OPERA!

I'm going to the Opera today!!!!!!! I am soooooo excited.

We are going to see Madame Butterfly--a Puccini opera.

I just cannot wait. YAY!

My Bucket list update

I haven't yet accomplished anything on my bucket list--and this makes me sad.  All of my postings are future based.

I think I have the tendency to dream big, and not really focus on the close road ahead of me. I'm not sure if thats a good thing--or something that sets me back.

This inspires me to want to think of a way to have an approachable mini bucket list--maybe modifying my approach to school, so that I can feel like I'm accomplishing little things on the way to my big goals.

VCU Basketball

WOW! What an awesome ride it has been.

I have to admit, I have not been a loyal VCU fan, nor have I even been to a basketball game.

As a freshman, I wanted to go to the games, but I almost ALWAYS had a rehearsal conflict. So, I guess I got into a bad habit.  Does that mean I don't have school spirit?

I think it's funny how when a team goes 'somewhere' and becomes really successful, the number of fans multiplies.

I also think that it's interesting that now that VCU has lost, a great chunk of those fans have turned and are now against the team.

I think it shows how people are completely in support of the things that make them look good, but when the circumstances change, and people feel as though their image and reputation will be threatened, their support suddenly isn't so strong.

With the recent VCU winnings, I think more than anything, I was just proud, and wanted to be in support of my team and school.  Maybe I did jump on the bandwagon...

Best job EVER!

My name is Bob. I work at McDonald's and have been working here for the past 13 years. I started out like every other kid looking for a part time job, and after two years I was asked to be the manager. Im kind of "the man". 

This probably isn't what people would call a typical dream job, but it's the best job I can dream of.  Going to work every day puts a smile on my face.  I have great friends and coworkers--all people who depend on my hard work and guidance for the success of our location.

I love the smile on the kids faces who come in to order their happy meal.  I feel like I am making their day, and hopefully changing their lives for the better.

I also enjoy the regulars who come in.  I know that Jerry from around the corner wants a #6 with a coke,  and I know Sally and Joe, who have been married for 37 years, will be in every Tuesday morning to order their breakfast buscuits and large coffees. 

I think its the irreplaceable connections with every day people that I love most about this job.  Although I am not driving the most expensive sports car, or taking trips to private beaches for my vacations,  I am doing alright.  I think I have an idea of what's important in life, and I wouldn't give it up for the world. 

I guess it's what they mean when they say: "One mans trash is another mans treasure."

VCU SYMPHONY

VCU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT!!!!


Singleton Performing Arts Center
MARCH 3, 2011
8PM


Works by Rossini, Mahler, and Brahms!


Dont miss out! :)

Indesisiveness

Me: What do you want for dinner?
Alannah: Idk, what do you want?
Me: It doesn't matter to me..
Alannah: You always do this. Why do I have to chose?
Me: Ok.  Sushi?
Alannah: I hate sushi.
Me: Thai?
Alannah: I hate thai.
Me: Those were my two choices.
Alannah: That's not fair, you know I don't like those two..
Me: Haha. Ok....Subway?
Alannah: I HATE SUBWAY.
Me: 3rd choice. Your turn..
Alannah: What do you want?
Me: It doesn't matter to me..

The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia | The Young History Makers Program

The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia | The Young History Makers Program

'Sara Smile' - Hall and Oates

Gay Rights

Two very interesting videos.  The first one featuring Ellen, has a funnier approach, yet the one from the View is pretty serious.  Both talking/debating about the same touchy subject--Gay Marriage and Gay Rights.  I have so many emotions that surface when I listen to debates on this topic, and I have so much to say about it; so much that I often don't even know where to begin.

For me, it's extremely interesting to compare the Gay Rights movement to the Civil Rights Movement, and the more I research, the more I am able to see the similarities that people point out.  The bottom line for me is that discrimination is equal to discrimination.  There is no form that is less harsh than the other. It's all just wrong.

I don't understand why people are so against change.  It seems as though everyone wants to grow, and everyone claims to be accepting but as soon as it comes time to show your acceptance, people close up like little clams.  What happened to the separation between church and state?  Why is religion one of the biggest deciding factors in this debate?  This is where I really become confused.

I think that one of the biggest things that people need to realize is that love is love, and everyone is equal.  We go through these stages of discrimination and oppression against a large group of people; we then come to some kind of realization that it is wrong. Rules are then made--and what's so disappointing is that we repeat the process all over again. African American Slavery--The Holocaust--Civil Rights Movement--and now Gay Rights?  When will we ever learn that judging those who are different from us is unjust.  It's not our job to judge one another.  It's our job to accept those that surround us in hopes that they will accept us right back.

I can admit that I get so heated when talking about this topic, because I feel so not loved.  I don't spend my days trying to figure out how I can limit peoples lives, and give them rules on how to live; so why do people feel as though they should do that for me?

When people base their lives off of certain beliefs, they can often be rather contradictory, in my opinion.  While the Bible has scripture against Homosexuality, it is also repeated to love one another, and that God loves everyone.  

Although I am not very religious, I respect all beliefs, because people are aloud to think whatever they want.  But just as I am accepting of those beliefs, I think it is only fair for others to accept peoples lifestyles and views, especially when it's not harming or interfering with other peoples' happiness and personal lives.

America is supposed to be the land of freedom and equality.  That's what we are founded on.  And the fact that we are aloud to practice any religion we want, there is no reason to use a religion against someone, making them follow rules that they don't choose to believe in.

What's the world without diversity? Acceptance is key.

Youtube

I LOVE YOUTUBE.

I really--REALLY do.

I am always on youtube, finding new videos and old ones, too.  I have a slight obsession with watching rehearsals and recording sessions from back in the day, and I find myself watching these videos over, and over again.

I just love it. Enjoy! :)

Daddy and Me

July.  Family and Friends surround us.
Not bothered by the heat, we all enjoy each other's company.
Blessed to participate in such a beautiful day.
The green grass we sit on.
The bright blue sky sits above us.

I sit on my father's lap
As if it was a seat made just for me
I feel protected
As I sip on my juice box
Not that I have a care in the world as a 2 yr. old

It's clear that we have a special bond
There were a million other places to sit
But, I chose his lap.
I feel loved.
An irreplaceable bond.

Social Networking

Hello, My name is Naima, and I am addicted to Twitter...

No. Really.

I thought I'd be able to give up twitter without a problem right?  I used to think twitter was the most pointless form of technology.  I just didn't understand it's purpose.  Now I find myself ALWAYS being on the site, talking to friends, reading other posts, and documenting my activities.

Giving up the network was so difficult, that I failed. I often forgot that I was even giving it up.  It was weird how my hands are almost oriented to click on the site.  I can pick up my phone, and click on it without even realizing that I did so. So strange.

What has the world come to? Hopefully this wont last for long.

History

I remember it like it was yesterday.

I was sitting in my 7th grade Life Science class, at Binford Model Middle school.  We were in the midst of talking about our science fair projects, when the Principal came on over the loud speaker.

I don't recall exactly what she said, but I remember the statement "World Trade Centers" being used multiple times.  I thought it was interesting how, none of us (my fellow students) knew what had happened, nor did we even know what the Trade Centers were. But I will never forget the look on my teacher's face. She was in utter shock.

I remember the confused feeling that we all had.  We didn't understand how something could look and seem so damaging, yet we felt none of the normal emotions that would come with such a tragedy.  We were almost upset as to why we were told to be quiet; we just didn't understand.

When I got home, and scrolled through all the T.V channels, there was almost no station that wasn't talking about the attack, and this lasted for weeks.  And I was so confused.

When I look back on this situation, I love to talk to my mom about it, because our experience was so different.  My mom talks about how afraid, and sad she was that this had happened, and like many other people, she was worried about the future more than anything else.  She remembers the feeling that she got when she was at work and the news was shared.  She instantly broke into tears, because she realized how dramatic this attack was.  She always tells me that she had never felt so inclined to go to church, and she canceled her appointments for the evening so that she could indeed make it to Mass. Same event; completely different reaction.

I find it crazy how people can really deal with situations totally differently.  One person could be so not affected by a tragedy, whereas someone else's world could completely crumble.

Practice makes perfect?

What if I were to practice everything...the wrong way?

Would my practice make perfect?

Maybe...perfect practice makes perfect.

Yeah- that's it.

the simple things

I'm sitting here in a coffee shop.  The beautiful color on the walls is setting the mood. And every time someone walks in, it's like a breath of fresh air; fresh life.  No two people are the same-may be similar-but never the same.  My tunes are blasting through my earbud headphones, and I'm sipping on some peach tea.

For this moment, it's almost as if I have not one care in the world. With all of these different walks of life
-living-, I am almost able to forget about the structured and often caged in world that I'm living in day-to-day.

I can almost forget the reality, that I have homework due, practicing that needs to take place, and many calls that need to be made...but I am really enjoying this moment.

Diversity Excites me.  Freedom motivates me.  And the simple things make me smile.

College Motivation

Ken's Steele's Student Motivation for entering college

1.   The scholars: " interested in education for its own sake…m otivated by altruism…l ikely to go on to graduate school"

2.   The careerists:   "attend college as a means to an end: getting a job"

3.   The conflicted:   "like the careerists but are not sure where they are going… pushed into college by society or their parents"

 4.   The drifters:   "interested in the creature comforts of a campus and would rather go to college than get a job"

This list is quite interesting.  Although, I know people from every one of these categories, I don't think that any of them really cover my feelings, or represent my vision. But-- if I combined all of these lists, I feel like you might have ME...with a little bit left over.

As I am interested in education, I am hopeful for a job, not quite sure where I am going, and am not quite ready for a job--so I am in college...I feel like it's still more than that.

I am very interested in being educated, because I feel like living a life with ignorance, is just not the way for me.  With that being said, I also feel like some forms of the education that we are served, are purely purposeless, and some classes could be replaced, to give us other education that our generation is in definite need of.

I also feel as though, sometimes I am just buying my education, rather than really really learning-- It's like purchasing a degree.

*Pull up to the drive thru window:*

Me: "Hi may I please get an Undergraduate degree?"

Them: "Yes, would you like a side of education with that?"

Me: "Yes please; can you super-size the stuff that doesn't really matter?"

Them: "Yes ma'am....your total is $100,000"

Me: "?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?"

*scene*

--Sometimes that's what I feel like.  The education I am interested in, is the stuff that I really need to have to survive.  I think that a lot of people would be more motivated if they had the guarantee that the information they were receiving wasn't just filler information, and it was stuff that really could help them in the future.  If comparing this education to a car, it's like  Leather Seats vs. Gasoline.

I guess the biggest thing is that my motivation is mixed.  I want to feel as though while in college, if I were to change my major 5 times, the basic classes that I need would still be beneficial to my life, as opposed to just beneficial towards a certain degree.  Let's be honest, if I am going to be a musician, or if I want to be an accountant, I don't feel as though the chemistry class is really going to make a difference.  But, if there was a mandatory finance class, everyone is going to be an adult--and everyone needs to learn how to manage their money.

My  category would be more of a useful approach.  I want to learn, but I don't want to fill my brain with stuffing; I'd rather to have substantial and purposeful information buzzing around in my head.

You can call it "Instrumental".

The Bucket List

Being 20, you feel so old and young at the same time.  Of course you're an adult, but the majority of us are not really REALLY handling adult issues and problems on our own.  Sometimes I feel so mature, but then I feel as though I don't know much at all--since there's so much more to learn.

Creating a bucket list is a neat idea because it gives me the time to dream and imagine. Of course I have goals and general aspirations, but what about those big dreams that I could accomplish since I am still so young.

I've always had some bit of confusion with what I want to do with my life.  I think part of this is because I am admittedly more Artistic than Academic, and I have interests in many different categories.

I can separate it into groups.  The first group dealing with my biggest comfort zone-Music.  This category doesn't seem to unapproachable to me. This would be the list that is probably the most realistic.

1. Graduate with a B.M
2. Get accepted into a distinguished Grad School
3. Masters in Performing
4. Masters in Conducting
5. Doctorate in Conducting
6. Start an orchestra for superiorly talented minorities
7. Be a part of an African American String Quartet
8. Win a Grammy for a Quartet recording
9. Go on tour all over the world, spreading the word for diversity and music intertwined.
10. Take music around America and Across the world, giving under-privileged kids the opportunity to learn about music and instruments.

For my second list,  I can include career dreams that I'm not sure if I would get around to, but I would love to have the opportunity to experience.

11. Become a producer at a huge recording studio, maybe for classical music, but also r&b and even hip-hop.
12. Get a degree as a Chef
13. Own a restaurant on the East and West cost. (NY,LA)
14. Become a music critic.
15. Become a cuisine critic.
16. Have a Magazine or Blog that incorporates food and music.
17. Perform at the White House
18. Own a clothing store in a cool, urban area.
19. Design a shoe and men's clothing line
20. Become a stylist

My third group deals more with my personal life and beliefs.  Being a minority, in many ways, gives you the opportunity to experience inequality, and provides me with the dreams to keep living and speaking up so that it may change for the next generation.

21.  I want to live to see gay marriage legal in all of the U.S
22.  I want to be married and not have the status of my marriage change just because I cross a state line.
23.  I would like to help with poverty and have enough money to really make a change and give back to the communities that need it.
24.  I would love to be a political activist. Touching base on what really needs to change.
25.  I'd love to see a day where people aren't treated differently because of their religion, gender, race, or sexuality. (And would like to help with this change)
26.  Volunteer by healing people with my music.  Whether it's the sick, the elderly, or special needs.
27.  Own a homeless shelter, providing clothes, heat/air, food, activities, education, and counseling.
28.  Being one of the first African American women to conduct a major orchestra, in america, and across the world
29. Lead an organization that provides counseling and guidance for minorities.
30. Be happy, with a healthy family. Living an environmentally aware lifestyle.

Laying out my dreams really felt amazing just now.  Before I started, I felt like I would have a lot of dreams that weren't really possible, but as I look at list, I see myself tackling so much of this list.  Dreaming big is a great way to put it.  Maybe I will continue to edit my bucket list, and cross off the things I've achieved.

#1

This is officially my first post! :)

I was introduced to blogging by my girlfriend, but my Tumblr is more photography based.  I am excited to have this blog because it will give me the chance to work on my writing and to lay out my ideas and feelings. Mushy I know; but hey! it's true.

I can admit I was a bit nervous for my first day in this University 112 class, but after 5 minutes of being there, I became aware that everyone was so nice and welcoming, and it really seems like it's going to be a good class. A useful class.

What is one to talk about in their VERY FIRST BLOG!? :)

I guess one thing that everyone can relate to is how overwhelming school can really be.  I found myself making a few mistakes my freshman year, some that were controllable, and some that were completely out of my hands, and now I am stillllllll paying for both.  I think the biggest thing I've been trying to do is stay focused on the moment, and not dwell in the past, because every time I get stuck in "what could have been", it's even harder for me to move forward.

Do you ever feel like you're not in the right career path?  What if there's something else out there that is your true calling?

Look! I'm doing it again.   -__-

I guess my outlook on life from today on should be live and perform in the moment and stop worrying about what could have been.  Just follow your heart.

What a random first post! If you see (read) me dwelling...please let me know. Haha :)