have to worry about the kitchen being a mess for days at time. Never again will have to clean up the bathroom behind three other girls. W00tsauce!

Blog Changes

2010-11-17T11:19:00.001-08:00

I swear I change the layout of my blog every three days. First it's blue, then it's green, then its brown and now its salmon. Maybe it's because I'm not designing my own layout so the templates Blogger provides irritate me. I just don't have the time. But two things will happen next year: I will purchase my own domain name and I will change the name of this blog.

Moving on Up

2010-11-14T22:39:00.000-08:00

My mother bought a house and now we have to move. Packing, for those of you who don't know, is a pain. The up side is I get to design my new bedroom. Currently, my bedroom doubles as the office. So there is a beautiful antique desk and a file cabinet in here. The desk houses the computer, the printer, the scanner, the paper, the cds and disks and cords for anything connected to it. Like I said. Pain. So I will be moving into my new, smaller bedroom with just a queen-size sleigh bed and a nightstand.

As time goes on and money becomes available, I would like to purchase the following items:

- A new bed. Full-size. Link

That is currently the only thing on my list. I don't really need a new dresser since I have two closets. They're small, but still. There is two. Perhaps some window sheers can be added to the list when everything is said and done. :)

A New Routine

2010-11-09T18:52:00.000-08:00

Since changing your figure usually means making a lifestyle change, I decided to make one. I added more exercise to my week. On Tuesdays and Thursdays before my dance class I got to the fitness Center at my school and get on something to work on my cardio. I can chose from the treadmill, the elliptical or the bike.

I must admit, I have started feeling better when I work out. I feel lighter and I can move more quickly. Oh and the stomach I gained in the past two months has begun to diminish. W00t. That's all.

Team Coco

2010-11-08T14:30:00.001-08:00

Conan comes back tonight and I am ecstatic. He's coming on TBS (a channel I like) at a reasonable hour, 11 p.m. - well, how reasonable you can be for late-night television. Team Coco has been having fun with this. Team coco has a website, facebook and a twitter (which I follow). I love that Red-haired dude. Now if I can just get my roommates to dislodge themselves from the tv at 11 p.m. all will be well with the world.

Nail Creation #2

2010-11-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

This is so much work!

2010-10-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

To Match My Belly Dance Costume

2010-10-25T22:02:00.000-07:00

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

To view the video of the dance to which these nails go, CLick here.

Legalizing Pot: An Objective Look at the Pros and Cons of Making Marijuana Legal in California

2010-10-25T11:19:00.001-07:00

Proposition 19 is, by far, the most controversial issue on the ballot this year. For those of you who don't keep up, Prop 19 is on the ballot to legalize marijuana. The Pros and Cons are not completely obvious and I will attempt to break the down for you. One of the most important facts is the opposition to Prop 19 mostly states that the proposition is poorly written causing loop holes and safety concerns where their should be none. The rebuttals are...well...weak. Prop 19 looks good at first.

Here is the Legal part:

* Persons over the age of 21 may possess up to one ounce of marijuana for personal consumption.
* May use cannabis in a non-public place such as a residence or a public establishment licensed for on site marijuana consumption.
* May grow marijuana at a private residence in a space of up to 25 square feet for personal use.

And here are the parts that are STILL illegal.

* Maintains existing laws against selling drugs to a minor and driving under the influence.
* Maintains an employer's right to address consumption of cannabis that affects an employee's job performance.
* Maintain existing laws against interstate or international transportation of cannabis.
* Any person who is licensed, permitted or authorized to sell cannabis, who knowingly sells or gives away cannabis to someone under the age of 21 results in them being banned from owning, operating, or being employed by a licensed cannabis establishment for one year.
* Any person who is licensed, permitted or authorized to sell cannabis, who knowingly sells or gives away cannabis to someone older the age of 18 but younger than 21, shall be imprisoned in county jail for up to six months and fined up to $1,000 per offense.
* Any person who is licensed, permitted or authorized to sell cannabis, who knowingly sells or gives away cannabis to someone age 14 to 17, shall be imprisoned in state prison for a period of three, four, or five years.
* Any person who is licensed, permitted or authorized to sell cannabis, who knowingly sells or gives away cannabis to someone under the age of 14, shall be imprisoned in state prison for a period of three, five, or seven years

According to the California Chamber of Commerce: "Proposition 19 creates special rights for employees to possess marijuana on the job, and that means no company in California can meet federal drug-free workplace standards, or qualify for federal contracts. The California State Firefighters Association warns this one drafting mistake alone could cost thousands of Californians to lose their jobs..." Source

But as I have just shown you, Prop 19 still says that employers maintain the right to question their workers and I hope that means they also have the right to take action against the employee.

Sure, there are people hoping that the government will tax dispensaries and make California back millions of dollars. They are also hoping to save millions is jail space and time. Cells used to house Cannabis offenders can be used to keep more violent criminals in jail longer. It will also save on law enforcement. All of those NARCS cost money.

The opposition to Prop 19 says that legalizing Pot will just allow Potheads to grow their own weed and therefore not actually buy any so any hope of taxing it wishful thinking. According to a radio ad paid for in part by the California Chamber of Commerce, legalization will cost businesses money because it allows employees to come to work high and newspapers around the state (including the LA Times) say we should Vote NO on Prop 19.

Personally, I believe both sides have excellent points. An argument for the opposition is that Prop 19 is dangerous for truck and bus drivers. They cannot smoke behind the wheel, but they can arrive to work with pot in their system, hence making them a danger. Also, companies that are supplied grants by the federal government would not receive them because the federal government has already stated if Prop 19 passes, they will STILL enforce federal drug laws.

Perhaps Prop 19 should be rewritten with the best of both arguments and then put on the ballot. That way there are no loop holes, everyone will remain safe (mostly) and California can make more money on taxing marijuana.

The In-Shape Project

2010-10-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

Breakfast/In-Between-Meal Snack:) Nom Nom Nom Nom

I am....not really trying to lose weight. I'm a trying to get in shape. That means dance more, walk more and add the treadmill to my life. I still eat junk, just in moderation. Breakfast: Protein Shake and/or fruit; Lunch: Sandwich or Low-Calorie, Low-Fat TV Dinner with Fruit; Dinner: Anything + a salad. Through out the day I try to drink lots of water and eat rice snack, fruit and protein bars between meals. I also try NOT to eat past 10 p.m.

I don't remember why, but my doctor told me that. I'm cutting back on fried foods and starches and sweets (dies!). Oh and I have a show coming up so this diet plan is great. Pictures will follow. :) Let's see if this works.

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Something Beautiful for Today

2010-10-18T11:37:00.001-07:00

Something Beautiful for Today, originally uploaded by jrussell63831.

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Vent

2010-10-04T23:05:00.001-07:00

Everyone has situations they would rather not be in. Whether its work, school, a relationship or a living situation. Some good advice to follow (given to me by my lovely boyfriend) is keep your eyes on the prize.

Don't get suckered into the drama. Keep it all at arms length. Don't get irritated by the negative people or situations surrounding you. Stay calm. Look at how far you have come and how close you are you to the finish line.

Thanks honey :)
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The Relationship Factor

2010-09-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

Every night when people crawl into bed, they ask themselves a question. It's a question that many of use ask and too often we worry way too much about it. The question is "How long am I going to go to bed alone?" It is not in human nature to want to be alone. That's probably why hermits are considered weird.

To be clear, I am talking about people between the ages of 18 and 25. I'm talking about college age students who should be more concerned with providing for themselves, rather being alone at night.

So many of my friends are going through or have already been through a break-up in the past 3 months. Ever since then, people have begun asking me why I am so happy and how My boyfriend and I are still together. Here are the things that I tell them:

1) My happiness is from God. He gave me a gift of joy and happiness so it allows me to not get angry as quickly, to brush drama off and to smile way more often that what is considered normal.

2) Relationships take time and work. Most often, people want their relationship to be perfect from the start and that just is not gonna happen. The BF and I went through some serious drama at the start of our relationship. He had some stumbles, like every couple does, but we work it out. It helps that we both give each other space. He lives 20 miles away from me and I only see him on weekends (since school started). We are focused on school and trying to being our careers. That's why when we doesn't immediately answer my text messages, I'm not worried. We were also friends first. This helps in the area trust.

So yeah. Those of you looking for someone...stop looking. Get somewhere and sit down, as my grandmother would say. When you go back to focusing on you and yours, that's when God drops the fantastic people out of the sky.

Also, stop making little issues a huge deal. So what they snore, or they drive a certain car you dislike. So what they have a child (from a relationship that didn't work out) or they are currently unemployed but looking. So what his car broke down or she is currently wearing a weave.

What matters is on the inside. What matters is the way they speak to you and what they say. What matters is what is in their heart. Not to say that looks aren't important. Just saying that sometimes you get what you don't expect. For instance, my best friend is married with a 6 month old son. She didn't expect a white husband, but she loves him anyway. Just saying.

Laquerhead: Zoya

2010-09-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, I love nail polish. It's one of the few things I will splurge on. I love different shades, textures, colors, and formulas. So that means, of course, that I subscribe to nail polish blogs.

Scrangie is my favorite. She posts swatches, reviews, press releases on what new products different companies are doing and its all full of awesome.

Last week, she posted about Zoya's color spoons. Intro to Spooing: How does it work?. Of course after I read it I went to www.zoya.com to see if they had in colors I like. Low and behold, I ordered 25 spoons at $.50 each. That, for all of you non-mathmatics people out there, comes to a total of $12.50. Now, its extremely important to remember that they DO NOT have Color Spoons for ever color, just most of them. I will probably buy all of the polishes I've ordered spoons for over the next 6-9 months. I must shop in moderation.

I also order three matte nail polishes. Posh, Zavita and Harlow from their Matte Velvet Fall and Winter Collections. I also just like in general how Zoya lists their products. Here is an example using Posh.

Zoya Nail Polish | Posh
Color Description of Zoya Nail Polish Posh

Zoya Nail Polish in Posh can be best described as: Medium cool toned wine red with metallic red shimmer and a velvety matte finish. Impossibly sexy and glamorous, this matte red truly lives up to its name.
Color Family Reds
Finish Metallic
Intensity 5 ( 1=Sheer - 5=Opaque )
Tone Cool
Original Collection MatteVelvet
Nail Polish: Important Information
Nail Polish: Maximizing Wear

More companies should tell you about the finish, tone and intensity. It would have nice to know just because a certain polish is opaque in the bottle doesn't mean it won't come out completely sheer on your nails ( -_- Illamasqua, but that only happened once with them). I haven't yet figured out what the last two are for. They could be for the formula type, but I'm not sure yet.

I can't wait for my polish to show up. Now....to find a awesome top coat....

Here is the Zoya Color Spoon Video if you would like to see.

Random Thought

2010-08-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

Something interesting to think about on your first day of school: Vacation. For my birthday I would love to take a trip with some girlfriends (probably to Vegas). Wouldn't it be awesome to give them Martini Glass gifts.

This is from thelolitastore.com by an artist named Lolita. I would love to have this one. And perhaps give my girls friends the gift from the same sight.

Happy Monday.

The Sudden Urge to Show My Creative Side

2010-08-11T10:56:00.001-07:00

I have a sudden urge to write more, to finish all of the stories I've started and to start a new blog about my weight-loss journey. The problem with that arises because I don't actually want to lose weight. I wanna be the same just toned, able to run a mile without getting out of breath and be a less risk for disease that don't necessary run in my family, but could because of how much people related to me generally weigh.

This semester will be hard for me. I have to be prepared for long hours, lots of walking and little sleep. If I start this blog, it will have to be in my spare time, when I'm not laying out the ASI newsletter, doing research for my senior project and taking 16 units. And let's not forget about work. [insert caffine IV here].

I've also had the urge to take more photographs and do my website. I'm gonna stick with what I know on that one and just do a frames layout. It's easier for me to remember. I will be using photos that I have taken, now if I could just come up with a name.

Loving Your Gay Friends

2010-07-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

In lots of churches now, Ministers, Pastors and Bishops are teaching us how to love our gay family and friends. While the bible does say that for a man to lay with another man is a sin, it also tells us to love one another and to treat others like we desire to be treated.

Two years ago, Prop 8 was put on the ballot to give the the LGTB community the right to live the way everyone else can: in a Happy Marriage. But the voters of California failed them. Since then, there have been questions, polls and debates of whether or not it is right in the eyes of God to allow gays and lesbians to marry. Obama himself is on a small mission to allow gays and lesbians to serve in the military.

So suddenly, people who don't agree with the lifestyle are suddenly giving support to their homosexual family and friends. (Poll/Story via LA Times) They are saying things like "I don't support your lifestyle, but I love you anyway." This is what God's love is all about. It's about loving someone that you don't agree with (even your enemy). Because God loves all of us, so who are we to say that our homosexual friends can't have what we have. God gave them the ability to love and the ability to chose. It's that thing call free will. Who are we to take it away from them.

It is my belief that God has called us to show the love of Christ in all situations and to all people...even the gay ones. If your church or mosque or temple will not marry gays and lesbians, that is ok. But invite in with open arms and tell them that the are loved by you and God.

If someone close to you tells you that they love someone of the same sex, don't be afraid to tell them how you feel about it (in a loving tone) and remember to say that you love them. Say "I don't agree with your choice. But still I love you." Add in if you like that you would be there for them, because that is what family does and that is what friends do.

Support and Love.

what's on my desk

2010-07-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

This is what is on my desk. And don't ask me why I have an umbrella. Did you see that sun.

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Epiphany

2010-06-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

Everyone has an epiphany at some point. It could be about love, school, work, finances in general, shopping...basically anything. My most resent epiphany? I am getting too old for many of the activities I am engaged in. My life is not going in that direction.

I'm too old to be listen to my friends so intently about my relationship with my mother. Yes. She's a might controlling and she has no "highway" option. Yes. Having her support means not being able to do certain thing that my friends would consider a freedom. But I would rather have her support and advice than to live without them. I would rather have my family than to be alone. I would rather take that advice from someone who knows her well, like my Godparents (who've been friends with her 25+ years).

I would rather go to a club that is 18 and over. This does not mean that I don't have some 19 and 20 year old friends who's company I really enjoy, it just means that they are the except to my "21 and over" rule.

I'm too old to keep people who are under 18, and not related to me, so close. Two weeks ago, was that last time that I am going to a party that a 16 year old is hosting, even if she is inviting people over 21.

I am too old to NOT know how to drive. But hopefully, if the Lord says the same, I will have my license before December of this year.

And I am too old to NOT listen to God's Voice. I just am.

This list could go on and on...

So what are you too old to do?

Belly Hooping with Valentina

2010-05-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

Check out the article I wrote for BellyDancingDiva.com about Valentina of The Hoop Unit. Click Here

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

To all the moms out there. You are awesome! And Mom, I appreciate you! You are a blessing to me and everyone around you. Loves.
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Dinner

2010-04-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

Red Fried Rice - cherry tomatoes, red onion, garlic and mozzarella. Loves.
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Fuddruckers

2010-04-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

This is it. Friday's dinner. If you're a red meat eater you gotta try this. Buffalo Burger w/ grilled onions, pepper jack cheese, bacon and sweet potato fries on the side...and a huge salad with blue cheese dressing. Did I mention there was a chocolate shake involved in all of this...Yum yum.
Of course I didn't eat it all. It's my lunch and dinner for today. And apparently Buffalo meat is leaner than beef. RockSauce!

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This is how I spent my Friday!

2010-04-23T19:52:00.001-07:00

This is how I spent my Friday!, originally uploaded by jrussell63831.

With a baby named Sean.
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Photoshop is Upgrading to CS5...and I want it!

2010-04-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

ATTENTION ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE USERS: Adobe Creative Suites are upgrading to CS5. This includes Photoshop Extended, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash Professional, Dreamweaver and After Effects.

Find out More about Adobe Creative Suite

If you haven't been using a creative suite and you've just purchased Photoshop or Photoshop Extended, you might want to look into it if you can afford it.

I am so stooked. CS5 is set to run on Windows 7 and with my student discount, it will only cost me $449 [adds an extra dollar to piggy bank]. I suggest you start saving too. The first shipment of preorders are scheduled to go out in mid-May. The cost of Adobe Creative Suite CS5 is $1899 and to upgrade is $599. HA! It's still cheaper to go throught the "hassle" of sending Adobe my school information.

Now, after I pay off several bills, I can go back to photography. No matter how many ways you slice it, cheap (or free) programs that claim to be just like photoshop (or better) are just not as good. Paint.NET is cool but a hassle when you want to install plug-ins and/or brushes. Like Photoshop CS4, certain features only works on Windows XP or Vista. (LAME!) Gimp Freeware is just that. A freeware program that takes photoshop and dumbs it down to the barest of bare bones and distributes it for free. Both of the programs are confusing hassles to deal with. I'm sure they work. But once you have been spoiled by photoshop, there is no going back.

This made my day...I just thought I'd share.

Lucy!

2010-04-09T14:49:00.001-07:00

Lucy!, originally uploaded by jrussell63831.

We love Lucy! She's full of awesome and coolness!

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I Miss My Website

2010-04-08T16:12:00.000-07:00

I miss having a personalized domain and layout that I designed myself. (i.e. my former site, clicky.) I miss the freedom it gives you. I dislike being in this box that blog templates give. Yes, I will be editing mine. I will be creating buttons and banners for linking and fun.:) I also miss pixel art. I so want too do the Quilting Bee Quilt again. Maybe there is a way that I can without - nope. Blogger won't let me.

I must transfer to a new domain...but what name to use. whatjadesays.com? jadenoir.net? jrussell63831.com? That last one just makes sense because of my email and my flickr.

So what do I do? I have no idea. I guess eventually - when school life becomes more stable - I will work on my own website...until then...hello blogger.

What's on my desk

2010-04-08T10:36:00.001-07:00

What's on my desk, originally uploaded by jrussell63831.

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Trying Something New

2010-03-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

Do you feel like your life is stale? a repeat? tired of seeing the same people with the same clothes, listening to the same music, saying the same things? Then try something new. Go investigate a new group of people and say hello. Try a resturant you have never tried before

My professor told me (and the 35 other students in his class) one day that trying something new increases brain function. Trying something broadens your horizons. Since January, with the help of my boyfriend, I have tried many new things.

We had Falafel Pitas at a Hebrew take-out place on Melrose for our Valentine's Day Lunch. That same day, we both visited a few stores we other wise wouldn't walk in. He took me to music store that only sells vinyl records of beats and cool bands for avid hip hop lovers. I took him to a sex store. We had a few laughs about some of th weird stuff they sell (i.e. bondage tape that sticks to itself and high-end toys that cost hundreds of dollars). A couple of weeks ago he took me to a Thai place. I can't remember what I ate, but it was good. Cold vermcelli noodles, bean sprouts, beef, egg rolls and salad (and other stuff I can't remember) all in the same bowl served with jazmine tea (which I love). It was awesmome!

In January, with help from my job, I interveiwed students from different parts of the world. I learned a lot about Germany from a 23-year-old foreign exchange student. I spoke to middle school students from Harbin, China, and I meet a sweet Middle Eastern young woman who just happens to be in several of my classes (and is very smart, I might add).

All of these experiences, I believe, help keep me a diverse person with diverse groups of friends and diverse tastes. I love all kinds of music and can discuss about each genre. I keep up with different fashion trends, not just "black fashion." I like to see what japanese girls are wearing (even though the style doesn't always look good on me) and what's going on in Milan and Paris (even though I can't afford those).

Visiting different neighborhoods with different demographics helps keep you alert and aware. It can help with awkwardness you might feel when meeting some one of a different race or eithnic background. I know a lot about the Middle East because when I first sttarted belly dancing I researched and asked a lot of questions. I feel more comfortable around my Middle Eastern friend because I understand her. It's easier to be freinds with someone when you understand them. That's why we gravitate toards people who think like us, dress like us and listen to the same music as us.

If you've never had a long conversaton with someone that isn't like you, then you coudn't understand the feeling of getting along with someone who is different.

As I stay alert i notice the new trend of people traveling in diverse cliques. There will be a group of girls at the mall. Two will be black, one or two will be Latina, one will be asian, and one or two will be white. They won't be dressed the same either. There will be a hispter, one dressed in a punk style, one in a super chic style, one in bohemian chic and another will be sporty. It's not happening everywhere, but it's happening.

So don't be lame and try something new. Make a new friend. Listen too a new music genre (iTunes lets you sample stuff, rememeber). Eat a new food. The worst you can say is you didn't like it.

The Birthday Post + St. Patty's Day

2010-03-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

It's that time again. My birthday!!! Go me. Well actually, it's in two weeks, but now none of you can say I never told you. And you can't say you didn't know what to get me cause there is a wishlist (or two) to your right ----->.

Happy Saint Patricks Day.

Now to drink something green. Do they have green wine? I don't like beer.

'Avatar' DVD to be Released Soon

2010-03-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

Photo: Twentieth Century Fox

Twentieth Century Fox announced that the DVD of the highest grossing film of all time, "Avatar" will be released April 22, but it will not include any special feature and it will not be in 3D, reports CBS. This leaves me and millions of other screaming fans to wonder when will get to see the deleted scenes and gag reels.

According to CBS, the producer, Jon Landau said they did not release the extras so that the DVD will have improved picture and sound quality.

Shortly after the release of the film, the script for the recorded, but not released sex scene from "Avatar" surfaced in the media. Since then fans of the successful film have been waiting anxiously to see it. Now the public has to wait just a little while longer to see that and other scenes deleted from the movie.

The release of the regular DVD and Blu-Ray Disc coincides with Earth Day, the studio noted.

'The Real Housewives' Franchise and Things Like It.

2010-03-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

If you are one of those people who is addicted to the drama socialites (or wannabe socialites) of Los Angeles, New York, New Jersey or Orange County, then you are probably watching the 'The Real Housewives' on Bravo. Anyone who watches knows that its the equivalent of watching a gruesome trainwreck - its horrible and yet you can't look away.

'The Real Housewives of Orange County' ended it's season last week with a two-part reunion and 'The Real Housewives of New york' began that very week. Every thing in the Reunion, hosted by Andy Cohen, for the OC Housewives was discussed - from Lynne's marriage and rebellious teen daughters to Alexis' faith and plastic surgery. The most interesting thing about the about the reunion is that Vicki (at least in part one) was not as loud or opinionated as usual. In fact, the most incredible thing about the season was that Vicki was tried to be better even if it didn't always work.

Vicki is a 'Real Housewife,' but that's just me. She goes into an office, works her but off, comes home, finds time to be a good wife and mother. All of the other ladies live in a fantasy land, like money falls out of the sky. Gretchen, on top of being in a relationship with a serial Housewife dater, is trying to start her own makeup line. Alexis. Well we just met her, so I will save most of my judgement and say that Alexis is a "real housewife," she's just high maintanence. Lynne went shopping this season right after her family got an eviction notice and her daughters were drunk at the final party. Really Lynne? and you're a good parent? Ok.

My heart bleads for Lynne's daughters. Alexa called her mom a bitch when Lynne tried to talk to her when they went shopping. What would have happened if I did that? My mom would have had a hand across my face. And stern lecture on respect.

This the problem with most of the women portrayed in the franchise. Respect. They respect maybe themselves. But that's it. Not their husbands, not their friends and they can't make their kids respect them. Well...Except for Jenna and Vicki, whose children are doing very well. :)

Alice in Wonderland

2010-03-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

Thirty-five minutes into the movie, I knew exactly what was gonna happen. And I made my boyfriend sit throught the whole two hours. I owe him because he completely hated it. But then again, he doesn't have the relationship with Tim Burton that I have.

This was one of those movies that star your favorite actors and come from the insane mind of some director that you totally love, but didn't quite live up to all the hype. Yeah, it made more than $116 million at the box office this opening weekend, but I doubt it will have as much success with the critics.

Tim Burton directed this interpretation of 'Alice in Wonderland' which features a very grown up Alice and Johnny Depp as The Mad Hatter. It was awesome...at first. I liked the Cheshire Cat (even though he was creepy sometimes) and I liked the effects that brought that world to life. It was way cool to see Burton's interpretation of the characters. But the script? Seriously, Tim Burton, you need to find better writers.

Perhaps it was because "Alice in Wonderland" is a Disney film. So it lacks the ...something. Think back to "Sleepy Hollow," "Corpse Bride," and "The Nightmare before Christmas." The twist that Tim Burton's mind puts on stories was obviously there, but there was clearly something lacking.

When you're watching you feel sort of child-like, until you realize that the story is too complex for a child to understand. Only certain kind of people like this movie. I thought I would be one of them. For instance, why does the Mad Hatter have an angry Irish accent sometimes? Why didn't you go into more detail about what happen in "Underland" (that's what they call it) after Alice came the first time? Sadly, I forgot most of the movie immediately after I left the theater.

It's a cool movie, but I don't have to see it again...unless I'm on shrooms.

EDIT: Want to know some other opinions on "Alice in Wonderland?" Click here.

Remembering Yahoo!

2010-02-19T09:53:00.000-08:00

Who remembers Yahoo? Anyone? Remember the 90s before Facebook, Myspace and Twitter. Before we could txt anyone. Before we could look up the news on youtube. Before all of this, Yahoo! made the jump. They provided a service. You got a free (key word free) email address and you could use your username in instant message conversations and chat rooms.

Since the birth of Myspace, Yahoo! chat rooms got emptier and emptier. But who needs a chat room when you can text message. Then Facebook came along and you could chat on facebook (of course Myspace had to follow). Then Google. Oh the Google giant. As of right now, I, a former Yahoo! user, am using the following Google serices: Gmail, Google talk, Picasa , Google docs, youTube, Blogger, google reader and google chrome. If you don't know what they are, look them up. They're fantastic.

I'm only using 2 of my 3 Yahoo! services regularly: Flickr and Yahoo Instant Messenger. When SBC owned yahoo, I hated it. now that AT&T owns Yahoo! I hate it even more. I dislike Microsoft Internet Explorer with a passion. And of course the AT&T Yahoo! browser is based on IE.

For the Record: The only reason I have a yahoo! email is because my mother pays for it. AT&T is our isp at home. ISP = Internet Service Provider

Slowly but surely as the teens of these last days get more and more addicted to AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), Facebook and Twitter, Yahoo Services will dissappear.

The Life Change: Food and Fashion

2010-02-17T10:05:00.000-08:00

Many people in America struggle with their weight. We try to starve ourselves to fit into sample sizes and we die because when we do it, we're eating the wrong things. I made that mistake. I didn't follw instructions. I was in such a hurry to get off the Daniel Fast that I stuffed my face with foods I missed. And of course weeks later, I gained weight. Sucks major. Then insecurity hit. Not in a huge way. It just sat in the back of my mind every time I thought about food or what I was going to wear the next day. Then my roommate took me shopping and I got over it.

This week is a better week for me. I've been eating less, which includes eating smaller portions and eating breakfast. The doctors are right. When you have breakfast it changes your dietary pattern. You actually eat less through out the day if you have oatmeal or something before you start your day.

I also decided to dress for the body I have. It took me a while to get to that. I keep thinking 'I'm gonna lose ten pounds first.' That's not happening. I mean it will, just not before I buy new clothes. So yesterday I went to Forever 21.

CONFESSION #1! I used to loath Forever 21. Everyone who shopped their looked exactly the same. I found out later it was do to the fact that they actually had no personal style. I used to be intimidated by it because the first racks I saw were always very small sizes.

Confession #2: I actually like some of their clothes. It was a bit depressing at first. I went yesterday to the Forever 21 at Cerritos Mall. Two Stories! HUGE!

It was still full of small clothes. There were complete sections of clothes that looked like they only had XS and S/M sizes. FRUSTRATING. Then I noticed that their 'Large' was actually a large...and I fit into it. It also helps that their extended size line Faith21 actually had nice stuff. It was still a small section, but it worked.

Current life changes: eat less sugar, eat breakfast, stop eating out (or at least cut way back), and don't shopping because I gained five pounds.

Random Updates

2010-02-05T14:52:00.001-08:00

The internet and WiFi at my university apartment is still out. And somehow I forgot that I can email my updates. GENIUS! All of my roommates are out for the weekend. I'm making some tea. I ordered some take out and I'm gonna have a movie marathon.

The Daniel fast ended well and the day it ended I had chocolate. Small dose would have a been better but someone talked me into a Bj's brownie. Omg. It was way to rich. The cookie from the pizookie was better.

Now, back to my tea and movies.
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Late Night Fiasco

2010-01-25T10:29:00.000-08:00

This is so sad. Media giants don't give their employees a chance. It's all about the money and being "the next big thing." If you've been under a rock somewhere, then you don't know that Jay's primetime show tanked and NBC wanted to move him back to his orignal time slot at 11:35 p.m. You also wouldn't know that when they presented the idea to Conan O'Brien, he said wouldn't move his show to later. Everyone knew what would happen next. They would "fire" Conan and put Jay back in his orignal time slot and give him his show back.

Conan only hosted "The Tonight Show" for seven months. In those months the rating of the show didn't go up. Let's backtrack. Leno had the show for years. And in the time slot of 11:35 p.m., "The Tonight Show" follow some great NBC shows E.R. and Law and Order - my favs - and the 11 p.m. news. So, yes of course the viewers of those awesome shows are more likely to watch the late night show on the same channel.

You should be asking yourself "Wasn't Jay going to retire?" or "Why didn't they give Conan a chance?" Jay Leno is NBC's hand puppet. Jeff Zucker (CEO of NBC) has his hand firmly set up Jay Leo's rear. Leno seems so much like a push over. I imagine a meeting between Leno and Zucker going something like this:

Leno says "I'm going to retire from late night;" Jeff says "Ok we'll put you in primetime so you can still attract the audience."
Jay says "No really. I want to go home and relax;" Jeff says "No you don't."
Jay says "You're right. I don't I really want to do this again I'm dead;" Jeff says "That's the spirit."

That's only what happened in my little world. Their were reports saying that Leno was ready to take one for the team, accept defeat and really retire and the fight is really between Zucker and Conan (who started it in the first place, according to Leno). I'm not sure I believe that. NBC did Conan wrong in terms of "The Tonight Show," but he got them back making NBC give him $32 million, for canceling his contract when it has 2 1/2 years left on it, and giving severances to all of his employees. Come on NBC? Is Jay Leno really worth the $40 - $50 million you just payed to ditch Conan?

Kim Kardashian: The Fragrance

2010-01-21T09:51:00.000-08:00

So I finally got a sample of Kim Kardashian's new fragrance. Its lush, floral and it lingers in the air. It has a signature that I can't quite put my finger on. I normally don't choose florals - probably because florals have a tendency to give me a headache - but I do like it.

The only thing about it is you cant over-do it or you will totally get a headache. One spray at the wrists should be enough. If you try to do all your pulse points, you won't be able to think for 10 mins (maybe more). Apply it in a big room, like your bedroom. If you apply it in a confined space, you will get a headache.

I put the roll-on on my Sephora Birthday Giftlist. Roll-ons tend to deliver less fragrance at a time compared to a spray.

Be aware, this scent is not for everyone.

photos: sephora.com
Kim Kardashian at Sephora

Major Fail for Rush Limbaugh

2010-01-20T15:46:00.001-08:00

Yes. I know I'm five days late, but still.

How dare you! How dare you think that as a human being you don't have the responsibility to help otheres. How dare you think that with all American's squander we don't have enough to give. Yes, of course there are families truly struggling. But many families are struggling to maintain a lifestyle of excess anyway.

I read the transcript. Limbaugh basically does say "screw Haiti," just not in so few words. If he didn't mean "screw Haiti," then maybe he should have rephrased what he wasy saying. Maybe if Mr. Limbaugh had actually visited the White House website he would see that the link does take you to the American Red Cross website (Going through the Red Cross is one of the best ways to help Haiti, especially if all you can do is donate funds).

Dear Mr. Limbaugh

Good journalists always check their facts before they open their mouths or write their stories. You should try it.

-Jessica

Rush Limbaugh on Haiti relief donations: 'We've already donated to Haiti. It's called the U.S. income tax'

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Last Weekend's Feast

2010-01-19T14:23:00.000-08:00

I forgot to mention what I made on Saturday. It was fantastic. I made homemade guacamole, vegetable fajitas, and "red fried rice". The recipes were from a vegetarian cookbook I can't remember the name of. My boyfriend is growing habeneros in his front yard so he brought some over. He seeded them and chopped them up for me. These aren't the small orange chiles you see in the supermarket. They are tiny red peppers. Slightly deadly heat. I bet you can't eat one whole.

I quartered, seeded and sliced two orange and two yellow bell peppers, a package of mushrooms, a red onion and garlic. I marinated it in 4 tbsps of vegetable oil mixed with one tsp of chili powder. Mmmmmm with steamed tortillas and cheese.

The "red fried rice" was easy. It was basmati rice, chopped red bell peppers, halved cherry tomatos, chopped red onion - stir fried. FANTASTIC!

Guacamole is easy. My beau helped me with it. I don't like handling hot peppers, especially since I sliced open my finger. Ouch.

See I told ya. Fantastic weekend.

The First Blog Day (also know as Fasting: Day Nine)

2010-01-19T10:50:00.000-08:00

So I started a website. Click here. It takes to long and is too complex to update, so back to blogger I go. it will now be easier to update. I was calling my blog "What She Says" but it didn't seem as personal.

Daniel Fast: Day Nine

I cheated. I had a parfait that totally had sugar in it. Then I had part of a cookie. Last night was so hard for me. I was craving a brownie like crazy, but I made it through. It's oh so fantastic. I still want a brownie. ^_^ I'm going hard for the next twelve days. No sugar. No meat. No alcohol.

No alcohol is easy for two reasons: 1) I still don't have my ID and 2)My birthday is not until March. Sugar is my crack. I am seriously going through withdrawls. Let me be clear. Its not a complete NO SUGAR crackdown. It just means I can't have foods with ADDED sugar. So yes to fruits and juices with natural sugar. No to cakes, pies, cookies, certain crackers and ready-made dishes. Got it? Awesomesauce.