And just like that.....

The Michigan Difference. If you know a Wolverine, past or present, you have heard this saying. All Wolverines pride themselves on this difference and being the Leaders and Best. The question: what is this difference we speak so highly of? Coming to Michigan we were the top of class. Albeit athletically, scholarly, or financially. For most of us high school was not a difficult task. Personally, I breezed through high school. I didn't have to study and most things came easy to me. This was not the case when i got to Michigan. I struggled for a lot of things at U of M financially, emotionally, physically, and grades. And I know many of my classmates had similar struggles. We became self-motivated, determined fighters!! That difference is FIGHT!!

Yesterday, I found that my Aunt Lou (my grandmother's sister) passed. This is my first time dealing with the of someone so close to me. When my sisters and I spent summers in Detroit we spent a majority of our time with her. It has been hard for me to deal with mostly because my grandmother has lost both of her younger sisters. The only thing I can think of is that my grandmother being the oldest is going to be gone soon as well.

When I was younger I NEVER EVER wanted to chop my tresses!!!! For the most part I've always had thick and healthy hair. There was one point during my sophomore year of college where my hair was over-processed and falling out! I thought my life was OVER!! I couldn't believe that this was happening to my hair. But something happened to me during my latter years of college....I realized it was JUST HAIR! And since then I have been chopping away and trying new things!

You may not know this about me but I'm a NERD!!! Certified Grade A Nerd!!! I love books (cried when Borders closed), play the cello, paint, like museums, wear big glasses, love colorful Keds, did well in school you know the usual!!! So, when I discovered Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino I felt that my prayers had been answered!! A nerdy rapper!!! Granted Glover isn't rapping about having straight As in school but he does hit on a lot of issues that I can relate to. His album Camp is everything and has gotten me through many a tough workout!! Granted, I'm "late to the game" because I wasn't hip to him when he just dishing out mixtapes but still though!! Now, I'm in love!! Check him out when you get the chance!!

Before I hear it let me just state that I AM NOT A HATER! I have nothing against Tyler Perry personally. He has done nothing to me and for all I know he could be one of the nicest people to ever grace this planet. I do know one thing though...I am not a fan of his movies! Yeah, I said it! I'm not a fan. How is this so? He gives black people a voice!  He puts black actors in his movies!  He's one of the highest paid men in film!  Perry is the true definition of the American Story. He pulled himself from the bottom and is now resting at the top!!  How could you not be a fan of such a great story?? Well, let me explain. In no way am I trying to undermine Perry's triumphant story. He came from the bottom achieved greatness. That is commendable in its own right, I'm not trying to take anything away from that. And from what I gather he partakes in philanthropy giving money to some worthy causes. That's wondiferous!! With ALL of that being said I still don...

In the past few of weeks we have lost: Etta James:    Don Cornelius: And Whitney Houston:      Now, I do not know any of them personally but I do know their contributions to music. Each of these people have given something great to music and will forever live through that. Death should never be taking lightly. Ever! I don't care if the biggest drunk/drug user passes away death is serious.      I just want to take the time to pay homage to these three people who have touched the lives of millions of people and paved the way for thousands of black artists today. I hope we all remember that everyday is not promised so make sure to appreciate every breath you're being blessed to take! * On an aside I was very disheartened by the reaction to Ms. Houston's death. Yes, she battled with drugs in a very public way and yes, that's probably what took her life. But should her death be made light of? I mean, what if this your m...

     Personally, feel that parents who name their children outlandish and ridiculous names should be jailed for child abuse and endangerment! Especially, when the parents are walking around with names like Bob, Linda, Robert, Becky, Chris, Lisa, well you get the point! It should truly be illegal to name you're children outlandish things. I think it's unfair to burden/punish a child in such a manner. What did they do to deserve such a life? I get it, you want your child to feel unique and special but why can't you just show them that? Why torture them by butchering the spelling or inventing something ridiculous?         I understand the purpose of naming your child. Their name will go on to define them and shape how they and others perceive them. Your name goes with during each phase of your life and that can't be said about everything. So, your name will bear great importance. Time needs to be given during this delicate decision making...