"I wish that I could have this moment for life!"- Nicki Minaj

I hope that everyone either has been surprised or will be surprised at least once in their lifetime.  Genuinely surprised!  Not a situation where you “accidently” find your Christmas present, and then you pretend to be “surprised” Sunday morning before church.  I’m talking about the surprise that makes you scream, duck your head, and run halfway back up the steps.  And I’m not just giving you this example because that’s my story or anything… What would give you that idea?

If you’ve read my last blog post, you would know that my birthday was this past Tuesday, the 11^th.  And since it was a weekday (and a game day), none of my friends or family could really celebrate it.  So this weekend was dedicated to a few family dinners with my aunt, uncle, mom, and dad.  Don’t know if you’ve been to eat at HuHot Mongolian Grill; but I suggest if you haven’t… go check out their menu!  That’s where my parents took me for my birthday dinner, and it gave all my teammates and friends a chance to hide in my basement. 

Immediately when we got home, I went downstairs to change the laundry that desperately needed to be changed so I’d have SOME clothes for the following week.  When I opened the door at the bottom of the steps and reached my hand around the corner to turn on the light, someone grabbed me!  “SURRRRPRISEEEE!”  I screamed so loud and sprinted up the stairs…  Halfway up I realized that my beloved friends were downstairs, and my loving family had put on a surprise party for me.  I teared up a little bit as I returned to the basement, hugging everyone there… all 18 of my guests.  Often I asked myself, “How am I so lucky to have these people in my life?  My family for putting this celebration on for me, and my friends for coming in support of me!  I am truly blessed.”  Pizza and cake followed, then a dance party in my basement capped off the night! 

It was such a joyful moment.  One I wish on everyone.  Surprises make you feel good inside.  And they really are reflections of how much people care about you, and how much they want to make your special day… well, special!  I felt loved and completely at ease, knowing that I was surrounded by great friends and even better people!  When they got tired and decided to leave, I begged them to stay.  I couldn’t thank them enough, either.  The party will forever be in my memory, and will be one of the best moments of my life.  As Nicki Minaj would say, “I wish that I could have this moment for life…” J (454)

Yes... My Birthday is on 9/11!

                Everybody wants to know: What were you doing when it happened?  We all remember.  Where we were, what we were doing, what our plans were that suddenly got altered on that Tuesday morning.  When our country would be forever changed.  Who did it?  And why?  How can someone hate other human beings so much as to do something so awful?  What’s puzzling is how much they must have resented us, if they were willing to kill themselves as well. 

                Many families lost loved ones on that day.  Just imagine waiting at school to be picked up; and your dad never coming.  Just imagine your fiancé taking half the day off from work to spend time with you, except he never clocked out.  Or your daughter, who you’ve always worried about in the “hustle and bustle” city of New York, interning to become a stock broker, and never coming home to supper. 

                What was I doing you may ask?  My fourth week of Kindergarten had just started.  I was especially excited because it was my sixth birthday.  Scary coincidence?  Not when you think about the time I was born: the exact time American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center’s North Tower (1 WTC).  Specifically, I remember being sung to and getting to pick a toy out of the prize box.  We had no clue what was going on, but for some reason there was an early-out.  My family picked me up, and I was still oblivious to what was going on.  A trip up to the nearest town with a Happy Joe’s was in order, and after a few hours of endless pizza and fun, playing games, we left.  I can still see the T.V. showing graphics of tall buildings falling and burning with dark grey smoke everywhere.  Something I would be reminded of later in my older sister’s video project for school with a song that perfectly fit; “God Bless the U.S.A.”

                Eleven years after my Scooby-Doo themed party and Polly Pocket present, I realize how much we have bounced back as a country.  There is truly no greater comeback and no greater country in the world than the United States of America.  We were and still are united because of that day.  Someone came into our land and threatened our lives and safety.  No one is going to get away with that.  This may be the root of my interest in becoming a West Point graduate and officer in the United States Army, serving my country as much as possible. 

                My whole life, I’ve had to listen to people tell me how “horrible my birthday is.”  They ask me questions like, “How can you celebrate on a day meant for mourning?” or “When’s your birthday?”  Needless to say, they cringe when I reply.  It doesn’t bother me the slightest bit.  People with 9/11 birthdays (like Ludacris, the rapper) are thought to carry messages of hope, unity, and rebuilding.

Though I wish the terrible massacre had never happened and feel some guilt, I am ok with my birthday and wouldn’t change it for the world.  It makes me who I am as a person; sentimental, emotional, and extremely patriotic.  My destiny was chosen by God on September 11, 1995 at 8:46 A.M.  I love this country, and plan to continue celebrating my birthday with remembrance for the lost loved ones and a deep appreciation for the men and women fighting everyday for our freedom.  God Bless the U.S.A.  J (581)

               

#UglyApronProbs

                Women are only good for cooking, cleaning, and bearing/rearing children.  Women aren’t intelligent enough to communicate with God, have any say in politics, or have professions and careers.  So they most certainly aren’t capable of dunking a basketball on a ten foot rim.  “Go make me a sandwich, woman!”

                All completely false statements… and not to mention INSULTING!  These are what we call gender roles (future blog?), and they are not pretty!  The one I am specifically addressing in this particular post is the statement that: Women simply aren’t physically able to dunk. 

                Though our gender wasn’t the same as the inventor of the sport, James Naismith, nor were we the first to dunk, we have potential just like all men.  Yes, I admit.  It is easier for men to dunk due to their “superior athletic abilities,” physicality, and body types.  And yes, I also admit that the typical body type of a female is “pear” shaped.  Meaning that we have narrow shoulders, wide hips, and filled-out butts, generally carrying more fat than muscle to accommodate the children we give our husbands. 

                However, the world and its inhabitants are constantly evolving.  People are getting taller, faster, and stronger due to things like steroids and hormones given to cows that make our milk taste better or weightlifting classes offered in schools.  Women are becoming athletes too, as obvious by the Olympics this past summer.  And we do it while being “drop-dead gorgeous.” 

                Although there is a higher percentage of NBA (National Basketball Association) players that can dunk than WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association), we are slowly climbing.  More and more women are and will continue to “throw it down” in games.  Players like Candace Parker, Lisa Leslie (first ever), Sylvia Fowles, Maya Moore, and…you guessed it, Brittney Griner.  All with far above average height and wingspans to match.  Their vertical leaps aren’t too shabby either.

                These women are extraordinary athletes and extraordinary WOMEN!  They are able to do things that regular men would “kill” to be able to do.  So next time you think about dissing on a girl or not letting her join your football game, think about her potential to pummel you into a pulp.  That’s what I call “Girl Power!”  Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go practice my 360. J (385)

Don't Forget to Look Under the Bed!

                Since I’m on a “ranting kick,” I am, you guessed it, writing another pet peeve post!  This one will be short, sweet, and not as sophisticated as my others.  I’ll give it a whirl.  Here it goes:

                It really bugs me to my wits end when my sister, in a hotel, or anywhere really, is messy.  Ever had a roommate like this?  She leaves all of her belongings out of her suitcase.  Things like her clothes, Dopp kit, Pillow Pet, iPad, a million dollars, etc.  Ok… so I’m over exaggerating a little on the million dollars, but still!  Doesn’t she share my fear of forgetting something?  Or what about the possibility of a burglary?  Not all rooms have safes, Jessica! 

                I am petrified of all of these things.  Fortunately none of these instances have occurred.  I have never left a straightener in the bathroom or my jersey under the bed.  This is probably due to my tidiness, organizational skills, and need to double check everything…twice!

 It’s not like the concierge is going to track down who was in that room last, get their phone number, call them up, and say, “Hello there!  Our fine housekeeping has found a hundred dollar bill in your room, and we were wondering if this was just a generous tip?”  Maybe in the world of pixie dust and Tinker Bell.  Sorry to disappoint.  Usually when you leave something in a room, it’s gone forever.  Ever forgotten your phone charger?  J (244)

Rockin' the "Blavy"

                So here comes the querulous part of my blog.  If I offend you in any way, I apologize, but this simply needs to be written about!  ATTENTION: Check your belt, shoes, pants, and tie. 

                Black.  The dark, mysterious blend of every color on the planet!  It may “look good with everything,” but it most certainly does NOT, in any way, shape, or form, “go together” with navy blue!  Maybe black and royal blue, as made clear by prestigious universities such as Duke and Kentucky, but you don’t see any athletic teams with those two dreadful, opposing colors, do you?  Didn’t think so.

                As made clear, this is a pet peeve of mine.  Why are you wearing navy socks with your black dress shoes, Mr. County Attorney?  You have bad lighting in your 12x12 closet?  Don’t even think about blaming it on your wife, either.  I will give certain people some “freebies,” if you will, to “accidently” wear black and navy together.  But don’t make it a habit. 

                Navy and black, in my book, are archenemies in the fashion world.  They don’t get along, as evident by how people look when they are worn.  Black, navy, brown, and white are what we (in the fashion world) call “staple colors.”  The earth tones simply tie your outfit together.  For example: A purple polo with khakis might be tied together with ALL black accessories.  NOT a black belt with black shoes and NAVY socks.  Just…. No.  It simply should not be done.

                I have been just as guilty as some of you before.  In fact, I have worn navy spandex with black crew socks and black volleyball shoes.  Now would be the time for you to comment on this post, calling me a hypocrite.  Frightful would be the word I would use to describe how I looked that day.  That was an all-time low for me, as this is a fashion crime no one should want to commit.  I suggest you do the same until someone comes up with a high school founded by people with hideous wardrobes.  I can see it now: Outfit Malfunction High School.

IMPORTANT: Disregard all above information if you find a cute, black and navy shirt!  J (368)

Regina George's How To: Lose Three Pounds

                Think of something that 99.999999% of all females in the United States want to do right now.  The top of their list.  Their solution to any and every problem that comes their way.  “The boys will love me.” “My clothes will look fabulous.”  “My legs wouldn’t stick together when I walk.”  “I can participate in “Yoga Pant Thursdays!””  (Didn’t get that memo, by the way.)  “I have the cutest two-piece…” 

Hopefully you’ve figured it out by now that I am talking about weight loss.  Oh, yes.  I went there.  Though it may seem cliché of me to write about this topic, I can’t help it.  The struggle is among every girl out there; whether you’re a middle-aged woman with hormone drops, a twelve year old girl being called “Piggy” at school, or so anorexic that people mistake you for a broom. 

Regina George off of Mean Girls (If you haven’t seen it, call Blockbuster!) really wanted to lose three pounds!  Thinking about it and stressing over it only made her eat more and more and more.  Although it didn’t help that Cady slipped her “nutrition” bars...  You get my point!  She blew up like a balloon and couldn’t fit into anything but sweatpants.  Focusing nonstop on it and trying to lose weight will often work in reverse for us, causing us to gain even more weight. 

Losing weight is a very temperamental process.  One calorie over and you tip the scale… literally.  You constantly debate over whether or not to have a salad that day for lunch or Sour Patch Kids.  “Will it give me enough energy to get through my running workout today for Track?  Constantly, we think about this.  Then at the end of the day you “hog out.”  Eat anything within your reach and, how could I forget, the contents of your refrigerator.  Needless to say it’s hard “sticking to your guns” and continuing to eat like a rabbit auditioning to become Garden’s Next Top Model…. You get my point.

                Which leads me to how painful it is to see people around us, stuffing their faces with candy and fast-food.  That’s really fair.  They get to eat whatever they want, whenever they want while my metabolism has a vendetta against me.  I’m over here reading nutrition facts on Wrigley’s and Ice Breakers. 

In Bad Teacher (Again, if you haven’t seen it, go rent it NOW!), Cameron Diaz stars as a teacher with a “smokin’ hot bod.”  Remember when Lynn, a fellow teacher who is a little overweight and has a low self-esteem, ask her if she wants to go grab some lunch?  Notice what Diaz eats, and notice what the overweight Lynn eats.  While showing her inappropriateness as a teacher, Diaz inhales her fries and greasy burger.  Across the table Lynn is politely nibbling on a salad.  I just can’t fathom it.  “Take it easy, Morgan.  It’s only a movie.”  This is where I push pause and go Tweet some #fatgirlprobs. 

I wish I knew all the secrets.  You know?  All of “The South Beach Diets” that our mothers read and what not.  The problem with fad diets is: once you lose your eight pounds of feces through eating nothing but cabbage soup for two straight weeks, you gain it back instantly.  Fad diets simply don’t teach you discipline or healthy eating habits.  You will surely go back to eating Zebra Cakes and wishing your socks didn’t cut off your foot circulation.  Sorry, “Cosmo” magazine.  You lose.

As for my advice: I would say eat healthy, but reward yourself often!  I shudder to think what life without chocolate is like.  Stay active, and eat the right things, at the right times and at the right portions.  You should be fine.  Our body types have an awful lot to do with our weight and body composition also.  For example:  My 5’2” best friend isn’t going to weigh the same as me, a foot taller.  Keep yourself at a comfortable weight for you!  Not a comfortable weight for a male, magazine, or society for that matter.  You know Teen Vogue is photo shopped, right? J (685)

Growing Pains

How old are you?  How old would you like to be?  Wait, let me guess… You are a rebellious teenager that hates curfews, has “drama” with friends, and “loves” your 19 year old boyfriend no matter what your Dad thinks.  I get it; you want to get the heck out of your parents’ house and be a “grown-up”…like… ASAP!  Before you pack your “teddy and blankie,” I suggest you read further, Mr. Adult!

Jay-Z.  Oh him?  The guy that is married to Beyonce and has 99 problems?  Yea, you know him.  One of his well known songs is “Forever Young,” originally by Alphaville in 1984.  Apparently one of his 99 problems is “growing up.”  He obviously craves to be a child again; careless and free with a world of innocence and fun as depicted in his rap. 

Personally, the song makes me tear up and want to run outside to do a cartwheel.  I feel the need to celebrate my youth as much as possible when it comes on the radio.  The sadness I feel afterward is the backlash.  CAUTION: The lyrics will make you dig all scrap metal from garage workshop and attempt to build a time machine.

We all think that’s what we want; is to be an adult as soon as we can.  Once we get there, it isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.  You think doing chores around the house, going to school, and keeping friends is challenging?  Try paying bills, working full time, and raising children.  Yea… don’t want that beer or pack of cigarettes anymore, eh? 

Adults probably wish their biggest life struggle was a stubborn pimple, a failing grade in Chemistry, or the fact that someone else is wearing your crush’s jerseys to the football game.  I hope you have a newfound appreciation for the grownups in our lives such as: our parents, teachers, community leaders, policemen, firefighters, etc.  If you think about it, we have it pretty easy. 

Growing up means: never having any fun and being boring, mature, and civilized all the time.  Wrong.  Some adults can certainly be immature and uncivilized just like some adults can have fun and actually be interesting.  Another common misconception is that growing up means not watching Disney Channel or drinking juice from a straw.  This is also wrong because after being an adult for a while, you may enter the next chapter in your life…Parenthood where you will certainly return to some of your eating and playing habits.  And that is when you will realize that you will always be a child at heart.  See!  Something to look forward too.

I’m not trying to go all “Don’t wish your life away” on you, but seriously, dude.  Cherish your moments.  Enjoy being young, and realize that you are a beautiful person because time won’t wait for you.  Don’t get left behind.  Trust me; I’m a junior in high school already. J (486)