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As I sit here with true joy in my heart, my eyes well up with excitement that which a person rarely sees in life. But not only myself, but my parents have expirienced watching the mold, of what an American President has always been, being broken by a image that hasn't always been what America has seen for itself. But in reality, is the true face of America. With the mixture of love, faith and many backgrounds; it is apparent that, that life experiment can create a dynamic individual with the ability to look past the color of skin, but to see into the fabric and character of America. Barack Obama’s win is not just a win for Barack or a win for Black people, but a win for the American People and all people that have struggled for a just cause.

This day, as one of the turning points in our evolution as a country, is another jump in our ability to conquer evil and the unjust as we have seen in the past. This man is but a symbol of what we as a people can become when you do things the right and just way, have faith in God and refuse to give up on what is right and good. We can honestly say to our children that they can be anything they set out to be when they grow up when they make the right choices and have God on their side.

I am convinced that we all can work together as one to create a more perfect union in this country we call America.

God Bless America

Why is this in all caps?!

A couple weeks ago I was reading an article in Ebony Magazine called, "5 Mistakes Single Sisters Make that are Keeping them from the altar". I took it to heart and even wrote a little commentary on a local website. I think it was a hit, however, while all the women were taking inventory and recognizing their faults, the guys on the other hand were spouting off in agreement as to that is why they stay single. I felt it was my responsibility to express that the road to the altar is a rough one and the lack of couples on that road does not lay fault squarely on the sisters. So after surveying married, single, and divorced men from various ethnic backgrounds and social economic status, I came up with the top 5 Mistakes Single Brothers Make that are Keeping them from the Altar.


Mistake Number One:
Sleeping Around
Many brothers make the mistake of getting sexually involved before allowing time for a relationship to build. Also, pursuing sexual activity from every potential candidate after which, they complain that there aren’t any good women out there. Men are more likely to pursue a non-committed; no strings attached relationship rather than trying to spend time outside of the bedroom (for fear of having to spend money) to get to know a woman. No matter what anyone says, it doesn’t take a panel of psychologists to tell us, sex is a very emotional activity and it will eventually take its toll on those who misuse it. Whether it is in the form of impotency or an STD, you are doing more harm to a potential relationship by not making yourself exclusive.

Mistake Number Two:
Moving in together
For what it is worth, the phrase “Why buy the cow when the milk is free” goes both ways. Most think that they are getting the best of both worlds with no commitment and a live in girlfriend. But playing house brings about more issues than a semi-committed couple can typically handle. The number one cause of relationship disharmony is money. Every complaint outside of sex and chores (which some married men could argue are one in the same) boils down to a matter of finances. If the reason for moving in with someone is for financial reasons, don’t be fooled in thinking those financial burdens gathered separately, will somehow dissipate with a union of the two.

Mistake Number Three:
Not Financially Stable/Prepared
This mistake is easily misrepresented. It is preferred that before marriage, each person is financially stable. However, what many women perceive to be a responsible man, turn out to be a man-child. Perpetrating to have it all together when he in fact has not sense of priority when it comes to bills and/or purchase decisions (i.e. Buying an Escalade, while renting an apartment and all the furniture in it). Women are becoming more and more financially independent and aren’t looking for someone to take care of them anymore, nor are the looking to take care of a grown man either.

Mistake Number Four:
Desperate and it shows
Contrary to popular belief, men also can be desperate for a relationship. Society would have us to believe that women are the only sex that pressures their significant other to get married. Yet there are many instances of that same pressure coming from men.

Mistake Number Five:
Not dressing/looking the part
Not referring totally to the way a brother dresses, but appearance make a difference in how women receive your advances. Just like most men, most women want a man who shows a sense respect and responsibility in his dress and upkeep. Unfortunately, popular music videos portraying an unrealistic lifestyle and public normality, contribute to the skewed ideals and expectations of both men and women. Consequently, many brothers are greatly influenced by these images and perpetuate them by trying to “look the part”. In essence, not realizing that the type of women those looks attract, are not the type of women they are interested in marrying. If you keep attracting the same kind of women, maybe it isn’t the women at all that need to change.

 
Another hard working summer in which I've completed about 12 hours so far and only another 9 hours will be completed by the end of summer terms.  This will be a quick fall semester for me and I will be walking across that coveted stage on December 18th to receive my B.A. in English.  Not bad for someone who has changed her major twice in the two years since returning in 2002.
How are the resolutions coming along...well I'm still working on my relationship with God and with others.  I've had some very interesting friendships develop and end this year and I'm just being very mindful, prayerful that I can continue to be a patient person with my family and friends.  I've allowed my educational goals to push my biblical studies aside and I want to bring them back to the forefront.  Earlier this year, I placed membership at the  Church of Christ in Forest Hill and I've grown immensely.  My parents are currently teaching a growing in faith with God class, and they are doing a fantastic job.  They've even given some of the students a chance to develop lesson plans and teach a session or two.  These classes have been very enjoyable.

It's been a long time, but I"m here to give an update. I am of course, still single, and still in school. The cool thing is, this time next year, I will be working on my Master's in Nashville Tennessee!! I am ready to take my fisrt stab at the GRE next month, and I am SO not ready for it. But it is important for me to get some kind of idea of how the testing goes, and seeing where I am in the passing percentile.
Lately, I've been struggling with my relationship with God, and I feel like it mainly because I've taken my concentration off of him, and onto myself. When dealing with school, work, and relationships; I haven't allowed God to be my guide. So, I've decided to give my life to "The Master of Masters".

BAH HUMBUG! Screw love on the internet. Men suck online and off. Yes, I am bitter. And big surprise He wasn't "The one". Although, a couple months ago I really did feel like he could be. I guess that is the reason why people are so leary about the internet. Anyone can mask their real intentions over the computer. You never know until to meet someone face to face.

I am not going into great detail, but I am pretty much convinced that I must have some sort of "Real Men Repellent". I cannot seem to attract the kind of man that I feel I deserve. I've tried several times to not concentrate on any one person except myself. Somehow this last one caught me off guard.

I've made it into the last stretch of my Undergraduate career. At the end of this semester, December, I will be a Senior!!! Finally, the road has been rough and I have had many detours. I would like to thank those of you who have been supportive of me during this time. To name a few, Mom & Dad, sisters Angela & Nanagayle, Grandma, Keesha Troupe, and Kristel Mathis. You have all been inspirations, financers, motivators, and most of all, constant cheerleaders to my goal of completing my first step in higher education. The road is long before me, but I know that with support like yours I won't be so lonely travelling it.