ERICA'S ENERGY!

PRAYER FOR 2012

2012-01-25T09:19:00.000-08:00

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I ask that you touch who ever is reading this right now. I ask that you sweep over them and comfort them and give them gudiance and direction. I pray that you allow clairty to enter their life immediately and confusion to exit quickly. We never know what someone is going through. We never know what someone has been through, however what we do know is that your love never ends. That your are constantly worthy of praise and for that I am grateful. Grateful for new beginnings and thrilled to start living in my purpose. In my destiny that you create for me even before I was in the womb. I'm ready to develop a new realtionship with you and I hope you can give me the strength to inspire others to do the same as well.

Amen

Jaelyn and Chris "Tomorrrow" by The Winans

2011-12-25T20:39:00.001-08:00

I'm Materialistic I want Gifts

2011-11-23T20:29:00.001-08:00

A desktop Mac:::I already have a MacBook Pro so make sure you get the desktop
My December 2011 student Loan payment pad
A car dock for my IPHONE
Underwear ::: I need lots and I like granny panties they are comfortable
A plastic tote for my coupons
Some socks
Rainboots
Jumping the Broom DVD
Carmex Lotion ( 3 bottles) ::I have a coupon if you need it
A bike with a basket like Pee Wee Herman
Toilet paper & Paper Towels
Colorful wash cloths
A filing cabinet
Beauty and the Beast DVD
PacMan Moblie that you plug up to the tv
A hot pink scarf
Oreos
A heating Pad
My rent paid for January
A gift card to Hallmark
A photo album
Pajamas

This is part one :)

I MISSED 11-11-11

2011-11-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted a blog in awhile

Literally since October.

SO i had decided that I wanted to post one on 11-11-11
But I missed it I was two busy clipping coupons
Didnt have time

You know because it is suppose to be special or some shit.

I saw mass people getting married on tv yesterday

The sad thing is half of them will be divorce by next year

About that::

MARRIAGE

I don't do divorce

To death do us part mother fuuuuuuu

You know the rest

I just feel like why even get married

just be in a serious relationship

it isnt even that serious

Vincent and I just had this conversation yesterday

I dont do prenups

or divorces

that is one of the ultimate vows under GOD

i know a sin is a sin

but still come on now.

Homosexuals can't even get married

and they are the ones that would set the greatest example of what marriage is about

on to the next::

Lets see::

I'm trying to give you guys a recap of what is going on

or has been going on::

RENT

I had put an offer in for a condo

it was a short sale

the bank rejected my offer

I told them to kiss my ass basically

I m not about to pay 2,000 more for a house that

wasnt even appraised for that much

so yeah Im still paying RENT

ughhhhh

whoever invent Rent is a genius

Seriously it is like the ultimate money maker

People give money and have nothing to show for it

Because you sure as hell don't OWN that apartment

JOB

MY Career is going okay

I want a new job though

tired of dealing with people who take advantage of the government

I LOVE the company I work for.

The believe in Diversity and that is what I am all about

Oh thats what I was aiming to ask you guys about

BIRTH CONTROL

What idiot in Mississippi actually thought that they could get enough people

to vote so that abortion and birth control could be illegal in some forms

Please when you find out who came up with that GREAT idea let me know

What a dummie...

More people need to be on birth control

and a lot of these criminals, sex offenders and murders should have been aborted from day one.

Don't get me started I could go on for hours...

But I won't

I will just say VOTE HERMAN CAIN....LOL!

( I needed that laugh)

I THOUGHT THIS WAS INTERESTING

2011-11-12T11:29:00.000-08:00

Tweet Researchers: African-Americans most likely to use physical punishment
Posted by Stephanie Siek -- CNN

A switch, a belt, a shoe, a hand. Paddling, whipping, whupping, spanking. The instruments and language of corporal punishment vary, but what connects them is how often they are employed as parenting tools.

Researchers who study corporal punishment say that parents of all ethnic groups, socioeconomic categories and education levels practice some form of physical punishment with their children.

“The majority of parents across all ethnic groups spank at some point,” said Elizabeth Gershoff, a professor and researcher on corporal punishment at the University of Texas at Austin.

But among the groups most likely to use it: African-Americans.

In a study Gershoff co-authored that examined 20,000 kindergartners and their parents, she found that 89% of black parents, 79% of white parents, 80% of Hispanic parents and 73% of Asian parents said they have spanked their children.

But why do so many black parents approve of disciplining their children that way? The answer is complicated, experts said.

Some researchers have suggested it's a legacy left by the brutality of slavery. Some say it's rooted in fear - that if parents don’t use force to demand obedience, someone else will. Others said African-American parents, in aggregate, are disproportionately lower-income, have less education and are more likely to follow a religion that implores them not to spare the rod for fear of spoiling the child - all factors that correlate with use of corporal punishment, regardless of race.
Numerous studies have pointed to negative consequences for all children who are spanked, regardless of parents' race, ethnicity, income-level or education level. Kids who are physically punished face higher risk of anxiety and depression, higher rates of aggression toward others and a more distant relationship with their parent, Gershoff said. Those risks are in addition to the risk of injury from parents who cross the line from a hard smack on a behind - still damaging, researchers said – to abuse that leaves children bruised or bleeding.

Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint, a Harvard Medical School psychiatrist who has studied mental health issues and parenting in African-American communities, is a leading voice against corporal punishment. It’s an uphill battle.

“It’s culturally embedded in America that spanking is a legitimate and good way to discipline children. But the fact is, nearly all studies, except for a few, say it is not a good way of disciplining and can actually produce damage,” Poussaint said. “We have such damage in the black community, when you add to that parents beating their kids, it’s sending the message that violence is an OK way to solve problems.”

Nevertheless, Poussaint said, questioning corporal punishment can provoke a defensive or angry reaction from parents.

Usually some people stand up and say, ‘Well, I was beaten as a kid and I turned out pretty well.’ Well, did they?” Poussaint said. “If you dig more deeply, you don’t really know that… beating may have left scars in them that they don’t really understand.”
Poussaint dismisses the biblical imperative so often used as a justification for corporal punishment as “a tired excuse.”

“Violence begets violence, anger begets anger, and the loss of control makes it all worse,” he said.

There are researchers, community leaders and parents that are trying to change attitudes toward spanking and corporal punishment among African-Americans.

The Harlem Children’s Zone, a nonprofit community organization that provides education and social services to a 100-block area in New York City, is working to convince parents that corporal punishment isn't the answer. It spends two sessions of its Baby College program for parents of children ages zero to 3 talking about how physical punishment is harmful and why it shouldn’t be used. Since the nine-week Baby College began classes in 2001, more than 3,600 parents have graduated.

“Sometimes there is some pushback during those sessions, sometimes they go home and are told by older relatives that they’re spoiling the child,” said Marty Lipp, an Harlem Children's Zone spokesman. “We have to equip them to be able to make the case to themselves and possibly to their relatives and neighbors.”

Asadah Kirkland, an African-American mother and educator in Brooklyn, was inspired to write her anti-spanking book, “Beating Black Kids,” after a friend said “something about how you just need to beat kids sometimes.” The book includes adults discussing how spanking affected them, and also offers parents alternative methods of discipline.

Kirkland now gives workshops encouraging parents not to use corporal punishment, and she often encounters resistance from parents who believe it’s necessary. They passionately defend their right to raise their children as their parents raised them – with switch in hand.

“They don’t want to be incriminated, they don’t want to incriminate their parents,” Kirkland said. “They need to validate what’s happened to them.”

Kirkland said more parents must realize that parents need to use discipline in a way that gives kids skills for handling conflict in the future: negotiation, respect of authority and courage.

“Whatever you want your future to look like, that’s what you need to be rearing and creating in your children’s future,” Kirkland said. “These are the people who are going to run the future, and if they’re coming up beaten up and resentful, that’s the way they’re going to be when they grow up.”

BLACK GIRLS ROCK!!!!

2011-09-13T09:05:00.001-07:00

Meet the New Miss Universe Leila Lopes

Quiz

2011-09-11T13:40:00.001-07:00

I got a small quiz for my readers to take. There is no right or wrong answers. Good Luck!

How many African Americans died on 9/11?
How many white people died on 9/11?

How many African Americans died during Katrina?
How many white people died during Katrina?

Are they rebuilding the Twin Towers better?
Are they rebuilding New Orleans?

How did we remember Katrina?
How are we remembering 9/11?

Class is dismissed .

PICNICS AND ROACHES!

2011-09-10T15:55:00.000-07:00

Nothing in life is simple

Currently on a picnic

Testing out this blogger app

About damn time my new IPHONE4 come in

I was getting tired of that damn loaner

can we say flip phone

it was sooooooooooooooooooooooooo

old school

you had to flip open the phone just to see who was calling

no caller id on the front

when i was in eight grade

those phones was in...

times have changed

and beds have been made

I turned 25::

I got vertical 25 times

It was a straight birthday

nothing to much

nothing to small

chilled with those who love me and

said Finger Painting to the haters

I'm getting old

Vincent said I was a senior citizen

Dequann said my insurance would be cheaper

and my daddy talking about finally I can get a good deal on a rental car

I don't think Im old though

If i was old I would have volunteered to go with my mom to see Sade in concert

( insert coughs)

I will pass on that one.

Geeked about the rest of the birthdays this month

All my siblings are Virgos.

We represent September hard

Either tithed or go home

That's what Bishop TD Jakes said

( JK)

I hope this app works...

if so

count me in

blogging on Monday Tuesday and Wednesday

today is 9-10-2011

I wish I had some sperm to meet one of my eggs in January because

I think that would be neat to have a kid on 9-10-2011

Never mind bad idea

My ex got this chick pregnant

I don't know how I feel about it.

Never mind I do....

I feel like

saying Thank you Jesus I don't have that bill

I'm trying to go to London this summer and NYC this winter

I'm out

Hold on

Did ya see President Obama's weak ass speak last night?

SMH!

A damn shame....

He is too fine though...that is all that matters..

I'm a Republican, but I am going to vote for him for one more term.

Two reasons only

1. He is Black

2.He is fine.

Peace and Greetings

Wake me up when September ends!

2011-09-01T18:36:00.000-07:00

Dear September,

Please be nice to me. August was very rough for me so much crazy shit happened. Not only will you be bringing my 25th birthday you will be bring my siblings birthdays in as well. Team Virgo all day. September please keep on blessing me financially as in August. God is the giver of all blessings so hopefully he will keep me in good conditions with you as well. He has never failed me yet. September if you want to send me my prince charming, please feel free to do so as well this month. I am getting old and I need to fall in love quickly so I can buy me a house and travel the world soon. I prefer to do that with a husband. If you want me to meet him this month I am more than willing. If he is already around please direct me to him. Even though I love you September you are bitttersweet in so many ways. I put my trust in you though that everything will be okay.

Love,
Erica

Adele - ''Someone Like You''

2011-08-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

I so can not wait to see her in concert in October with my brother Justin. She is so amazing and talented.

Her lyrics are the best and it speaks so clearly.

IF YOU CAN BUY A BLUNT YOU DON"T NEED WELFARE

2011-08-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

Is Drug Testing Welfare Applicants Unconstitutional?

By ADAM COHEN
Time.com – 7 hrs agotweet8Share1EmailPrintMore From Photos: Hurricane Irene Leaves Behind a Trail of Destruction

Under a new Florida law, people applying for welfare have to take a drug test at their own expense. If they pass, they are eligible for benefits and the state reimburses them for the test. If they fail, they are denied welfare for a year, until they take another test.

Mandatory drug testing for welfare applicants is becoming a popular idea across the U.S. Many states - including Alabama, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Louisiana - are considering adopting laws like Florida's. At the federal level, Senator David Vitter, a Louisiana Republican, has introduced the Drug Free Families Act of 2011, which would require all 50 states to drug-test welfare applicants. (See photos inside Colorado's marijuana industry.)

And the focus isn't even limited to welfare. In July, Indiana adopted drug tests for participants in a state job-training program. An Ohio state senator, Tim Grendell, recently said he plans to introduce a bill to require the unemployed to take a drug test before they receive unemployment benefits.

Drug-testing the needy has an undeniable populist appeal. It taps into deeply held beliefs about the deserving and undeserving poor. As Alabama state representative Kerry Rich put it, "I don't think the taxpayers should have to help fund somebody's drug habit."

But as government policy, drug testing is being oversold. These laws do not do what their supporters claim. And more importantly: they are likely to be unconstitutional. (See a TIME feature on your right to privacy.)

Drug testing proponents like to argue that there are large numbers of drug users going on welfare to get money to support their habits. The claim feeds into long-standing stereotypes about the kind of people who go on welfare, but it does not appear to have much basis in fact.

Several studies, including a 1996 report from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, have found that there is no significant difference in the rate of illegal-drug use by welfare applicants and other people. Another study found that 70% of illegal-drug users between the age of 18 and 49 are employed full time.

Drug-testing laws are often touted as a way of saving tax dollars, but the facts are once again not quite as presented. Idaho recently commissioned a study of the likely financial impact of drug testing its welfare applicants. The study found that the costs were likely to exceed any money saved.

That happens to be Florida's experience so far. A Florida television station, WFTV, reported that of the first 40 applicants tested, only two came up positive, and one of those was appealing. The state stands to save less than $240 a month if it denies benefits to the two applicants, but it had to pay $1,140 to the applicants who tested negative. The state will also have to spend considerably more to defend the policy in court.

Given that cost-benefit reality, it is hard to escape the suspicion that what is really behind the drive to drug-test benefits applicants is a desire to stigmatize the needy. The fact is, there are all sorts of people who benefit from government programs. Businessmen get state contracts, farmers receive crop subsidies and retired state workers receive pensions. The pro-drug-testing movement, however, is focusing exclusively on welfare recipients - an easy target. (Read about ER doctors testing for drugs without a patient's consent.)

Policies like Florida's will almost certainly end up in court - and there is a good chance that they will be struck down. The Fourth Amendment puts strict limits on what kind of searches the state can carry out, and drug tests are considered to be a search. In 1997, in Chandler v. Miller, the Supreme Court voted 8-1 to strike down a Georgia law requiring candidates for state offices to pass a drug test.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, writing for the majority, said that the drug testing was an unreasonable search. The state can impose drug tests in exceptional cases, when there is a public-safety need for them (as with bus and train operators, for instance). But the Fourth Amendment does not allow the state to diminish "personal privacy for a symbol's sake," the court said. (Read whether schoolteachers should be drug-tested.)

Drug testing welfare applicants does not seem to meet the Chandler test since there is no particular safety reason to be concerned about drug use by welfare recipients. In 2003, the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down Michigan's drug testing of welfare applicants as a Fourth Amendment violation.
If Florida and other states are really concerned about drug use, they should adopt stricter laws and better enforcement policies aimed at the whole population, not just the most vulnerable. But these laws are not really about drug use. They are about, in these difficult economic times, making things a little harder for the poor.

Cohen, a former TIME writer and former member of the New York Times editorial board, is a lawyer who teaches at Yale Law School. Case Study, his legal column for TIME.com, appears every Monday. You can continue the discussion on TIME's Facebook page and on Twitter at @TIME.

GOOD WORDS COME IN THREES

2011-08-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY TO MY FAVORITE COUSIN JAELYN. SINCE I DON"T HAVE ANY CHILDREN SHE IS LITERALLY THE BEST KID EVER!!!!

I don't know why I am so opinionated. I have always been this way. If you ask me about it, more than likely I have an opinion about it. Whether it be a current event, a law, a relationship issue. Ask me and I promise you I will have something to say about it. Most people have opinions, but they just aren't as vocal about them as me. My granny says that sometimes I need to keep my opinion to myself. It is very hard for me not to speak on something, when I have something to say about it. I understand that my opinion is not a fact, however majority of the time I have factual information to back up my opinion. Now some of my opinions are really out there. The kind where most people don't understand. For instance I don't believe in dinosaurs, simply because I never can find the reference to them in the Bible. Google it. Believe it or not others have the same view point as myself. More people need to have an opinion and speak up on issues and things that they believe are incorrect. Nothing can be done about situations if you never say anything about them.

Georgia ::: BOSTON::: Georgia:::

Everyone that actually knows me. ( I define knowing me as having my phone number).

Anyways!!! Everyone that actually knows me, knows that I have always wanted to move to Boston. After I graduated college that was the plan to move to Boston. However Boston is NOT for a just graduated college human. OMG! Can we say expensive all together? I need to make at least $80,000 a year to live comfortably in Boston. I damn near need a pay raise of $35,000 more to reach that goal. That is basically a part time job. Needless to say:: I probably won't be moving to Boston until I'm 30. ( 5 years). So in the mean time I think I am going to move to Atlanta at the end of the year. Nashville is starting to be really mean to me. I having the worst of luck. Mission Change of Environment is in full force. I'm still a little unsure at the moment. However more then likely I am going to go for it. One ALOT of my friends live there and TWO I already have employment set in place. All I know is hopefully Atlanta police are a lot more friendlier than Columbus's police because Lord knows I got this 217.00 ticket......( someone please pass me the bleach milkshake). LOL!

WORKING MY NERVES WITH THE IPHONE

UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Can you sense my frustration through the words? Seriously ? I broke my Iphone again!!! This is the second time in less than 30 days. I have the freaking worse luck with phones. The first time I dropped it in kool aid and then this time I just dropped it on the cement at my apartment complex. C'mon now! Are you serious? You don't understand how much I love that phone? When I am going to the movies? There is an app for that. When I need directions? There is an app for that? Is something on sale? There is an app for that. I even have an app where I can talk and the phone will text for you. Mello thought that was the coolest thing ever...He is such a lame... Basically whatever needs to be done there is an app for it. I'm hooked to Apple products anyways. I mean I am in LOVE with my MAC. Not only does my phone situation work my nerves but lately other things have been as well::::

*People who smoke cigarettes:: Literally it makes me want to throw up in their mouths

*Companies who think that employees can not do their work correctly when they show up late.

*Having to take a shit after you just got out of the shower ( I hate that)

*People who can't afford their own kids

*Males having females attitudes ( my ex is currently going through this stage)

* Off brand bleach

*Filling up my gas tank at Kroger and forgetting to use my plus card.

*Facebook Page Stalkers

*Not having a IPHONE ( insert tears)

*Kentucky State University still sending me a bill. I graduate college in 2008. I owe you know money.

*Females that were fake eyeslashes.... SMH A MESS

*Vincent farting in his sleep on me...

*Mega Churches

*Girls who cuss

*Democrats from Texas ( You live in the most conservative state:like get a life)

SPEEDING TICKETS AND BIRTHDAY GIFTS

2011-08-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

Attention: Speeding ticket for 217.00 :::Columbus, Georgia....R u freaking serious??
Who wants to pay it?

So my birthday is less than two weeks away!!!
Hold on...
First of all where did summer go? Like I could have swore that just a couple of days ago I was celebrating Easter and now look it is Labor Day...so freaking crazy to me.
I am really geeked though because my birthday is right around the corner which means lots and lots of gifts for me ( September 7th)
If you don't know what to give me
I have compiled a list of what I would like to have for my birthday.
Please get it so I won't have an attitude. Thanks
The list is not in any particular order.

1.) Tickets to go see Adele in concert...( I already got this so never mind....erase that)
2.) An Iphone Dock for my car
3.) Chrome door handles for my car
4.) A sewing machine
5.)A vacuum
6.) A desktop MAC I already have a MACbook Pro but I want a Desktop MAC also
7.) Someone can pay my student loan payment for the month of September its $250.00
8.) Someone can pay my rent for September as well its $750.00 thats with the water bill
9.) I want a true religion winter coat
10.) The book " The Help"
11.) The dvd : Jumping the Broom"
12.) Some Kush....LOL ( just joking)
13.) Queen sheets ( dark colors only)
14.) Gas gift cards...
15.)Delta Skymiles
16.) Lime Green Marc Jacobs tote
17.) Some tennis shoes
18.) YMCA membership to Yoga classes
19.) Hobby Lobby gift cards
20.) Bible Book dividers.

Thats all for my birthday. I will get my Christmas list together soon.

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE

2011-08-09T16:21:00.001-07:00

Jesus Feeds Five Thousand

This story is about a miracle. If you don't know what a miracle is, you should by the end of this story. Just remember only God can do miracles, and He still does them today!

Jesus had sent the twelve disciples out into the country and gave them the power to heal sick people and tell others about God's love. When the disciples returned, they met with Jesus to tell Him about all the people they talked with and had healed. They were all very excited to tell Jesus about their adventures.

The problem was, people followed the disciples so they could find Jesus. They had seen the miracles He had done and wanted to see more. But Jesus knew the disciples wanted to talk to Him and they hadn't even had a chance to eat yet, so He said to them, "Come with me and we will find a quiet place to talk and get some rest."

So they went away by themselves in a boat to a quiet place. But many people saw them leaving and recognized them and ran after them on land. The boat Jesus and the disciples were in was slowed down because of wind so the people actually got to the other side of shore ahead of them.

When Jesus and the disciples arrived they noticed the large crowd. Jesus felt love for these people because He knew they needed a teacher and someone to believe in. He knew that the disciples would understand so He began teaching the large crowd many things.

It was starting to get late in the day and none of the people had supper yet. The disciples came to Jesus and said, "There is no food around here and its already getting late. Maybe we should send the people away so they can go to the surrounding towns and get themselves something to eat."

But Jesus replied, "You give them something to eat." The disciples didn't think that they understood Jesus right, "We can't feed all these people, we would have to work almost a year to pay for all the food." The disciples said shocked.

While the disciples were talking to Jesus one of the disciples named Andrew noticed a small boy walking by with a small lunch. He stopped the boy and asked him what he had. He quickly ran over to where the disciples were talking to Jesus and said, "Here is a boy with five small loaves of bread and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many people?"

Jesus smiled and said, "Ask everyone to sit down." There was lots of grass to sit on so everyone was seated, all five thousand of them. After everyone was seated Jesus took the loaves of bread and thanked God for it. Then the disciples passed around the bread and everyone could take as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

Remember these were five small loaves of bread and two small fish, enough for a boy to eat on his own. There were five thousand people all eating from this boy's small lunch, and they could eat as much as they wanted. There are probably more than five thousand people at your church or school, it's a lot of people!

After everyone was full, Jesus asked the disciples to gather all the food that was leftover so nothing would be wasted. After they gathered all the baskets of food they counted them up. There were twelve baskets still full with some bread and fish from the little boys small lunch.

His small lunch probably barely filled one of the baskets before Jesus touched it. And that is a miracle! After the people realized what had happened they said to each other, "This must be an important person sent from God." He was much more than that!

Forget planking -- who's up for owling?

2011-07-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

By Doug Gross, CNN

July 21, 2011 10:41 a.m. EDT
Filed under: Web

(CNN) -- The sad truth for ridiculous Web memes is that they have remarkably poor shelf lives. So, farewell planking.

Hello, owling.

Deciding that striking a "light as a feather, stiff as a board" pose in public, photographing it and posting it on the Web is old news, some Internet denizens have moved on.

Now, it's all about squatting, arms pressed toward the ground and eyes locked in a wise, faraway gaze. You know ... like an owl.

If it all seems sort of ludicrous, well, that's kind of the point.

"Owling is actually more of an indication of how big planking is," said Ben Huh, founder of the Cheezburger Network of sites and blogs, which focus largely on Internet humor and memes.

"Planking is kind of like the Rebecca Black of Internet memes," he said, referring to the "Friday" pop singer. "So many people think it's so stupid -- but they're watching it and they're parodying it."

According to the network's Know Your Meme blog, owling was first documented July 11 in a post on Web-sharing site Reddit. It featured a "demotivational"-style poster of a woman "owling" with the text: "Owling: Because Planking Is So Two Months Ago."

"Owling is what we call a 'forced meme,' " Huh said. "It's the idea that we're going to try to make something happen in reaction to something else."

Actress Hilary Duff became the celebrity world's leading owler on Saturday with this photo on Twitter.Planking, at times called the Lying Down Game, became popular in the United Kingdom last year and picked up popularity worldwide this spring. (Tragically, much of the attention came after May 15, when a 20-year-old Australian man died attempting the stunt on a seven-story building.)

Since then, celebrities like Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Rosario Dawson and basketball stars Dwight Howard and Gilbert Arenas have been among the meme's practitioners.

So far, actress Hilary Duff is the world's most famous owler.

"Didn't wanna hit carmageddon so I'm just owling all weekend!" she wrote Saturday on Twitter, attaching a photo of herself striking an owl-like pose on her kitchen table.

"I think that's the only one so far," Huh said of celebrity owling. "But even the fact that she's part of a forced meme that only got started a couple of weeks ago is pretty crazy."

Of course, the Internet is too big for just one weird spinoff from an already bizarre trend.

Owling seems to be getting traction. But other -ing-verb efforts that have cropped up on the Web in planking's wake include:

• Coning: The act of buying an ice cream cone at a fast-food drive-through, then grabbing a handful of the ice cream, not the cone, when picking it up.

• Toothpicking: Posing on one's head, straight up and down. A sort of vertical answer to planking's horizontal form.

• Leisure diving: Posing for a photo in midair while diving into a pool, while attempting to look as casual about the experience as possible.

All have one thing in common with owling and planking, Huh said. While they need the Internet to go viral, they are, at their core, old-fashioned sight gags that would have made people laugh decades, or even centuries, ago.
"Unlike doing something on the Internet where you just send a photo or meme to your friends, this will get far more curious onlookers going, 'What the hell is going on?' " Huh said. "You're doing it in a public space where everybody is not in on the joke. That's part of the fun."

IT IS AS CLEAR AS MUD!

2011-07-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

Photo By: Tory Alexander

I'm going to be 25. OMG! That is old. Seriously people, I'm half way to 50 and 50 is basically damn near retirement. The only cool thing about being 25 is that I am old enough to be an adult and still have my parents be really young. Well I guess that just depends on how old your parents were when they decided to have you. My parents were young when they were getting it cracking ( my daddy says it was in the backseat of a car LOL) . Anyways, since they are still young and hip I can actually relate to them better now at this age then when I was 18. Needless to say on September 7th ( the day Tupac was shot), I Erica Newby will be 25.

I remember in my sophomore year of undergrad I had like my goal list of everything that I was going to have accomplished by the time I was 25. Then as a 21 year old, I didn't realize how fast that was going to come. I had some really realistic things on my list such as own a home, live in Boston, have a real man, have my student loans paid off. Those things were realistic then, but now Lord help me ( bows head and says Lord's Prayer).

I hate to toot my own horn. Actually I don't hate to toot it. I have accomplished some really great things. I have a Bachelors Degree. I pay ALL of my bills ( even though my sister April swears my granny pays my rent), I have 30% of my student loans paid and I got approved for a mortgage loan. The thing is my life is as clear as mud right not ( hence the picture) . I'm not for sure what I am going to do. I have changed a lot therefore my goals and dreams have changed as well. I still have a love for Boston, however Miami seems more affordable at the moment. (Google Boston real estate and prepare to be AMAZED)

It's just a lot of stuff to think about. Thank God I don't have any kids because my whole game plan would have to change. I'm to selfish for that right now. I use to not want any kids at all..now since I am deeply in love...I might want to adopt a little black girl one day and name her Veronica. LMAO!!!!!!! I'm unclear about a lot of things but that was definitely a joke no snotty brats for me. I already promised my brother I would be his surrogate anyways.

The wonderful thing about being 25 is simply that. I'm going to be 25. Many people do not even have the opportunity to turned 25. Some people don't even get the joy of being 25 because they have kids, or are on drugs, or homeless I mean the possibilities are endless.

So I guess you can say even though right now my future is as clear as mud I'm grateful for 25 to come. I'm really at a good point at my life so I am happy. My career is stable, which means my financially life is stable. I'm in a growing relationship with a 22 year old so that keeps me hip, and my family and friends still get on my nerves like normal so basically I welcome 25. Let the good times begin.

Whether you are turning 25, 16, 60, or 50 at least your are turning a year older. So that means a year of something new and that is pretty exciting.

P.S. All birthday gifts can be sent to my mom and dad's house in Vine Grove, Kentucky. Just shoot me an email for the address or you can drop them off and leave them on the back patio.

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

2011-07-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

MY FAVORITE COUSIN UNDER THE AGE OF TEN NICK:
LADIES BEWARE
MOTHERS HIDE YOUR DAUGHTER;)
HE IS THE ULTIMATE GENTLEMAN.

Innocent until proven Guilty::therefore she is Innocent

2011-07-06T07:39:00.001-07:00

Americans are funny. I say that as if I am not one. LOL! Born in Indiana, raised in Kentucky, now living in Nashville, hopefully Boston or Miami by 2012.
Just like every other normal person I was participating in the Casey Anthony trial. Obviously I wasn't there but I watched from the comfort of my home as Anderson Copper reported on how the trial was progressing each and every day. You can believe that I definitely wasn't watching Americans most liberal idiot Nancy Grace. Needless to say, I unlike others was not shocked and disappointed at the verdict like so many others.
The chick isn't guilty get over it.
I was even more shocked to realize that I had so many friends with Casey the night she killed Caylee since they just swear up and down she did it. Please inform me how she murdered her daughter? I would like to know. The thing that is great about America is that you actually have people with booksmarts and not just common sense. Of course there were certain issues that were brought up that would make you think Casey killed her daughter, but nothing in stone, there wasn't any proof. So she is innocent. Get over it.
Another thing that shocked the hell out of me is how people assumed she killed her daughter because she was partying and getting tatted. WTF! That is the most crazy shit I have ever heard. So what she got wasted? Everyone grieves differently. I'm not a mom so maybe I don't have that maternal instinct inside of me. But who honestly is going to sit in a dark room and be all depressed. And as far as the getting inked issue. Like seriously people….I know hell of people who get inked when someone dies or even gets murdered. What's the difference in this chick?
Just because you assume something or something looks suspicious doesn't mean it is true. My momma thinks I am pregnant everytime I get sick which is literally once a month, am I ? Hell no! And for all the crazy people that wish bad stuff on her, like you seriously might want to repent for that. There is no such thing as a greater sin, however some sins have greater consequences, and wishing harm and unhealthiness in another humans life does not look to good in God's eyes. I'm just saying. But on serious note::: hit me up email me ericanewby@ymail.com because I am DYING to know how she killed her daughter and since you know she did it, obviously you was there so you should know all the details.

I should be a lawyer::: Because I Knew she WASNT guilty.

2011-07-05T14:34:00.000-07:00

Casey Anthony acquitted of killing young daughter

Look for my blog tomorrow on this media obessed case.

By KYLE HIGHTOWER - Associated Press
AP – 1 hr 32 mins ago

Casey Anthony and her lawyer, Jose Baez, left, react to her being found not guilty …

Casey Anthony, center, sits at the defense table, with her attorneys, Jose Baez, …

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Casey Anthony was found not guilty Tuesday of killing her 2-year-old daughter three years ago in a case that captivated the nation as it played out on national television from the moment the toddler was reported missing.

Anthony wept after the clerk read the verdict, which jurors reached after less than 11 hours of deliberation over two days. The 25-year-old was charged with first-degree murder, which could have brought the death penalty if she had been convicted.

Instead, she was convicted of only four counts of lying to investigators looking into the June 2008 disappearance of her daughter Caylee. Her body was found in the woods six months later and a medical examiner was never able to determine how she died.

Anthony will be sentenced by the judge on Thursday and could receive up to a year in jail for each lying count. Since she has been in jail since August 2008, she could walk free then.

After the verdict was read, Casey Anthony hugged her attorney Jose Baez and later mouthed the words "thank you" to him.

Prosecutors sat solemnly in their seats, looking stunned. Prosecutor Jeff Ashton shook his head slightly from side to side in apparent disbelief. Across the room, Anthony's father wiped tears from his eyes. Without speaking to Casey, he and his wife left the courtroom escorted by police as the judge thanked the jury.

"While we're happy for Casey, there are no winners in this case," Baez said at a news conference afterward. "Caylee has passed on far, far too soon. And what my driving force has been for the last three years has been always to make sure that there has been justice for Caylee and Casey, because Casey did not murder Caylee. It's that simple."

He added: "This case has brought on new challenges of all of us. Challenges in the criminal justice system, challenges in the media, and I think we should all take this as an opportunity to learn and to realize that you cannot convict someone until they've had their day in court."

State Attorney Lamar Lawson thanked the prosecutors from his office who tried the case, and he said the case was never about the defendant.

"It has always been about seeking justice for Caylee and speaking on her behalf," he told reporters.

Jurors told the court that they didn't want to talk to the media at the courthouse.

Anthony's attorneys claimed that the toddler drowned accidentally in the family swimming pool, and that her seemingly carefree mother in fact was hiding emotional distress caused by sexual abuse from her father.

Prosecutors contended that Caylee was suffocated with duct tape by a mother who loved to party, tattooed herself with the Italian words for "beautiful life" in the month her daughter was missing and crafted elaborate lies to mislead everyone from investigators to her own parents.

Captivated observers camped outside the courthouse to jockey for coveted seats in the courtroom gallery, which occasionally led to fights among those desperate to watch the drama unfold.

Prior to the verdict on Tuesday, the judge said: "To those in the gallery please do not express any signs of approval or disapproval upon the reading of the verdict."

Anthony did not take the stand during the trial, which started in mid-May. Because the case got so much media attention in Orlando, jurors were brought in from the Tampa Bay area and sequestered for the entire trial.

Baez conceded that his client had told elaborate lies and invented imaginary friends and even a fake father for Caylee, but he said that doesn't mean she killed her daughter.

"They throw enough against the wall and see what sticks," Baez said of prosecutors during closing arugments. "That is what they're doing ... right down to the cause of death."

He tried to convince jurors that the toddler accidentally drowned in the family swimming pool and that when Anthony panicked, her father, a former police officer, decided to make the death look like a murder by putting duct tape on the girl's mouth and dumping the body in woods about a quarter-mile away.

Her father firmly denied both the cover-up and abuse claims. The prosecution called those claims "absurd," saying that no one makes an accident look like a murder.

Lead prosecutor Linda Drane Burdick concluded the state's case by showing the jury two side-by-side images. One showed Casey Anthony smiling and partying in a nightclub during the month Caylee was missing. The other was the tattoo she got a day before her family and law enforcement first learned of the child's disappearance.

"At the end of this case, all you have to ask yourself is whose life was better without Caylee?" Burdick asked. "This is your answer."

Prosecutors hammered on the lies Anthony, then 22, told from June 16, 2008, when her daughter was last seen, and a month later when sheriff's investigators were notified. Those include the single mother telling her parents she couldn't produce Caylee because the girl was with a nanny named Zanny — a woman who doesn't exist; that she and her daughter were spending time in Jacksonville, Fla., with a rich boyfriend who doesn't exist; and that Zanny had been hospitalized after an out-of-town traffic crash and that they were spending time with her.

Among the trial spectators was 51-year-old Robin Wilkie, who said she has spent $3,000 on hotels and food since arriving June 10th from Lake Minnetonka, Minn. She tallied more than 100 hours standing in line to wait for tickets and got into the courtroom 15 times.

She said she's fascinated with the case because she is a victim of violent crime.

"True crime has become a unique genre of entertainment," Wilkie said. "Her (Casey's) stories are so extreme and fantastic it's hard to believe they're true but that's what engrosses people. This case has sex, lies and video tapes — just like on reality TV."

The Art of Planking Verses Slavery.

2011-07-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

I was so geeked to plank with my cousin Tory and my sister April. So as soon as I got home that it the first thing I decided to do to entertain us. I was so proud of my creativity that I sent the picture to many of my friends and my boyfriend. Of course everyone thought it was so neat and funny accept Vincent. He sent me a text message back that said: Don't do that planking ish it is related to slavery". Like are you serious?? Then he told me to Google it. So that is exactly what I did.

Does planking and slavery have some similarities? Ughh yes it does. However does it have a direct relation to slavery? No! Who in their right mind would create a game that was to mock such a rough and awful time in the United States History? People who think that planking and slavery go hand in hand are probably the same people that think Lincoln freed the slaves. Some things have adjoining facts that would make you formulate a certain opinion, but to just out right say planking and slavery are the same thing..GET out of here. And what is even more funny is how some of these articles and websites that try to relate the two have these diagrams trying to showcase the similarities. People are so funny to me?

Have a sense of humor? It is simply just a foolish game.

Money Money Money

2011-07-01T10:42:00.001-07:00

Dealbreaker.com

Scrooge McDuck lives. An ATM receipt showing a balance of nearly $100 million dollars was discovered at an East Hampton Village bank.

A customer found the receipt hanging out of the ATM's slot. The customer who found the receipt showed it to financial blog Dealbreaker.com. The receipt, dated June 18, doesn't list the account holder's name but does indicate that the person has $99,864,731.94 in a personal savings account (that's after a $400 withdrawal and a $2.75 service charge). The East Hamptons is a well known playground for the very wealthy.

Is the receipt a mistake of some kind? Perhaps. Anyone with that amount of cash would know that keeping $100 million in a savings account isn't the wisest investment move. Savings accounts earn paltry interest rates and are only guaranteed by the federal government for amounts up to $250,000.

A buzzy article from The New York Post speculates that the holder of the account may be billionaire mogul David Tepper (Forbes lists him as the 208th richest person in the world). When contacted by The New York Post, Tepper denied ownership of the receipt and pointed out that he "would never do something as irresponsible as leaving $100 million in a savings account."

Maybe it really was Scrooge McDuck?

NO SEX FOR ME!

2011-06-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

Check out my girl Dequann Walker's article on celibacy at http://yourlifeafter25.com/

http://www.aetv.com/the_first_48/video/?bcpid=740842571001&bclid=868206277001&bctid=1016834526001&baseURL=/bcconfig/Player/3Tier/The_First48_3Tws/config-xml/&baseDIR=/bcplayers/Player/3Tier_ws/baseDIR/

2011-06-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

http://www.aetv.com/the_first_48/video/?bcpid=740842571001&bclid=868206277001&bctid=1016834526001&baseURL=/bcconfig/Player/3Tier/The_First48_3Tws/config-xml/&baseDIR=/bcplayers/Player/3Tier_ws/baseDIR/

Getting 2 KNOw You. Getting 2 Know All about You

2011-06-16T09:22:00.001-07:00

Full Name

Erica Rochelle Newby

Eric is my daddy's name

Rochelle is my mom's middle name

And then obviously you have the last name

Favorite colors are pink and black

However I have already informed my future husband that our wedding colors will be

Orange, red and pink

Inspiration:

I am going to have to go with my Granny

Jane Marie Perks

Born May 24, 1941

And still kickin it today

She is pretty amazing

And dope

Enough Said:::

Life After College

Overrated

Headaches

Student Loan Drama

At least I have my degree though

A lot of people can't say that

I like to eat

My favorite:

LASAGNA

SUSHI

CHOCLATE MILK ::a drink but still its my favorite

:Music:

I am fan of everything but CoUnTry!

I can't take all that damn whining

Turning 25 Soon

September 7^th

Feel free to send me a present

Email me for my address:

ericanewby@ymail.com

I have emotional moodswings often

I feed off drama

I'm super EXTRA

Females get on my nerves

Vincent makes me smile 360 days out of 365

I have a great relationship with God even though I believe gays should get married

Because PEOPLE ARE BORN GAY

I want to travel the world

Sometimes I'm fake

It really just depends who you are

My friends change constantly

April and Jasmine and Justin are my only BEST FRIENDS

My mom is going through menopause

But she still kicks ass

My daddy can out Drink your dad

However he is still my biggest supporter

True Love does wait

Pride of Pity

If God is for me…Who can possibly be against me?

Would That Be Fat or No?

2011-06-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

My newest addiction

From TGI Friday's

So Amazing

Had it the day after I got my teeth bleach

and I still didn't care.

Literally I spent 500 on getting my teeth bleach

and then two hours later

Vincent and I are sitting in freaking

TGI Friday's and I am ordering this

Filled with Red Food Dye

It was worth it though

The cookie was nice and warm

and the ice cream was so creamy

Just thinking about it makes me want to place a TO GO ORDER

for one right now...

Would that be fat or no?

LOOK AT ME NOW!

2011-06-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

Racial hoax causes PR headache for McDonald’s

2011-06-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

By Zachary Roth

ShareretweetEmailPrintBy Zachary Roth zachary Roth – 2 hrs 32 mins ago

An online hoax that falsely suggests McDonald's discriminates against African-American customers is causing a PR headache for the Golden Arches.

Over the weekend, the photograph above circulated widely on the internet. The image shows what looks like an official McDonald's notice in the window of a restaurant, telling customers that blacks will be charged $1.50 extra "as an insurance measure due in part to a recent string of robberies."

Many internet users retweeted the photo, using the words "Seriously McDonald's," to express their disapproval of the burger chain.

In response, McDonald's sent a tweet of its own on Saturday: "That pic is a senseless & ignorant hoax McD's values ALL our customers. Diversity runs deep in our culture on both sides of the counter."

But that clearly wasn't enough to clear things up, because Twitter users continued to send out the picture, with that same message of condemnation: "Seriously McDonald's." Indeed, so many people sent "Seriously McDonald's" Tweets that the phrase became a leading entry on Twitter's trend list.

That led to a second, blunter McTweet, on Sunday: "That Seriously McDonalds picture is a hoax."

The latest pushback effort seems to have helped keep the photo from spreading too much further--but there's no telling how many people out there still think the photo is for real.

This is hardly the only recent barrage of negative publicity for the burger behemoth--some of it more justified. McDonalds CEO Jim Skinner recently was forced to defend the company's renewed use of the Ronald McDonald mascot to appeal to children, after critics said the restaurant's fat-laden burgers and fries endanger kids' health.

It's not clear who created the hoax image. It appears to have first showed up on the popular 4chan message board, and it was posted last year on an anti-McDonald's blog.

But there's no doubt it's fake. As some Twitter users have pointed out, the toll-free number given at the bottom of the sign is actually the number for ... Kentucky Fried Chicken.

(Photo via yFrog)

THE TOP TEN THINGS THAT DRIVE ME CRAZY.

2011-06-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

10. Girls with tattoos on their legs, thighs, and ankles. Like can you be anymore hood? That is so tacky. Who randomly goes into a tattoo parlor and request to get tatted there? Can you be serious?

9. Chipped fingernail polish. I see it all the time. I hate when it is my waitress, just for the simple fact that the nail polish is in the process of chipping therefore a small piece could literally end up in my food. Gross! Plus classic girls never let their finger nail polish get old enough to chip.

8. Guys trying to talk to me with a car seat in the back seat. SMH! Number one I do not talk to guys with kids. I attempted it before when my boyfriend thought he had a kid. So I was going to stick it out with him. Thank God that wasn't his kids because believe me it wasn't going to wok. Anyways guys do it all the time. Try to holler at a gas station with no tent on their car ( a mess) and in clear view is a car seat....Yeah about that ??

7.Sweat.... I know this sounds so crazy, but I like rarely sweat and when I do it isn't visible. However some people sweat and you can see it on their forehead and back. That shit is gross. Not only does it drive me crazy but it is disgusting as well.

6.Single Moms... Okay yes they have to do a lot of hard work. However they are so overrated. Like really? I hate when people start off sentences like this " I am a single mom, therefore"..Like okay divorces happen and people have babies out of wedlock. That is your choice...Get over it...NEXT

5.I have like maybe three points left on my license. I am such a speed demon. With that being said it literally drives me crazy when people are going like 60 in the fast lane on the highway. The speed limit is 60, so why in the hell are you going 60 in the fast lane? Drive faster!!!!!! That works my nerves every time.

4.People that think interracial relationships are okay but have a probably with homosexuals relationships. So what is it different because the people are the same sex? Does that look odd to you? Well two different races in a relationship look odd as hell to me so whats the difference? We even now ;0

3. Not being able to use expired coupons. So I am into the couponing thing. I am actually getting really, really good at it. It drives me crazy though how sometimes the coupons expire before the item goes on sale. Who can I write to in the government about this?

2.Babies swimming in public pools. I know they have those leak proof diapers, but I just can't simply make myself believe that America was able to invent something to keep baby waste from getting in the pool, but have yet to find a cure for AIDS. I don't know about that.

AND THE NUMBER ONE THING THAT DRIVES ME CRAZY

Any form of GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE THAT IS NOT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES.

Wic, Foodstamps, Section Eight, HUD,
The list literally could literally go on and on and on.
I am not a big fan of helping people out who place themselves in certain situations.
I hate to share anyways, but just the idea that all these programs are out here for people to get help. Like why are you in this situation anyways? If you can't affordable baby formula then guess what...you shouldn't be having a baby. Like how about you go to school and get an education and then you won't need foodstamps. And don't even get me started on Section Eight I could talk about it for days. Everybody has a different situation. Everyones' lifestyles are different, but seriously last time I checked we ALL had 24 hours in the day. Which basically means we all have the same amount of time to reach opportunities so what makes you so special were you need help?? SMH only in America.

It is Coming out of her COOCHIE

2011-06-07T13:15:00.001-07:00

So I was reading an article today about a man who is being sued by his ex girlfriend. The article reads that after his ex girlfriend decided that she wanted to have an abortion he purchased a billboard and posted a picture of himself on the billboard along with an invisible outline of a baby with the captions that read, "This would have been my two month old baby if my girlfriend didn't kill it"

Some of you know me personally, others just simple read my blog because they have heard about it or are just simply being nosey. Needless to say those that truly know me know that I am a VERY opinionated person and that certain issues I am super passionate about. Three of them being….PRO CHOICE, GAY MARRIAGE, and
IMMIGRATION.

So when I read this article you already knew I had multiple things to say.
Who is this guy? What makes him think he has any right to be upset about whether his ex girlfriend had an abortion or not? Was it going to come out of his coochie? Ugh no. Was he going to be in labor? No….Was he going to have to carry it around for nine months? Don't think so.

The idea that he put a billboard up is funny to me. In fact it is hilarious! I think that was a cute and clever way to get back at her. But the captions:::come on now:: KILL::Since when was an abortion killing something?…Who said life starts when the egg meets the sperm?…Is that in the New Testament or the Old Testament? I know a commandment is thou shall not kill…?? However you can't kill something if it isn't alive? People are so funny to me these days. Check out the article below Just copy and paste the link into your browser….All I can do is smh (literally).
And for all you over 50 SMH= Shaking my head.

http://beta.news.yahoo.com/jilted-ex-boyfriend-puts-abortion-billboard-194142831.html

THIS IS SO FUNNY TO ME

2011-06-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

Man cited after paying bill with 2,500 pennies

Utah man cited for disorderly conduct after paying disputed medical bill with $25 in pennies

tweet5EmailPrintOn Monday June 6, 2011, 8:24 am EDT

VERNAL, Utah (AP) -- A Utah man has been cited on a charge of disorderly conduct after paying for a disputed medical bill with 2,500 pennies.

The Deseret News of Salt Lake City reports Jason West went to Basin Clinic in Vernal on May 27 prepared to dispute an outstanding $25 bill.

Assistant Vernal Police Chief Keith Campbell says that after asking staff members whether they accepted cash, West dumped 2,500 pennies on the counter and demanded that staff count them.

Campbell says the incident upset staff because pennies were strewn about the counter and floor, and West's action served "no legitimate purpose."

Police later issued the 38-year-old West a citation for disorderly conduct. That carries a fine of as much as $140. Or 14,000 pennies.

CUT OFF HIS DICK

2011-06-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

Karma: What goes around comes around.

Karma: How you treat people will affect your life.

Karma: Welcome.....hope we don't meet again.

SAD DAY

2011-05-10T13:04:00.001-07:00

1 hr 36 mins ago

Employment rate for black men at record low

By Zachary Roth

ShareretweetEmailPrintBy Zachary Roth zachary Roth – 1 hr 36 mins ago

If the election of America's first African-American president was expected to give blacks an economic boost, it hasn't emerged yet. Indeed, the percentage of African-American men with a job has dropped to its lowest level since records began in 1972, according to the government's monthly jobs report released last week.

Even as the economy added a better-than-expected 244,000 jobs, the percentage of black males over 20 who are currently employed dropped slightly to 56.9, the Labor Department's April report shows. For whites, the equivalent figure is 68.1 percent.

Before this recession, the percentage of black adult men with a job had never dropped below 60 percent, according to Labor Department statistics.

And among blacks, it's not just men who are suffering. Just 51.5 percent of African-Americans across the board--compared to 59.5 percent of whites--have a job, the numbers show. That's the lowest level for blacks since 1984. (That group includes 16- to 19-year-olds, who are employed at a far lower rate than their elders.)

These employment rates are calculated differently from the top-line unemployment rate, which includes only those actively looking for work, and inched back up last month to 9 percent.

Heather Boushey, an economist with the liberal Center for American Progress, told The Lookout it's not just African-Americans who have been hit particularly hard. It's also other traditionally struggling groups, such as ex-offenders and those without a college degree.

"Anyone who would be last on an employer's list to get a job is really in bad shape" in the current downturn, Boushey said.

And employers' hiring practices may be making the problem worse. As we've reported, online job listings telling the unemployed not to apply have proliferated in recent years. The federal government is currently probing whether such listings illegally discriminate against African Americans, who are disproportionately likely to be among the jobless.

Nonetheless, much of the media has focused on the travails of educated white men--still a comparatively flourishing group--during the downturn.

(Faye McWilliams Pearson, a volunteer at Miami's Pass-It-On Ministries, left, works with Douglas Willock, center and Stephen Smith, both unemployed, giving them information about job fairs and a box of food that will last a week: J Pat Carter/AP)

AINT THIS SOME SHIT

2011-04-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

Census: Hispanics surpass blacks in most US metros

ShareretweetEmailPrint AP – In this photo taken Tuesday, March 29, 2011 a Hispanic physical therapy office is located across the … By HOPE YEN, Associated Press Hope Yen, Associated Press – Thu Apr 14, 7:09 pm ET

WASHINGTON – Hispanics now outnumber African-Americans for the first time in most U.S. metropolitan areas, shifting the political and racial dynamics in cities once dominated by whites and blacks.

Census figures released Thursday highlight the growing diversity of the nation's 366 metro areas, which were home to a record 83.7 percent share of the U.S. population. The numbers from the 2010 count are already having a big effect on redistricting in many states, where district boundary lines are being redrawn based on population size and racial makeup.

Hispanics became the largest minority group in 191 metropolitan areas last year, their population lifted higher as blacks left many economically hard-hit cities in the North for the South and new Latino immigrants spread to different parts of the country. That's up from 159 metro areas when the previous Census was taken in 2000, when Hispanics were most commonly found in Southwest border states.

The new metro areas include Chicago; Grand Rapids, Mich. and Atlantic City, N.J., whose states will lose U.S. House seats in the 2012 elections. Other places seeing rapid Hispanic gains compared to blacks were Lakeland, Fla.; Madison, Wis.; Oklahoma City and Omaha, Neb., due to the mid-decade housing boom that attracted many new immigrants seeking work in the construction and service industries.

The Census Bureau reported last month that overall Hispanic population jumped 42 percent in the last decade to 50.5 million, or 1 in 6 Americans. Blacks increased a modest 11 percent to 37.7 million, with declines particularly evident in big cities such as New York, Detroit, Cleveland, and St. Louis, Mo.

"A greater Hispanic presence is now evident in all parts of the country — in large and small metropolitan areas, in the Snowbelt and in the Sunbelt," said William H. Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution, who analyzed the census data. "From now on, local, state and national politicians will need to pay attention to Hispanics rather than treating blacks as the major minority," he said.

The political effects have been immediate. Analysts and black groups — including some members of the Congressional Black Caucus themselves — are acknowledging the possibility of fewer black-majority House districts, even as they fight to preserve, if not expand, their gains. That's because of slowing African-American growth in big cities and broader black movement over the last decade into once predominantly white suburbs.

Currently there are 43 members in the Congressional Black Caucus, which is mostly Democrat. Last November, blacks had a net gain of two seats in the House, including Republicans Allen West of Florida, who is a caucus member, and Tim Scott of South Carolina, who is not.

Republicans generally hold the advantage in redrawing the political maps after taking control of legislatures in many states in last November's elections. But many black legislators are pushing for strong enforcement of the federal Voting Rights Act from the Obama Justice Department, which must preapprove political maps for several states and ensure that minority voting power is not unreasonably diluted.

For example:

_In Missouri, Republican legislators have drawn up a redistricting map that would place Democratic Reps. William Lacy Clay, a Congressional Black Caucus member, and Russ Carnahan, who is white, in the same urban St. Louis district. Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat, has not said whether he would sign or veto such a plan.

_In Virginia, which is 20 percent black, the House's majority Republicans and the Senate's Democratic majority are at odds over whether to keep only one of its 11 U.S. House districts mostly black or add a second one. Republicans want to pack many of the state's black voters into the district of African-American Rep. Bobby Scott; Democrats hope to spread many of the black voters into a new black-majority district now represented by white Republican J. Randy Forbes.

_Ohio is one of two states losing a pair of seats, but it has only one black-majority district held by Rep. Marcia Fudge in Cleveland. It's doubtful GOP legislators will eliminate the district entirely, but there's a chance they could do away with a neighboring seat, setting up a potential race between Fudge and fellow Democrat Dennis Kucinich, who is white.

_Members of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus are challenging a new map that preserves five U.S. House Republican districts and one majority black district, saying they want a second black-majority district in a state that is one-third black. The plan, which passed the legislature Wednesday with the support of GOP Gov. Bobby Jindal, now heads to the Justice Department for review.

"The demographic phenomenon we're seeing could cause some big concerns in terms of African-American seats," said Kimball Brace, president of Election Data Services, citing improvements in racial integration between blacks and whites in many metro areas that will make line-drawing more difficult. "It's likely to make changes on how we view African-American seats."

In general, Republicans tend to favor packing minorities into a few districts, because it often affords a larger concentration of Republican-leaning whites in the remaining districts. Democrats typically support spreading sizable numbers of blacks among several districts to make otherwise Republican-leaning districts more competitive, even though that means election of minority candidates is less assured.

Frey described a new kind of politics potentially emerging that moves beyond racial lines, as seen in the recent mayoral election in Chicago, which is now evenly divided among whites, blacks and Hispanics. In that race, Chicago voters rejected the so-called "consensus" black candidate and two Hispanic candidates in favor of White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, who is white.

The figures released Thursday show that the white share of the population declined in all 366 metro areas, while all but five showed gains in Asian population shares — Honolulu (slipping from 45 percent to 43 percent), El Centro, Calif.; Sioux City, Iowa; Logan, Utah; and Kokomo, Ind.

U.S. metro areas showing the biggest drops in white shares due to rapid Hispanic growth over the last decade were Napa, Calif. (69 to 54 percent); Las Vegas (60 to 48 percent) and Orlando, Fla. (65 to 53 percent).

___

Associated Press writers David A. Lieb in Jefferson City, Mo.; Bob Lewis in Richmond, Va.; John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; and Melinda Deslatte in Baton Rouge, La., contributed to this report.

___

Online:

The Essence of Understanding

2011-03-11T08:22:00.001-08:00

2011 is going by so completely fast. I can't believe that is it already March. It feels like I was just celebrating my birthday in September. They say when you are enjoying life things seem to go by really fast. Whether it is your last year in college, a marriage that is blossoming, or a career path that is filled with promotions; when you are living the good life, things happen.

That has been my new motto for 2011. And now more than ever I realize that " things happen" things that are out of our reach and definitely out of our control. As humans it is easy to questions why this happened and why that happened, but unfortunately something are just not meant for us to understand or even question. Good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people…vice versa. It is defined as life. Different religious have different ways and methods to try and bring some sort of peace and understanding to the confusion that some of us face. In the Christian world we often speak on it as faith. Believing in something that we cannot see and knowing that everything is going to be alright and it happened according to his plan. It is a very difficult concept to grasp, but once you do it is so reassuring and it feels so pure. Try it!

R U SERIOUS???

2011-03-02T14:53:00.001-08:00

Like you can not be FREAKING SERIOUS AMERICA.
Please get it together.
New personal blog coming soon!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110302/ap_on_re_us/us_supreme_court_funeral_protests

MY GREAT UNCLE!!

2011-01-27T14:13:00.000-08:00

Rest in PEACE and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the GREATEST UNCLE THAT EVER WALKED THIS EARTH. I LOVE YOU!!!

My Name is Erica and I’m a Crack Addict

2011-01-20T06:54:00.001-08:00

I am interesting. Whether you want to believe it or not I am. There are many interesting things about this Kentucky born Virgo. However there are some things that are completely obvious about me, then there are however things that most people don't know that make me even more interesting. At least I think so…and obviously I have captured your attention in some form…because if I didn't you wouldn't be currently reading my blog J

I don't believe in Dinosaurs.

-I am really not a fan of science. In fact in most of my science classes I would either cheat or just be satisfied with a C. It never really mentions dinosaurs in the bible directly; therefore it is really hard for me to believe in them. I mean the same scientists that have us thinking dinosaurs existed are the same ones that came up with the theory of evolution and everyone with enough common sense knows that is a big joke.

I have diabetes

-Most people that have diabetes are overweight and just compulsively eat even when they are full. In fact most diabetics have horrible eating habits. However at 5'6 and 126lbs I eat healthy for the most part and I am relatively small.

I haven't cheated on my boyfriend

-Guys get on my nerves. Like I think they are born with the natural instinct to work my nerves. In fact they bore me quickly and they cannot seem to keep my attention span. However for some reason my currently boyfriend who I have been dating for almost 2 years has been able to keep me excited about our relationship. This is only interesting if you KNOW me personally. Ask my best friend Christina, this is a milestone that needs to be celebrated.

I Love the Goodwill

-I don't have to shop at the Goodwill. I say that because I am very financially stable. However I like the idea of finding something that I really really like that someone else didn't any more. My favorite days to shop are on Wednesdays and Sundays that is because certain tickets colors are 99 cents. Talk about geeked.

My dad is a Sunday School Teacher and My mom is a Stripper

-I'm joking. I'm joking. Well kind of. My dad is a Sunday School Teacher, but my mom unfortunately is not a stripper. I say this is an interesting thing about me because my family is very diverse and very very different. I find that very interesting, especially since most families these days are super duper boring. I have two parents…no step parents over here. My dad is recovery alcoholic that has extremely strong faith; you know the kind that has a bible verse for everything. Even his freaking resolution was a Bible Verse. My mother is currently going through a mid life crises, or should I say the middle stages of menopause. However she is really hip and she dresses cute. She constantly updates her Facebook status, just like most people over 40 and complains that Twitter is doing too much for her. Next would be my brother Justin who is openly gay. That mean he like boys and he is a boy for all you retards out there. He is genuinely caring and the best ever. If you don't like him something is literally wrong with you, he is THE worst at managing money and he stays running out of gas, but I love him to death. Then there is my sister Jasmine who is Justin's twin…I wish she was a stud (A stud is a lesbian). I think that would be really neat since they are twins. However she likes boys…a whole lot actually. I don't think she has ever been single. She stays having a boyfriend. I think she has been in a serious relationship every since kindergarten. She is super sensitive, so watch what you say to her, because if you make her cry I will find out your social security number and ruin your credit. Then last but not least is my sister April. She is the youngest; however she is very mature for her age. She is the richest of us all. She stays with loads of money and she hates being around groups of loud black people. She went to Western University and only stayed for one semester, because there were too many black people. Even though she is my little sister, she is bigger than me..So therefore if you want to beat me up you have to beat her up first and more than likely you will lose….

“Headaches and History”

2011-01-19T10:11:00.001-08:00

I am fascinated by history. I like to know what happened. I like to in some way think that history unfortunately repeats itself; therefore I have the opportunity to predict the future. Vincent calls it being nosey. He says I like to know everything, even the small things that don't have anything to do with me. This is true though, I often find myself constantly asking questions about shit that doesn't pertain to me at all. I am a curious person. My parents taught me that if I wanted to know something, all I had to do was ask, and best believe if I am interested, I ask. Sometimes it is one thousands questions, other times it is one or two, but if I am thinking of it…more than likely I am going to ask it…

This brings me to the title or subject of my blog "Headaches and History. This weekend I went to Memphis in observance of MLK Day and toured the National Civil Rights Museum. I had never been before. My alma mater had went on a trip there before when I was in undergrad, but the idea of being on a bus with half of those hoodrats makes my stomach hurt so I turned down the offer…. So we went. Vincent and I hopped in the car…got a hotel and being to take a trip to understand history and get a small glimpse in the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was interesting. I had a lot of questions to ask…and the majority of them were answered. It is hard to recap the entire museum in a blog but to sum it up quickly….This is what I experienced.

I saw a Klu Klux Klan outfit, in real life. Like up and close. I wasn't even angry when I seen it because most white people during that movement were ignorant anyways, not all of them but damn near the majority. The part that was extremely moving for me was the exhibit were it showed the actual room Martin Luther King Jr. rented during his stay in Memphis. Just to be able to witness that was very rewarding. I am definitely going to make plans to go back again.

Now that was the History Part of my blog…now for the headache…
How about riding in the damn car with Vincent for 3.5 hours by myself….listening to hard core rap music the entire way. Talk about a damn headache….Jesus keep me near the cross. Just joking…it was actually a very rewarding weekend all together I got to be a part of history and I made lasting memories in my relationship. Not too bad for a 24 year old chick from Vine Grove, Kentucky.

You are such a HOARDER!!!

2011-01-15T11:41:00.001-08:00

Writers block? I guess that is what you can call it. Either way I have been experiencing it. The best way to describe it, is sitting down about to write a blog and then all of a sudden you don’t have anything to write about. I don’t know if that is what I have been going through or if I just haven’t had the time. Seriously people, my life has been busy. Just because you can’t find a decent job in this economy doesn’t mean every American is going through the same thing. After all I have a bomb ass resume, with volunteer and community service out the ass. So how have you been? Its okay you can answer out loud I can hear you all the way in Nashville. 2011 has been really good to me so far. I mean we are only what 14 days in, but I have had a great 14 days. Let me catch you up.

Arizona Shooting

_________________

Can we say sad all together now? That was horrible!!! What idiot does something like that? I know we as Christians are not supposed to be judgmental but Jesus Christ, he killed a nine year old. All you can do is pray for people like that. Mental illnesses are definitely taking over the world. Everybody and their momma are on medicine for something. I should have gone to school to be a pharmacist. Talk about PAID….

BOSTON I LOVE YOU

It snowed in Nashville. You would have thought that Mona Lisa came through the painting and was shopping at Macys. Seriously people were acting crazy. No bread in the store. All the milk gone. That kinda stuff. I loved the snow, hate the reactions to idiots, but loved the snow. Seeing the snow made me want to move to Boston even more. I think I am just going to go for it. I know Miami was in my plans but Boston has my heart. My friend Meghan ( who is a graduating senior at KSTATE ( WHOO HOO!!) sent me a text message yesterday and was like “Boston has 14 inches of snow”. I would LOVE to be there right now….LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW

RIP UNCLE LET

I so hate the month of January. I don’t necessarily hate it, it is just that my favorite uncle in the entire world was born in this month and every day that is gets closer to his birthday, I feel like that is one important conversation that I know longer will be able to have with him. I am going to dedicate a BLOG to him on his birthday JANUARY 27th, so make sure you come back on that day and check it out….Because this little paragraph simply does not do him justice.

I HAVE A DREAM

Actually I have more nightmares then dreams, but like you care. So geeked for this weekend, Vincent and I are going to Memphis to the Civil Rights Museum. It is actually the Lorriane Hotel where MLK was killed and the city turned it into a museum. Vincent has been before, however I haven’t, so I am pretty sure he is going to get annoyed easily because I am going to want to read every plaque and statue just like a tourist. I don’t care though…Martin Luther King Jr. is part of a legacy that will never die. I will make sure I take plenty of pictures so that you can see in case you haven’t been.

BET RETURN OF THE GAME

I didn’t get to watch it with the rest of the world on Tuesday night….

Let’s just say that might be a good thing. BOY OH BOY. I finally watched it…I don’t even know if I have the words to describe how I feel…I feel like all my students loans should be paid by BET. Why??? You ask….Maybe because they are writing about my life…and they owe me some money…

Lies…Lies…Lies…Whoever invented the DNA Test or came up with the concept..is my personal hero…I look up to a lot of people. My parents, my grandparents, Soledad O’Brien, Anderson Cooper, and the inventor of the DNA TEST.  6 months childless for my boyfriend and counting…. God is Good asdhfhjsdbgfjbhsdjabhfjhdsfjkhjksdfhjkh sdkfh,,,,<<<<

P.S. Shoutout to my lovely mother TAMMY NEWBY who is a faithful reader of all my blogs…..and to my brother Justin….who makes me the biggest advocate for Gay Rights.

One more thing….if you know anyone that needs pictures taken for any occasion please let me know. The official website for VSCB photography by Vincent Bradford is coming soon. A picture can be worth a thousand words, however if the picture does not capture the moment, the memory can be lost. The experience forever gone and the moment erased. That is why it is very important to have a seasoned photographer that not only knows how to capture you physically but also has the skill to obtain the moment so that you are able to cherish the memory. More details coming soon.

As always THANKS for reading!!!

The Rich Young Man

2011-01-14T07:26:00.000-08:00

Once a man came to Jesus, “Teacher he asked, “What good thing must I do to receive eternal life?” “Why do you ask me concerning what is good?” answered Jesus. “There is only One who is good. Keep the commandments if you want to enter life.” “What commandments?” he asked. Jesus answered, “Do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not accuse anyone falsely; respect your father and mother; and love your neighbor as you love yourself.” “ I have obeyed all these commandment s, “ the young man replied. “ what else do I need to do?” Jesus said to him, “ If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow me. “ When the young man heard this he went away sad, because he was very rich. Jesus said to the disciples, “I assure you: it will be very hard for rich people to enter the Kingdom of heaven. I repeat: it is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.” When the disciples heard this, they were completely amazed “Who, then can be saved?” they asked. Jesus looked straight at them and answered, “This is impossible for human beings, but for God everything is possible.” then Peter spoke up, “Look,” he said, “we have left everything and followed you. What will we have?” Jesus said to them, “You can be sure that when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne in the New Age, then you twelve followers of mine will also sit on thrones, to rule the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake, will receive a hundred times more and will be given eternal life. But many who now are first will be last, and many who now are last will be first.”

Matthew 19: 16-30

Good News Translations

Kindle and Kids

2011-01-06T10:56:00.000-08:00

For Christmas I got a KINDLE...
I love it..
Two Days ago I got two Fish
Named
Jaelyn and Nick after my favorite cousins
And I love them even more...
Well not really
But still.

Hope everyone's New Year is going amazing.
I'm so proud of everyone that has not broken their resolution.

CHRISTMAS IN NASHVILLE

2010-12-24T14:26:00.000-08:00

Vincent and I went to see the lights at Nashville last night. It was so nice. The lights went along with music. I had such a great time..Here are some of the lights from the night. Merry Christmas by the way.

DEAR 2010

2010-12-23T13:08:00.000-08:00

Dear 2010,

Whether or not you realize it or not you have taught me some very important and valuable lessons about life and the people who live on earth. Most importantly you have taught me the importance of patience and the effect that it can have on people and those around you.

*Nashville*

I'm still here. Two years later Nashville, Tennessee is still the place that I call home. The plan wasn't to stay here long, in fact the plan was to get my masters and to move to Boston as soon as that course was completed. However I am still here. I actually love Nashville and enjoy it. However it is my temporary home as Carrie Underwood would sing. Nashville has been a blessing to me both financially and romantically. This upcoming year will be my last year in Nashville but it has been an amazing place for the last two years.

*School*
Let's keep it real simple
Education is very important to me. Although am currently content with my Bachelors Degree a Masters is important to me personally but the cost of a masters in this economy just doesn't seem reasonable to me. Considering that many humans don't even have a Bachelors degree I still feel as if I am leading the pack and that my dear friend is all that matters.

*MY BFF CHRISTINA*

Christina Winn of Canton, Ohio will and has always been one of my best friends since college. ( And yes, I just put her whole government out there). 2010 has really blessed our friendship in more ways then one. With the passing of her mother our weekly phone calls have more meaning and appreciation behind them. I saw courage in her that many grown men do not obtain and I witness strength in her that David had. She has always been amazing and 2010 helped redefine the meaning of friendship and the importance of keeping your head up because of her....(insert tears here)

*Family*
Let's see. They get on my nerves. They are crackheads. They make me laugh. They talk about everyone and their mommas. Nothing has changed and nothing probably ever will and I like the idea of that.

*Finances*

I opened up a ROTH IRA...Can we say Big Girl!!!! I know..I know....

*VINCENT*

I could dedicate an entire blog to him. Vincent is that person to me that everyone has in their life. The one that gets on your nerves, makes you cry, irritates you to death yet you would not be fully complete with out him...Well that is Vincent and boy has 2010 really made us stronger. He was tested by the devil herself so many times...but in the end he came out on top and because of that I have so much respect for him as a person. He doesn't let things that people say get to him, in fact he doesn't even entertain a lot of things. 2010 with him has taught me to trust that everything would be okay and guess what...?? Everything is okay.

EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT

2010-12-21T09:20:00.000-08:00

Check out this story that was on CNN.....

I thought it was very very interesting,,,
;)

New Blogs coming soon.

http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2010/12/21/hungry-at-the-holidays/?hpt=C1

TWITTER AND FACEBOOK MAKE ME TALK LESS

2010-12-06T11:51:00.000-08:00

I love to talk. In fact some people say that I talk to much...
However lately I have not being talking that much at all, thanks to twitter and facebook.

I must admit that I am not a fan of Facebook like I use to be however, I do enjoy tweeting crazy stuff on twitter...( PSA: Follow me @ EasinERICA)

Any who...the problem isnt really me...It is the people that are close to me...they are always on twitter and facebook, therefore our conversations are limited....which in the end result means that I do not talk as much.

First Case: Tammy Newby ....my mother
Networking Site: Facebook

My mom just got hip to Facebook about a year ago, and all her old ass friends are on there. So literally she feels as if she is having a high school reunion everyday that she logs on to. The funny thing is she barely knows how to work it completely. She will spend at least 2 hours a day on there. Can we say addiciton?
I rarely talk to her on the phone....it is easier just to get on Facebook and chat with her than to try to call her and have a conversation without her telling you about some weird pictures she just uploaded.

Second Case: Vincent
Networking Site: Twitter

Back when Vincent had his old ass phone that didn't have any internet and weighed 20 pounds....LOL We use to lay in the bed and having conversations about random things that happened throughout the day. But now that he has his new high tech phone...Days of pointless conversations are over with. If he isn't reading tweets he is tweeting...It is so annoying....Do I have to @ you to get some attention around here....

Needless to say...
I am slowly not become a fan of these sites...I barely talk and that is not good at all.

LORD JESUS

2010-11-06T09:30:00.000-07:00

" I would rather live my life as if there is a GOD, and die to find out there isn't, than to live my life as if there isn't and die to find out there is".
---- Albert Camus

Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

for ever and ever.]

Amen.

BACK AND FORTH

2010-10-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

^^^^^ My mom had texted me and told me to check out this video...I thought it was super duper cute so it was only right that I share it with you guys....

Carrie Underwood - Temporary Home

2010-10-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

My favorite song of 2010. In fact it is one of my favorite songs of all times. The lyrics mean so much, no matter what your religious background is. Check it out.

Life is Too Short Not to Forgive...

2010-10-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

I am almost done with my Christmas shopping. (this is the part were the angels begin to sing)...My goal was to be completely finished by Halloween, but I don't think that is going to happen. I must say though, it is so much easier to shop for guys then it is to shop for females.

I have already started putting together my Christmas list. I have been very very good this year so I think I deserve everything on it and even more. I really really want a maltese
puppy, that was going to be like a gift from myself. However I realized that I wouldn't have anyone to watch it for me for so yeah...and then Vincent hates animals...or should I say strongly dislikes.....hummm choices choices...
Now back to what YOU can get me

*I want a new bedding set for my bed...it is a QUEEN..like me*
* A WII*
*Red Rain Boots*
*Just Wright and Karate Kid DVD*
*Microsoft Office 2011 for a Mac*
*Some new skillets and pans* ( I don't cook, but someone will)

Thats about it...for now at least ;)

The last two weeks have been very very emotionally draining to me. I feel like I am just now recovering from the hurricane that I have been apart of. My best friend's mom died. If you don't know who my best friend is, then more than likely you really don't know me. The sad thing is that she was only 52 and her death happened so suddenly. My heart goes out to her daily because when she hurts I literally hurt. When she goes through pain, I go through pain. It's crazy. So please when you are saying your prayers...feel free to mention her to God as well. She would really really appreciate it and so would I.

Short and Sweet

2010-10-10T16:37:00.001-07:00

I am going to keep it simple.
Today is 10-10-10.
How neat is that??

GET A HOBBY

2010-10-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

Stick and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

As kindergarten as those words might sound they are very very true.
In current event news, we as a culture hear daily about the young teenagers and children that are constantly taking their owns lives due to bullying. Reports and some of the coverage has suggested that the bullying isn't physical bullying but instead words. Words are powerful. In fact words are the essence of communicating. We tell our loved ones " I LOVE YOU" we tell our boyfriends and girlfriends " I MISS YOU" and we tell our friends " WE CANT WAIT TO SEE THEM". Words are what we use to pray to the most high.

But how can one let words mean so much to them that they decide to take their own lives.

I can only believe it to be a weakness in faith.
As humans we want people to like us. Out ultimate goal in life is not to have five hundred enemies, however that is unlikely...there is always someone who doesn't like you. In a society with so many personalities and so many different opinions and view points..it is natural for everyone not to like you.
Some people might not like you and you will never know it. However their are some that will definitely try to make their ignorant presence be known by using words to try to make you feel bad about yourself or to suggest that you are inferior to them.

In times like those...the last thing you should want to do is take your own life. God is the creator of life therefore he decides when it is time to go. That choice is not up to you...and know matter what you are going through and what others are putting you through you have to understand that.
They are miserable and they need to grow the hell up.

When I see these stories on CNN it is very upsetting to me. The one that pisses me off the most is about the college student (Tyler) I think that is his name. Don't quote me. Who was in HIS dorm room with his boyfriend and his jerk ass roommate thought it would be neat to video tape this action live and put it on the Internet for the whole world to see. If he wanted that to happen I am pretty sure that he would have did it his damn self. Who did this idiot think he was?? Who gave you that right? He probably liked boys his damn self...(Eddie Long). He went out of his way to hurt his roommate. His roommate ultimately committed suicide...I don't know his background., but I assume his faith was weak. I guess he felt as if he did not have any hope left.

I don't understand people that go out of their way to make someones life a living hell. Like what is your purpose? Are you that bored?? Write a damn blog? Create a sex tape?? Get a damn hobby?? Like seriously...People are so dull these days.... have a little creativity. Make a scrapbook. What joy do you get out of causing drama and pain in someone else's life??

LYRICS OF THE PRESENT

2010-10-03T12:04:00.000-07:00

GO Eddie...GO Eddie ;)

2010-10-02T11:25:00.001-07:00

HAPPY OCTOBER!!!!

Finally a little bit of free time.

I feel like I haven’t been on here in forever like a really long time. So much has been going on not only in my life but in the world as well.

The most interesting thing to me right now in current events is the Bishop Eddie Long scandal. First let me say this. I don’t care if you think I should not be judging him. If you have a problem with me talking about how I feel about the situation don’t read the blog. No one forced your fingers to type in www.ericanewby.blogspot.com did they?? No, didn’t think so.

Like I was saying before Eboni came out…that’s the bipolar Erica

So I think the whole situation is actually really funny to me. Oh…by the way I DEFINTELY think he did it. Like 99.8 percent sure. What is so funny to me about the situation isn’t the fact that he likes MEN. I know a lot of guys that like guys. I know a lot of girls that like girls and honestly. I don’t care. Whatever floats your boat? What I don’t like or what I find FUNNY is that fact the he “ Eddie Long”….he lost the bishop…but yeah..Good ole Eddie talked so much shit about gay people. Making biblical references and being outspoken on the issue and just playing up the role that he was one of the anti-gay pastors in the world…but yet secretly he was attracted to the same body part I like….Boy I tell ya. That is crazy to me.

Everybody sins…I mean duh. Not only were we born in sin but the society that we are a part of is very sinful. I just committed a sin a couple of seconds ago, because I was mean to someone and you are supposed to treat others the way you would like to be treated. Needless to say I know the man is human. Even though he is human he has elected himself to be in the public eye and by doing so that gives people the option to make opinions of him if they please. I heard that in his church or whatever you call it. I heard that in his stadium there are pictures of him everywhere. I mean seriously does he thing he is the black Jesus or what. Joel Osteen doesn’t even do that and his congregation is literally killing Papa Eddie’s. My point is don’t talk about things so negatively and you are secretly doing them.

I have somewhat been in a situation like that myself. I use to talk so bad to my friends that were dating dudes that had kids or a child. I would be like OMG that is so freaking disgusting. Then I started dating someone who “I thought” had a kid…(He doesn’t though….whoa….Thank you Jesus….ahhaba badla kayha lajnd <<

Sidenote:
So geeked for TSU's homecoming I get to see all my friends from Kentucky ;)

YOU ARE NOT IN A FOSTER HOME...

2010-09-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

I promise I have not forgot about you guys. You are not abandoned. I did not plave you in a foster home.
I just have been really busy with my new job that I love so much. I am going to start writing more blogs...thanks to my new MAC...;) I haven't even used it that often to be honest. Anywho. Just wanted to give you an update and let you know that I have not forgot about you and I have so much to inform you on. Plus I need to upload my little blue box.....yeah Tiffany's and Company...You jealous...You should be...

Talk to you soon.

MUAH!!!

Thou Shall Not Entertain Elementary School Kids

2010-08-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

I am a huge complainer. I complain about everything. If it is bothering me, best believe you will know and I will say it over and over again. I was just telling my friend how upset I was that I have to work 13 hours on my birthday (which is next Tuesday by the way feel free to send me 24 dollars since I will be 24). I am not happy about working that many hours. I need to find a new job. I only have about one more year left in Nashville and then I am moving so, it would be smart of me to stay put and save money, but hey you live and you learn.

I was off work today. That is the only reason why you are being graced with a blog from me. I pretty much did nothing. I went to Fisk to take care of some business, hung out with my friend and helped him attempt to decorate his apartment.

So most of my blogs are random. I kinda just type whatever I am feeling. No brainstorming required however this blog has a subject and for my subject I would like you to make reference to my title : Thou Shall Not Entertain Elementary School Kids:

Moving to Nashville has taught me a lot of different things. The most important lesson I think I have learned thus far is "Some people will never grow up" Now I must admit. I am not very mature myself. In fact if I don't like you I enjoy being an instigator and bringing unnecessarily drama into your life. The upscale to that is that the only people I don't like are those that constantly get on my damn nerves and test my kindness.

I use to feed into that madness. And think of five hundred and thirty three ways to make that persons life a living hell....Last night I was talking to Vincent and even though most of the time I ignore what he says when I have my mind made up for the first time I took his advice. He said "Erica we do not entertain and feed into drama". It sounds simple but it is actually very deep. If something is negative or has the potentially to cause drama...Just ignore it....They say silence kills enemies....Try it and let me know if it works ;)

Check out the video below::
He swears he is the best....
All bookings must come through me....

Turn Your Head to The Left

2010-08-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

I WAS GOIng To B A ShiT StarTer Today...But I chanGEd My minD...NEXT TIME

2010-08-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

OMG! Please do not me mad at me...I know...I know...I know..I have abandoned my blog...and my readers please forgive me I have been busy and I didn't have a computer for like forever...so can you please find it in your heart some where to forgive me?? Thanks, I really really do appreciate it.

So lets see...
Gosh you guys! I just noticed I haven't wrote a blog since July 11th. Can we say like forever. Most of my time has been occupied with work. I literally work like 50 hours a week it seems like. I have to save my money so I can move out of Nashville as soon as I finish grad school in May. Lord knows I can not wait. I haven't quite decided where I am going to go yet however I do know that I plan to stay there for a couple of years at the max.

My life has been really boring lately. I think I am getting old. BTW my birthday is in like two weeks (September 7th) feel free to send me a gift. I will be 24, so if each of my readers want to send me $24.00 a piece I will happily accept it.

I start school next Monday....Yeah Fisk. I am really excited about getting back on a campus. I miss being sociable. Everyone who knows me knows that I love to talk, I literally meet no strangers. Although I didn't have it in the plan to ever go to Fisk after I graduated KSU, God ultimately had other plans for me so we will see how it goes. He never fails me so hey.

My love life is AMAZING. It teaches me something new about myself everyday. Some good things other not so good things. The thing that is ultimate the best is that I have grown closer to God because of my relationship with Vincent. I feel myself communication with him more than ever before. Asking him for guidance and understanding and the list goes on...So yeah I am super blessed.

MY OLE KENTUCKY HOME

I never get to go home anymore it seems like because I work all the damn time like I said. However my sister Jazzy and my brother Justin turn 21 next month (they are twins for the retards out there) and we are going to party like it is 1999. ;)

Road trip to Ohio is n the works to visit my BFF Christina..
It's a surprise...she never reads my damn blogs so she wont know...( I'm serious...she knows every thing already cus we talk all the time so yeah...)

I decided that I am going to start volunteering more...it is my goal for next month...I am given so much...LITERALLY so I am going to give back....yeah go me...You should find some where to volunteer also. My dad is like the ultimate volunteer, so we were talking on the phone about two nights ago...so I was inspire...be Jealous my dad is WAAAAAYYYY better than yours...

Everyone knows I love quotes...so here is one from a really good friend of mine Meghan Smith...Whoo hoo graduating senior at KYSU.

"I feel bad Erica about what I did, but I know you wouldn't feel bad because you don't care and that is so normal to you"~Meghan Smith

12 MONTHS EQUALS ONE YEAR …GOING STRONG

2010-07-11T13:34:00.001-07:00

I was going to apologize for my absence; however I don't feel like it. And those that know me very well can testify that I do not apologize unless I feel an apology is needed. However I will say that the reason why I have not wrote a blog in what seems like forever is because this summer I have been way busier than I expected. My new job works me literally about 46 hours and week so after that and hanging with my friends and sleep, there really isn't enough time to sit down and write a blog. So why today? Well number one I am off. Which is very very shocking? I went to church this morning. Washed my car…Well I didn't wash it the automatic machine then…then I came home…tweeted a little (check me out EasinErica) and now I am writing a blog. I thought I would have something interesting to write about considering the fact that so much has gone on in the month of July that has made me so HAPPY, however all of a sudden I have writers block…DAMN

I am ready to move…Like I love Nashville and Nashville loves me however. I do not like to stay in one place to long and a birdie and a person told me that MIAMI is calling. MIAMI?? I know you are shocked. All my life I have wanted to move to Boston, since I was like in the eighth grade. Boston is still going to be my final detestation, but until then Miami will be my home. The goal is to move summer of next year so let the savings begin.

Remember all the blogs I use to write about how I was dating someone that has a kid and that was so unlike me…Well he doesn't have a kid. So that just gave me back my million dollar smile…

Lets see what else has been going on.

Nothing really.

Just trying to make some choices about life.

Career wise.

Grad School starts up in August.

Going to Love Noise to night.

If you ever come to Nashville you must go to Love Noise at BB Kings..

It is amazing…

Vincent and I had had a conversation back in March that I thought was just one of our many deep conversations that we have when I am in the mood to only talk. I didn't realize

The importance of the some of the conversation until now. One thing that we talked about is seasons….and how you must go through a season in order to determine the significance of it. Think about.

As always thanks for reading.

P.S. Two quotes that I am loving right now.

NEVER LIE ABOUT A LIFE

IF YOU CAN FIND PLEASURE DURING THE TIME OF SOMEONE ELSES PAIN THEN YOU ARE A BITCH…..LOL<<<<<THAT'S MY FAVORITE

Man in the Mirror

2010-06-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

I must start by saying that Chris Brown's preformance at the BET Awards was one of the best live preformances that I have ever seen in a long time. Many people are quick to say that he did it for a publicity stuny, others are fast to say that he had a break down. Needless to say he (Chris Brown) is human, and as a human created in God's image we will all make mistakes. In this soicety and world we as humans are so quick to judge others for the mistakes that they have made. It is easy for us to voice are bias opinions. However what his preformance did was make me realize that everyone deserves a second chance. No one understand what you have been through or what you are going to...so to cast judgement is not fair.
Life has been good. I talked to an old friend recently, that gave me alot of hope. they help me understand that only you can live your life and you ultimately make all the choices that gear you in the path of happiness.....
I am not a fan of Jennifer Hudson, however I love this song.

A Lot of People Do the Church Thing

2010-06-24T12:55:00.001-07:00

Hold on let me catch my breath….Literally.

That is like the story of my life right now..So many different things going on at one time. I feel I like I work all the time and because of that my blog aka my baby has been neglected. I will try my best not to let it happened again. How are you?? I hope everyone reading this is doing well. I have no idea where you live, but I do know that if you currently reside in Nashville you must be SUPER DUPER HOT. Someone was saying that yesterday there was a heat index of like 101. Like come on now?? Hell can't be that hot.

::: UPDATE ON ME:::

Same ole same ole. I can't wait for someone to leave so my life can go back to normal… Believe me I am counting the days down. Check about around the 2^nd week of July and you will see that my blog has a whole different vibe to it.

::CHURCH THANG::

So this girl came into my place of employment today and dropped off her resume. And my boss was like I see you can work everyday accept on Sunday's. The girl was like yeah because I have church. My boss looked at her and was like I see a lot of people are doing the church thing now. Like what the hell…Hoe are you atheist or something?? No wonder you always in a bad mood, you be blocking your blessing big dummy.

Gotta cut this blog short cus they waiting on me to come downstairs…Whoo hoo going swimming today…

I will talk to you later on tonight tho…well maybe not because I am hitting the club with my girl Lucy…

Either way…just check back soon

Thanks for reading..

And follow me on Twitter EasinErica

So.....LOL! People Are Funny!

2010-06-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

I was meaning to put this video with my last blog. Let's just say.....Well lets just say nothing....Let Trey do all the talking...or should I say singing.

My Feet Hurt

2010-06-14T18:36:00.001-07:00

So my feet hurt. I worked all day and tomorrow I have to work a 12 hour shift. Are you serious? I never knew doing visuals for a retail store could take so much of my energy. Someone please come help me. My education will come save me though. I start grad school at Fisk University in August so that is going to be amazing. Plus I'm not working a full time job while I am in school so I am just going to kick it like I did during my Kstate days. Shoutout to my TNO crew.
:::All WHITE AFFAIR::;
So I went to the all white affair Saturday night and had such an amazing time. Then we went walking in downtown Nashville. The purpose was to go to the after party at one of the nightclubs. Oh…but we couldn't find it…so we walked and walked and walked and walked.. How you from Nashville…. born and raised and don't know where the nightclubs are….SMH…..
My summer has been interesting to say the least…But it's working….and I am happy and having lots of fun even though there is a small arrow in my side….
The arrow in my side won't last forever……about 23 more days left and everything will be amazing….;)
I need to finish working on my church newsletter
For those of you who don't know…I once inspired to be a reporter for a newspaper. Thank God, I did not take that road because I am just not into that as much anymore.
TOY STORY 3 comes out this weekend…whoo hoo…..definitely will be in the movies this weekend….

Heard something amazing at church this Sunday…
As a baby when you are born into this world you cry really loud ,but everyone around you is happy to see you.
However when you died and leave this world you are happy and everyone else is crying…

Belief in God::::get some faith…
I really really want to go get a tattoo this weekend…we have been saying we are going to get one since forever..so this weekend I think is the perfect time.....

The Fireworks on Fourth of July

2010-06-10T16:16:00.001-07:00

I can't wait for the Fourth of July….

And not only for the pretty fireworks

I am so sick of hearing about Obama being an angry black man

I am so sick of the media concentrating on the oil spill when there are millions of homeless people in the world about half of them in Nashville

This Saturday I am going to the all White Affair at the Zoo…

It should be very very interesting

My summer is a little weird now.....

But hey it will be okay

Fisk University Grad School in about one more month

Geeked about that…

I have a phone now were you can see what is on the screen…kinda like that a lot

Damn Mytouch….Stupid Idiots…..Welcome to America

Fathers day is next Sunday……NFMFGF<<<<<will be getting gifts from me because they are the best.

It's hot in Nashville

Akon sings the song to my life right now….

The smallest thing yesterday made me realize for the millionth time why I don't want kids

Just order Chinese about to smash it and watch Disappearing Acts (hopefully)

I really wish I could move to Boston tomorrow….or Miami at least in Miami I will have a roommate

The ice cream man and that damn music outside my apartment community

I paid for a perm today with a roll of quarters…not because I was broke….but because Kroger gave me a roll of quarters in change

Only in Antioch

Thanks for reading

Following me on twitter…

My profile is public so you can be nosey…after all I am a celebrity….;)

I should have received a gift for that holiday in May…..at least that is what my friend said….( TNO)

I’m Still Breathing

2010-06-03T17:06:00.001-07:00

Happy June everyone!

I can not believe that it is already June, that is so crazy to me. Pretty soon I will be Christmas shopping and boy do I love to shop.

Unfortunately I haven't been able to write a blog yet this month, because I recently just started my new job, and I been working a lot. I plan on working here until I get bored like always. Just joking! I am at least going to work here until I begin Fisk in the fall. I am so thrilled about that.

Did anyone watch Oprah today? If you didn't you need to go on her website www.oprah.com and watch some clips from today's show. There was a woman on there and she stayed with her husband after he had an affair with a man. Yes, Lord! I was shocked! Oprah was shocked! The whole damn audience was shocked. That is how women get AIDS. If you are gay be gay, but do not go around sleeping with men and women if you are a man….Jesus Christ…

Nothing new here in Nashville

It has been really hot. I have yet to go swimming. It seems like on my days off, no one else is off. Who wants to go swimming alone? (No one raises their hand) EXACTLY!

THE BLINDSIDE

I watched that movie for the first time today. I bought it on DVD. It was really, really good. I liked it.

It had a good them. More black people need to adopt white kids…LOL!

Lets see is there anything else….

Follow me on twitter EasinERICA

Read my blog daily…which you probably already do…

Pay my student loan payment for this month….;)

Boston will win tonight by the way…Vincent and I have a bet going…He says LA I say Boston (Plus that is my future home).I always win….so more than likely I will continue, but keep your fingers crossed just in case…..

As always thanks for reading you guys….

Peace and LOVE

I am First and You are Last

2010-05-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

So I just got in Kentucky a couple of hours ago....
Washed my car...
So Pretty,
But I had to jump on the internet real quick and check my email.
and I was reading this article..You should defintely check it out...It is so true.
I am the oldest born and I am currently dating someone that is the youngest and
I think we match really well....Needless to say....the article says we do also...check it out.
Just copy the link in your browser.....
Kinda neat.

Thanks for reading

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/sex/how-birth-order-determines-your-romantic-compatibility-1441180/

Wow!

2010-05-27T17:17:00.000-07:00

I am going to learn to dance like this one day....yep....one day. Watch out you will soon be watching my video on BET

MYSPACE is YOURSPACE

2010-05-26T09:08:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I logged into my MySpace account for like the first time in almost a year. I didn't even know how to navigate through it. I had like over 30 friend request from weird ass people and one hundred and seventy five thousands messages from random ass music groups trying to get their fan base up (lame). So I am on my profile page and I am reading my about me section….and boy have things changed since I first started that account. Some of my principals and morals in life are still the same however others have changed drastically (and I do mean drastically) .So in the midst of waiting to go work out (which I never did by the way)I decided to update my About Me Section…..Now it reads something like this;;;;;

I have always been judgmental not intentionally it is just something that comes natural to me.

I realize that it is a sin, but so is having sex before marriage, and stealing, and cussing, and disrespecting your parents

No one is perfect right.

I have an amazing family and really good looking brothers and sisters.

My parents make cute children and if my siblings were ugly I would just tell people they were my cousins.

I think I am in Love…I don't know for sure yet. I mean…how do you know?? If that person gets on your damn nerves all day long, but yet you are sad when you aren't with them…Is that love?? If so count me in.

My friends are amazing and they stick with me through all my bipolar ways (Can I get a check for that)

I a m very ambitious and I plan to reach all my goals one way or the other

Vincent is teaching me "never to say never"

Because I always say never

However I will never be an atheist, I will never have kids, and I will never be a crack head.

I love God and I know he loves me because Lord knows I be testing him

My favorite colors are pink and red

And I believe that if you do not support our troops you are an idiot

Gay people should be able to get married

If you get pregnant and want to have an abortion you should be able to

Weed should be legal

Drinking and Driving is for the heartless

I am going to move to Boston real soon…or maybe Miami (depends on my heart)

My parents are the coolest 40 year olds you will ever meet

The go to church and they are realist…

How neat is that.

I rarely watch television and if I do it is normally reality television

I love Obama, but I think he helps single moms out more when it comes to education then he does us average joes..

One day I want to go to Africa

And run around naked because that is what I envision Africa to be like

I couldn't have grown up during the civil rights movements

Because I would have cussed every white person out on sight.

I hate the "N" word and you are not allowed to use it in my parents house.

I live rent and bill free because my grandparents are amazing

When I decide to grow up and the economy gets better I am going to pay them back

I might put my parents in a nursing home if they make me mad

Just joking

I think I am a pretty neat person

At least your boyfriend and your girlfriend think so

The strange thing about a person like me

Is either you like me

Or you don't

There is just simply no in between.

So now if you have myspace….go and add me as a friend. I would love to NEVER receive your friend request since I don't plan on logging back on for another….six months…LOL!

Thanks for reading as always.

P.S. I know some of ya are thinking…she needs a job. The thing is I do…and I still have time for my blogs…Be jealous that you have to stand on your feet all day and check people out at the register…Okay I stop.

Follow me on twitter

@writingal

ALL MY SINGLE LADIES

2010-05-25T17:41:00.001-07:00

Those that do not read are strange creatures to me. How do you live without reading? Obviously, you read. After all you did come to my blog, not necessarily to look at my beautiful face, but instead read my blog. So I had one of those days today where I decided to read a book, once I was finished with the rest of the work (which was basically nothing).

I am a member of Black Expressions, which is a book club that offers some of the best books by black authors and others that can not be found at Barnes and Noble for a very reasonable price. Last year around this time I had purchased a book titled "Promises from God for Single women" by Bishop T.D. Jakes. I don't know exactly my reasoning behind purchasing the book. I feel that God's word is the only assuring thing that we sometimes have in this life.

Can two people walk together without agreeing on directions? (Amos 3:3)

A Promise to God::

Jesus, you are the foundation of every healthy relationship. I will keep you at the center of my life.

The book is divided into multiple chapters, and since it is considered a self help book you have the ability to start where you like and finish were you like. Unlike other books you must start on page one and end on the last page to get the full effect. However with this book you do not have to do so.

So as I was lying on my couch (my couch is blue by the way and it is so hard but yet cute), I turned to the chapter on Betrayal. Everyone has been betrayed by someone in their life. The betrayal that hurts the most is the betrayal that comes from someone that is close to you. Just imagine how Jesus felt when Judas betrayed him? Or just think how God feels every time we sin and fall short of his glory? That has to be a painful experience. The amazing thing about it is that God keeps forgiving us over and over and over and over and over again. It's crazy! But such a blessing. So the chapter talked about how a lot of women are single because of betrayal. They at one particular time put all their trust and love into one particular person and they either cheated on them or the loyalty and the honesty wasn't there. So when they somewhat get over that relationship they have this HUGE wall up because they fill like the next guy is going to do the same thing.

Which in the end results in them being single?

The book talks about how many women meet someone and in the beginning they are everything that you could have ever wanted and more. However as time moves on you are starting to realize that what glitter isn't always gold, so instead of moving on you instead stay which opens the door for betrayal.

I believe that most men cheat. Whether they are married or have had the same girlfriend for five or six years, I still believe they cheated. Society allows them to cheat. People don't hold adultery accountable as much as they did in the past. It is somewhat acceptable for them to have children by multiple women. Its okay for them to be sexual with you however not has a commitment with you. That's a problem. Like a really big problem. And it's not cute nor is it attractive.

The book suggests that the only way to get through all this problems related to being single and dealing with heavy issues in your relationship is to "SEEK GOD FIRST". It states that if you seek God first and build a relationship with him, he will then send you a man. One that is perfectly designed just for you and that meets all your needs. That is such an incredibly feelings to know that God is going to send him to you. Kind of like an arranged marriage. That doesn't mean that the person you are with isn't the one for you, it just means that possibly he isn't the one that God has for you.

The only way to completely know though it to pray about it.

Ask God to speak to you through your heart. It's difficult because as a selfish person like me sometimes you want things at that very moment. But we are on God's time…and like the older members of the church say; He is always on time: So to sum it up…be encouraged.

I'm not the one to give relationship advice because I really have never been serious with anyone, but what I do know Is that I am never lonely because God is with me…and I know that if I remain patience he will show me what I need to see.

It's a really, really good book. You must go get it. Like tomorrow. Or the next time you get paid. Seriously. It is worth every penny. And it has pages in the back where you can write notes ( I love to write).

As always thanks for reading. I apologize for any grammatical errors…I'm not in the mood to spell check just freelance.

You Plus Me Equals Happiness

2010-05-24T12:41:00.000-07:00

I couldn't have said it any better.....:)
It is going to be a great week and even a better summer..
Its so hot right now..
Did I mention that I love my job!!!!
First day, I do ughh nothing and get pay ughh alot...

Training Boredom

2010-05-24T08:25:00.001-07:00

Going to make this real quick, since I am actually updating my blog from my phone right now. Pretty neat huh? Looks like I am going to be sending post all day every day now..Watch out Twitter !!!NE Whoo! I went to see Just Wright last night. A pretty amazing movie. You know when you go see some movies such as "Why did I Get Married 2?" after you watch it you realize that you could have waited for it to come out on DVD. (At least that is how I was). With Just Wright I wasn't like that. I enjoyed it a lot. Common was such a gentleman. Something about a dude opening the door for you and making you breakfast in bed is very appealing to me. I would say more about the movie, but some of my readers may have not had the opportunity to go see it yet, so I am going to shut up now.
Today is my actually first day of my new job. I am supposed to be do training on the computer right now; however the system is messed up for some odd reason. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that we had a mini black out last night in Antioch. Kinda crazy…You should have read some of my tweets I was on it….LOL! Well I better go before I get fired and Lord knows I haven't worked here but a day so no unemployment checks for me….

Pretty neat quote I read on twitter this morningSmile A LOT today….Its makes happy people happier and it will piss your haters off to know that you are in a GREAT mood- Rev.Run…

Guess what?? I'm grinning like a chess cat that just ate a real juicy mouse.

Playing House

2010-05-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

First let me start by saying that Toy Story 3 comes out on June 18th....

I am so going to be the first one in line. I can not wait to see Andy and all his toys.

I am a Chrisitan. I was raised in the Methodist Church. My family has always been active in the church. I have seen what God can do in peoples life. Literally. I was raised in a household were we had to go to church every Sunday, not just church but Sunday School as well. So coming from that type of background it was only right that as soon as I moved to Nashville one of the first things on my agenda was to find a church home. I do not like when people move to new cities and just literally forget about going to church because they are not familiar with the area.God didnt forget about you so why would you feel like forgetting about him..So when I moved to Nashville in March 2009 ( I can't believe it has been that long) I started to go to a church up the street. It was a mega church the kind where the pastor DOES NOT know your name. I am not into those particular types of churches however as long as I was in the House of God it didn't matter. The church just so happened to be a Baptist church so some of their forms of worship were a little bit different then what I was used to however the word was the same...THE WORD IS ALWAYS UNCHANGING.

Stick with me...I promise I have a good point to make...

So like I said I went to this church every Sunday for about 2 months... during this time I started hanging out with Vincent more and more so eventually I started to go to church with him. His church was very much the same as mine. An older congregration with generations of families worshipping at the church. The demoniation happened to be Methodist as well. So from then on I just starting to go to that church, plus I was very comfortable there. Well today I decided to return to the first church I ever attended when I came to Nashville. Why?? I don't know. Something just said Erica go there....So I went and boy was it a blessing..

The Sermon was about "Playing House"

The scripture came from Proverb 3:6-7 ( take a second and go read it)

Did you finish reading it?? Seriously go read it....

The preacher was saying that in 2010 a lot of women are unfortunately are"playing house". This phrase that he has coined basically means that in todays society there are alot of trust issues that hidder us from benefitting from the blessings God has for us. He described many women that have children and then moved in with the father of their children and simply play house without any vows under God (marriage). He suggested that alot of people do not get married because of trust issues and the only way that marriage will work is to have trust. Since we a currently in a world that has no form of trust...simple things that are a blessing from God are know longer happening because of trust. The sermon was very good and informative...The main princple that he was trying to make it don't try to figure things out yourself, do it God's way and it will work out. You can't get your blessing without trusting him....Not just in relationships and marriages but in everyday things....He just so happened to use the marriage as an example.
I think you might be able to find the text on the website http://www.lpmbc.org/. Check it out and let me know what you think...Very Interesting!!!!

As always thank you for reading.....

P.S. Going to see Just Wright tonight everyone said that it is super duper good. I hope it is as good as everyone says....

P.S.S.
I had an interested conversation with my sister April this morning (She is the one that just graduated college....check out the pictures on Facebook)
It went something like this

Erica calling my parents house..
Ring Ring Ring
April answers the phone

Erica: What are you doing home....??
April: I didnt go to church this morning
Erica:why not?
April: Because I didn't feel like it
Erica: So what if God didnt feel like waking you up this morning
April: Don't start Erica
Erica: I'm serious...What if he didn't
April: OMG....But he did though and for that I am grateful.....

God Bless America...
LOL!

WhEn I GeT thE WeDDing RinG

2010-05-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

About to clean my apartment because it is like super dirty.

My sister April came down from Kentucky to spend the night so I was pretty geeked about that...However she didn’t want to party with Vincent and I so I was pretty not thrilled about that.
Hearing all this information about the elections, makes me want to be a politician. I am very current on politics; I guess that is because I am the type of person that can find a flaw in anything.
Please pray for me I am about to make a huge choice in a couple of days that will ultimately change my life forever.

I was going to have a photo shoot last night....but I completely forgot
I was suppose to go see Just Wright last night...but we missed the show...
Last night I remembered how fun it was to roller-skate....OMG....what a blast.
And I didn’t fall.

I got to see one of my favorite "Ohio Chicks" yesterday at the mall. She was in town for her brothers graduation....We will probably get wasted tonight....even though we didn’t graduate...Let me rephrase that....we already graduated.....( Masters in progress....smart chicks I know) ...One of these days I will stop being full of myself. Pictures uploaded later...Check on the FB

Friendships have been tested this week. I think when I get married I probably will have only six bridesmaids instead of 13 because people are getting on my nerves..
Grey's Anatomy Season Finale was amazing....Never mind let me rephrase that...It was AWESOME...

Shout out to my home girl Shanova who got fired from her job yesterday
Shit happens
Life goes on....
In this economy she isn’t the only one without a job....
Someone said God closes one door so another one can open......I think she opened that door last night at the liquor store....( Bless her heart)

The weather is so pretty in Nashville right now..

Picnic weather...

would I be lame to get a blanket and a book and go outside and lay on the grass ...just chillin

I was watching a movie I don’t remember which one it was but it had a quote in there that went something like this
"We will see who gets the last laugh when I get the wedding ring"
That quote hit a homerun with me....and not just your average home run. It hit the homerun that sent the ball out of the park and into someone’s windshield.....

It a good feeling to know you have something that a lot of people want.....
But that’s with anything in life.
That means you are on the right track and they are clearly on the wrong

However I judge no one...;)

As always think for reading.

Blog wasn’t about to much of nothing...

However I am going to hit you with something deep tonight after I finish cleaning my house...

P.S. Quit being a lame and follow me on Twitter

@writingal

The KING of ALL Kings

2010-05-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

"Somewhere between all our laughs, long talks, dramatic fights, and jokes I fell in love"

--------Wynee Prasetyo

I know you are probably like who is Wynee Prasetyo. Well that my friend is one of my followers on twitter. Are you following me? @writingal ....This morning when I woke up I had over 200 notifications from twitter and that was the very first one that I read. It was interesting because it fitted my life quite well. Because Lord knows that Vincent and I laugh, fight, makeup just to wake up the next day and do it all over again. ughh Love!

****Shoutout to my really good friend Seth ^^^^picture above, his birthday was a couple of days ago so it was only right that I allow his face to grace my blog with me the princess of course.****

So today is like a really good day for me...I wish someone was actually here with me to say, "Erica, why is today a really good day for you?". Today is a really good day because it is my grandparents 49th wedding anniversary....That is a long time huh? I barely stay with a dude for 49 days so I can only imagine 49 years. I think of it like this, alot of humans unfortuantely do not live to see the age of 49. Whether their lives ended do to violence or just God calling them home 49 is a long time. So even though my grandparents will not read this blog (my granny barely knows how to turn on her cell phone) I still want to wish them a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY. I called my granny and papaw this morning and I was like Happy anniversary...She was like mine?? No Granny Mine?? LOL! She knows when it is she just didnt realize that today was the day. Alot of people never get married, some marriages end up in divorce so for my grandparents to be married this long is such a wonderful thing....

Sidenote: Plus they created my mom and if they didnt created her..I wouldn't be here and without me the world would be in a Great Depression....seriously. You better asked somebody!

As always thanks for reading and visiting my blog. Oh one more thing. So everyone knows I could not live without my cell phone and even though my MYTOUCH and I have had problems I still love all the applications that it has to offer. One of the applications is to have Bible Verses sent to your phone daily. The Bible Verse this morning was one that I have heard numerous times through Sunday School and different events at church (my daddy is a Sunday School teacher.). The Bible Verses can be found at Romans 8:31 it reads "If God is for us, who can be aganist us" . This morning when I woke up after I had read it I was telling Vincent that God works through me in the weirdest ways. It seems like everyone else he does things in such an orderly fashion, however with me he sends his word through either a movie, a television show or sometimes a text message. I think he does that because I don't pay attention half of the time in church. Needless to say what I need to hear he always make sure I hear it. So what that being said a simple text message this morning made me realize. Everyone is not going to like you in this world. Some have reasons not to like you, others do not like you out of pure hate, jealously or envy. It is natural for people to not like people that are doing well and not paying them one bit of attention. You probably have something that they want., or something that they used to have, or something that they need in their lives. They might go out of your way to bring you down and make you feel ungrateful and undeserving of his blessings. But you really shouldn't let that get to you, because if God has your back it really shouldn't matter who doesn't. He is literally the KING of all Kings.

Good Things Come in Threes

2010-05-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

You know when you have something really really great to share and you just can't keep it to yourself. Like you just want to tell the whole world. Well that is how I feel about Snyder's of Hanover ::Honey Mustard and Onion Pretzel Pieces:: They are like the best things ever. If you have never tried them you must go and get them like right now. Vincent put me on to them about a month ago and I have been eating them literally once a week....so good and they are cheap also (eating them now as I type)....

Before you keep on reading I just wanted to let you know that this blog has no deep theme. The theme is pretty simple...Things that you might want to try...Why?? ughh because I said so.

Now back to the blog::

So one of my best friends April (she was mentioned in my previous blog if you havent read it go read it )...Well she always used to tell me....You are really really light skinned if people didnt see your nappy ass hair they would think that you were mixed....(thank God I'm not...I would never know what to checked on the FASFA under race)...Anyways so...I had seen her about two weekends ago when I had went to Frankfort to see some of my really good friends that still reside there (Shout out to TNO) Speaking of TNO my favorite NEWS EDITOR ZURI JOHNSON birthday is today. If you know her make sure you send her a text or write on her facbook wall and wish her a Happy Birthday.

Back to my HAIR..
So yeah I saw April and she was like your hair is still nappy, but it is healthy nappy..LOL!
I must admit it is really really looking nice and healthy. Plus I dye it black, and black naturally makes your hair look healthy. However I give all the credit to this new conditioner that I am using it is called "Cholesterol Hair Conditioner Cream made by Queen Helene" it is so amazing. It makes my hair look shiny and it feels amazing. Plus did I mention that is only cost 0.99 for a tube....Yes it is true...I swear....Go get it ...and try it.....What a great product....

I have been with TMOBLIE now for about 3 years. I love their service. I have the mytouch and I HATE that phone. I am assuming that one of the new trends for cellphone companies is to offer internet services for your home computers as well, kinda like a bundle package. Well I went to Tmoblie to inquire about getting wireless internet for my labtop. The price was horrible. Like I think they said like 80 a month. I be damn. That is only about 20 less than my cell phone bill. I refuse to pay that much for internet. So I went across the street to CRICKET. Tell me why cricket has wireless internet for only 40 a month. So I got it. It is amazing. I always have a strong signal and the connection is super fast....If you don't have internet I recommend CRICKET.

As always thanks for reading.....
Check out the video below listen to the song lyrics...quite deep I might add. I would like to dedicated it to someone....Someone who can do so much better......;)

Love is giving somone the power to destroy you, but trusting that they won't because they love you-UNKNOWN

Loyalty TO my Friend

2010-05-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

The weight of the world has pushed me to my knees and now I am in the best position to pray”

I went to three high schools in four years. My sophomore, junior, and senior year I had three different mascots. Because I transferred so much doing my high schools I promised myself that wherever I went to college at I would stay there for the entire time. Believe me many times at Kentucky State University I wanted to be like forgetting this I am transferring to TSU (that is where I originally wanted to go). But I hung in there and now that is my alma mater…Whoo hoo go Thorobreds

Needless to say…..even though I went to one hundred and three schools. I was blessed to have developed some really good friendships throughout the years. Not the friendships were you argued and say mean things and they hold a grudge forever. But the friendship were you get on each others nerves, say mean things, but three weeks or three months later you apologize and pick up where you left off.

I use “Loyalty to MY friend” as my blog titled because I witness something totally shocking this week. I learned that if you ever encounter someone in life whether they are a boss, a coworker, a sibling, a boyfriend or girlfriend, look at their relationships with their friends. How do they treat them? What do they say about them? How often do they talk? What is their loyalty to them? If someone can not be loyal and truthful to their own friend…what in your sound mind makes you think they will do the same for you. An old famous proverb says that if you can count your friends on one had you are truly blessed. I have 3 best friends that I would catch a case for(my siblings) JASMINE, JUSTIN, and APRIL. And then I have three best friends that are my EVERYTHING….April, Tory, and Christina.

I am a very selfish person. Some would say that I act as if I am an only child. I do not know like to share and I hate when I have to share things with others. I guess that is why I don’t want children or inspire to get married. By being a selfish person I realized that I probably have hurt a lot of people by things I have said or things I have done. But I would never ever intentionally hurt my “BEST FRIENDS” or doing anything that I think would later cause them pain. They are like extended family. And you do not hurt family.

Witnessing this act this week just made me more appreciative of the wonderful friendships I have and I would not traded them for one hundred dollars….(I would for a million but not one hundred)…..

As always thanks for reading….

And do yourself a favor today and evaluated the friendships you have in your life…believe me some are worth losing…Others….you need to hold on to forever and do what ever it takes to mend it….

I DECIDED TO SPRINT

2010-05-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

I lost my remote to my television in the living room. Like, I can’t find it. So every time I want to change the channel I have to get up and change it. OMG what a headache. I do not see how people survive without remotes. I could just lay in my bed all day (I have a tv in my room with a remote) however that would not be very productive at all. Plus I had multiple interviews today. One of them was at Sprint. Lord knows I love my TMOBLIE, but I can sale a couple of Sprint phones.

:::GAME PLAN:::

So Since I decided to go to Fisk University for grad school. I thought it would be a wise choice to just get a part time job instead of working full time so I could focus on school. I don’t see how people say that it is so hard to find a job. I literally filled out about 10 applications and I have six interviews lined up in less then a week. I guess it all depends on their faith also. You have to believe that God is going to take care of you. A lot of people have “Sunday Faith”. Sunday Faith is you go to church on Sunday and you hear the word however you do not apply it to your life. But, who am I to judge.

Days like today I wish I knew how to cook, because Lord knows I am hungry. Off to Taco Bell I go.

PAINTING AT HOME DEPOT

2010-05-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

I am so tired right now. Like I could literally pass out, but because I haven’t wrote a blog this month it would only be right to give my faithful readers an update on my amazing life.

First things first: MY SISTER GRADUATES FROM COLLEGE ON SATURDAY

I am so proud of her. All of my siblings are amazing however Saturday will be her day so I am super duper proud of her. I can’t wait to party it up on Saturday. ( I am the host like always). GO APRIL!

Saturday is going to be a big day not only because my sister is graduating, but I am going to finally let my family meet my “happiness”. This should be interesting for so many reasons. The number one reason why I am so nervous is because I have NEVER EVER let any guy meet my parents. I am that type of girl that feels like a guy should not meet your parental unless you think they are going to be around for a while…So….I guess I finally got that person that is going to be that guy. Wish me luck!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO THE MAKERS OF BIRTH CONTROL

Mother’s Day was GREAT. I went home to Kentucky to surprise my mom. She had no idea that I was coming. We went out to eat at Jay Alexander’s (google it). It is one of the best restaurants in Louisville. I saw a couple of KSU hoodrats there….SMH …They will let anyone eat anywhere as long as they have the money. So Mother’s Day was good. God also answered my prayers on Mother’s Day by granting justice for a really good friend of my. His heart deserved some form of peace so that was the icing on the cake to an already wonderful day.

Lets see.

Everything else has been pretty much the same. Oh…how could I forgot. Nashville flooded. The sad thing is I didn’t realize how bad it was until I saw Anderson Copper broadcasting like 10 minutes from my house. So if you got an extra dollar or two donated it. Someone can probably use it.

I am in the process of painting my bedroom….okay I lied. I am not painting it. Well it is a team effort. Vincent and I started painting it today. I think it is going to turn out really really well. Like the colors are so pretty and it is going to have like a theme. When we get finished I will definitely upload some pictures…so everyone can be jealous. I might just send them in to HGTV.

:::Grad School:::

I am so thrilled to be starting Grad School at Fisk University soon. That means a couple of more years in Nashville. Which is find with me….I just hope it stops raining soon.

I am starting to get sleepy. About to go to bed….

Never mind I am…..

Goodnight::

Thanks for reading

Follow me:: @writingal

DRAKE: THE BEST I EVER HAD

2010-04-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

So I am super salty that I am at work on this pretty day.
Hold on let me rewind...I am super salty that I had to leave church early because I had to work on this pretty day. But thats okay because God is about to soon bless me with a job where I do not have to work on Sundays and Lord I am ready for that blessing...

The weather is definitely starting to act right so that means cute spring dresses here I come, which ultimately means I have to shave...ughhh I hate shaving my legs I would let the hair grow forever if I knew it wouldn't turn off my dude. For real though not a fan of shaving or waxing or any type of hair removal....Just don't get down with it.

Drake was in concert last night in Nashville....I didn't go so I don't even know why I said that.....
Just did the normal...hang out with my lame ole happiness....
Okay well I am tired of typing...

Thinks for reading ;)

NO HABLA ESPANOL

2010-04-24T12:17:00.000-07:00

I'm not racist.
Let me first start by saying that.

However there are some issues that I disagree with, when it comes to race. One I don't believe in interracial dating. I just think it is looks funny. Too each its own I am assuming, but I rather stick with my African American male and alot of white chicks would rather do the same also. (Okay I thought it was funny, some will be offended though) Neither here nor there. I just think if you are black you should date black people. If you are white you should date white people. Kinda like the India culture. You never see them mixing races. Its like a "pure breed". But we are all God's children so I guess that is something I will have to deal with.

I am on the subject of this because after arguing with a friend of mine, she told me that I was racist. The arguement stemmed from the Arizona law that was recently signed by the Governor (who happens to be a Repubican///I'm a Republican btw) that cracks down on illegal immigrants.

:::OFF SUBJECT REAL QUICK:::
I am a Republican however I did vote for our WONDERFUL PRESIDENT. I mean I'm 23, I wanted to make sure I saw a black man in office.

So this law basically gives the police more freedom to dictate whether they suspect someone to be an illegal immigrant or not. Here is the link to the article so you can read it yourself~~~~
Just copy and paste it into your browser

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_immigration_enforcement

I think the law is a great idea. Like I don't think it is fair for "them" to come over to the United States of America and literally take over. You get paid extra money if you speak Spanish. Why? Because, there is so many damn Spanish speaking people in the USA. If you are going to come here, I am going to need for you to learn ENGLISH, not the other way around...Seriously God Bless America!!! I don't understand why some US citizens think it is okay for them to come over here illegal. It is just so hard for me to understand. The system is wrong. The laws aren't tough enough. What other countries allows people to just come right on in?? And the funny thing is they come by the masses. Like huge families. ( Some sterotypes are true...enough said). I believe they all should be deported back to THEIR homeland. They come over here, have these babies that are now American citizens. And they don't come over here with insurance so...its the American tax payer's dollar that is paying for that child to be raised...
ughh government assistance. I see it everyday at my job. It is really irriating. Then they have a problem with you because you cant understand they ass. Are you serious? Get out of my face??
Don't let me get started on all the drugs they bring over here, that end up in a certain (races) hands.....which equally life sentences in prison.

Many people agree some disagree. That is the wonderful thing about living in America. Freedom of speech and opinion and the press. I guess that is the reason why everybody and their momma wants to come here.

Not a fan of President Bush, but I defintely agree with him more than Obama when it comes to these immigration laws.

It isn't The Hilton

2010-04-23T15:39:00.000-07:00

Someone once told me that good things come to those who wait. Okay I lied someone did not tell me that directly however I have heard numerous times that good things come to those who wait. Basically meaning that if you have patience everything that you have ever wanted will eventually come. I think I am slowly beginning to see the truthfulness in that proverb.

You can say that I have been blessed. My childhood was quite amazing. And even though I have three siblings my family has manage to provide us each a lifestyle as if we are the only child. Material things do not always matter, however we have always had the best of the best. The fact that we come from a two parent family home is something to be even more grateful for. I never really have ever had to want for anything. Like I might not get it that day, but eventually it will come around. Too the point....okay I'm getting there. The point of that entire spill is that many of us take for granted the simple things that others are patiently waiting for.

For example....For those of you who don't know. I work for an apartment community. There was a girl who came in today. She had a small child and a part-time job. She really needed a place to stay. I am assuming that her family was not supported of her, because of the coversation that we was having. Needless to say she could not afford the apartment and she said that unfortunately she would have to wait. She then stated good things come to those who wait. I was amazed. For numerous reason....One I don't pay rent. My grandparents (who swear they are poor) have paid my rent since I was a junior in college, and believe me I don't stand in a Section Eight apartment. It isn't The Hilton, but it is very nice. (I might upload some cute pictures). I never thought that some people dont have the wonderful opportunity and that is something they are pateiently waiting for. For instance....I am waiting for this MASTERS DEGREE like asap so I can make lots of money and pay my sister Jasmine's rent. (Shout out to my girl JAZZY). The moral of the story is to be grateful, because someone is always patiently waiting for something that you already have.

P.S. Monica's CD is like amazing. Haven't physically purchased a CD in awhile. I did this one though...So good....Love number 8:::: reminds me of my happiness....;) And Usher's CD is amazing too. Number 14 is the best. If I wanted to have kids I would deifintely want to make a baby to this song......

That about it. Thanks for ready...
If you have a twitter follow me @writingal
I talk about everyone and everything....Just kidding...I'm saved by the BLOOD!!!

Good Things Come in Threes

2010-04-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

So just got some down time at work from such a busy day (not) so decided to let my readers in on my life.

Fisk University

So it is now a fact. I will be attending Fisk University in the fall to work on my Masters. I am really thrilled to be back in a classroom. Like online school is for the single moms at home. Like seriously I would never ever take another online class again. Not only is it hard, but you really cant not interact with other students. And everyone knows I am a social bumble bee.

Nashville has been ugly lately. Like the sun has not been out in a couple of days and it has been really cold. It is weird because springtime is suppose to be a season of rebirth however, it seems as if many things are dying. A lot of my friends have been going through it this month. Physically they have been fine, but emotionally they need to learn to keep their faith strong.
It is interesting because at church sunday, I felt like I could have been the preacher myself. Everything that he was saying I have been saying for like the last three months (literally). The sermon was about how alot of people go to church thinking that they are going to see GOD literally. What they fail to realize is that his presence is always there, you just have to want to feel him yourself. You can't only praise him when things are going right. When you dont have any gas you need to praise him too...( I just thought of that because my car is currently on E, because I hate pumping gas so I let it run all the way out ). Back to the point, so one of the things that the preacher said was that you do not want to be late to see God. If you know that his presence is going to be there you should be there super early ready to feel it., yet people walk in church 20 mins late like nothing is wrong. I say this to my happiness all the time. Like Vincent I don't want to be late for church in the morning. We need to go to bed early. He thinks that as long as you hear the sermon you are good. Uh no...what about the scripture?? call to worship?? can we sing a song?? you should always want to be on time for God.....Just something to think about...

P.S. If any of my readers are very good checker players please contact me at ericanewby@ymail.com. I have a question...because someone cheated me out of a game this weekend and I need to establish the rules for next time....

Thinking about getting tatted this weekend...with my love..
I been saying that for months now...but i think i really am this weekend
The third time is the charm
In more ways then one.
A wise man once said Good things come in Threes

Wings and Things

2010-04-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

Check out this article and then pray for America.

http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-how_much_will_the_class_of_2010_earn-1220

P.S. Going to Dinner with my favorite Caifornia chick Eboni tonight....;)
Fun times
Interesting conversations ;)

Jealous?? I know!!!

Straight To bed After Laughs

2010-04-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

It is such a pretty day in Nashville today. Even though I am at work like always I still kinda of get to enjoy the weather through my office window. I am not a fan of the summer time or heat. In fact I can not wait to finish grad school so I can moved to Boston, something about the cold weather is very appealing to me. The fact that you can also dress really cute I like that as well.

Pray For my Mommy

So my mom has been in the hospital for about two days now.
Why?? none of your damn business.
Naw I am joking
She has been having stomach problems
but she is doing much better so please just keep her in your thoughts and prayers....

MAY 15th

My sister graduates from College...Whoo Hoo I am so proud of her..... We really dont do the high school diplomas these days...I mean it is really simple. If you dont have a degree you can count of making probably about 30,000 your entire life...Which is nothing...Seriously...It should be an interested day because My HAPPINESS (Vincent) is going to meet the parentals...Yikes...I guess you can say that I am in Love because when I say no one meets them...I mean no one...but he is so different I am even faithful Which everyone who knows me...knows that that NEVER EVER HAPPNES....Lucky Him.....P.S. Rickey Smiley is also coming to Nashville that day...We have tickets...Super Geeked....I love him...so funny...The only bad thing is that I have to work sunday morning so straight to bed after laughs

TWITTER I AM ON THERE...DEF WILL KEEP YOU ENTERTAINED EVERY SECOND FOLLOW ME @writingal

Thinking about dying my hair blond for the summer..
This summer is going to be an interesting one...
LORD KNOWS
All I am going to say is pray for me....

Check out number 9 on Ushers New CD I freaking love it....;)

As always thanks for reading....go on my facebook and look at my Easter pictures...Super Cute...BE JEALOUS!!!

WAITING FOR MARRIAGE

2010-04-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

No one is getting married...I can here the rumors beginning to roll as I type away. I thought that title was kinda catchy for two different reasons. One I went to see WHY DID I GET MARRIED TOO? Last night (it was okay) and then the second reason is because it is comparable to my blog. So lets get this party started.

April has been an interesting month for me thus far. I started the month of debating with my happiness and I will probably end it debating with him. The thing is I always think I am right. It is a trait that I must have got from my mother because she is the same way. We debate about everything....simple stuff ...and complicated stuff...I just want to scream. It is difficult for a person to understand how you feel if they have never been in that particular situation....and my happiness has not...so when i try to get him to understand he doesnt because he has never had to deal with it....Needless to say alot of my small problems could easily be fixed if society would stress that important of marriage on some situations...

***EASTER**

I am at home in Kentucky this weekend for Easter. It is such a pretty day here. It is like one of the perfect days to do a picnic...So serious. Defintely make sure you check my blog and my Facebook tomorrow because I am going to have lots of cute pictures up from Easter....

The picture at the top is from church about two Sundays ago...Ashley is on the right, my sister April is in the middle. and of course the princess is on the left...Cute I know please be jealous...

Why Did I Get Married 2?

2010-03-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

Please hold the applause…I know I know I am back. Be gone for a second, but I am officially back. So much to update you on. I honestly did not realize how many people were reading my blog until people who be like Erica you haven’t wrote a blog in forever. The truth is I honestly have not had time…So without further ado
Brace yourself…for the rollercoaster.

So First and foremost I gave up Facebook for lent. At first it was kinda hard because that is how I stayed in contact with a lot of my friends, but now it is really easy…Plus I have twitter now…Sidenote Follow Me: @writingal so that is my social connection for now. Facebook was just and avenue for females to reach me to tell me they want my dude…Whats new??…Everybody wants him…I would want him to especially since the African American male is becoming less and less visible in society….NE Whoo…So that pretty much sum up my relationship….Still happy…enough said…

Grad School:
Let me say this…I have so much respect for anyone who is working on their masters through online courses…Yeah not for me…So with that being said…Fisk University is where I will give my education a second chance starting August 2010…Another shocker…I am going to be working on my teachers license….Never would have thought it…huh?? I don’t know something is just very appealing to me…about weekends off, summer off, spring, fall and winter break off…and did I mention every federal holiday. Im just saying…Fisk is an HBCU..so that is a plus too….

Work:
I have a new job…Pay is decent…nothing thrilling…next subject

WHY DID I GET MARRIED TOO?

I will definitely be in attendance to see it. Can not wait? Love Tyler Perry! Hate the plays….too much damn singing….love the movies however…Tasha Smith is definitely underrated…..Going home Easter weekend so…that weekend is going to be filled with lots of fun…

Anything else….ughhhh
Oh yeah so I follow Rev.Run on Twitter one of his tweets was this quote and I love it

Many times breakups are breakthroughs.

2010-03-13T04:48:00.000-08:00

Started my new job.
Been somewhat busy.
Trying to pay off my student loans
Trying to save for a down payment on a house one day
No Facebook until Easter
But you can always follow me on twitter and see what I been up to
My mean thoughts
My kind words
My novice wisdom

The name is writingal
So go follow now...
Even if I don't know you or like you go follow so
You can be jealous of every move I make

Envy is the devil.

4 MY THUNDERSTORM

2010-03-01T18:56:00.000-08:00

This is so my favorite song of 2010 as of yet. I love it....and I love Monica..The lyrics remind me of my thunderstorm ;)
Check my blog out soon. I will be posting some really cute things you can purchase from my favorite Dayton Chick....So check back on a later date...

BTW: I got a new job...and I think I am going to LOVE TI!

...............

2010-02-23T10:58:00.000-08:00

Dear Lord,

Please forgive them for they know not what they do.

Amen

Excuses R Unacceptable and Goodbyes Are Long

2010-02-21T12:14:00.000-08:00

***Today is a beautiful day in Nashville and Church was amazing***

~~~Excuses R Unacceptable~~~

:::Something off my Chest:::
This whole don't tell you are gay crap...that the military pulls is DUMB and stupid....
If you are gay you are GAY and you can and should be able to do whatever you want to with whoever you want....to ughhh...people that are so judgemental about that really piss me off....
Nobody judged you when you was having sex before marriage?
Nobody judged you when you had a baby out of wedlock??
What about when you was doing illiegal drugs in your dorm room?
I forgot what about when you stole something?
Or cheated on your spouse?
The list goes on......
I rest my case.....
Complete Idiots

Check out the article:::
copy and paste this in your browser
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_military_gays

I remember the end of my junior year in high school and my parents told me that I would have to go to Meade County High School for my senior year. I was devasted....I did not want to go to Meade County High School for numerous reasons, but the main reason was because it was like 97% white. The school was so not diverse at all, and I like to be around people from anywhere and everwhere...So I made up one thousand and eight two excuses on why I could not go there. Needless to say I won that arguement and I ended up going to North Hardin High School and it was amazing.

I had once came across a quote that said "Excuses are for the Weak". I never took heed to that quote or even deeply understood it until today at church. The sermon topic was "When the Invitation Comes" the scripture comes from Luke 14:16-27. The basic concept of the sermon was that when the invitation comes to be accept Jesus Christ as your Savior there should be no excuses. We as Christians should be Ready to accept whatever task God has for us, without questioning it or without any excuses.

I thought this was interesting because I always have an excuse ready for whatever the occasion, sometimes it MIGHT be a vaild one other times it might be complete BULL. However the point that the pastor was trying to make was when dealing with GOD there should be know excuses.

As I had stated in my previous blogs, Wednesday was the start of the lent season. I decided to give up two things until EASTER. One of them being Facebook and the other one being something that I gave up with someone else, kinda like a team effort. Well, I have committed to not logging on Facebook, however the other thing I have not been able to commit to fully. I could think of a million and one excuses on why I am unable to keep my promise, but instead of thinking of an excuse I will simple admit that I failed and keep pressing on.

~~~Goodbyes Are Long~~~

I haven't been home in what seems like forever....
But best believe I can't wait to be going to my OLD KENTUCKY HOME
in a couple of days
Goodbyes seems so long and far in between ever since I moved to Nashville
I don't see how some people go off to college in different states far away I don't think I could do it.
My friend who recently moved three states (8 hours) away from her family.
Said it makes her appreciate them more
The goal for me is to move to Boston in like 1 year....that is like really far....
and someone makes Miami somewhat appealing to me....and that is even farther.....
Oh well...I will be super successful and fly my family out to see me whenever...

BTW: They will be flying coach though...

Thanks for reading my blog. It really means alot to me....
I think I am about to watch the Passion of Christ...
I love that movie...
Even though I was born in sin....and my flesh is weak and I sin everyday.
I still thank God for never giving up on me...
Because I DO and SAY some very very very Sinful things.....Yikes!

Something about an HBCU

2010-02-19T07:11:00.000-08:00

So I kinda been really busy lately.
I have had numerous interviews over the last week.
And I finally got a really good job offer that is literally down the street so I am very happy about that...
I am also thinking about transferring to FISK UNIVERSITY for grad school. I kinda miss the whole social life of college and being involved, plus you make some really good contacts...

Last week I tried to get a new tat on my foot, but the artist said that he only likes to do tats like that in the summer when the foot can be completely bare....I think I might just get the tat anyways......

It will be my third one....and people say the third time is the charm ;)
So I heard....

Needless to say nothing much has changed...
but alot needs to....

Super thrilled to be going to Kentucky NEXT WEEKEND...
whoo hoo......

P.S. I gave up Facebook for Lent.....(if you dont know what it is...google it)
So....that is interesting....considering Facebook is how I stay in contact with like all my friends that I hate talking to on the phone....LOL!

Have a great Friday everyone!!!

615 Please Welcome 270's Snow!!!!

2010-02-14T13:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day.....Muah!!!!!

I had to work today.....which sucks but I celebrated Valentines Day this weekend which ultimately turned out better. So...I witnessed the most amazing thing in Nashville on Friday night...OMG! I should have took a picture so that I could upload it for everyone to see. Maybe I can convince happiness to take me back there so I can take lots of pictures...Can we say breathtaking......

I really haven't been writing blogs lately for numerous reasons. One being....my wireless services at my house completely sucks ding ding like so serious.....the other reasons is that I been looking for new jobs.....( I start my new career March 1st) and then I haven't been writing blogs...because I really havent had anything to talk about...

Who says it doesn't snow in Nashville...I took this picture (to the right) the week before last from my balcony.....So much snow...for Nashville....SMH....And I had the biggest snow ball fight with my friends that weekend..;)

However for the lent season which begins on Wednesday (Ash Wednesday) I thought about giving up my blog.....for the 40 days until Easter...however I changed my mind...So I decided to give up Facebook.....and something else a little more meaningful. Giving up Facebook should be easy though considering that I only go on there to talk to my friends far far away and to pass time at work....however lately I have been turned off by somethings on there so I really do not utilize it as much. Every year during lent season I normally do a good job at giving up something that I love......and I normally am very successful at keeping my promise to GOD. This year what I have decided to give up....I think I can not go with out it.....however I have before so.....we will give it a shot......

:::CAN I GET A AMEN:::

So my partner and crime and I Vincent went to church today and at the end of the sermon the preacher told a story....It went something like this:::::

There was a man who went to this church for six months straight every Sunday
He didnt have nice clothes like the rest of the church members
In fact his clothing was worn and dirty
Each Sunday he went to the church
and no one ever spoke to him
asked him if he was a visitor
or even shook his hand
this went on for six months straight
then one sunday
he decided to leave his hat on during the sermon
the preacher noticed this and told the deacon
to tell the man to remove his hat
when the deacon told the man to remove his hat
the man said
I thought that would do it
the deacon asked the man what he was talking about
the man went on to discuss that he had been attending the church for six months straight and that is the first time someone spoke to him

The moral of the story is that we can not be judgemental in GOD's house
we are all created equal in Gods eyes
regardless of all the material things in this world....

I thought it was a pretty neat story....
Just thought I would pass it on....

P.S. I am having a Girls Night this Weekend...super geeked...
so much fun;)

Let me have 5 Seconds of your Time

2010-02-10T18:43:00.000-08:00

Quick Update:

Life is good....
I am smiling everyday...
I pray that my My March goes better
than my Feburary
and I am grateful that my Feburary has been better than my January....

Got a new job.....kinda geeked about that......;)

U Can't Be Mad That She doesnt Want Swollen Ankles and Stretch Marks.

2010-02-05T12:32:00.000-08:00

I really don’t have anything to talk about today. Pretty boring…my hands were ashy at work all day and I didn’t have any lotion…Need to make plans for Spring Break…I kinda want to go to the Grand Canyon…but everyone thinks I am lame…so I will probably go to the other best place in the world…1255 Shothunt ;)

I got a couple of random thoughts

Does anyone besides me love that FootLocker commercial with the puppets…that is so freaking cute..I wanna be a puppet or at least play one in a commercial.

So I was reading a blog…I forgot which one I read so damn many and it was about Beyonce’s article in the February issue of allure magazine (I subscribe to that magazine by the way) and in the article she talks about how she will be a mom naturally but she is not going to intentionally try to get pregnant and she really low key doesn’t want to have kids. Well the blogger was talking about how she is selfish because she knows that her husband wants to have kids….ughhhh….Where is it a law that you have to have kids? And who is to say what is selfish and what is not selfish? People kill me with that. I have a picture on my desk at work of myself and my cousin Jaelyn she is ten. The residents were I work at always ask if that is my daughter. I tell them no. They then say do I have any kids? I then tell them as long as birth control is legal I will never have any. You would think that I would have said I don’t believe in God or something. They look at me like I am crazy…So to the blogger out there is cyberworld that said Beyonce is selfish…you can’t blame her for not waiting stretch marks and swollen ankles….Geezh…

Sidenote:

This might sound odd…But are you born bipolar or can you slowly become bipolar. Because I think I am becoming bipolar. If I am not already. I mean people have been telling me forever that I had major mood swings and that I was a bitch and that I am bipolar… …So are you born that way or is that developed….

Email me the answers if you know

My email is ericanewby@ymail.com

And as always thanks for reading.

I got the Holy Ghost when I went to Walmart and Saw that Milk was on SALE!

2010-01-27T16:48:00.000-08:00

January 27th 2009- I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to the Greatest Uncle that ever lived. Rest In Peace Uncle Let. I miss you more than you will ever know and more than words can ever describe.

So I am in Vincent's room writing this blog, because this idiot wants to be immature and steal my phone and take it to class with him so now I have like nothing to do at all. Isn't it like super duper sad how much we rely on our cell phones. I feel like without it my world is coming down slowly.

I HATE BET FOR CONSTANTLY PLAYING RERUNS ON THE GAME. OMG! YOU STOLE THE STORY OF MY LIFE AND PUT IT ON TELEVISION…DONT THEY HAVE COPYRIGHT LAWS

Every morning on my way to work I listen to “The Steve Harvey Morning Show” well not every morning, but the majority of the mornings. My favorite segment on the radio show is called “The Strawberry Letter”, this is the part during the broadcast were a listener writes in and tells their problems to get advice from Steve and the cast. Some of the letters are very deep and full of emotions that you can tell have being building up for years. Others are letters that you quietly think to your self you could have asked the pastor that and he could have told you what to do. Needless to say I was listening to the Steve Harvey Morning show one day last week, I cant remember which day (to much illegal drugs killing my brain cells). Im joking next the I know my momma is going to make me take a at home drug test form Walgreens…SMH…So the letter was from a woman I think in her early thirty or so that did not have any children and was very successful in her career. She had a vibrant social life and was so she said “very financially stable in todays economy”…So as I am listening to the story I am like what could possibly be wrong with this woman it seems to me that she has been very blessed beyond measure…So then she says that she is having trouble finding a soulmate and with her getting older she thinks she will be lonely the rest of her life…The reason why she cant find a mate is because she used to be a MAN.

Let me start a new paragraph and say it again, the reason why she cant find a soulmate is because she use to be a MAN. Now before I get this off my chest let me say this…I do not have a problem with Gay people at all. I mean shit they people. Half of my family is gay. Im not joking. So serious…and I dont care and I wish someone would say something negative about it so I can spit in your face (Shout out to my BFF in Ohio Christina who says that spitting in someones face is the most disrespectful thing you can do)…

But yeah I didnt think that the letter was funny because the dude/woman was gay. Because low key if Vincent dont stop talking to me like his is my damn daddy
(sidenote) Shoutout to everybody that knows who their daddy is…It is a great feeling and if you dont know who your daddy is remember you got a heavenly father (Preacher Newby)
But like I was saying if Vincent dont quit talking to me like he is Eric Newby and learn to play his role I am going to start talking to girls. Then I really will never have kids. So yeah the part that made me laugh was when the dude/woman said she/he puts on her size 12 red heels and works her stuff and still cant get a date…

I died rolling because one of my friends has size 12 red heels and he swears he be working it and I can only imagine that the person writing the letter probably feels the same way…Shoutout to all the gay people in the world. I cant wait until the United States gets a grip and let gay people get married since half of my friends are gay that means I can be in at least 2 weddings a year…Whoo hoo…Plus gay people have the cutest houses/apartments…

TYLER PERRY WILL BE IN NASHVILLE NEXT MONTH WITH HIS NEW PLAY TOO BAD I ONLY LIKE HIS MOVIES….JUST THOUGHT I PLUG THAT REAL QUICK.

P.S. This weekend I will be officially losing my mind so feel free to call me or text me.

P.S.S. The title of my blog…Is a true story…I literally almost fainted when I saw a half a gallon of the blue top for 1.25...I said thank you Jesus…;) I swear I didnt talk about people for the rest of the day.

Please Drink A Cup of Bleach!

2010-01-25T13:29:00.001-08:00

Liar Liar Pants on Fire

So John Edwards finally decided that he wanted to tell the truth. All politicians lie. I mean look at Barack Obama.. Okay I take that back. President Obama did not lie. He just promised a change that million of Americans including me thought would happen in at least his first year as President, however thanks to that dickhead President Bush (sorry about my language mom if you are reading this which you probably are) the United States of America is a mess. The economy is a mess, healthcare is a mess, ever country pretty much hates us…we are in debt…I mean the list goes on and on…Needless to say John Edwards finally told the truth, about cheating on his wife with some trailer park trash and then having a kid with her. So basically he had a kid out of wedlock and he committed adultery..smh…But who I am to judge, I actually was never judging him I just think he should have told the truth in the first place. Plus his sperm should have died a long time to go. I am a firm believer that you should not have kids once you are over the age of 35. That is nasty and you are going to be 70 years old with high cholesterol and your kid is just now going to be entering college. What type of sense does that make? So the article was posted on CNN (my favorite website) and as I was reading it all I was thinking was you idiot. You wife is at home dying of cancer and you are having sex with the help…(she was apart of his promotion team when he was running for President). Yeah people cheat and people have kids out of marriages. The differences is they are running around trying to run the damn United States and telling gay people they cant get married and your girls they cant have abortions. Do me a favor Mr. Edwards and drink some bleach? Like so serious.

:::Shanovas Facbook Status:::

I be damn is all I can say. Hold on let me get my thoughts together. So as I am typing this blog I am also on facebook trying to upload some new pictures. And my friend Shanovas facebook status reads like this exactly

::: My friend said she finna have a baby so she kan get more money on her taxes…..Foolish!:::

Where do I begin?? (Erica is currently laughing out loud) Lord, please give me the strength to find the words to not hurt peoples feelings and not say anything offense but instead give encouraging advice…First of all…I am already pissed because I have not got my W2s so my taxes have yet to be filed. Then the idea that I paid over $6,000 in taxes in 2009 pisses me off. And Shanovas friend just pushed my last button. People that have kids are single have all the opportunities in the world. When I say single I mean you DO NOT HAVE A RING ON YOUR FINGER.

Lets see you get all the funding for school, food stamps, public housing, daycare assistance, healthcare benefits, WIC, I am too lazy to work benefits, I should have closed my legs benefits, I should have learned my lesson after the first three kids benefits. Let me stop…God forgive me..oh and one more, when I file my taxes I get more money back because I have dependents…Gosh to get some help you need 5 kids and three baby daddies…Okay this time I really quit…

Shanova take down that status…You have officially just embarrassed your friend…But I might just take her advice…I am NOT about to have a kid but if anyone has a kid that needs to be claimed..Call me..My number is 270-351-9087

(SIDENOTE) If you honestly think I would put my phone number on this blog, when I know I probably have enemies that read it faithfully you have lost your mind.;)

Random Thought:

I watched the Pregnancy Pact last night on Lifetime…White People! I am never going to be able to get a nice career with some of the things I say. If I think it I say it. I shouldnt be like that, but my parents always speak there mind so hey it was a learned trait. Being more nice to people was one of my new years resolutions that I have broke…along with the rest of them I think the only one that I havent broke yet is….Hold on I have to go get the list off my fridge

Okay I am back so here is my New Years resolution list that is hanging on my fridge for a reminder of what I said I was going to start doing and stop doing in 2010

• Stop thinking people are always telling the truth

• Read a book once a month

• Be nice to people who are mean to me (Vincent says I think everyone is mean to me)

• Drink more water (I hate water…I love Sprite)

• Try to be more understanding of other peoples mistakes that create problems for me

• Give 10% of each paycheck in Sunday offering aka tithe

• Learn to say No

• Write Jaelyn more letters (Jaleyn is the only kid in the world I like she also just happens to be my favorite cousin under the age of 12)

• Put $200.00 a month in my saving account

• Keep my pursue clean

• Smile more, cry more, talk more (Everyone says I talk a lot)

• Balance my checkbook weekly

• Use coupons ( I dont have five thousand kids so I pay cash for groceries and do not have food stamps LOL! …I stop promise)

• Donate funds to my alama mater

• Enjoy being alone (I actually love being alone, but since my family is way in Kentucky I spend about 97 percent of my time withVincent unless I am working on my scrapbook)

• Pray throughout the day instead of just in the morning and night

• Quit accepting things I dont have to

• Blog more ( I think I am doing better)

• Mend broken friendships

• Eliminate all people who cause drama or stress (My life is drama free…I like to entertain stupid people though)

• Dont let uneducated hoes work my nerves

• Visit loved one graves sites more often

So yeah that is my list and out of all of those I have only kept the following

• I have started to mend broken friendships

• I used a coupon today for shaving gel

• Smile more, Cry more, Talk More

• Balance my checkbook weekly

So yeah that is it..So do me a favor and pray that I work on the rest of them…Tammy Newby aka my momma might come to visit me…I am excited…This is going to be interesting.

P.S. This blog is long as hell, but as always thanks for reading. I am trying to figure out how to upload a video of me talking to my blog…Pretty neat..then you can see my facial expressions when I am talking about stuff…It is going to be the best…I love my blog it is like my diary and I decided to share it with you. I just wish I could block it so only people I knew could read it…and not the whole world…

ONE MORE THING

I thought this was funny…This is how you know you blog to much…

Vincent and I will get into an argument or we will discuss something and he just swears he is right about everything…So after I finish having my little fit…He will say “Now write that in your blog”. Well I took your advice and I just did…so suck me the long way (Sorry momma);)