"Beyond Brooklyn"

Has anyone ever said " you don't seem like your from Brooklyn" or " I can't tell where your from" ?  
 There are stereotypes of what a Brooklyn, Queens, Jersey or Long Island person may look or act like.  Brooklyn girls are always ready to fight and wear Timberlands all the time, Queens girls look like good girls but are really promiscuous, Jersey girls tan way too often and Long Island girls are alway planning for a wedding.  "Some may say".      
The people who swear by these assumptions most likely never travel or leave the area in which they grew up in. Traveling to different countries opens your mind to awareness that awakens your mental range of what diversity really is.  You learn how to interact with people based on how they live, their values, culture and how they treat you without any preconceived assumptions. When you go back home to Brooklyn or Queens from visiting abroad, you will no longer conduct yourself according to your zip code.

YOLO...".so they say"

"You only live once "is the slogan most are living by,  which is cool but to what extent?...   Does that mean do foolish things like drive while drinking, go on a sexcapade, or jump off a cliff?   You only live once so why not be smart.   Travel and see the world, try to reach you fullest potential and have fun while doing it.  No .  I'm not saying don't do wild things.   I'm saying do wild things and be smart about it.   Go skinny dipping, sky dive or let loose once in a while if your constantly on a straight and narrow trail.  You only live once so your life is precious.

Super-Women

Superwoman is Supermans equal.  She can fly, she's strong and has super powers.  Superwomans hair is always done, mani and pedi on point and is always dressed in a catsuit.   The question is, is Superwoman real?  The answer is yes.

We can't fly or lack superpowers but we make the unthinkable happen. We manage to cook, clean, raise children, be companions, have a sense of humor, work, pay bills and still look attractive while doing it all.   So if your wondering whose the Superwoman in your life, look at your wife, mom, sister, aunt or grandma.  

The Ingredients of Me.........

Often times we become who we are as individuals based on how we were raised and or who and what we were exposed to as children.  The simplest thing could have had a big impact on your personality.   The children you played with, the school you attended  or even who your babysitter may have been.

I will never forget how much I hated getting my hair braided by the neighbor.  She put no effort nor did she care if I loved or hated it.  Every week I would complained to my mom but she would just ignore me.  

Eventually I became fed up.   After the neighbor braided my hair, I took them right out and rebraided my hair on my own.   At first it looked like crap but eventually I became pretty good.   

I do believe that some skills are a gift, some are inherited and others are learned.  There are also skills that are developed due to you needing something done exactly how you want it so you learn how to do it yourself.  Now I'm a Cosmetologist who specializes in braiding.

So the next time your wondering what inspired you to become an Artist, Teacher, Therapist, Dancer or a Firefighter, think back to when you were a child.

Natural

You take care of the clothes and shoes.....I'll take care of your hair

"But I'm Not Mad At Daddy"

As mothers you want to protect your children. You try your best to raise and provide for your children using your best judgement. Often times what's best for you overrides what may be best for your kids. 
They say its nothing like when a woman is scorned, but who pays for it? The children. Unless the father of your children are extremely violent or cannot be trusted, let the children determine whether they want a relationship with their dad or not. Don't speak negatively to your children about their dad. 
 Allow your children the opportunity to know who their fathers are whether he's mean,cheap,funny,quiet or immature. Just because your relationship didn't work out, doesn't mean your ex can't be a good father to his children.

Too Independent

I remember my stepfather teaching me how to ride a bike when a was in 3rd grade.  I remember watching my mom cook dinner as a little girl. I will never forget the early Saturday morning clean up days that I hated. 
Riding a bike became second nature. Cooking, is one of my favorite things to do and I'm good at it. Cleaning, was never a favorite but definitely is mandatory. 
  No one taught me how to budget money or how to manage school plus work while still being a kid. I began working at the age of 14. Paying bills and being independent was something I learned through life's obstacles, it was never taught to me. I never complained, knowing my parents had hardships. I just did what I had to do. 
The older I got, working and taking care of myself became a part of who I was and am. Letting people in and depending on others, was never taught to me. Resolving issues, dating, going through womanhood were things I learned on my own.

When I look back I say to myself, "why didn't I just ask for help"? Is it my pride? Am I ashamed? No. I was just a kid.