Things I am thankful for

1. My life

2. My friends who accept me for me and love me unconditionally

3. Mimosas, you know how much I love mimosas?

4. A job that I love flaws and all

5. A support system of people I can turn to in times of need

6. Ratchet music and it's ability to increase my productivity

7. As the old folks say a reasonable portion of health, despite my weight (which is decreasing) I have no major health problems and probably can do more than some skinny people (don't assume skinny people are healthy and fat people are unhealthy)

8. The Read, one of my favorite podcasts! Crissle and Kid Fury give me life weekly

9. The ability to see various perspectives in situations, my not agree, but I can see your point

10. A church home that I love, not as close to the people as I use to be, but I am thankful for lessons taught and growth I have had since being there 

11. Sundresses!!!!! The only time I like to dress up

12. The ability to laugh at myself, I am goofy and weird, but I love it

13. Music in general, it puts me in my zone. It speaks when I can't, it ministers to me when I am in my quiet place

14. Food!!! Yes I love to eat and cook.

15. My family! We are special, but I love them all.......even the crazy ones

16. My text convos......the dissertations, the random GIFs, they moments or social activism intertwined with ratchetness and sometimes inspiration and advice

17. I do love my hair, not always easy to manage, but thee ability to wash and go is providing convenient in this workout journey

18. Headphones at work to tune out the stupid people

19. Scandal!!!!! Even in this not so awesome season the joy of watching and interacting with friends on social media is fun!

20. Even you.......lesson learned

21. Flip flops!!!!!!! Love! Love! Love!!

22. Ability to not easily cry......my emotions are truly guarded most of the time

23. The ponytail! It is prob my favorite hairstyle

24. Netflix! Binge watching television shows and discovering indie movies is a joy for me

25. Social media, the good and the bad. I love how it connects people

26. My faith, yes I question, but my faith has gotten and continues to get me through so many things

27. Sunday naps!!! A gift from God!

28. Spring and Summer because I hate cold weather

29. All of you that take the time to read my random thoughts. They are a small piece of what goes on in my head.....scary right?

30. What are some things you are thankful for? Taking time to focus on those things can change your outlook on life. Think you always have something to be thankful for.

Reasons I Love Memphis!!!

1. It's my hometown, duh!!!!!

2. We have some of the best commercials in the world? (Dope out your veins, mo money taxes, I can keep going.....)

3. Despite its flaws the examples of successful black people I saw as I was growing up was amazing

4. Where else can you get 50 biscuits for $1.25 at Jack Pirtles?

5. Best barbecue in the world!!!

6. Home of Eightball & MJG and Three 6 Mafia, classics!!!

7. Not to mention the soul and blues music influence that comes from Memphis

8. The home of Beale Street

9. Our love of basketball

10. Dude, Graceland is there! Elvis!!!!! 

11. We have a freakin Pyramid!

12. When I look at the schools my classmates got into and the careers and lives they have now, Memphis public school system has produced some pretty awesome people

13. The history of Memphis, never forget

14. The view from my nom's apartment to sit back and just look at the Memphis bridge at night all lot up is amazing

15. Although I have never lived in Memphis as an adult, the activities and changes several of my friends are doing in Memphis I truly love

16. My family is there! I may only be able to take visiting in 48 hour increments, but those 48 hours are priceless!

17. Most people have friends in high and low places......crackheads to senators, namely mother who knows who to contact to get things done

18. The creativity that flows from Memphis is amazing

19. Home of the National Civil rights Museum

20. Every neighborhood is different, rep your hood!

21. Where most people's grandparents were from Orange Mound or South Memphis

22. The Mississippi River and riverfront park

23. The foundation Memphis and it's people gave me

24. Memphis is truly a great city

25. The First 48, Memphis was picked because of high solved crime rate

26. Memphis people can talk bad about Memphis, outsiders can't!

27. The churches and traditions, those hats!!!!!

28. The various dances that have started in Memphis, classic!

29. What are some of your favorite things about Memphis?

Thoughts while waiting till marriage.....

(really wasn't in mood to post today so I reposted, with a few edits, this list based on discussion with a friend last night)

1. My ultimate goal is to wait till marriage

2. This is not always easy

3. It makes sense to me

4. I often find it funny how people believe God for the material things, but don't believe he can sustain you while waiting

5. I do get tired of people's assumptions that being a virgin makes you a "good girl" associating sex to being bad or good is not cool

6. Realizes this decision has caused some people to not even attempt

7. Gets frustrated when people say they can respect my decision, but they just can't do it, to me it is saying you have no power over choices you make

8. Even if you are not waiting till marriage I truly don't understand how people can randomly sleep with people they hardly know....birth control is not 100% can you see yourself having a child with this person?

9. Waiting till marriage coupled with sometimes feeling I will never get married.....not a good feeling

10. I have never heard anybody say they regret waiting.....but I have heard plenty of people say they regret not waiting

11. My faith is the main motivation for me waiting amongst a few other things

12. I am not a unicorn!!!!

13. The look when people find out......sometimes reason why I usually don't disclose or avoid discussion

14. I still don't understand how you accidentally have sex.......there are several steps involved before you get it in

15. Please don't assume that I am naive

16. I have several friends who have waited till marriage......so it can be done

17. Temptation is real.....if someone says it is not that's a lie

18. My views are not of judgment but more of my thought process

19. Why do people equate sex to love?

20. People who say it is easier for me because I have never......please don't assume (assuming is a major theme today)

21. This is my story.......my life.....my walk.....so until you walk in my shoes

22. There is a reason why my short list are people that I can't have.....just being honest

23. This is something I am not ashamed of, don't know why anyone would be, but  I also don't look at it as a badge of honor.....it is what it is

24. Surprisingly.....my mother has no clue, she assumes too much

25. When that day comes......

26. What if I never get married?

27. Although I do feel sometimes I am the only one out there......I refuse to believe it

28. Really thinks people should have more open conversations about sex and sexuality......especially in the church.

Sunday Naps

1. There is nothing like a Sunday nap!

2. Sunday naps are a gift from God

3. When I was little and got home late from church my whole family took Sunday naps, they are tradition

4. No matter what time I get out of church I think about when will I nap

5. Don't let me go to brunch after church and have a few mimosas, Sunday nap will turn into deep sleep

6. Yes, Sunday makes nap special, yeah you can take a nap on a Saturday, but trust it doesn't feel the same

7. After writing these thoughts I will probably go take a nap before Leverage comes on

8. No matter where you nap couch or bed it is heavenly

9. If I ever have kids I will teach them the importance is Sundat naps

10. Remember not to start Sunday nap too late, will mess up your night sleep

11. Do you take Sunday naps?

12. Glad I don't work during the day on Sundays now that was really messing up my nap flow

13. I think I might get in two naps today

14. A family that naps together stays together

15. Falling asleep during a movie helps me nap

16. Mimosas help lengthen Sunday naps 

17. When napping I try to wake up before the evening news

18. Had turkey sausage for brunch......yeah helping with my sleepiness

19. Working overnight some weekends really helps me take Sunday naps

20. I think you should have a Sunday nap

21. One reason I like to go to early morning service......more nap time #dontjudgeme

22. Think I will nap on my couch today

23. I wish I could have a Sunday nap during the week, I think I would be more rested

24. I hate when my naps are interrupter by phone calls

25. Cherish the Sunday naps, because the days you can't take one you will definitely miss them

26. Is this an ode to the Sunday nap

27. Nap time!! Woo Hoo!!!

Prom

1. All these prom pics on fb have me feeling nostalgic

2. I only went to my senior

Prom

3. I remember stumbling across my dress at David's Bridal for like $50 and my mother had the nerve to make me pay for it out of my own money

4. I went to prom with a friend

5. I had a blast at prom

6. I remember going to an after prom gathering at an hotel and running into some of my mother's sorority sisters (oops!)

7. Had a scholarship breakfast the day after prom, me and my date both got scholarship and we were on STRUGGLE!!

8. I forgot what hotel prom was at.

9. I still have the pics from prom

10. I think we ate at J. Alexander's by Wolfcahse before hand, that was when Wolfchase just opened, that was the spot

11. I had to have a date to go to prom, why? If I didn't I couldn't go cause I had no driver's license

13. I didn't like my hair for prom

14. I asked my prom date to go, quite hilarious

15. What's up with these "prom-posals" we didn't do all that

16. If you go to multiple proms do you need multiple dresses

17. My mother's prom date was actually the father of one of my high school classmates

18. I feel old when I see all these prom pictures 

19. What was your favorite prom memory?

20. Don't think my parents have me a curfew for prom

21. Seeing some of these prom dresses I am like WHOA!

22. I actually wore heels to prom, can you believe it?

23. I even danced at prom in front of people!

24. Think the theme was "if only for one night" I think :-/

25. If you are bold post your prom pic, ha!

26. Prom season is a memorable, enjoy it. It is not about how much money you spend, but having fun with classmates and friends, making memories!

Hair

1. No you may not touch my hair  

2. Yes my hair is real

3. My mother has the same type of hair as me

4. If I didn't have my neck tattoo I would so cut off my hair again

5. My hair is naturally curly

6. Don't assume my hair is easier to manage because it is different

7. I really want to dye my hair purple

8. I want afro puffs

9. I love my ponytail

10. If you use all these chemicals on your natural hair doesn't it defeat the purpose?

11. Whatever hair you have embrace it

12. Can I rock a a mohawk?

13. I am not mixed

14. If you say if I had your hair one more time!!!!

15. Why do people feel it is okay to touch my hair?

16. Hair is actually down today.......left ponytail holder at home

17. Maybe blonde streaks?

18. Rain doesn't let my hair be great when it is straight

19. Maybe I will straighten out my hair next week

20. One day I will wear my hair blown out in a huge fro, one day

21. Bantu knots and my hair never cooperate

22. I love coconut and shea products on my hair

23. Please don't sniff my hair

24. Random, but I love bald men with no hair #dontjudgeme

25. Hair, it is just hair.....don't let it consume you and dictate how you feel about yourself

My College Experience

1. Vandy! Vandy! Oh Heck Yeah!!!

2. My college experience was not the norm, but it shaped me to who I am today and I am thankful

3. You remember those Fisk gym parties? Dude it was hot!

4. Going to an HBCU was not for me, but  glad I attended a university with several in the community

5. I hate you student loans!!!! I hate you!!!!!!

6. I wouldn't trade my college experience for anything!

7. I was team natural in college before it became the "it" thing to do

8. I met some of my life long friends at Vandy! Friendships I will always cherish and love. 

9. My brother from another mother I met freshman year of college and we are still going strong! I think my mother loves him more than me :-/

10. I didn't graduate with the best GPA, but I did graduate with a job and eventually a career......praise Him!!!

11. I never had a roommate in college and I am thankful for that

12. My original plan was never to go toVandy, I was actually had sent my intent letter to go to Georgia Tech

13. My church community was a great support while I was in college

14. Did I mention I hate you student loans??????

15. The classes I took, the lessons I learned! #priceless

16. I remember one time we were at the club on Clarksville Highway (think it is a Citi Trends now) and they got to shooting, I remember a male friend telling us all to just run! We piled in a friend's Mitsubishi Eclipse and left

17. My senior year there was one class last semester (Engineering Economics) I STRUGGLED in.....I left exam and went to professor and was balling! I was like I had to graduate and if I didn't pass......I wouldn't be graduating, well praise Him I left that class with a C- and that was nothing but GOD!!!

18. Going into college I never struggled in anything.....well that all changed and taught me a lot

19. Parents getting divorced, sister dying,   2 women who helped raised me dying, and mother getting breast cancer.......all happened while in college, yeah times were rough

20. There are some secrets of college that will stay secrets......thank God for good friends

21. What are some of your favorite college experiences?

22. My alma mater is better than yours :-P

23. I learned to appreciate the amenities that Vandy had when I went to visit my friends at TSU........wasn't ready

24. College life, learn, have fun, and make memories. I know I did!

Social Media

1. People take it too seriously

2. Do you remember the days of collegeclub and blackplanet?

3. No, I don't need to know every place you go everyday

4. People use social media differently, make it work for you

5. I have 3 blogs and a tumblr that I get most of my thoughts out on, why? Most people don't read them, but it allows me to release

6. My username across most of my social media accounts are the same

7. When I took a twitter break it was hard for me to get back into the swing of it

8. On Facebook I have begun to dwindle down my friend's list. Not that I don't like you, just want to make friends list smaller.  I do it based on your birthday.....

9. I hate social media drama, had it once and never again. It ain't that deep

10. Not a fan of people blasting significant others or the other parent on here.

11. You can find the most inspirational, ratchet, sad, or mean things online........view things wisely

12. Sometimes I go back and lock at old posts or blogs and think about what was going on back then or how much I have changed, puts things in perspective 

13. I love how social media reconnects and connects people.

14. My random thoughts series has been interesting......

15. I wonder what will happen 20-30 years from now when it comes to social media

16. It has become a part of our lives, embrace it

17. I still have a few friends that have neve had a Facebook page

18. How do you use social media in your life?

19. My first blog was called "If You Only Knew" and it was started in 2007, WHOA!

20. Think people were more productive at work before Facebook

21. What is your favorite social media site?

22. Don't put all your business on social media!!! And if you do don't be shocked when people judge you for what you post

23. I enjoy social media!!! Not addicted, but it plays a part in my day to day interactions with several people, don't know if that is good or bad :-/

My relationship status

1. If one person asks me why am I still single!

2. I am not less of a person because I am single and you are not better because you are married

3. My relationship status has been the same my entire life........I will just leave it at that

4. People assume it is just easy to change my relationship status, like I can flip a switch

5. One thing I like about being single, I don't have to coordinate my schedule with anyone, I mean if I want to go to movies I go when I want to

6. Some people assume because I am single and most of the time happy I don't desire a relationship, not the case. 

7. Revealing my relationship status to my mother will only happen if it looks like we are headed toward marriage, my nerves can't take her knowing before them

8. I was going to post a quote on relationships, but most of them are stupid

9. This topic was sparked by a comment by one of my coworkers.....reason I don't talk about personal stuff at work often

10. Yes I want a relationship, but no I don't want to take just anybody

11. Tried online dating to change my relationship status #epicfail

12. Don't think I will ever post relationship status on Facebook.......nope, not gone do it

13. Why do people treat being single as if it is a bad thing? 

14. Whatever relationship status you are in, be happy, be you, cause if you are not what is the point?

15. I think I am going to start telling people "it's complicated" when they as me are you seeing someone........maybe they will leave me alone

16. If you can't accept my flip flops you can't change my relationship status

17. Surprised I even made this a topic

18. I am open to questions about why I have been forever single, just not stupid questions. Think before you ask

19. I often wonder when I tell people why they find it fascinating, I am not a unicorn

20. Maybe one day my relationship status will change, but until that day I will live life being me and enjoy each moment of it

21. First step to changing my relationship status is going on a date, well maybe talking to strangers, yeah I don't do that

22. Don't assume by what I have said in this post about where I am at in this, #thatsall

Ratchet Music

1. I have a true love for ratchet music

2. Ratchet music truly helps me become productive at work, it puts me I my zone

3. Memphis and Atlanta have some pretty nice ratchet music collections courtesy of Triple 6 and Crime Mob (not to mention the indie up and coming artist)

4. You might say ratchet music is a guilty pleasure of mine

5. "It's Cold in the D" is one of Detroit's finer contributions to ratchet music

6. Monday's playlist at work is usually dedicated to ratchet music

7. Yes sometimes I listen to ratchet music on my way to church #dontjudgeme

8. What are some of your favorite ratchet music selections?

9. Videos for ratchet music 

10. My urge to dance when ratchet music comes on and my inability to dance with rhythm often poses a problem

11. Ratchetpiece theater is a favorite YouTube series of mine

12. The video for Stilettos is classic!!!

13. What are some of your favorite ratchet lyrics?

14. Although I enjoying ratchet music, ratchet music in the club is not a good combo, good chance you will get hit

15. Lil Boosie's cd release will be a double dose of ratchet (New Orleans deserves and honorable mention for ratchet music)

16. Emmanuel Hudson's "She Ratchet" is a great ratchet song pointing out the characteristics of ratchet women

17. Is ratchet music exploiting ratchet people?

18. I come in the club shakin my dreads, throwin these bows and bustin these heads ~Crime Mob

19. Bumping ratchet music on a sunny day with windows down is amazing

20. I wonder what ratchet music I will listen to today

21. Ratchet music! Get you some!!

Faith

1. Definition: complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

2. I struggle with my faith at times

3. Faith has gotten me through a many a situation

4. I learned the hard way that you should never put faith in people

5. I have faith in God, brought up in a Christian household, but sometimes wonder if I was brought up in a household of a different faith or no faith at all what would I believe in?

6. I am a person of logic.....messes with my faith often, things have to make sense to me

7. My faith waivers a lot when it comes to if I will ever go on a date or get married, easy for others to say wait and trust, but unless you have been in my shoes......

8. What do you have faith in?

9. Do you think faith is personal or should you be obligated to share it?

10. Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

11. Faith of a mustard seed.....

12. Do you have faith in yourself?

13. Walking in faith is hard

14. I know a couple of women named Faith

15. I don't always understand it

16. If I have half the faith that my aunt Mary had!

17. Reflecting a lot on faith this Resurrection Sunday

18. Don't judge others because their faith is at a different levels yours

19. I am thankful for my faith

20. Today I had faith that my gas tank would get me home from church, even though the gas light came on a little before I expected it........but I made it, Praise Him!!!

 

Flip Flops

1. Oh how I love flip flops

2. I need to re-up my supply soon.......you can never have too many

3. Will be wearing flip flops to church tomorrow (with a dress of course......you know I always promise my mother will dress up on Easter Sunday)

4. If you wear flip flops please invest in a pumice stone AND make sure your toes or done.

5. Although my best friends hates when I wear flip flops he has learned to except it

6. Once I was over a friend's house and as I was leaving (they lived on a hill) it began to rain and I lost one flip flop, it washed away down the hill in the water

7. I now will still wear flip flops when it is cold

8. I have some cammo flip flops

9. The inventor of flips flops is a genius!

10. Old Navy flip flops are a fav

11. Technically speaking I am not supposed to wear flip flops at work, but.......until I am directly told not to I will buck the system #rebel

12. My love of flip flops came after college which is weird

13. Do you love flip flops? 

14. If I ever get married flip flops will be my shoe of choice.......my friends know this! 

15. Don't over lotion your feet when you wear flip flops, sliding in flip flops is not cool (but please use lotion ash is not cute)

16. Don't wear socks with flip flops that is tacky!

17. Why do people rush when Old Navy has $1 flip flops? If you can't afford them at regular price.......that is a problem

18. If you don't wear flip flops what is wrong with you???? Just kidding.......maybe

19. Today's flip flip color is black because they match my sweatpants, duhhhhhh!!!!

Why it is so much easier being fat

(Thought I was going to write about Scandal, ha!)

1. I don't have to workout as much, you know how working out messes up my television schedule?

2. Cheese and bread tastes so much better than twigs and berries

3. My hair was easier to manage when I didn't sweat a lot

4. Being fat means people are less likely to sit next to you at movie theaters.....I need my personal space

5. My body didn't hurt as much when I didn't work out

6. I now have to really think about what I am eating and drinking!!! No mimosas (for now is killin me)

7. Although I know losing weight is better for me in the long run, the process I am so not a fan of

8. I didn't have to invest in proper running/workout shoes

9. I miss my mimosas

10. It is easier to maintain being fat, once you are un-fat you got to keep it up

11. Meal planning can be fun, but time consuming, when I was ok with being fat I could just order a pizza or go to Wendy's and be done, now I have to cute, sort, prepare, and cook

12. Making a delicious pound cake infused with alcohol and eating a slice daily was fun

13. Did I mention I miss mimosas?

14. When fat people don't comment on how they can tell you are losing weight, which to me is awkward cause I know I am losing it, but don't feel it

15. I am okay being fat

16. It is just much easier being fat

17. More insulation in the winter when you are fat

18. This list was made in fun and I know there are more benefits to being un-fat, but I wrote this just some things out. In the end my health is most important and although I don't have any health problems now, I know if I continue to stay fat they will come :-/

Beauty

1. How do you define beauty?

2. Do you think your are beautiful?

3. I think some of the most physically beautiful people have the ugliest attitudes

4. I am beautiful inside and out

5. Is beauty really in the eye of the beholder?

6. Sunset on the beach is such a beautiful thing

7. I find beauty in a endless mimosa paired with a nice brunch

8. People should try to find beauty in the simple things.....a flower, a melody, the random smile from a stranger

9. What do you find beautiful?

10. Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it ~Confucius

11. Don't let anyone ever tell you are not beautiful

12. You know what I find beautiful? A person who is confident yet humble

13. Why did my coworker just give me a beautiful piece of chocolate shaped in a bunny? 

14. The most beautifullest thing in this world ~Keith Murray

15. I am having a beautiful hair day #thatsall

16. I find the strangest things beautiful

17. Tell someone they are beautiful today 

Friendship

1. I have some of the best friends in the world

2. I love my friends who accept me for who I am, but challenge me to grow

3. Friends don't let friends drive drunk (or text while drinking........I have so stop doing this)

4. You say he's just a friend.....oh baby you!!!!! (Yes I just sang this at my cubicle)

5. I can count my true friends on one hand

6. Sometimes it is hard when you are going through your own personal pain while celebrating the joys of your friends, not jealousy, but just letting them enjoy their time without burdening them with your own issues 

7. Some friends I don't talk to often, but when we do, love it

8. Friends who love ratchet music are friends who stay together

9. Friends can argue and fight, but you know in the end you have each other's back

10. You have that one friend that when they talk you just shake your head? Yeah, me either

11. Most of my friends no longer live in the same city, that just means I need to travel more

12. Text message convos between some friends are some of the most therapeutic convos, but........in the event of my death, my true friends will delete the evidence of some of the tomfoolery we discuss

13. People change, friends change, but it is beautiful when you change and grow together

14. Having a variety of friends can be interesting and fun.......especially when you have them all in the same room

15. One friend I miss dearly........things were never the same

16. There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate ~Linda Grayson

Love

1. Too many people confuse lust with love

2. I think people take the word love too lightly

3. Is it wrong that I love pizza more than I love some people?

4. Can honestly say I have never been in love

5. Some of the people I loved most in life have caused me the most pain

6. I don't think there is such a thing as unconditional love

7. Wishes people would stop treating relationships like business mergers. If there is no love.....all you have are things

8. Sex and love are not the same thing, I think you shouldn't have sex without love, just my opinion

9. What was your first love? Mine was music

10. Somedays it think about giving up on love.....just being honest

11. A mother's love I hope to give it one day

12. I do love flip flops

13. I think a lot of people are hurt because they were never shown love as a child, or a warped view of love

14. Between love and love ~Frank Ocean (lyric from one of my favorite songs)

15. I think all people have the ability to show love, just think most people don't know how

Don't call it a comeback.....well maybe you can

I think I am going to come back with my random thoughts, but each day will be a theme.....I will still do the number of thoughts based on the day it is, but I might not post everyday, but I will post at least once a week. Yesterday while writing on my original blog If You Only Knew. I realized I missed my random thoughts (amongst several of my Facebook friends) The random thoughts helped me get things out, questions in my head, feelings that I can't always say.  If you have any suggestions for topics feel free to let me know!

I am not promising an entire year, but we shall see where this goes..........hope you enjoy the ride!!!! 

First post coming later today.....15 things about, still deciding