Change for a Dollar Movie

Change For A Dollar Movie: (< click title to view movie) Is he asking for Change, or is he asking for CHANGE? Follow a man as he affects multiple peoples' lives with just one dollar, proving that it doesn't take much to be the change in someone's life. Written and directed by Sharon Wright.

In the end, this video reminded me that we are all merely visitors here on this Earth. We are borrowers of what many of us think we own. God has blessed us with tangibles and intangibles...we pass them along to others or hoard them and keep them for our own self-gratification. In this video, the homeless man gives selflessly to others and you see how many lives he was able to impact? Through it all you see that the man's kindness comes back to him (yay! for all you karma lovers); that kindness came back to him because the little boy realized it (his lucky penny) was not his to hold on to, but something to pass along. So, do not hoard up your gifts, your talents, your love, your time, or even your spare change...share them with others in hopes that their lives will be enriched (and maybe, just maybe, your own life will see a little blessing, as well).

The Super Bowl of Pageants

My big brother and I spoke shortly after the Miss America pageant and he laughed and told me that this was like my Super Bowl. I couldn't have agreed more! I was logged on to Twitter and Facebook "reporting" and reading others' comments about the events that were unfolding before me on the television screen. I won't use this entry to rant about the values of the Miss America ("Miss A") system and how I believe that every female should participate in at least one pageant in her lifetime...but I want to take this time to take a look at the questions that were posed to the top 5 finalists. Before I get to the questions, I have one other issue to address... Some people posted saying that "didn't get it" when it came to why Kris Jenner was appointed as a judge - what's there not to get? She's a celebrity, one whose opinion is important (to some extent) in the world of popular culture. Miss A wants to expand her brand - and I would be surprised if some little girl didn't tune in to the show just to see Kris; I think appointing her as a judge was no mistake at all.

Q: Should Miss A be able to declare her political views...
Miss Wisconsin didn't really answer this question (and I get it). 
A: I do believe that we are all entitled to our own opinions (which are generally formed from our life experiences and expectations) - so when put in a situation in which you may be asked to declare where you stand exactly, I simply believe you must be able to back up your stance. So, in a nutshell: yes, I think she should be able to declare her political views.

Q: What should be the extent of the government's involvement concerning obesity in children...
I loved Miss Oklahoma's answer! 
A: I firmly believe that so many problems start in the home; but, with the same token, good values and standards can be taught in the same place. It should be a parent's responsibility to provide for their children what is right and healthy.

Q: Is it right for those in the public eye to use their celebrity to promote their faith (i.e. T. Tebow)...
Miss Arizona nailed this one as well. 
A: I believe that those in the public's eye use their celebrity to promote less important things, like movies, sports drinks, clothes, and smell-goods; so, why not use that same status to promote your religion? But, I am also convicted in knowing that there's a difference when it comes to sharing your faith and shoving it down someone's throat. One thing I probably would not have considered (but Miss AZ was smart enough to comment on) is that we often not only represent ourselves but a bigger body: Tim Tebow represents the NFL and Miss A represents the entire country, so those in such positions must be extra mindful of the messages that they share.

Q: Do the "Occupy Wall Street" protesters have a point and what should be done about it?
I appreciated Miss New York's answer. 
A: I think the protesters have a point - there is a lopsidedness present in America when it comes to wealth, power, and influence. What should be done about it? Politicians need to be reminded that they are the voices of their constituents - they are public servants; they need to listen to what their people are telling them and act. The rules need to be changed on Capital Hill; the American people need to come first.

Q: Do reality shows like "Teen Mom" glorify teenage pregnancy...
Miss California confused me with her answer as she claimed to "support" those shows but agreed it did "glorify" teenage pregnancies, and she said something about feeding the "appetite" for reality programming...
A: My answer? No young woman who: 1) does not like drama 2) desires financial freedom 3) wants to fully enjoy college and/or "just be a teen" would desire to live the life of young girls like Chelsea or Jenelle... But heck! These girls have their nails done, hair died, and skin-tanned -- that's more than some of us without babies can say! So, sure there's a glorification - get pregnant, get a spot on a television show, get thousands of random people to watch you and talk about your drama. You become a mini-celebrity overnight, now who doesn't want that?

Food Fears

Style
Okay, so time and time again I've heard that "body image" is believed to be one of "the biggest issues facing young people today." Though this would likely never be my answer when asked by a panel of judges, many of my friends (most of which I have posed this question to are not in the pageant circle) have told me that this is what they believe. I have been slender my entire life - I've got a little food baby every now and again, but I've grown to appreciate it - so weight has never been a problem for me. This may make me seem ...I don't know, somewhat distant, or like I don't have the ability to empathize, but I've never felt like I've had a serious complex with my body and neither have many of my closest friends.

Body image and body complexes have only recently become an issue for me as I toy with the idea of "dieting" in preparation for Miss Virginia. My mother, a registered nurse, has always told me (somewhat jokingly) that a diet is what you eat - not what you don't eat. I don't actually desire to lose any weight between now and June: between zero and five pounds and I wouldn't freak out, anything more than that and I think I'd have issues. I'll work on toning up and making better heath choices (the idea of a "diet" has had me stuffing my face with cinnamon buns, gummi bears, and dark chocolate, as of late).

Maybe it's the fear that my body could actually look a few times better than it does now, if only I made a concentrated effort to eliminate some things and incorporate a few, menial changes. This is something to think about. I'm off to Google about "healthy foods" that help your tummy stay flat (Dr. Oz said almonds and olives are good for that); I'll probably text my friend Daniel who rowed at UMW about work out plans; and, I'll bug Roosevelt one more time about going to the gym during this break.

Disclaimer: In no way do I not believe that weight, health decisions, and body image are not important issues that young people deal with. I believe that as a society when need to encourage healthy decisions (not just concerning food), balanced meals (my mother believes that if your plate has a lot of color on it you're heading in the right direction), and a better appreciation of self and self-worth. We are not all built to be a size 0 - men would be bored if we all were: embrace your body - love it and take care of it.

My love of food is documented below for your viewing pleasure:

Cookie platter for our IB Senior Party in '07

Salad with Ashley at McDonald's in '08

Funnel cake (my fav) at Disney in '09

SUSHI! in NY, '10

A Philly Cheesesteak in Philly, '10

I had this for dessert a few hours ago :)
Yo Gala in the Mall = AWEsome

Sisterly Love

Today is a special day - no, not because it's Christmas - it's my sister's birthday. She was born today, 20 years ago. I am blessed to have a best friend who is as:

 talented, creative, funny, loving, sarcastic, emotional, smart, and unique as she is. She is my queen today.

Happy Birthday, Baby Sis!

When I asked my mother if she wanted a picture, too, she laughed and told me, "No, I'm a queen without a crown." So, to every girl out there - be like my mother: proud of what you have to offer, crown or not.

Merry Christmas

Yes, I am aware that Christmas is still a few hours away - but nonetheless: "Merry Christmas!"

My girlies & I before Hampton's Holly Days Parade 

Anne kept fussing at me to get off of my phone! *hehe*

It was refreshing during the Hampton Holly Day parade to only hear the crowd tell me "Merry Christmas" - not "Happy Holly Days" ;) like I had expected. It reminds me that He is truly the reason for the season.

Though most people use Thanksgiving Day as a time to express their thankfulness for the blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon them, I find that I have been giving thanks more now, than I did a month ago.

I am seeing that the people in my life are not there due to fate, my heart has not been broken due to happenstance, and people have not left my life by accident - it is the hand of my Heavenly Father that has moved, blessed, and tried me time and time again. For those who have taught me to never give up; to demand respect from everyone, most importantly from myself; to believe in love; to encourage others; to be a good friend and sister; to be a believer; to not be afraid to take chances or be vulnerable... -- I thank you. For I know that without your words or actions, I would not be the great woman that I am today.

....So grateful for the opportunity to serve an area that has given so much to me.

Crummy Attitudes

Customer: << agitated voice >> "Is somebody working here?"
Me: "Sure, ma'am"
Customer: "How much is this?"
Me: "Good morning, how are you?"
Customer: - Silence -
Me: " $24.99 "
Customer: "Well, fine you all can have them then..." << walks off angrily, without the merchandise >>

This was my first exchange with a customer at work this morning. 

What a way to start your day, right? Thank goodness the Lord had blessed me with a good spirit this morning, because I didn't let it phase me. One thing my mother told me when I first started working retail - in a nutshell: your customers don't care if you're having a bad day. I try to remember this philosophy in not only avoiding bringing drama to work, but also remembering that just because one customer is rude doesn't mean the next one will be, too.

But, I think customers forget this "golden rule" as well - I don't care (to an extent) if you're having a bad day. Just because I am a sales associate doesn't mean you can speak to me any way you please. You should respect me and say, "Excuse me" instead of "Hey you..." (I had one father call me in this manner in front of his daughter, and I wondered what kind of an example he was setting for her.) I wonder sometimes if customers realize that speaking on the cell phone at the checkout means I can't offer you a coupon; that when you lean over the counter attempting to decipher my computer screen, I feel like you're leaning over my desk trying to tell me how to do my job; or when you come to the counter and silently stand there expecting me to know exactly what it is that you want, that I don't read minds.

Now, don't get me wrong...the majority of my customers are courteous and kind (even during the holiday season); however, there always seems to be that one customer that just plucks a nerve.

* chuckles * Merry Christmas, everyone.

One month "anniversary"

Success

One month ago, today, I woke up to see a four-point crown on the edge of the night-stand: just where I had left it the night before. I smiled. I never doubted for a moment that it had happened - I didn't need anyone to pinch me to make sure I wasn't dreaming. I was Miss Hampton-Newport News 2012. The journey of a lifetime had begun and I was more than ready to take on the challenge.

The four points of the crown represent:
Style, Service, Scholarship, and Success 

I want this blog to represent my journey in discovering my potential - not only as a Queen, but also as a young woman who is trying to make a difference in her community.