A Girl Like Me

Color is more than skin deep for young African-American women struggling to define themselves.

A Doggie's Life

Sometimes, I feel like I'm twice my age--today is one of those days. My joints are aching and every step I take makes me feel old. A warm shower and lots of rest will probably make me feel much better.

I don't know if this is another sign of getting older, but all of a sudden I notice kids who are out late, or just hanging out and think "Shouldn't they be home sleeping? Where are their parents?"

Being a dog is usually a negative thing, but what if you were a real one? As in, you were somebody's pet and experienced a life of luxury? Check out this article on A Dog's Life.

I swear, there are animals in this world that live better than humans (esp. in this country). I didn't understand this concept till I saw it with my own eyes. There's one lady I used to work for in my former school and her family owned 2 cats. Those things were humongous! Don't know if they feed them some kind of genetically modified food or something. Anyhow, those pets were pampered like babies. There was a pet shop nearby that sold those cute little doggie clothes and a variety of pet supplies. There was even a book about how to interpret a cat's 'meows.' It was one of those stores where if you have to ask the prices, then you probably can't afford much. I'm all for animal rights, but I don't think they should be treated like little humans. But then again, who am I to judge owners who indulge themselves through their pets? After all, who else will give you their entire heart so willingly, and spend their entire life with you, offering protection, love, and sincere devotion if not Fido, Simba, or Rafiki?

Packing... and Private Lives

The past weekend has been filled with the hassle of moving. You don't realize how much stuff you have until you try to pack it all up. My books were the heaviest things and took up the most space. We threw out a lot of things and gave away others. Also took stuff to Goodwill. If only there was an affordable way to send things to Kenya....I used to be amazed at how people in the States would throw away everything (including working electronics) but now I understand. Most times, moving or storing stuff costs more than the value of the items. When it comes to electronics, there's always something new so if you hang onto things, they become obsolete. The main thing I want is a house of my own where I can keep my crap in forever and ever. I'm going to make it happen. Meanwhile, just dealing with daily challenges.

Funny how when you need help, the people you least expect come through for you. I'd rather have 1 or 2 friends I trust completely rather than a crowd that only hangs around during good times. One of my close friends lives in my new 'hood so we'll be hanging out more often.

Overheard today on campus (one guy to his friend):"I don't find her repulsive, I'm just not attracted to her." How would you tell someone that you're not into them? Is there a polite way to do it or do you just ignore them and hope they figure it out? I recently bumped into a guy I had a huge crush on 2 years ago. Whatever I used to see in him isn't there anymore. He used to be much cuter.

And why exactly is the public concerned about Condoleeza Rice's love life? I've heard some jokes on tv about her. Women (esp. unmarried ones) are always subject to scrutiny of their love lives. Kwa nini? Take another public figure, e.g. Dick Cheney. His hunting escapades have been a source of entertainment for everyone. Yet, you never hear anything about his wife. (Does he have one? I don't know) The only woman connected to him that we hear about is his lesbian daughter. Society should let women keep their private lives away from the public.

Looking Back

Thursday night was a blast! Made it to all 3 events, and even stopped for a drink at a favorite spot. They served some really good white wine at the gallery (I'm a fan of red) and the exhibit was great. The artist's strength was his charcoal drawings of humans--they were so detailed and life-like. Artists must study human anatomy to be able to capture the human form so well. Didn't Leornado da Vinci himself study cadavers? Well, I got to meet the artist and ask about his inspiration, which is spirituality. The crowd was a mix of business-types getting off work, artists, a backpacker who wandered by, and one punk-rock type chic who stood out from the crowd. It's fun to observe the people. You can usually tell the serious buyers: this time it was an old jungu man pointing at a piece on the wall and asking for a closer look. Afterwards, passed by the fundraiser to see the buddy who invited me. Then proceeded for a drink before hitting the club. It was a memorable night. By the way, why is it that if a chic goes somewhere with a guy, some people just assume you're together?

The weekend was also eventful: it included going clubbing with some workmates (the dj sucked, played music bila formula), a delicious dinner at a popular restaurant, a midnight birthday celebration with champagne and cake (yum), phone call from Dad, working for 12 hrs straight after 2 hours of sleep, and scrambling to type a paper due Monday morning.

There's so much reading to do for classes so I need to work on time management. Will be changing the work schedule. It's hard to readjust to school after being away for a while but I keep reminding myself that I used to be good at it. It seems like the teachers are really into assigning group projects. I have mixed feelings about this. The ethnic studies class has the most interesting material. I'm glad I got in and I look forward to class. The teacher is great (and did I mention good-looking?). He is so passionate and engaging that time flies by.

On the down side, I'm anxiously waiting for a decision from somebody. I'll find out in about 12 hrs. And my piano will be going to a new home. Can't take it when I move, plus I've come to the cruel realization that since I haven't become a concert pianist already, it will never happen. So, a real musician deserves to have it. Funny how you get attached to things. I can't handle a pet 'cause I'd fall apart if he/she died like Acolyte's roommate's dog did last week (See Roadkill...).

Currently listening to: "Sexy Love" by Ne-yo and "Los Angeles" by Sugarcult (free on iTunes) and watching: Korean soaps.

Going Out

I've got 3 invitations for events happening tonight and I've been deciding which ones I'll attend. Wish they were spread out so I could do them all. There are days when I'm sitting at home searching for something fun to do, and nobody feels like going out. Granted I have an odd schedule. I work weekends these days so I don't go out when most people do.

First there's an art gallery opening. I appreciate all kinds of art although I don't understand them all. I have deep admiration for artists and their talents. I won't miss this one. Entrance is free, and throw in some wine and cheese making it a great evening. Then, there's a fundraiser. There'll be live music and dancing. It costs more than I usually pay for an evening of entertainment so I assume there's dinner and drinks included. And it is for a good cause. Don't think I'll make it though 'cause a buddy invited me to go to a club I've wanted to check out for a while. There are different theme nights and ladies get in for free, so why not? Well, I'm gonna have fun so I'd better get ready!

American Dream or Nightmare?

I'm so pissed off! I just lost a huge part of the post I wrote, and I can never recreate all those beautifully written words so first, here's something I wrote last year.

❝If there's really an "American Dream" then there must be an "American Nightmare." And today I've seen it in the form of a rude Mexican woman working the slot machines at the Las Vegas McCurran Airport. Her heavily made-up face has an impatient look, and the kohl-lined eyes stare back with contempt. Her uniform is a black shirt with "CHANGE" printed clearly on it paired with black jeans. She lugs around a fanny pack full of coins. She's the kind of person you meet and instantly forget. She, like millions around the world, left their home country in search of a better life in this wealthy country--the U.S. of A. In many ways, a person like this is considered a success: has a job, apartment, drives a car, gets an income in dollars ...is independently living in another country ...and yet we must question, is this it?

Is it worth it leaving our homes, our families, our ancestors' birthplace, a place where we can freely practice our culture and blend in with our fellow countrymen; a place where you hear the sweet sounds of your mothertongue, where you feel part of a community and where you are seen as a full fledged member of society instead of being abruptly dismissed as another "minority" statistic?❞


Recently, I met a gentleman whose success in life has been proof of "The American Dream." He started out as a clerk in the company, worked his way up, and years later became the owner. I was impressed to hear about this first-hand experience and I told him that. Then he proceeded to tell me about his son who was even more successful. The son ran his own business, built it from the ground up until it was thriving. Then a man approached this son and offered to buy the business. The answer was, "It's not for sale." The man persisted saying, "Anything is for sale at the right price," and quoted a price the son couldn't refuse.
So, the son took the cash, bought a vineyard, built a beautiful home, and enjoyed the fruits of his labor. End of story, right? Wrong! The business went downhill within a year and lost a lot of money, so there was a knock on the son's door, begging him to go back. After considering the incentives, he took on the challenge and proceeded to rebuild the business back to its former glory. Then he sold the business a second time, banked a fortune and retired at the ripe age of....38.

The moral of the story? There are several, but the one that stuck in my mind is that you don't become outrageously wealthy by working for somebody else and waiting for a paycheck (there are a few exceptions). Those who have an idea or product that they build up, invest in, and take risks with stand to reap all the profits. I've heard the idea before, but now I've seen the evidence. So, I just added "start and run a business" to my list of ambitions.