Me/Diana

Back to Me

So I got braids when I came here, and I haven't had any since 9th grade track season so I forgot what it was like to have them. They were so convenient when I first go here because the weather was bad and it was nice not to have to worry about my hair. One day I just felt like they needed to come out and began to take out the back....but then I got the next day off so Eboni and I decided to take our hair down and get it redone the next day. After many hours(yeah I was shocked because I thought twists would be easier to take out) I finished and vowed I'd never get braids again. The next morning Eboni and I went to the Garden Centre and purchased products for our hair and went about the business of taming two-three months worth of new growth and tangles....my hair is finally starting to look like itself again and I'm much happier. I liked the braids and the fact that in most cases until I opened my mouth (American accent) that I blended in quite well, but I missed washing and massaging my own hair so welcome back!!!

EBONI!!!!

JOHN LEGEND!!!

3

@ Work

A fellow intern painted this mural in the library at Christel House

Cape Point

Lion's Head

View before the climb

Still Climbin....

Halfway up Lion's Head still in good spirits.....

Cape Town

A nice view of Cape Town as I began to climb Lion's Head

@ Cape Point

More on the way....

So I've just published blog posts that I've written but because of Internet and time constraints I haven't been able to post them...I have more regarding my time in Joburg, the safari...fashion...and some really great book reviews...excuse my lack of political posts but I really don't get much American news while here...Pics will come as soon as Picassa falls in love with me again but just a quick update on my life....

Shine On....

We've got to do better....

Finally got the chance to get on Yahoo and what do I see...Lil Wayne expecting his fourth child...really sir...in less than one year you've had or will have three boys. I won't bash him because he does have the money and resources to raise his children...so to each his own. But as a society we definitely have to do better. Lil Wayne's story is not to uncommon and many men/women that choose to have multiple children with different partners don't have the resources to provide for them. Also having multiple partners is very dangerous and is just not good for you health. We really do need to do better.

On a sidenote Rihanna is looking very hip hop/rock...and I think the look for her...idk if I like barbed wire on anyone..but her new assertive personality is def working for her...and I also like the combination of fashions she has chosen recently...I'm still unsure about her hair but she owns it with her confidence which is all that matters...Black is a great color on anyone and can be used to create a variety of looks from chic to sophisticated, classy to sexy...conservative to edgy and so much more.

I'm really hating that I'm missing fall because season wise it's one of my favorites and I really love fall fashion!!! When I can catch magazines here I've been going through looking for inspiration for my winter wardrobe when I get home. Since I am in South Africa and Africa itself is known for its beautiful print I plan to incorporate that as a staple of my wardrobe. it's spring/summer here so I'm trying to be cognizant to look for clothes that will transverse seasons. However I have found some really nice sandals and heels that I'm thinking about purchasing because you can never have to many pairs of shoes....I also found a tailor and she's very reasonably priced so I think when I get some time I may get her to make me @ least one piece...

The best thing about South African fashion for me is their obsession with scarves. I loves scarves and have some of the most brilliant patterns, designs, and clothes here in South Africa. They also have very thick scarves, which will come in handy during the winter. A great scarf truly transforms an outfit so I'm excited to pair up some of these scarves with my black pea coat and boots...ohhh how I love cold weather fashion....to be continued

As if I needed another sibling....

So everyone who knows me knows that I have a large blended family but I love them all. We are very different but I feel like each of my siblings have contributed to the person that I am. Then I have my besties who are practically sisters/brothers to me especially with all the crazy, quirky, adventures we've had...they are def stuck with me...and now I have Eboni...soon to be Dr. Eboni Taylor(epidemiology)...yep she's def YBIHF(young, black, intelligent, and highly favored)....there is so much I could say about Eboni but to begin I LOVE HER...there aren't enough adjectives to describe how incredible Eboni is...She is so friendly, caring, gregarious, beautiful(both inside and out)...humorous...etc...etc...etc...and if there is nothing else that I'm happy about it's that I met her in Cape Town.
We have has some of the craziest times from her trying to paint on a toenail, to walking all over Cape Town for an avocado, scavenging the city for something sweet and ending up with Lay's Salt and Vinegar chips and a Twix, to pole dancing...yep that's right if this law thing doesn't work out I will be able to do burlesque..Dita Von Teese is getting old anyway...boxing...and wondering why Hudson's wouldn't stock up on brownies and ice cream when the weather is really nice....Anyhoot we went shopping...and when it comes to shopping I'm at home, fashions, shoes, clothes, malls, boutiques, whatever you name I love it...Eboni was my first client because if law and burlesque don't work I want to be a personal stylist/interior designer...(I really just want it all)...it was really a great experience and we found some great clothes for Eboni (yep that's right I refrained from shopping)...falling asleep in her twin bed because she has a space heater (and Cape Town is really quite chilly despite all this talk of next month you will experience our beautiful weather)...watching soapies, crazy movies, and documentaries....always getting drug by default into the wildest times...our self to self talks because sometimes it's hard to rise above...and many more great memories we've had together....
But beyond all that Eboni and I have a lot in common especially our love for our mommies...because mi madre is def my boo...her faith is something I also admire....because as she says "when we have nothing else left, we have faith: so very true as I've learned throughout this trip....I could on and on and although her favorite color is red she secretly loves pink (lol)...she has also rubbed her love of elephants on me they're cute animals. I could go on and on but my Internet won't allow it...but this one here is a KEEPER and can def be considered big Sis status...I'd call her a pearl (because it's my favorite jewelery) but in my life she's truly been a diamond....although we've only know each other for six or so weeks, Eboni has quickly become a treasured friend. I'm truly blessed to know her.

SHOUT OUT TO ALL MY LOVELY FRIENDS, I LOVE YOU ALL FOR THE ROLES YOU PLAY IN MY LIFE!!!!

I've been gone for a minute...

Wow well October was really crazy for me and it's been quite awhile since I've had time to sit down and blog. The Internet in my house and at my job aren't the most reliable so I really just have to get in where I fit in. Not complaining though because Skype works fairly well so @ least I can maintain some communication with the world outside of South Africa. Well let's see in the past month I've hiked Lion's Head, worked, JOHN LEGEND, relaxed, revisited Cape Point, went on a safari and an excursion to Joburg, went to the beach....and have in general enjoyed Cape Town.

So I hiked Lion's Head and it was an experience to say the least...there were chains, dogs, and children...(which really don't go together in most cases...but everything is relative)... I have no clue why anyone would bring their small toy dog to climb a mountain but to each their own... Seeing the small dogs dime make me miss my Alex Smalex though. The hike wasn't that bad on the way up though because the wind was nonexistent but by the time we hiked down...there were hurricane force winds propelling us down...Cape Town has the weirdest weather and can go through every season in one day...anyhoot climbing down Lion's Head using the chains was quite the experience especially since I didn't sign up to go rock climbing. It was a really rewarding experience though and I'm glad I did climb before I left...it was a nice place to relax and meditate!!!

The best part of October def has been JOHN LEGEND...went to the show and it was incredible...he's a great artist but he is an AWESOME performer...he def surpassed my expectations. I went back to Cape Point which is by far my favorite place in Cape Town: the water, cliffs, everything about it make me incredibly happy inside!!!

In the last month I have also really become more engaged in my work. At my internship I am a counselor and run an anger management campaign. i really love the children @ Christel House and will post pictures of some of them when my Picassa is working properly. The children I work with are very receptive and want to reach out to someone because they realize how powerful and dangerous anger as an emotion can be. Christel House has def been a learning experience for me because it's so hard to imagine the realities that many of these children face but STILL THEY RISE...Christel House will graduate it's first students this year and I know they will go on to do great things...these children have realized the importance of education and I truly with that could rub off on some in the African American community...*sigh*...but Christel House and my experiences here have all been great thus far. I enjoy being in this place and know that I will truly miss the children when I leave. My coworkers are very friendly and always have great suggestions of places to go visit and have been very helpful as I have adjusted to being in Cape Town. Christel House has the best CHICKEN ever...or @ least roasted....so every 2nd Wednesday they serve this delectable roasted chicken, yams, and rice. These yams are only second to my grandmother's Thanksgiving/Christmas yams...idk where they grow these but they're yummy...although I get free lunch everyday so there are no complaints...I'm always excited about Wednesdays!!!

However I STILL MISS HOME...I really wish I could give this experience to everyone at home because I have witnessed some phenomenal stuff and most of my time here has been indescribable...I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried...SHOUT OUT TO DIANA IGLESIAS aska Baliamos she takes the best pictures ever and will def be a famous photographer one day...we work together and have experienced crazy times at Christel House. yet we always have a great time...she is producing the play and will be the director of the Drama Club, no doubt she will do a good job because she loves drama and she's very creative. The chickabees already lover her and in general Baliamos is just a great person with an infectious spirit.

Virtues....

Patience is a virtue…Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

So since I have been here I have definitely learned to be a more patient person and learned so much about life beyond my own….A few days ago I had a really life changing experience when I was walking home from the gym…two men asked me for money and I just kept walking but then they started speaking !Xhosa and one grabbed my bookbag…so I just ran back to the house and thankfully they left me alone but for the grace of God…and just when I was winding down from that incident I had the infamous ROOMMATE DRAMA….My roommate and I are very different and had very little in common, but I honestly made a concentrated effort to get along with her. She was a morning person and everyone knows that I’m a nightowl but I tried to be accommodating and would spend much of my time outside of the room with Eboni. I would take my shoes off before entering the room because our house was really old and you could hear a lot of noise, I would get dressed in the dark, and use the bathroom light instead of turning on my own personal light. It came clear quickly that we just were not compatible people and there was little effort on her part to get to know me and when I tried to make conversation with her she was very short and awkward about it so I just decided we would only leave together. This arrangement was fine by me because I’ve made other friends in the house and I was not rude to her so I was living happily…Well on Friday we decided as a group to cook spaghetti and I took the lead…(yeah I COOKED spaghetti with my own homemade sauce)…I do have skills sometimes….but anyway we invited the entire house and was a really big meal when my roommate overheard she said she wanted Mexican so we shrugged it off…Later she told people that she was not invited and that the group choose to exclude her…After dinner I went upstairs to chat with some people and my buddy Thomas texted me and was like my roommate was thinking about moving but did not want to hurt my feelings because I was really loud, I didn’t make an effort to be her friend, that I turned the TV on really late @ night, I turned the lights on @ night, and just was generally rude and disrespectful to her…Well apparently she went on this campaign because by Friday night at the house party a few more individuals expressed this belief to me…I didn’t say anything to her immediately because I do have a temper, so I prayed for a clear head and guidance for the right words to say…On Saturday most of the group went to the whale festival but I did not go because I really hate underwater creatures…so Diana and I went out with a co-worker from our intern…great time by the way, found a great mall, with great heels, and nice designers clothes made by young, upcoming, designers for really cheap…I’m in love…but back to the story so Sunday I decided to talk to my roommate and address the issues at hand, I first talked to three other people in the group about what I was going to say to make sure it wasn’t rude or confrontational…once I felt comfortable I asked my roommate to talk…I did not close the door and was preparing for the gym while talking to her…so I expressed to her that it was disrespectful for her to address issues she has with me with other housemates, and that I have tried to make a concentrated effort to accommodate her, and not to use me as a reason/excuse for her own personal want to move…she was really defensive, said that I should take everything that people in the house said with a grain of salt…that she did not want to move but that she felt we had different sleep schedules and this is all she told other people…(a complete lie and everyone knows I HATE LIARS)…but I told her she didn’t owe me explanations, I was not there when the conversations went down and that to alleviate this from happening she should have just come directly to me…she was still on the defensive even after I had spoken my piece….now frame of reference for how nice I am the first night here she got so drunk she threw up all over herself and our bathroom, I cleaned her and the bathroom up without a word or judgment. On top of dealing with her stomping around in the morning, brushing her teeth near my head, and other random things that annoyed me. So while I was at the gym happy and relaxing in the hot tub because I felt the situation was over and relieved she was on yet another campaign…I get back to the house and Eboni says she needs to talk…my roommate basically said she was scared to stay with me, uncomfortable with me in the room and could not live there for the rest of the semester, that I belittled her and basically attacked her. All lies in her quest to make me seem like the angry black person as I am on the only black student on the program. I WAS BEYOND ANGRY WHEN I FOUND THIS OUT and decided immediately that she no longer existed to me, so then after I walk around to decompress and get over what I had just been told she tries to talk to me but I ignored her because like I said before she no longer exists to me…but at this end of this situation I have learned to be more patient and continual love the person that I am…My roommate is racist that have been off handed remarks about local South Africans, her change of internship, and finally this final incident that affirms for me her true attitudes but I love the person I am, I love being black, and will not change for anyone…I’m glad I chose to take the high road and address the situation instead of living in a shroud of lies and deceit…Cape Town has taught me so much about life and myself and although the situation and the stereotype sucked I am now a better person for having experience it…Well have another post tomorrow because I’m going to hike TABLE MOUNTAIN…pray for me ya’ll…..

Gone Native

This guy grabbed me and made me take a pic with him because he thought I was a native South African and then he returned the favor

Cape of Good Hope Again

Stunningly breathtaking!!!

Death...

The lighthouse I was almost blown off of!!!

Hmmm...

So apparently baboons are the realest animals in Africa, they will jack you for your food and eat it in your face. Rummage through your purse etc....etc... baboons searching for foods=thugs

Cape of Good Hope

A view of the Cape of Good Hope from the Lighthouse

Beach

The weather here is so unpredictable, but the beach was really lovely!!!

Marching On....

March of the Penguins

They're sooo cute

Little Drummer Girl

Learning to play the drums @ Guga Steba...

Me doing work

I have washed more dishes here then I probably have in the past five years

Happy Birthday Eboni!!!

So our lovely program TA turned 27 on Saturday and we presented here with this double chocolate cheescake from Charley's. I usually hate chocolate cakes and feelings but Charley's makes the best chocolate in the world it's sooooo addictive. Sara Lee step your game up

It's Been too long

Alright, so I know I'm doing really bad about blogging but this has been a very interesting week here in South Africa to say the least. There has been some upheaval in trials with the programs but in the process I've had a really good time. I've seen penguins and to be honest they're not really that interesting, darn you Morgan Freeman. Cute though really cute. Was almost blown off a lighthouse tower which def would've meant certain death. I def need to get my weight up, although I've been eating more here. I swear the food here is so delicious and really cheap no wonder everyone here isn't obese. My internship @ Christal House is amazing though the children and staff or sooooo friendly and very polite. The children are really interested in American popular culture which is a little disconcerting because much of what they know about or ask me about America has to do with celebs like Chris Brown, Beyonce, Rihanna, America's Next Top Model(ugh), 50 Cent, and TI just to name a few. Some things you just can't escape. But I am excited that John Legend is coming to Cape Town the only drawback is his opening act Keri Hilson but ugh it could be worst. Anyhoot I'm really missing FB season but GO SAINTS and surprisingly UNC is doing really well so GO HEELS!!!

But anyway these pics are from my entire week here and I'm preparing more meaningful blog posts sometime in the near future...but until then enjoy the pics.

Pics

So most of these pictures are from my first few days here and I've finally found a way to upload them without using much of my MB(because I have to pay for it) so hope you enjoy, the first few pictures are small because I thought it would take longer if I chose a larger image size but it didn't so I promise the rest of the pics will be medium to large. Anyway I'll blog more later but I have an early morning tomorrow.

Another view of Talbe Mountain specifically Lion's Head

A view of a winery

Table Mountain, the view from where I stay

Petting at Cheetah @ a Cheetah Rehabilitahion Center

This is Eboni and I with our face paint we received @ this restaurant Muyo's

This is a view of a township called Khayelitsha

There's always tomorrow....

There is a saying in South Africa that there's always tomorrow....coming from a structured environment where scheduling and time management was key it was really refreshing to witness the relaxed nature of most Cape Townians....I also really find myself agreeing with the phrase. When I first arrived Wednesday night...yep I'm late...I was really tired and felt a sense of disconnection...but the next morning when I woke up, showered, refreshed, and finally able to see myself in Cape Town I was ready to seize the day. I had a new approach and felt that this really was the right decision. In the course of the past two days I have connected with a few roomies on the trip. Although everyone is really nice and friendly there are a few people that I have really connected with thus far. However I really love Eboni our RA/TA...at first I thought hmm it'll be weird because she's also the "authority" but she is soooooo nice, relaxing, open, friendly, and honest...she reminds me of my own siblings so we quickly got along. My professor is also really cool and quirky but she's really funny. Veron our guide reminds me of James Earl Jones in that his is regal and very grandfatherly...

The cuisine in South Africa is to die for....it's so delish...so far I've had Ethiopian food, curried chicken, yam, some really interesting desserts some of which I don't know the name but they're good... A few places I'd try if you ever in Cape Town is Charley's(a desert place but they have really good quiches and pies)...apparently they're really famous lamb but I can't eat poor Lambchop...but the chicken and lemon sauce quiche was really good and with the Russian Cheescake I was in heaven...I've actually ate more here in the past few days than I've eaten in America in a long time lmao..but yeah the food is really goood. But I've also like our programme and we've done some really interesting things...wine tasting was alright but wine is not really my thing...but I did love go to a cheetah refuge and got to pet a cheetah. Really cool it reminded me of my Mooch...still don't have a cell but not really missing it quite yet...well that's my thoughts for now...oh yeah I did have to buy face clothes because they didn't use them in South Africa and I def need something...but overall housing is alright...landlord is a bit odd but who's not...

Really the most important lesson I've learned is to stay the course and there's always tomorrow...so if your day/life isn't going the way you want it to now...keep the faith, make changes if necessary and remember there's always tomorrow

Shopping!!!

So I finally had a chance to relax and do a little shopping over these past few days...since it will be Winter moving into Spring when I arrive in South Africa I tried to remember to get pieces that could be worn in both seasons. I'm not really into trends but into classic timeless pieces with a few modern trends.(eg Audrey Hepburn meets Michelle Obama). See the things with trends is you buy all these clothes one season and can't carry them into the next. So although I love my colors I usually stick to black, white(v-necks, tanks, camis), neutral greens, tans, and browns. I don't shy away from colors I love my greens, purples, pinks, and yellow but usually for accessories such as scarves or maybe a shirt now and then. But anyway I was really trying to stick to a budget so I paid for everything in cash, I usually use my debit card but some places use credit and don't take the money immediately and also I tend to spend more money when I use my debit card. So I attacked the mall, I knew what stores I wanted to go to and made a list of things I really needed. I also had to keep in mind that my suitcase can't be more that 50 pounds which is a bummer, because internationally it can be 70 pounds but whatever.

I love boots which is why I really love fall/winter. I don't mind peep toe heels, but a nice pair of flat boots really speak to me. I found the perfect pair and got them in both brown/black...you'll see them more in later photos. Speaking of finally got a new camera since the last one was stolen and my mom really wanted her camera back. Sadly it's not pink but it's plum and purple has always been one of my favorite colors so all and all a good thing. I went and got a Polo sweater I've been eyeing for awhile which I'm really excited about because I really like the fit with the new jeans. I went to Forever 21 one of my all time favorite stores the others are Express, Bebe, Aldo and I honestly was not impressed by the selection there. I like to browse online and so I get ideas of clothes in my head so I hate when they're not actually in the stores. Also since the store is moving from summer/fall a lot of pieces didn't appeal to me for my trip to South Africa. However I did find a nice leather jacket, one pair of jeans, a nice crisp button down, and a navy blue cami to match the Polo. I do this a lot buy one expensive piece and pair it with something less expenisve. I didn't spend as much as I thought I would at Forever 21(less than $100) which is odd for a back to school but I got some pieces that I can wear throughout the year so it was worth it(with the exception of the leather jacket)

So a little sad about my Forever 21 experience I headed to Express...I needed a nice pair of gray slacks...[sidenote gray slacks are really diverse and can be dressed up or down and can go with a variety of tops] and I knew Express was the place to go well the sales guy was really friendly and he helped me find the perfect pair. They have a really nice lining so I can also wear them in the winter when I return back to America. They're called the Editor pant and look really professional, I'm really small but I do like the way they fit and they look nice with both heels and flats. I knew Express had some news jeans so I decided to browse to see if I liked any...well I purchased the Stella Barely bootcut and I loved the way they fit...since they're buy one get one half off I went back and got another pair the Zelda Skinny Jeans. I love Skinny Jeans because I'm really little a size 0 so I really like to the fit and they go well with my heels, boots, or Chucks[only tennis shoes I will wear]. My venture to Express was really good and I was dreading that it was not the first place I went to.

I went to the dreaded WalMart to get toiletries items and what an experience. I detest WalMart and the way it causes people to act but they have really good deals on Olay and Eucerin so I have to go there. I love that Olay has combined their pore scrub and cleanser now, and I also got more makeup remover. I love my MAC but when it's time to go to bed I really appreciate a good makeup remover that cleans and refreshes my face without drying it out and Olay has that. I also purchased sunscreen for my face because I know the sun it a lot harsher there and nothing can make you look older than the sun.

My most exciting trip was to the MAC counter, I only really needed new foundation, MAC has the best foundation in the world. I love my Studio Fix NW43, it looks really natural and if I don't wear eyeshadow or eyeliner someone always asks me do I have on makeup at all...which I love. I wear powder but I have a really good brush also from MAC so I like the way it looks and just haven't ventured into trying liquid yet... For me makeup is about enhancing natural beauty and on a normal daily basis I really don't want people to notice. Personally if people notice then I have on too much make up or I didn't do it correctly, which is why I love MAC because it's so au naturale. However when I got there I saw to new lipglasses I liked Smile and New Spirit. New Spirit had only arrived that day which I'm excited about since they don't make my Hello Kitty anymore. I also qualified for a new lipstick which I usually don't wear but I couldn't get another lipgloss so the MAC girl helped me find a lipstick that matched the scheme of my new lipglasses called Funshine. FYI about me I'm really into natural looking lips with a hint of color so most of my glosses are in the pinkish range to blend into my natural lips which looks really good with the MAC chesnut liner. I also got a new eyeliner pencil because my dog chewed my other one....sad day in my household.

So all in all I had a really great shopping venture I got some really nice sweaters, long sleeve v neck t-shirts, greats jeans, and other pieces that I could layer and change up since I can't take my whole wardrobe. I was a little concerned about what I'd do but once I made a list, set budget, my shopping trip was great. The best thing was that I spent less than I thought and now I have more money to go to South Africa with. Now if only I could pack and stay on top of my blog the way I wanted....

My Black is Beautiful

Rest In Peace Naomi Sims (March 30, 1948-August 4, 2009)

Naomi Sims was the first black supermodel and paved the way for many like my fav Naomi Campbell. She was an icon and integral representation of the "Black is Beautiful" movement. She later turned her success into a lucrative wig line and became an advice columnist to young teenage girls. Naomi Sims a pioneer in fashion and black history will truly be missed. She died of breast cancer one of the leading causing of death among Black Women, don't forget to get an annual breast exam. Early detection is the best medicine.

"Insist on yourself; never imitate... Every great man is unique"

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Health (S)Care Reform

47 million Americans go uninsured each year and this statistic is a mere estimate, the actual number may be far higher. Yet some Americans believe the healthcare system is not broken and are working with lobbyists to keep the current system. I guess having the second worst infant mortality out of the industrialized nations, one of the lowest life expectancies of the industrialized nations of the world, the highest obesity rates in the world does not signify a need for change.

I have no problem with people that can afford their own healthcare it's quite an accomplishment. I am fortunate that my parents have healthcare through their jobs and I will be insured through law school, but for others my age this is not a possibility. Many have to resort to applying for Medicaid or for the elderly Medicare. However this governments programs are sometimes stretched beyond their resources and leave out many middle class Americans. What about those that are not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid but are not rich enough to afford Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, etc.... What do we tell these Americans tough luck, eat your apple, and hope for the best.

I am all for UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE!!! I think it's absurd that America is one of the only industrial nations that refuses to accept the system because it's "socialist" What are public schools, fire departments, police departments, and other government run services....hmmm I guess it's okay to pick and choose socialism. However universal care is not really something we can afford to delay. The thing I like about Obama's plan is that IF YOU LIKE YOUR CURRENT HEALTHCARE YOU CAN KEEP IT!!! (sorry to type this in all caps but some people really forget this) but if you can't afford healthcare or don't like your current healthcare then you can receive or buy into the government public option. Yes the government may have some issues but look at the Senators, Congressmen and Congresswomen, cabinet members etc that receive government run healthcare, they all seem fine to me. Yes, the very people that are telling you to raise hell and not vote for a government run system benefit themselves from such a system. It's okay for me but not my constituents. Are these really the people we want fighting for us.

Speaking of people fighting for us, Blue Dog Democrats you don't fool me. You can use the title Democrat to get into office but you're conservative leaning are very apparent. It's baffling how Democrats are supposed to party of liberalism and progressivism but every time Obama suggests fighting for a progressive cause he is met with the most opposition from his own party. Did you really not expect him to try to change the healthcare system...hmm I guess because someone makes a campaign promise doesn't mean they have to keep it. I guess since the stimulus involved money that would funnel into these Blue Dog Democrats states it was more prescient than human lives, go figure. Furthermore these same Blue Dog Democrats are taking some of the most money from healthcare lobbyists. It's odd that the talking points that you are willing to emit are from those that you swore to your constituents that you would fight against. Well I guess it's true money talks and bullish or in this case people walk. sigh....

Oh yeah lobbying groups really Bob MacGuffie, really sending out emails encouraging people to raise hell, be distractions, and just downright ignorant hooligans. Instead of actually trying to work for bipartisan healthcare reform, let's just work against whatever the Obama administration tries to do. And has anyone really thought to themselves at the meetings while acting a fool, hmm I wonder why insurance companies are paying so much to stop this bill???? The very people that lobbyists, insurance companies and many Republican Congressmen are using to defeat the current healthcare reform are those that need it most. WAKE UP MIDDLE AMERICA!!! Big business is not your friend because realistically you will never have the type of money to matter to them.

There is some validity to those that argument that the healthcare is expensive because of new technology needed to fight disease but there are also some large fallacies. How are nations such as France, Denmark, Canada, and Germany ensuring the survival of their citizens despite rising healthcare costs. Why do people in "socialist" nations live longer and healthier lives than Americans???? Why are the wealthy in these nations willing to pay higher taxes while we give our wealthy tax breaks???? sigh....just something to think about

The time for healthcare reform is NOW, the Obama plan is not perfect but it's a start. Why can't we forget our parties and work earnestly toward a new system that will benefit EVERY CITIZEN of the United States. Let's share the health.

It worked in 1993, let's not let it work in 2009

Really is the Canadian healthcare system that bad, if this lady is so fed up with Canada then why does she not move to America...hmm I wonder how much she was paid for this...

P.S. I have included videos of the ridiculous antics used by some....are we not above this

P.P.S I have only provided a very brief outline of the new healthcare reform and suggest that you do your own research because after all Knowledge is power!!!

"The real fight is about what should be in the marketplace and what should not. Should education be a marketable commodity? Should healthcare?"

Susan George

Happy Birthday Mr. President

Happy 48th Mr. President!!! I guess it's sort of bittersweet though because of the Birther Movement. I'm all for opposition and freedom of speech but really just grasping in the dark. I rarely agree with Ann Coulter, Bill O'Reilly, and Karl Rove but really this story is just ridiculous. There is no way humanly possible that the GOP would've let this story slip by them in the general election or for that matter Hilary Clinton. Election 08 was so vicious and malicious that if Obama was not a citizen, red flags would've immediately went up. Is there nothing else that you can attack the President on??? Yes his father is Kenyan but his mother was a "natural born" (whatever that really means) citizen. Furthermore she never changed citizenship despite traveling and living in Indonesia so get over it. November 4, 2008 decided the Presidency, so get over it. I'm not saying that everyone has to love and embrace Obama but if you're going to attack him at least make sure it's on the merits of his policies and not something as absurd as this. If one looks into the Constitution only those born in the original 13 colonies and living in 1788 are actually literally eligible for the Presidency. So I guess we've been voting for illegitimate Presidents for years, so why not one more.

Oh yeah and am I the only person that noticed that some news sources only refer to the President as Mr. Obama...really are you that bitter that you can't even call him President Obama. Mr. Obama sounds like some regular random Joe Schmoe(or Joe the Plumber if you must lol) walking around doing some pretty official stuff. But maybe that's just me well HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mr. Obama/President...you sure did dupe most of the country...(sigh)

A little about me....

Well it's hard to follow someone you don't know, maybe if you know more about me then it'll make these blog posts just a bit more interesting. Well I'm 20...(ahh kind of scary) it's like the official end of childhood because by the end this decade in my life I'm supposed to be a "responsible, productive, citizen". I'm getting there or at least I hope so. Well I am a total girly girl thus the name Barbie but I really don't see anything wrong with Barbie or the image that she projects. It's not really about looking like a Barbie but more of the feminine empowerment that she represents. Barbie can be anything which I really like so why not an Intellectual Barbie...okay maybe a little cheesy but that's me. I love politics and check CNN and the New York Times hourly. I love the nitty gritty American political system but I'd really like to change it but you're learn more about that if you follow me. Hmm let's see the most exciting thing going on right now is my impending trip to South Africa to study abroad and my documentary called I Dream of Africa... I will talk more about this later.

I'm a student at the greatest university on the planet...UNC Chapel Hill in case you didn't know. I love college...the freedom, the different viewpoints, the interesting reading, the people but it's definitely hard work but I can see my goals so I can't stop now.

I also love music Kanye West is my favorite artist right now but I'll listen to anything that uplifts, soothes, rocks, grooves or vibes with my soul. My Ipod or my computer is always booming with something. My family and friends would call me a shopaholic but I think I have it under control I'm just very weak when it comes to clothes, shoes, and purses. I have a puppy that's the love of my life, he'll definitely be a staple on my blog.

Beyond all that though I really care for humanity and other cultures. I believe that most of the times we focus on what divides us instead of the beautiful things that unite us. I am determined to be the change and enjoy others that are working to change the environment around them. Well I think that's enough about me for now....