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....