New Years Brings a New Beginning

As the new year approaches everyone begins making their New Year's Resolutions. Many of them are dietary or personality assessments. Around the holidays people like to self-evaluate themselves more than usual. It just so happens that there's a new year coming around the corner to make them feel better about their faults.

For college students, resolutions are almost impossible. We don't have time to think about changing our lives because for eight months of the year our lives don't belong to us; they instead belong to the colleges and universities we attend.

However, as a graduating senior I think I may be able to reconsider. I won't be making any resolutions as so much I'll be making plans. The next five months are the most crucial and dictate how I will spend the next one, two or five years of my life. School, work, travel or all of the above: I do not know.

I only know that now is the time to set an agenda. I have some thinking to do, like any other graduating student, and I can't sit on my decisions.

Club Lib...the New Place to Be

During the months of November and December, the libraries of colleges and universities across the nation have an influx of students. This is no coincidence, it's Finals time!

Professors like to assign all papers, quizzes, tests and final exams around the same time as they rush to get the last of their grades for report cards. By now one would think they'd realize it's not fair to students but that is not the case. While some professors try to make their assignments easier the work seems to still pile up.

When the workload gets high a student goes into overdrive and heads straight for the library. In the month of December I've seen more people at the library than at a wet t-shirt party in Cancun during Spring Break. The library has become so much populated that it has been renamed "Club Lib".

For the past two weeks and for the beginning of the next, like my peers I will be at Club Lib until the early hours of the morning. However, don't be fooled, just because it is technically the library doesn't mean much, the same crazies at the real club show up to Club Lib too.

Closing In

Today I had the pleasure of registering for my final semester of classes. I hit "submit" for the last time in my undergraduate life (who knows what the future will bring).

It was a rewarding feeling but it put things into perspective. It allowed me to trult understand that this the end the of road.

Four years ago when I moved into my dorm my final semester seemed so far away. Now as I look back that first move in day seems so far away and I can feel May 2010 closing in.

Crushes Smushes

When you're young, you are allowed to like people and gush about it but when you're adult it's not really okay.

As an adult when you "like" someone you are expected to make moves toward him or her. However, if you're like me then you just like people and that's that.

I hating crushing because it's a dead end to my feelings. I'm not that girl, I'm not so forward that I will make the first move. So in the meantime when I have crush I don't get happy I get angry because I know in the end it's going nowhere.

I Am Single Because

"I am single because" is currently a trending topic on Twitter. Being a single girl I found it interesting to see what people had to say about themselves. However, what I found most interesting and hilarious was how someone tried to use a pick up line on a Twitter Trending Topic.

Some guy wrote, "I single because I haven't met you". I read that and bursted into laughter. I just kept thinkg, "what the heck?"

It's just funny, there's really no point to my story except, I guess if you can't find a date in person you just pick one up on Twitter.

The Perfect Shoe

If you couldn't already tell I am a shoe lover! My favorite designer is the great Christian Louboutin. His shoes are, to me, the most magnificent works of art. He puts great time and effort to giving a shoe the right personality.

He pays attention to every single detail: the stitch, nail, glue, color and design. And when the shoe is completed buyers know that it is of excellent quality.

I feel that way about guys too. I pay attention to the personality and every other detail of the shoe, I mean GUY. The whole package has to be of excellent quality before I make a decision.

After all, if I'm spending my money, I mean spending my time, with the shoe, I mean GUY, he be better well worth it.

While the Weather is Still Nice

Before we head into that chilly October take advantage of the sunny days and warm breeze.

Nothing says romantic like a picnic with homemade lunch and a soft blanket to boot.

It's give you two a chance to talk and enjoy each other's company. It may seem old fashioned but in my opinion, a gift from the heart is much more impressive than anything you can buy.

Recession Proof Dating

So in the wake of this recession we've all been feeling hit some way or another. What we aren't realizing is that there are a number of ways to get cut back without losing the lifestyle you've become accostomed to.

We all know that being in a relationship is not cheap so I'm going to let you in on 10 secrets to keep your love live going and your pockets in tact. Besides, recession dating will only score you points in the romance department.


Each week, I'll reveal a great recession proof dating secret and I'll even drop a few ideas in between. With my help, you'll be able to have a good dating life for at least 10 weeks.

You Can Call Me, I Won't Call You

Last week I wrote a post about being single and it came back to bite me in the butt. Today I found a new place to meet guys, the gas station. Naturally I did not come to this conclusion on my own; it was more of a forced revelation.

It happened when a man of maybe 30-35 years-old (always older) asked me what my name was and if I had a boyfriend. Because I knew how that convo would play out it I simply said, "Yes, I do". I then thought he'd go away (I should have known better).

This man proceeded to offer me his number and said I could call him but he won't call me because he knows I have a boyfriend.

It made me wonder if he is in marketing because he strategy was great. It leaves the door open for future connections and had I taken his number he would have had one foot in the door already.

Bring in the New Age a Single Gal

Exactly one week from today, I'll be turning 21-years-old and I'm very excited. However, all summer I've been dreading bringing in the new age as a single gal; it's a very important age.

Now as I look at my situation and the lack of control I have over it, I've accepted the result. It's okay to be single (for now) because I'll be able to have twice as much than if I were in a relationship.

Mr. Right or Mr. Wrong (most likely) is out there waiting for me and when he comes around I'll have had my fun so I can dedicate my time the work a new relationship needs.

Get a Grip

According to People.com, Hailey Glassman said John Gosslin is the love of her life.

Glassman told E! Online, "I'm not some fame whore... I'm not some celebrity, I'm not some famous person – I'm just a 22-year-old girl who got caught in the middle of all this."

Really? Really Hailey, because I feel like you put yourself in the middle. Jon Gosslin is an almost divorced father of eight; there's nothing attractive or appealing about him; especially for a 22-year-old.

As a "young girl" I know that we all make some pretty insane moves and we are entitled, its our education process, but Glassman took it too far.

I'm all for finding the love of your life but when it looks like that mess I think its time to get a grip...on reality.

Greatest Love Story Online

Romance Becomes Funmance

"I'm scared of being put in a corner, Johnny."

Love Without Words

When you love someone, there comes a time when you don't need to speak to say I love you. And I imagine that when you find your TRUE love, saying "I love you," will come in the simplest forms.

I personally believe the ultimate test of love is found in a struggle; not a struggle between the lovers but a struggle within. There are sometimes internal battles must be fought and if he or she will stand by you through it all that's the greatest "I Love You" there is.

Last night on "So You Think You Can Dance", choreographer Tyce DiOrio created a piece that said just that.

Don't Knock It Til You Try It

In a conversation with a couple of friends they told me of several weird and strange situations with their significant others.

I was blown away, not by the situation, but because I couldn't understand the logic behind it; it was a mystery to me. Of course, I'm not going to tell you what they said, but I will say this, I don't think I'll ever understand it (trust me I understand a lot)!

So anyway, a few days later, I spoke with one of my friends and her explanation was that she couldn't explain it (way to go). She said it's just one of those things that happens and you just go with it because it doesn't feel weird at all.

The point is at the end of the day my lesson was basically not to knock it until I've tried it.

I doubt if that happens.

Love Gone Wrong

Five months after the assaulting Rihanna, Chris Brown made a public apology saying there was no excuse for his actions.



So what's the deal on his ultra late public apology? I can't say his apology in general is late because he said he's already apologized to Rihanna, but does anyone else think his statement should have come out a while ago? Or at least right after his court hearing.

I'm still on the fence about him.

Falling In Love With Love

Disney Films are all about the happy ending. For several of the fairytales the happy endings come with falling in love.

However, love is not like a fairytale. It comes with hard work and sleepless nights, it comes with heartache and headache but, in the beginning isn't it just fun?


Going out, waiting for that person to call or talking all night long and not worrying about getting up the next day is fun. It's the time you fall in love and love the idea of being in love.

So why not enjoy it while it last and even when things get tough, remember how it felt falling in love with love.

Photo courtesy of Yahoo Images

40 Can Be Fun

So I was hit on not once today but twice, but by older men. One man was in his late 20s/early 30s and the other was 40; he told me so.

Ironically the 40-year-old man was much more attractive and suave than the younger and if he wasn't so much older or I wasn't so much younger I would have given him a shot.

I think if I were around 25 or so I'd go out with him. I shared this with my mother and sister and neither of them approved. As a liberal thinker I always believe that you should be with whoever makes you happy, no matter age, race, gender etc.

While age differences can strain relationships I don't think there's any harm in giving it a shot. Besides the difference between this older man and the others I've referenced is that there was potential for a mutual attraction.

She's Just Not That Into You

Hopefully you've read the book or saw the movie "He's Just Not That Into You," because what I'm about to say should sound familar but with a twist.

Guys often make moves that don't make sense and sometimes they make moves that freak girls out. If I have to ask, "Who's the girl in this relationship," then you need to back up.

If we've just met and you're getting serious a little too quickly, then you need to back up. If I answer your texts and not your calls, well then you figure it out.

Don't assume all girls are the same and do not assume everyone is into you.

Let me cut to the chase, guys, if she want's you she'll make it happen. If a few weeks pass and you're going nowhere...she's just not that into you.

Jon and Hailey Plus ?

So while we're on the subject of young girls, why is 22-year-old Hailey Glassmen dating Jon Gosselin? He's not that rich and he's not that big of a celebrity.


I mean let's think about it, he's getting a public divorce and he has eight children. He has eight children, he has eight children, he has eight children!

No offense to all the men out there taking care of their kids but, if I'm 22 I don't want to be around one child let alone eight.

The sex can't be that great, can it?

Photo courtesy of TMZ.com

We Need to Talk Young Girls

I love my generation but sometimes I don't get us. Why are we the ones who "fall in love" in high school and think it will last forever?

I was watching the Wendy Williams Show and a 18/19-year-old asked Wendy what should she do about her boyfriend of 3.5 years who broke up with her because he knows they'll get married and he wants to have his fun now.

What the hell was she talking about? "Was she serious,: I asked myself and then I remembered that I've heard that story many times before, from my own friends. And all the times I've heard it I've had to pretend as if I believed the crap that was coming out of their mouths. What I really wanted to say was, "You're not going to be together next week, let alone in 10 or 15 years."

Young girls, myself included (occasionally), think realistically and GET IT TOGETHER!

The Perfect Mix

Yesterday, I was listening to the "Wendy Williams Experience" and a woman called in to ask where she should go to meet Mr. Right. Williams didn't recommend any specific places because Mr. Right could be anywhere but, what she did recommend was opening her options through other cultures.

You would have thought Williams said "Yo Momma," to this woman. She was super opposed to the idea.

However, her reaction opened my eyes to how closed-minded women can be and then they complain when they are man less. There's a perfect solution to that problem: stop being so damn picky. Thinking outside the box is how we broaden our horizons, it's when we shut down that we create problems.

If you open your mind and your heart, you just might surprise yourself.

Perfect Future

I was able to sleep in this morning but it didn't really work. Instead I watched an episode of one my favorite shows "Charmed". Throughout the episode one of the sisters desperately tried to get some knowledge into the future.

In the end, her father said something that made sense; he said not to worry about the future and to live now.

Its a great piece of advice for the day because the younger we are, the more we worry about what the future will hold but, all we can do is live now.

Our family and friendships, our careers and even our love lives get in the way. I'd like to challenge everyone: this weekend, for two days don't worry about the future. Don't think of Monday or September or next year, just live in the now.

Life just might be a easier, at least for two days.

Perfect Pride In Tact

Last week I shared a horrific experience about my mother trying to set me. For the better part the week my mother asked if I wanted to attend her company picnic in which I'd meet this boy.

After last year's picnic, where I was not at all entertained, I had already made up my mind not to go. And because I was already embarrassed by the matchmaker, I definitely was not going to go.

Like I said before, there's something more romantic about meeting by chance and it doesn't hurt the ego to know someone might actually like you for you.

By the way, my mother told me yesterday that he didn't even show up for the picnic. (Does that really matter?)

Not Another Bad Date

Last night I finished reading "Not Another Bad Date," by Rachel Gibson. It was utterly entertaining and somewhat lustful. I had a really great time reading it but, I also had a really great time relating to the main character.

Obviously, I'm not a 35-year-old woman who thinks her biological clock is "tapping her on the shoulder" but, I am a young woman who like most, thinks she's cursed in the relationship department.

We can all relate in someway to having bad dates, bad relationships or just plain old bad luck. When you think you've found the right guy, one of you always manages to screw things up.

I won't tell you what happens in the end, but I will say good things come to those who wait.

Palin Didn't Screw It Up For Women

Anyone who think Sarah Palin ruined politics for women is wrong. There are a number of reasons why in the wake of Palin's resignation women can still prosper.

Let's start with the most obvious, not many people respected Palin as a politician before July 3. After her run as Vice-Presidential candidate last year what little dignity she had went right out the window. During the campaign she was misinformed or under-informed which made her look like an amateur in politics.

And who can forget her "witty" slogan that she and McCain were the Mavericks. I mean really did anyone take the Conservative, Republican seriously when she proclaimed her inner rebel?

With women like Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton in the forefront there was never a time when Palin was looked at as the role model for women in politics. As for Palin running for president in 2010, let's get serious.

Looking in the Wrong Place

Church is not the place to find "the one," unless you mean God. On Sundays when the pews crowd of single people its not because they want to be closer with the Lord and are looking for a savior.

Black films poke fun at the idea but in reality it's the truth. The funny thing about looking for love at church is that the female:male ratio is off...by a lot.

Guys might not have trouble looking but girls on the other hand may find themselves under numbered. I can almost hear the echo in the air, "If church has become the place to find love, Lord please let the pews fill with men."

Perfect Guy or Perfect Pride

Everyone hates blind dates, but what I think people hate more than that is being set up by your parents.

There have been a few occasions when my mother has talked about a guy but she's never actually talked to the guy. Well today is a new day!

She practically reported half of his life story to me and vice verse and now wants us to meet. Any one's who pride isn't hurt after that shouldn't be dating at all (your emotions are clearly screwed up).

The absolute worse part is listening to her talk about this guy is me thinking, "Sounds like a good one but, why couldn't we have met by chance". Is is so bad to want to meet someone because he's interested in you and not because your mother talked you up?

And when is it okay to set aside your pride and take a chance on life?

Perfect Pick-Up Line Thus Far

Yesterday evening, as I was walking in church for a meeting, I was approached by yet another older man. At least this time he looked as if he may have been in his thirties.

He had the best pick-up line ever, "Let me holla you for a minute baby...I need you to pray for me...You don't even know my name, let holla at you for a minute so I can tell it to you."

Looking back on yesterday I think I should have given him a chance. His line was on point; he recognized that I am a Christian and he appealed to that market. I think I'll just ignore the fact that he walked into the liquor store down the street. Look at that I may have missed Mr. Right.

What's the best line you've ever heard?

Perfect Opportunity

It never fails, whenever I go to a store I always get a little flirt action at the register.

Like, yesterday when I went to Blockbuster, I had a coupon to rent a DVD at a discount price. When I gave it to the cashier, he jokingly said, "We are not taking these coupons today."

I pretended I thought he was being serious and then when he let up, I giggled. But then that was it, he rang me up when I left. My friends would say I should have said something else but really, what else is there to say?

Anything else would have just felt like a forced conversation and thats what all daters try to avoid.

Maybe he was just being friendly or maybe he just wanted to see me smile. Either way, it was just of those weird things where neither of you know what say, so you leave it at.

Besides, I highly doubt I just let Mr. Right slip away.

I Don't Want to Date My Father

Why are all old men attracted to me? Just today I went to the supermarket and as I was walking back to my car a horn honked and as he drove by I saw that he was old enough to be my father.

I thought to myself, "WTF". I know I'm not alone, all of you girls in you 20s know exactly what I'm talking about. Everyday we are whistled at, honked at and talked at by dirty old men.

If they were George Clooney, it'd be different but since they're not I'm disgusted. Not all of us want a Sugar Daddy but they don't get that.

Women, what signals are you giving these men that they keeping going after more?

The only person I want to call or think of as my daddy is the man who helped give me life.

Dressing for Myself

When I wake up in the morning, I try on many clothes before finding the outfit of the day. My decision is most often based on how I feel about my appearance.

I dress for Kristin and no one else but, not every other person does the same. We look in the mirror hoping that something about the clothes we wear will make the oppposite sex, or same sex think we're hot.

For women, its all about wearing less clothing and showing more skin and for men its about looking clean-cut and wearing heavy cologne.

Really, who are we kidding? It's not the clothes that attract us to each other, it's our face and personality.

If I look at you with a sparkle in my eye and you can make me laugh, we're set. Yes, I should like the way you look but you shouldn't dress with the intention of pleasing another.

I like dressing for me, it's fun.

The Perfect Dating Game...Forget It!

Naturally everyone wants to talk about the dating game but how can we without first getting past the first stage. GETTING A GUY!

One of the hardest things about dating is finding that guy to date. Picking through the bunch to find the perfect one is hard. First you have to get him to notice you then you have to make him want you.

However, let's not ahead of ourselves, ladies and gentlemen, sometimes he's just not that into you.

But that doesn't mean we are not faced with the difficulty of appearing to be the perfect catch. Either we're too easy (a whore) or we're too mean (a bitch).

Whichever you are, a whore or a bitch, it's still hard getting that guy to see that there is a happy medium.

The Perfect Girl

Trying to be the perfect girl is the hardest job there is; it never ends. I have to keep up with appearances, make sure my story never changes and most importantly…appear to be perfect.

I often wonder, is it all worth it? What am I getting out of perfection?

When people look at me they see someone who has it all together not knowing I sometimes fall completely apart. It’s the image that gets me nowhere. I am not the people person everyone thinks and I not the girl who has everything.

I am not the perfect girl.

Not Even in My Own Bed

Just a little aside:

Moving back home is fun, figuring out what to do with all that junk I took to school is that great.

My room is filled with bins and containers of my school things. I probably will only unpack a few things because what is in those containers is of no use to me at home.

To the basement they shall go for three months and until its time to go back to school (shhh...I don't even want to think about it).

What I find myself wondering is, "What will I do with all that junk when I graduate, one year from now?"

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Three Months of....Nothing

For college students the summer is the greatest thing since sliced bread; we have no professors, papers and exams to worry about. So what do we do?

Beats the hell of out me.

I myself normally get a summer job to earn some cash and have something to do during the day. As I am now a senior, I'm trying to intern for the summer and get valuable work experience (keep your fingers crossed).

Some of my friends travel, everywhere: across the United States as well as the Atlantic Ocean (lucky them). However, what I’m now finding is that many college students do absolutely nothing for the summer. They hang out, get drunk and maybe work a couple hours a week.

I wish I had that leisure, but in a way I don’t becasue I don't really understand what that says about a person. Are they simply taking a break or are they just being lazy?

Trufully, I don't know that I could nothing for three months. I would get tired of myself.

Club Lib Is Popping

Libraries are multi-function buildings; sometimes they double as study places and classroom but never before has a libaray been a club.

During finals week at my school several students went ro the library each night or should I say they went to "Club Lib" to have blast before leaving.

No one studied and those who were didn't get the chance to learn much. Instead Club Lib became the greatest social attraction since Jay-Z's 40/40 Club.

Noncreative, our students are not; they are the exact opposite, who would have thougt to make the library the spot?

For five days it was "Popping".

Study Break

Every now and then its a good idea to take a break from whatever you're doing. Going into overdrive isn't always the best idea; it can be dangerous to your health.

So take a study break and do everything you where thinking about while you were working. Naturally you'll get sidetracked and forget to go back to your work (or you'll ignore the work) but at least you've relaxed.

Breaks re-energize you and keep you going. Yes, I understand the pressures of deadlines, but I also understand importance of health.

Which is more important? - I'll let you decide.

Abandoned Car Meets Its Match

Apparently, there was an abandoned car in one of the student parking lots at my school. Well someone thought it necessary to create a Facebook group about the car.

I'm curious as to what kind of student has so much time on his hands that he can create take photos, block out the license plates, and create a Facebook group about a car that does not belong to him.



I guess this apart of the "college life", taking a stance and doing something about. Or perhaps the Facebook group was little extreme. I wonder what will happen next.

I'm not making any judgments, but I am curious.

Nobody Said It Would Be Easy

As school comes to an end and we approach the we final two weeks things are getting crazier than ever. Papers are due, presentations are given and everyone is scurryingensure their final grades don't fall short of the bar.

You might think this time would be a breeze since it can always be expected, but that is not so. Still professors wait until the last minute to assign papers on top of the final exams.

However, when you think about the end result it all seems worth it. After four long years of stressing and worrying and hoping, you are awarded a degree that says "You are top notch". That simple piece of printed paper means you passed and when you look back you understand how important your journey was.

In just two weeks, I'll be a senior in college and I can already taste a little of that success. Yes it is difficult, but nobody said it would be easy.

How Important Are the First 100 Days

Whether it be President Obama or former President Bush, the first 100 days of office don't mean much.

During this time, the media is more lenient and watchful of words. It's also a time of transition, the president is just settling in. He,(someday she) is trying his hardest to make a good impression on America as the commander in chief. Rightfully so, the people elected him and now they want to be reassured they made the correct decision.

Truthfully speaking, you can't really tell much about what will happen in the next four years of the president's administration just by looking at the first 100 days.

While these 100 days have shown promise, its best to stay at a steady pace and not set yourself up for dissappointment.


Photo courtesy of Nancy Stone, "Chicago Tribue"

Up In the Air

Last week I sat in through a three hour seminar about social media. I was fascinated to learn of the many ways we try and stay connected with one another.

Of course I know about the major sites: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and MySpace, but there is a whole other world out there. There are tools and applications that deal with each individual site and they get more and more personal as you go along.

The big question is, "Where does it end?" How deep can Facebook really get?

Today...I'm afraid there's no lesson learned or answer to any of these questions.

First Lady......of Fashion

I don't normally do this, but she looks great!











Photo courtesy of Instyle.com

Simple Pleasures

I'm finally catching up on old episodes of "ER" and I just watched Neela's final episode "Shifting Equilibrium".

I must admit I cried a little, because it was bitter sweet and I'm a wimp. However, I cried even more when the end of the episode came and Neela met up with "true love" Ray.

I said to myself, as I sobbed, "What a perfect ending". I was happy and I was once again reassured myself that simple things make me happy.

Many people think I'm complicated and extravagant but really I don't need much and it's okay for me be satisfied I challenge the world to look around for the simple things in life that make you happy.

Find them and smile.



-Photo courtesy of Yahoo Images

Dust Yourself Off and Try Again

Yesterday, I was given a task that challenged me in more ways than one. It was dance for a fashion show and I had not moved muscles like that before; at least not that long.

By the end of the night I was sore (I still am) but I'm not going to worry about that. I'm going to go back next week and do it all over again. "Why?" you might asks. The answer is simple.

I love a good challenge; I feed off new adventures. Yesterday, it was foreign, next week it will be as if I'd done it forever and that's the way to live life. Don't stress about things you can't just yet. Give yourself and that thing a try and try again.

Then, try again and try again and try again. If at this point, you are still unable to accomplish something, then you realize there are things you can do and things you cannot. However, if you try and you come out on top then give yourself around of applause because you dusted yourself off and tried again. This time all the hard work paid off.

I'm Back!!!!

Dear Readers,

I'm finally back. I've been on hiatus for a while but I've returned with lots to say.

For the past week and a half I've been prepping for spring break in which I traveled down to New Orleans to help with hurricane relief.

There's so much I'd like to share with you and trust me, you'll want to know what it is....stay tuned :))

The Spare Tire in the Trunk

Spending time with grandparents can sometimes be dull and can sometimes be exciting. If you're lucky enough, you have grandparents like mine who make every visit unforgettable.

As my grandmother cooked Sunday dinner she shared with me, some valuable information with me.

She told me that I should always have a spare tire and she's wasn't talking about my car.

"I always had me a spare tire," she said. "I always had an extra in case one didn't act right."

I was surprised to here this coming from my grandmother, but I also thought it was insightful.

If I can manage, I think I'll take a page out of the old school notebook and keep a spare tire in my trunk. :))

Only White Collar Workers Would

It out - we're in a recession or recession/depression as I call it. Times are hard, jobs are lost and we have a long way to go before we can get back on track.

Today, "Good Morning America" aired a segment title "Jobless Self Help". It was a story about white collar workers in a support group, who met to talk about the difficulties they face during this recession.



Let's evaluate this for a minute.

If you are truly going through a rough patch then wouldn't you be working and not spending time in a support group.

Let's face it, if you even have the idea to join a support group because of the recession, then you probably aren't going through a real recession.

When you can't spend time with the family because you're working two jobs to equal one, then maybe we can talk about you're needing a support group.

America Is So Selfish

We all know that Rihanna was allegedly beaten by boyfriend, Chris Brown. We also know that she recently went back to Brown and now she's getting more criticism than he for her decision.

Did America forget that she is still the victim? Everyone is so disappointed and angry that Rihanna went back into an abusive relationship. I've heard comments about her sending bad messages to young girls but my response is "seriously?".

This young woman is victim of a violent crime and all people can talk about is how she's sending the wrong message by going back to her alleged abuser. Has anyone stopped to wonder is she is truly okay? Does she need anything, does she want to be helped? Is anyone supporting her and keeping her grounded?

This kind of situation is already frightening but then for it become national news is even worse.

I choose not to judge Rihanna for her choice to continue her relationship with Brown. It's none of my business and she needs all the support she can get.

Stop thinking about yourself America and think of the people who need our support. :))


Photo courtesy of Styleicon.com

This Can't Be What You Learned At Home

What the hell? - Living on campus, I see a lot of crazy things but the worse things I see make me want to never come back.

In college, I encounter many types of people: black and white, short and tall, nice and mean and clean and dirty. I personally happen to fall in the clean category but I know a lot of people who don't.

I just don't understand where they could have learned their manners. Pick up after yourself, don't throw food around the cafeteria or the hallways and ladies - act like ladies (publicly and privately).

I won't go into detail because I don't want to loose my readers. However, I will end by saying...this can't be what you learned at home. :))

What the Hell

People surprise me everyday and sometimes that's not good. I used to judge people a lot based on appearance and first impressions. I stopped doing so about a year and half ago when I realized my current friends wouldn't be my friends based on my pre-judgements.

Now I don't judge, I get to know people and then I let them do all the work for me. In the end, I still say a familiar phrase.... "What the hell?"

I am surprised continuously and left lost for words. I tell you, when you don't know what to say, "What the hell?" is always a good start.

No judgements, just "What the hell?" :))

Guilty Pleasures

More often than not we like to indulge in a few guilty pleasures: chocolate, ice cream, carbs. You know, the usual.

So now that we are in a recession/depression, why are we suddenly feeling guilty when we indulge in something that makes me feel better?

A little treat now and then won't hurt and just because we can treat ourselves and others can't, does that make us bad people. I personally don't think so.

I'm not the richest person in the world but I do know that it's okay to splurge every now and again. And quite frankly, if you can afford to splurge all the time, go for it.

I always say that with my first real paycheck, I am going to buy a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes and I take a lot of heat for that statement. People say that I don't need a pair of $900, I could instead use that money for other good purposes, charity.

You know what I say? I donate my time and money all the time to charity and to others, I can take a short break.

Besides, Christian Louboutin is worth it. :))


Photo courtesy of Yahoo Images

Just Say No

For a while I've tried to be a people pleaser. I wanted everyone to like me and think of me as the nicest person they ever met.

I want people to think of me as the person who puts others first but, I've found that to be difficult because many times I have to put Kristin first and I haven't.

I've always been worried about what people would think about me when I die. Will they say I'm nice or a bitch? Will say that I'm going to heaven or hell? Will they wish me be back or be glad that I'm gone? I know these are strange questions but they run through everyone's head at least once.

However, something else that runs through my mind is that someday I can forget about what everyone else thinks and just be me.

Well that day has sort of come for me. I am finding it easier to take control of my life and forget about trying to please everyone else. The fact of the matter is that I just can't make everyone happy and trying to do so will make me insane.

I want to live a long, healthy life and I won't be able to do that worrying about others. It's time to take of Kristin and it's time for you to take care of you. :))

What Can You Do?

While it's good to believe in yourself, it's also good to know yourself. You have to know your limitation's and your strengths.

Often we dream high without realizing the steps necessary to achieve our goals. A friend of mine made a very interesting statement. He said that everyone can't be president, even after our newly inaugurated President Obama. He also made a point of saying that applies to everyone, no matter race.

After a brief moment, I concluded he was right. Everyone can't be president. Yes, everyone can dream of being president but everyone can't do it.

The same applies for normal, everyday life circumstances. You may want to be a doctor but if you aren't good at science, guess what? You probably shouldn't be a doctor (at least not one that tends to my needs).

Take a look at something else, something you are good at and something you want to do. The most successful people aren't necessarily the people who have everything planned out. Many times the most successful people are the people who hit speed bumps along the way and still come out on top.

So let me ask you: What do you want to do and what can you do? :))


Photo courtesy of Google Images

Don't Know What To Do?

All too often we stand behind our pride and we miss great opportunities or good advice. If we never ask for help, how will we know what not to do the next time.

It's true we must learn from our mistakes but it's also true that we must ask for a helping hand. Guess what? Now is your time to ask for help.

I am expanding my blog to not only life lessons, but to advice as well. Post a question or remark if you'd like to get a response from me. Hopefully, after reading my blog you've come to see that I can be insightful at times and I am willing to share my knowledge with others.

I'm ready to be showered with your thoughts and ideas :))

Coping

Does it ever seems like you find yourself in awkward situations or situations you just don't want to tolerate?

Well join the club. It's a part of life - to be uncomfortable. There's not much anyone can do about. Eventually the feeling subsides or the situation fixes itself and all is well.

I'm only 20-years-old and I've found myself in those kinds of instances. The one piece of advice I can give is to accept it and move on. Don't dwell on what you can't fix, it will only upset you. Just realize it happens and get on with life.

Too many times, we are blinded by our anger that we aren't able to see when something good happens. Adopting this new approach to life will give you better days and less stress. I don't know anyone who wouldn't like that. :))

This Is Our Time

It’s about time. What took us so long? Yesterday was probably the greatest moment in our nation’s history and it took forever to get there.

The fact that President Obama is African-American is great (it’s really great), but the fact that my generation finally stood up for what they believe is great as well.

Did we really need to wait for a historical election to allow our voices to be heard? Did it have to take a man who could talk to us like we were his own friends?
The answer to those questions should be “no”. However, we don’t like in a perfect world, do we? For years the youth vote has been ignored because we’ve been too lazy to stand up for what we believe in. We’ve sat back and allowed people into the white house who only wanted the job for show, when all along we should have made them listen to us by exercising the rights we have.

Speak up young people; speak up when it’s about more than history. Speak up when the economy is doing well, when we aren’t fighting any wars and when our lives seems to be doing O.K. Don’t let it be eight years from now and you call it quits. Stand up and say: “This is our time! We are America’s future, so listen to us today!” :))


Photo courtesy of Yahoo Images

Change Has Come

On the eve of the most historical presidential inauguration I find myself getting more emotional by the minute. Since Nov. 5 I’ve constantly told myself and others that having the first African-American president isn’t something I never imagined would happen. Personally speaking I’ve always imagined the first African-American president to be me.





However, I believe in this time and this place, President-Elect Obama is the perfect choice. He is the poster-child (so to speak) for change. I can’t picture anyone better fit for the job. In his speeches and in his heart I can feel his sincerity and his hope for a better America.

I don’t have a life lesson for today, I only have hope. I have hope that we, as Americans, will stand together on tomorrow and accept change. I hope that the coming months will prove to be great triumph over the damages of the last eight years. I hope that President-Elect Obama is not the last face of change for this country. We are truly one nation under God and it’s time we start acting like it. And tomorrow we will begin to act like it.

It Will All Be Worth It

Financial Guru Suze Orman is on the money - literally. On an episode of Oprah, she gave millions of people financial advice to get them back on track in 2009. I, like many people, am trying to live by her words of wisdom. Each day gets tougher and tougher and I don't know how I am going to make it.

Today I turned down a dinner outing because of Orman. In the back of my head I kept hearing her words inspiring and her 2009 action plan. She said 2009 is when we pay for everything that happened in 2008 and she's right. So she wrote a great book: "Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan: Keeping Your Money Safe and Sound" (I recommend for all) that has become my personal financial consultant. This is the year of financial freedom and Independence among other things.

I know that its going to be a difficult 12 months but they are 12 months that will produce the most good. I want to make sure that 2010 is a better than the past year. Therefore, whenn I say no to guilty pleasures I know that it's all worth with it in the end. :))

Life Has to Suck

Last week I was watching ABC's "Brothers and Sisters" when Sarah Walker (Rachel Griffin) said something that really hit home and has stuck with me all week. She told her younger brother that sometimes life has to suck.

What she meant by that statement was that before things could be great they have to be bad. I find myself learning that as well. Each day I strive to achieve my goals and get to that perfect point in life where I can honestly say I'm satisfied however, the journey is long.

It seems like when things go well, something always has to interfere. That's natural and it also proves that life has to suck. But when I get to that perfect place I'll be able to look back and be thankful for all the times that life sucked because I'll understand what it's like for life to be great. :))