It has been an eventful month. I started my job at Urban and its been interesting. I haven't had a steady schedule but I am learning new things whenever I'm there. Approaching customers and asking them questions has been easier; I'm becoming more comfortable socializing with others. I've also learned some of their folding techniques that I will be using for my own closet. My day consists of keeping the men's department clean and tidy, assisting customers with finding sizes/ giving advice on clothing, helping people to locate different items, etc. My favorite area to work in would definitely be the dressing room. Even though you have to be more aware to make sure no one is stealing anything, I enjoy the fast pace environment and being secluded into one area with a few jobs designated to me instead of open-ended assistance on the regular floor. I've experienced opening, mid day rush, overtime, and dressing room. I'm looking forward to cash wrap and closing very soon. My coworkers are all older than me and very chill. I love the diversity. The paycheck isn't bad either.
So far during this summer, I've finally completed Girlfriends the show and I recommend it. It's very relatable to the social issues we're going through right now, not to mention refreshing. I haven't seen a show that depicts black women in a more positive light that is sitcom instead of reality TV show. I'm now onto Living Single and A Different World. I'm also thinking about getting into Friends and Seinfeld just to see what all the commotion is about.
I've been slacking in the reading department and need to step my game up. I'm currently reading 3 books at the same time and I will be updating on that. I'm still working on my 50 book challenge, its just hard to sit and read nowadays, especially with all this heat.
I also failed to mention that in the end of may/beginning of June I recently gotten gray hair and it has become a staple on me. I need to stock pile on gray hair because it really suits me. Lots of girls have black braids at my job and the gray is something different. I get loads of complements and attention which I love. It will look even sicker in the winter contrasting my all black outfits for sure.
Music:
Key!: Fathers Are The Curse
Fav Tracks: Cathedral, .45, Guess Who, Pay That Price ft. Jace,
- Really good mix tape, especially the tracks above. You need some really good speakers for this one.
Fatmankey: Mothers Are The Blame
Fav Tracks: Grown Ass Man ; Live Slow, Die Old ; The Life & Easter Pink ; Greg ft. Curtis Williams & TheCoolism
- Bangers for real. Get some good ass speakers man seriously.
Real Estate: Atlas
Fav Tracks: Had to Hear, Past Lives, The Bend, Navigator
- I listen to this album a lot while I shower. I've been vibing to this for months and I just noticed that I never addressed it. Cool album, check it out.
Donnie Trumpet and The Social Experiment: Surf
Fav Tracks: Care Taker, Just Wait, Questions, Rememory
- This album was free on iTunes, I don't know if it is anymore. I know the Social Experiment because Chance the Rapper is apart of the group; Donnie trumpet is new to me. This album has a medley of different artists and is good vibes throughout.
On May 28th I got the phone call that I got the job as sales associate at Urban Outfitters.
I'm amazed that I got it.
I've been dreaming about this job since I was 15 and I got it on my first try.
I'm super proud of myself and I can't wait until I get into a regular routine and learn my co-workers.
I have an orientation June 7th, I think I'll start working that week or the following.
This month for music I've really been into a couple of artists tapes and albums.
Jesse Boykins III: Love Apparatus
FavoriteSongs: I Wish, Live In Me, Create Beauty
- This album is R&B, Soul and Funk influenced. I was craving for some R&B and always thought Jesse looked very interesting. I enjoyed this album.
Remy Banks: higher.
FavoriteSongs: things i do, feast, 7th heaven, exhale
- Queens native rapper Remy Banks is a name I've heard before. I never listened to him solo but I did hear him in a song with Flatbush Zombies. I enjoy his sound, his flow reminds me of 2000 hip-hop.
Earl Sweatshirt: I don't like shit, I don't go outside
Fav Songs: Every song but especially Faucet
- Earl's sophomore album where he stated his topic and how much of it was organic that it was more like his first. Its super raw and the beats are produced by himself. I love this album dearly. Beautiful from beginning to the end. A work of art.
Tyler, The Creator: Cherry Bomb
Favorite Songs: Okaga CA,Fucking Young/Perfect, Blow My Load, 2seater
- This is Tyler's fourth album; there is a much more experimental approach and the topics is more love songs, money, cash and his response to critiques. I hear a big N.E.R.D influence in multiple songs. I love the jazz and chord progressions in most of his songs. Especially Blow My Load. Sounds like Tyler is in love.
Here are a couple of other songs I liked this month
Exchanging- Mndsgn
Camelblues- Mndsgn
Solace- Earl Sweatshirt
Quest/Power- Earl Sweatshirt
The Place- Inc.
Baby- Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
Beautiful- Remy Boyz
I celebrated my sisters 20teen birthday today
I hope my orientation goes well and I get back on track with my reading goal.
I plan on managing some of my finances and preparing for the upcoming school semester.
Nothing else has really been going on, I cleared up my hiatus in my last post.
It's hard to believe that its already the middle of May. The first half of this year has certainly been a challenging one. Friday the 15 was the last day of classes for spring 2015 semester. I've been in my new college for a semester now and I'm entirely used to the atmosphere and travel being that I had school 5 days a week. I've been swamped with homework and obligations. I have drafts of the last two months reflections; however they won't be published. They're mostly thoughts and they lack structure.
A little more on me. I haven't been buying clothes. I think the only clothing purchases I've made in the last couple months have been a bra and t-shirt. Funds are tight and I'm striving to save up for a bike. My skin is becoming much more clearer. I owe that to black soap, sleep and coconut oil. I'm striving to get a summer job at any retail place; I applied for Urban Outfitters and went on two interviews 5/13. It made me realize that I'm growing up unfortunately. I'm hoping to land the job and I'm impatiently waiting. If it doesn't work out I'll re-apply for Barnes and Nobles or try to get Uniqlo or Muji. With my classes being over, I have to be in a study environment because I have 2 more finals next week. I already took my ECE and Math final (I guessed really hard), presented my final speech and submitted the online test; I submitted my final research paper for English about 2 hours ago. I wasn't really in the mind frame to study, I was mostly preoccupied with studying for my interview. Priorities I know.
Music has been good to me. Earl Sweatshirts new album "I don't like shit. I don't go outside." has made it into the category of my favorite albums of all time. That album is literally a classic in my opinion and I listen to it everyday. My favorite song would definitely be Faucet. I bought a vinyl player I believe in March in perfect condition at the thrift store. This has led me to buying vinyls and my favorite one right now would be my collectors edition of Toro Y Moi's new album "What For?". This was the first vinyl I preordered ever. I have yet to spin it because its so beautiful. I do however have it downloaded on my iPod. my favorite songs would be Ratcliff, Spell it Out, and Half Dome. This is another instant classic from Toro. I love that album.
As for goals for the summer, I hope to save up more money and get my first job. I want to create myself a bike fund since a car fund seems a little far fetch (driving is scary). I have a massive wish list of items I need to check off. With me having only Saturday and Sunday classes next semester, I hope to carry on my job in the fall. I plan on continuing my 100 book challenge (I've been stuck on 10 simply because of an English research paper), listen to some more great music and have a rewarding/semi-relaxing summer.
I'm procrastinating on writing my speech about procrastination. Oh the irony.
Its currently 4:46 am on February the 27th. Its a new day and almost a new month. I'm tired but I have to soon get ready for my math lecture later on the morning. Sleeping on public transportation it is. February being the shortest month felt very fast. I don't have many favorites for this month; I've been reveling in the glow of my January favorites. This month has left me feeling quite shitty to be honest. I found myself really dreading to battle this cold weather and public transportation. The influx of assignments and my heighten procrastination has been weighing on me heavy. With the weather either being snowy or just frigid fucking cold, I've been wearing the same outfits back to back. Everything has been bland and in a monotonous tone this month. Valentines didn't make a big impact either; even with all the discounted leftover candy. I hope things will be looking up for March. I need more sun and at least 40 degree weather. This below 5 weather is dampening my entire mood for any and everything right now. I'm tired of being cold.
Favorites
Shows: Community - I completed 4 seasons of community and have the fifth to watch. This is kind of difficult since it isn't on DVD at my local library. I have to find websites online to tune in and that's a hassle all by itself. The show has grown on me and a new season will be coming out in March so I'm looking forward to that. *I also watched the first season of Parks and Recreations, but decided I should leave that series for the summertime.
Music:
Kari Faux - Laugh Now, Die Later Check out her video for Gahdamn (You'll be hooked) *I found out about her from surfing the web and stumbling on her gifs on Tumblr;I also recently read an article on saintrecords about her. I love her country flow and her beat selection is on point. I've been listening to this mixtape all February and suggest you give it a listen. Fav Tracks: No Small Talk, Gahdamn, Stainless
Metronomy - Love Letters
*I got this album while picking up random albums from the library and downloading them on my computer. I liked Metronomy and decided to give it a listen. It has taken me a while to listen to the album and I sure was missing out. Its a disco ride straight through; very catchy and smooth.
Fav Tracks: I'm Aquarius, Call Me, The Most Immaculate Haircut, Never Wanted
Erykah Badu - New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)
* Before I listened to this entire body of work, I was obessed with her song Window Seat. That was the whole reason I downloaded it onto my Ipod, just because of that song. Few months down the road I fell in love with her song 20 Feet Tall. Now I love the entire album. Its my first Erykah Badu album that I know by heart. A classic in my eyes, highly recommend.
Fav Tracks: Gone Baby, Don't be long; Out My Mind, Just In Time; 20 Feet Tall, Window Seat
The Internet - Feel Good
* I was supposed to talk about this album in January but was to lazy to write about it. I'm a big fan of the Internet's first album Purple Naked Ladies and wanted to hear this. It is a beautiful album full of R&B and Funk music. I love the production and Syd's voice. Extremly proud of this one; Odd Future has great talent.
Fav Tracks: You Don't Even Know, Pupil/Patience, Cloud Of Our Own, Matt's Apartment, Wanders Of The Mind, Higher Times
So come on March.
I hope you will be productive, warmer and lighter month.
I gave up shopping for clothes and fast food for lent.
Wow January has come and gone rather quickly. I'm currently relishing in the last days of my winter break. Spring semester is creeping up and I am excited to get back into the school groove. One big adjustment I'll have to face is having a five day schedule. Majority of my classes begin at 7am. I love having early morning classes; I'd rather seize the day than stay out all afternoon and get home late. I like the thought of being the early bird and always getting the worm first.
College: Spring Semester 2015 Classes
I am an early childhood education major.
ECE 110: Psychological Foundations of Early Development and Education {This course examines the psychological and psychosocial foundations of early
childhood and relates these foundations to educational practice with young
children, birth to eight years. It focuses on historical and contemporary
theories of childhood development. Early learning is considered in relation to
biological factors, child and family factors, program factors and social
factors, particularly in diverse urban settings. Young children's physical,
cognitive, communicative, social and emotional development is explored as
contributors to and as consequences of early learning experiences.} - This is a mandatory course for my major.
ENG 201: Introduction to Literature {This is a course that builds upon skills introduced in English 101. In this
course, literature is the field for the development of critical reading,
critical thinking, independent research, and writing skills. Students are
introduced to literary criticisms and acquire basic knowledge necessary for the
analysis of texts (including literary terms and some literary theory); they gain
proficiency in library and internet research; and they hone their skills as
readers and writers. Assignments move from close readings of literary texts in
a variety of genres to analyses that introduce literary terms and broader
contexts, culminating in an independent, documented, thesis-driven research
paper. By the conclusion of English 201, students will be prepared for the
analytical and research-based writing required in upper-level courses across the
curriculum; they will also be prepared for advanced courses in literature.} - This class will be completely online. My transfer credits allowed me to move onto 201 instead of doing ENG 101 again. Thank God.
MAT 12: Basic Arithmetic and Algebra {This course is a combination of arithmetic and elementary algebra. It includes
the arithmetic of integers, fractions, decimals, and percent. In addition, such
topics as signed numbers, algebraic representation, operations with polynomials,
factoring, the solution of simultaneous linear equations of two variables, and
graphing are covered.} - Remedial math once again. I plan to pass this and take my only required college leveled math course in the fall. Fingers crossed.
PSY 100: General Psychology {This course stresses adaptive human behavior in relation to the environment.
Topics considered include: origins and methods of psychology, neuropsychological
bases of behavior, maturation, motivation, emotion, learning frustration and
conflict.} - This course requires a personalized college textbook that costs 116 dollars. Lord help me.
SPE 100: Fundamentals of Speech {The aim of this course is to develop effective skills in speech communication.
The student examines how to generate topics and organized ideas, masters
elements of audience psychology and practices techniques of speech presentation
in a public forum. All elements of speech production and presentation are
considered.} - This is a hybrid course; half online other half in person. Public speaking is one of the things I hate so I made sure to get a hybrid course. We only meet once a week and for only 50 minutes. I hope this goes well.
This winter break was a much needed breather. I hope for a smooth and informational semester.
This album is fragile and pretty. Lykke Li's voice is so soft and girly; Its full of adolescence and young womanhood. This album is mostly about realationships, love and all that good stuff.
Fav Songs: Little Bit, My Love and Dance, Dance Dance.
Childish Gambino: Sober
Really chill song and I was hooked once I saw the video.
Please take four minutes out of your day to watch this video It's so cute. I believe his recent videos follow some sort of storyline, hence why he looks like a zombie of some sort here. I have much respect for Childish Gambino. I don't love all his songs but here is one I do.
SALES EP
I fell in love with this band rather quickly. All of their songs are on this one EP which allowed me to listen to it all straight through. Their music reminds me of spring days and adventures.
Listen to it in order below.
Renee
Vow
Chinese New Year
Getting It On
Toto
Toto (Xxyyxx Remix)
Mac Demarco: Rock and Roll Night Club
When do I not love Mac Demarco like seriously. This is the album before 2 and Salad Days and I love it just like the others. This album seems heavenliy inspired by Elvis, he even sounds like him in a few songs. Nice rock ballads with low-fi dirty gritty instruments; a lovely album from start to finish. Mac why are you so catchy?
Fav Songs: Baby's Wearing Blue Jeans, She's Really All I Need, Only You
Little Dragon: Nabuma Rubberband
Yukimi Nagano has one of my favorite female voices. I've loved Little Dragon since I was about 14 and this is the first full album I really ever gotten into. I love the soul, bass and drums in this album. The visuals is a great representation for all the songs. Its like trip hop, electronic and R&B mashed together from a band in Sweden.
Jeff Winger is disbarred and suspended from his law firm when it is discovered that he lied about possessing his bachelor's degree. This leaves him with no choice but to enroll at Greendale Community College to earn a legitimate degree. Jeff quickly becomes attracted to his activist classmate, Britta Perry, and pretends to run a study group in order to spend time with her. But his plans go awry when she invites others from the class along: pop culture-loving nerd Abed Nadir, religious single mother Shirley Bennett, naive over-achiever Annie Edison, former high school football star Troy Barnes, and millionaire Pierce Hawthorne. Despite their differences, the group quickly became close friends. While taking select classes together semester after semester, they're often roped into helping the flamboyant Dean Craig Pelton in his schemes to make the school seem more reputable, as well as having to deal with the antics of their unhinged teacher/classmate Ben Chang.
I'm currently on the second season. This show is funny and I like having something to watch. The motives of these episode really thrive on friendship but nonetheless I enjoy this show. My favorite characters are Troy and Abed.
Broad City
Broad City is a comedy television series that debuted on Comedy Central in 2014, about two women in their twenties living in New York City. The series was created by Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson, who also star as the series leads, and was developed from their web series of the same name that was produced from 2009 to 2011. Broad City follows two young best friends navigating their way through everyday life in New York City. The show is centered around the lives of low income, struggling women and their friendships.
I binged watched the entire first season just yesterday after seeing so many gifs of this show on Tumblr. Its a funny show, nothing too serious. Above is a clip from the first episode, I thought this was hilarious.
Gone Girl
Gone Girl is a thriller novel by American writer Gillian Flynn. Crown Publishing Group published the novel in June 2012 and it soon made the New York Times Best Seller list. The novel's principal suspense comes from uncertainty about the main character, Nick Dunne, and whether he is involved in the disappearance of his wife. The book is an example of the literary subgenre called Domestic Noir.
Amazing read that I recommend to anyone. This book kept me on my toes and was a different genre from my usual reads. I want to watch the movie and I plan on doing so soon.
January was a month of relaxation and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Starting February I know I'm going to be in grind mode.
Even though New Years is my least favorite holiday, I love that it gives everyone a chance to start new. I'm one of the many people partaking in the tradition. I've tried resolutions countless times and I never seem to follow through, so this year I plan to set goals for myself that are much more believable and achievable (unlike work out everyday at 6am). Here are the lists of my goals in categories .
Life: Personal/Emotionally speaking -I am working on living in the now, making positive decisions for my future and not dwelling in the past.
Healthier choices: I've eliminated soda for over a year now and I want to minimize my junk food intake.
Strive to be less judgmental: I am a very catty person sometimes. Not everything needs to be said or judged.
Hygiene: I need to stop procrastinating when it comes to my nail care. Hangnails and damaged nail beds need to be minimized.
Brain:Education/Mind - Procrastination can and will be the death of me; Don't settle for good, go for best.
Spring Semester: I will be entering a new phase in my education career. Starting the end of January I will be attending a brand new college. This means a brand new curriculum, classes, major and location. I need to be completely focus to start this journey off right.
Book Challenge: Since I started college reading for pleasure has been a major hobby of mine. This year my goal is to read 50 books. They all have to be over 100 pages (no cheating on children's books). Reading is very therapeutic for me and it opens my mind to different ideas and vocabulary. Its a great pastime for students like me that have more than an hour thirty commute.
Lists: Lists are my best friends. Lists will carry me through school, especially with my hybrid and online classes. Lists. Make more of them. Stay organized and on top of my work.
Material:Money, Clothes, Shopping, etc. - All the money spent on the fakes could have bought you the real thing.
Minimize: Throw out, sell, hand down or hand out any of my old or new items that I know damn well I won't wear.
Fakes and Replicas: Now I'm not talking about a fake Chanel bag, but in terms of my clothing quality over quantity should always remain supreme. No more fake denim, no more fake leather jackets, no more cheap bargain shoes that will wear out quickly, fake jewelry included. All the money and time spent on the abundance of fakes can buy you one or two items you really cherish that are real. I really want a leather jacket and I will get it one day.
Lists: Lists pertain to this topic as well. No more frivolous spending. A list can tell me what exactly I need to avoid spending money without cause.
Save: I have my own personal goal to save a certain amount before 2016. It's like a constant reminder of my future and how I'm preparing for it. Money always needs to be saved just in case.
Wear: I want to wear more skirts and dresses; I want to step out of my comfort zone. I love jeans but I need a change. I hope to wear more versatile outfits this year.
Wear Out: I want to wear what I have till its worn out. This prevents me from buying new things. I need to wear out my shoes like I did in middle school with my converses. They need to be loved and worn daily.
Love: Don't buy unless you love it. Think of at least 5 outfits with that item, and love it not like it. If you love it you'll wear it; like it and it'll be in the back of your wardrobe to be forgotten.
2014 was a wonderful year.
I'm happy, healthy, alive and breathing.
I'm extremely thankful to be alive for 2015 and I'm excited for what's to come.
This post is long overdue. I was supposed to make a post about my birthday and thanksgiving; not to mention a November favorites. I guess I'll do it all right here, right now.
November 14th was my 18th birthday. It was a Friday and I didn't have class. I basically stayed home all day alone and relaxed. I couldn't find anything for me to commemorate my birthday so I just rolled with it as usual. I bought me a bag a week later that I was eyeing at Urban Outfitters. Black, patent leather, square cross body bag with gold accents. I had my tacos and chocolate cake. My sister gave me one of my Christmas gifts as a birthday gift; Toro Y Moi's first album. I took some pictures on my polaroid camera to remember the day. Nothing elaborate.
Thanksgiving didn't feel like thanksgiving this year. With the verdict of Mike Brown, it left me in an awkward position. I felt anti-everything and remorseful that he wouldn't get to celebrate with his family. I've been looking forward to this holiday all year for its dishes, that when it actually came it felt dull. It came and went in a blink of an eye. My focus was on Mike Brown's case and Christmas. Sadly Thanksgiving fell short this year.
November Favorites
Music
TheStand4rd: I've been listening to their album as soon as it came out in early November.
When I first listened to it, I of course picked my favorites and tended to dismiss the others.
With long rides on the train, I enjoy listening to full albums and I ended up doing just that with this album. It has elements of Rap, Experimental R&B, Pop; an altogether mixture of great beats, catchy choruses and a mesh of husky/melodic voices.
Favorite Songs: Pretty, Stay, Tryna Fuk/ No Reply and Weight.
Kelela: CUT 4 ME is a R&B album without a doubt which is really refreshing to listen to. I've heard of her a long time ago and didn't really care for this mix tape until recently. Another album good from beginning to the end, Kelela's voice is smooth and alluring. The beats have influences of 90s R&B and celestial spacey components creating a very different sound that I can say I thoroughly enjoyed the entire month of November.
Favorite Songs: Something Else, A Lie and Cherry Coffee.
Toro Y Moi: Causers Of This is one of my favorite albums of all time. His debut album is experimental, chill-wave pop that is animated and entertaining. I've loved this album for years and I now have it on my IPod thank goodness. This album was the beginning of my obsession for his music.
Favorite Songs: The Entire Album. Period.
Raury: Wildfire is one song from his Mix tape Indigo Child. Now I don't really vibe with this body of work but I do love this song. I love how it builds up from quiet to a louder and forceful chant. I enjoy his delivery and the cover art is super pretty. Its hard not to try and learn the lyrics and want to sing along.
I've also been listening to Grizzly Bear and Blood Orange but I've already talked about them before.
Fashion
My favorites fashion wise in November have been:
Cocoon Tan Parka: Warm with a huge hood, the tan is a change for me in outerwear and I love standing out amongst all the black coats around me. Parka Link
Uniqlo Turtleneck: Extra layer of warmth and has helped me to stay warm. Its very thin so it's easy for me to layer but crazy warm. Its hard to explain but Uniqlo is amazing. Turtleneck Link
Uniqlo Pom-Pom Hat: Gray oversized crocheted pom-pom hat has been my go to accessory. Its not very warm and I did stretch it out, but it is oversized which is something I can never get with my hair. Hat Link
Black and Brown boots: I recently bought me real leather Chelsea boots from Aerosole and 2 pairs of JCPenny pointed heeled boots. They are all adorable and comfortable. It adds a dash of femininity to my otherwise masculine/oversized outfits. The heel height also makes me look less stubby more "lean and skinny" which is very important.
Oldnavy Swing Coat: I got in a size medium In black to achieve that oversized blazer coat look and Its very stylish paired with my boots. Not to mention warm. Coat Link
Black Patent Leather Cross Body bag: I bought this for my birthday and I love the shape and shine. I think the Rectangular stiff shape adds a sense of structure to my outfits. The patent is something new to me and looks cool. I love the limited space and wide shoulder strap; overall I'm happy with this purchase and at $20 it was a steal. Bag Link
Misc
- There's this tea that I've been drinking a lot (I can't remember the name but it is Lipton and some berry-ish flavor). - I of course been reading but I will do a separate post on that. - Sims 2 PC has been taking a lot of my time away from me.
My time has been occupied with finals and Spring 2015 Semester in my new college. I've been accepted into my number one choice of transfer schools and I'm in the process of registering and all that good stuff. Christmas gifts have been bought for all of my family and I'm waiting on the last few packages to arrive. I'm excited for Christmas and the future in general.
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