Day 29: January 29, 2016- Friday night and Chill

When you want "Friday night" to say Netflix, but your best friend said that you would be cheating if you watched Netflix... 

Mane, whatever... She had imitation ribs the other day and she's not supposed to be eating meat. Sooooo.... Me watching Netflix is the same thing... Or nah?

Lol anyway... Friday night was really chill. I received my MytaughtYou journal and "Over here being excellent" coffee mug in the mail!! I couldn't wait to open that package. 

The Learn More to Earn More journal was created by Myleik Teele. She journals and creates lists every day to keep her days on track. When she learned how to be more disciplined, she applied those two tasks to help her stay on track! I purchased the journal to try it out and see if it helps me do the same! 

Friday night I read the first few pages in the journal that pretty much shared how to use the journal. I'm enjoying it! I even listened to one of her podcasts, Maintaining Momentum" and journaled about it! The over here being excellent mug is so me. I bought it simply because I would say something like that and coffee is a MUST every morning for me! Lol I spend waaayyyyyyyy too much money on coffee! I may just pour my Starbucks in that mug every morning. Lol I like the mug that much! 

anyway... That was my Friday night...!

Day 28: January 28, 2016 #goals

I woke up with one thing on my mind.... Modeling! 

I don't think I've ever wanted something so badly...

I was thinking about what I needed to do to make it happen....  

The different brands I want to model for...

my model body... 

The steps I'm taking to tone up and get a bit more lean... 

The plans I'm making to build my portfolio... 

Shoot, shoot, shot ... 

Restore confidence... 

Grow..

bE... 

eVoLvE...

Not a lot of words today.... 

Just dreaming... 

I'm inspired... 

                           

CK, I'm ready! 

28 days... still going strong!

Until next time, 
Stix

Day 27: January 27, 2016- #WCW- Erykah Badu

"Now usually I don't do this but uhhhhh...."

When it's really corny and you won't fake like it's funny...

I'ma gone and let Fran write this blog! She has to get this out of her system!! For those who haven't been keeping up with my blog or are starting with this post, Fran is the fan-girl that lives inside of me and tends to get a bit obsessive with certain celebrities she loves! It's embarrassing to admit that she's there, but I can't freakin deny her... So here you go guys.... Here's Fran! -Stix

So let's just hop into it!! Auntie Lo Down Loretta Brown!! Yes, she goes by a lot of names and yes you'll get to read about all of them! So lehhhggooo... 

Stix has been a fan... from the beginning!! There wasn't an album that her dad didn't have at his apartment! Every other weekend (that broken home life...smh) she would run and find his collection to see what was new in his cd case. You remember the huge one that you had to unzip and flip through the clear pages?? Yeah... He had plenty of those! He had the cd booklet and the CD in each compartment... You seeing it?! Dope... Lol Stix credits her dad for her love for music! The Rodgers' family are all singers and have a love for music that transcends simply listening to a good lyric or a dope beat! It's different... 

but back to She ILL... 

Stix totally remembers when Baduizm came out... Granted, She was only 10, but she remembers it! She listened to it from start to finish! "Next Lifetime" was her immediate fave! She wasn't really feelin' her head wraps (maybe she was too young to get it), but she loved her voice. She was a dope artist.



Stix has heard every album from beginning to end....

Followed every relationship...

She's pretty much watched her evolve into the Erykah of today!!

She wasn't a stan... but she was a young fan.

I mean... She didn't start purchasing albums herself until New Amerykah Part One (4th World War).... sounds about right though, by that time she was living on her own and making her own money... She could invest in her own collection by that point.... So there... I hope that clears that up!! I'm defending her right now for all those that's looking at her cray! Stix has been a fan since the head wrap days!

Now me on the other hand... I'm totally stanning!

And here's when it happened....

The love for her kinda snuck up on me! While on social media, I can't remember what site, I started seeing her pop up quite a bit. I think that's where it started...or wait... Maybe it was after I heard her cover of Drake's song, Hotline Bling when I got in the car from getting a pizza at PieFive. I don't remember, but I do remember she was everywhere. She was promoting for the Soul Train music awards because she was hosting that year. She also started talking about a mixtape that she was releasing on Black Friday! I was interested... I started doing my research, like I always do!!

Watching interviews...

listening to albums again...

catching up, basically!

I was learning more and more about her and falling in love with her character (NO HOMO!) Erykah is like me!! She is a huge fan of hip hop, loves wearing baggy clothes, a bit ballsy, assertive, got that southern-hood slang, can check (scorin' is what she says they call it in Dallas) with the best of them, and pretty down to earth! She's that big sister/ best friend that you need in your corner that's gonna call you out on your crap and love on you when you need it! I swear I slick just described myself... but anyway...

So in true fan- girl fashion, I started following her every move... not in a stalkery (made up word, obviously) kind of way... Welllllllllllllll.. maybe a little stal....naw, not stalkery! Bloggers do this crap all the time to keep up! I'm just a fan using the same techniques!! :-D! You like that?? Haha. So, I receive  alerts now when she tweets and goes on Periscope!! She's not the only one I receive alerts for... but we ain't talkin' about them right now.

So one night while I'm on my way home to Memphis, I see an alert that she was on Periscope! Long story short, she talks about a burner phone that she is going to have for a month and that she is going to give out clues to figure out the number... I almost lost my mind!! I knew I had to figure out this number!! 

I had to drop off my little cousin once I made it to Memphis, but once I made it home, it was on. I was writing down numbers, scratching off the ones that I had tried, until I found the ONE! It took me almost an hour to figure it out, BUT I DID... and 41 calls later, guess who was on the phone with Fat Belly Bella, herFREAKINself! Yo! 

I about lost my mind.... Scratch that! I lost my freakin' mind!! Stix thought she was talking to her, but it was really me... Stix is the most quiet, most star-struck chick in situations like this!! Not me!! Breh, I will talk your head off about how much I love and admire you! Lol Yep, I pretty much talked her head off! When she was able to get in a word, I realized even more how cool she is! She was very kind and sweet... made me feel like fam... Shoot even my Ma got to talk to her! She called my mom, "Sis" which is why I joke that she's my auntie! It was about a 3 minute conversation, but it meant the world to me! She talked about how much her fans bring her joy and make her smile... she just wanted to do the same! Dope!! 

Ever sense then... it's been a wrap! We're homies for life in my head and I pray that one day I'll know her as Erykah Wright aka Erykah in Amerykah aka Badula Oblongata aka Manuela Maria Mexico aka Annie the Alchemist aka Sarah Bellum aka She ILL, aka Analog girl in a Digital World aka my fave, DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown!!

I haven't been able to get through since then and probably never will now that the number is BLASTED all over her social media sites (not cool, Auntie)... but I will never forget that experience. It was the coolest thing ever and a story I won't stop sharing. Did I mention my little sister recorded the whole thing, so I have PROOF that we talked?!? LOL GET LIKE ME, BREH! I prepared her for that moment... I knew I would get through. I told her to have her phone ready... Y'all ain't fan-girlin' like me, breh!! LOL

But for real... although, I'm Fran and I'll admit that I'm a bit obsessed, I will say that I've learned quite a bit from her in the last few months. That's truly why she is my #WCW. In her interviews, periscope chats, and mini sermons on Twitter, I've learned to BE PRESENT in the moment and not allow experiences (especially moments like the one I just mentioned) pass me by. I'm not getting any younger. In order to remember and enjoy a memory, I have to first be present. I'm doing that now... when I spend time with my grandparents, when I'm at a concert...etc. I've also learned the art of being true to myself. No sense in being anyone else but me. I don't see too many Erykah's... maybe a few wannabe's, but nobody is touching THEE Erykah Badu. She's in a lane all by herself. It's obvious that she has a love for hip hop and artsy things, but she is finding herself in those different things... not becoming them... if that makes sense. I hope to embark on a new industry soon and my ultimate prayer is that people will one day be able to say the same about me. The picture above is my current lock screen on my iPhone. While it may appear odd, it speaks to me... It reminds me to be me, find myself in all things, and allow myself to evolve! That and it's a pretty dope picture!

One last thing in my art of fan-girling, I've discovered my own little min-#wcw! It's Erykah's youngest daughter, Mars! She's who I wish I could have been at her age. This girl is so outspoken, so true to herself.... She seems to march to the beat of her own drum and doesn't take crap from anyone! I could learn a thing or two from her! Another thing I love about her is that she cusses up a storm! It's freakin' hilarious. Sounds like she could hold her own with the best of them... Somebody get me a Mars please.. minus the cussin'! lol Naw... but 4real, I would love to meet her too!!

Well... I could go on and on... and on and on (that was corny, but necessary) but I'm tired and ready for bed soooo...

Passing the mic back to Stix real quick,

Stix: Smh... Before we go... No television for 27 days now! *drops mic, exits stage left*

Until next time, 

Stix! 

Day 26: January 26, 2016: #BlackExcellence

Tuesday! 

Easily one of my favorite days of the week...

It's my church day. A day where I anticipate greatly God's presence in worship and in fellowship with some church members that have become really good friends! It was literally the first thing on my mind when I woke up that morning....

And after all that.... anticipation... guess who didn't make it to church?!?! 

This one. #teamslackinallaround

I left the house for church and totally didn't make it.... I had every intention of going, I was just tired! I ended up catching up with a friend and then went home and cuddled with my dog! Smh... What is my life?? 

I didn't watch TV though aaaannnnnnd I was at work super early... 6:30 to be exact. Nothing new... gotta make this money. 

In other news....

Can we talk about the Birth of a Nation film?! For those who may not know, fine Nate Parker, wrote, directed, and starred in what seems to have been an amazing slave-rebellion drama! So amazing that he was offered a record-breaking $17.5 million to own the rights of the film?! This all happened at a bucket list festival that I hope to attend some day, the Sundance Film Festival. I've done some research on this film and was inspired by the time, effort, and money that went into it.  

Nate (yes we're on first name basis... He's bae, duh!) pursued this film with his whole heart. It took him seven years to write it. He even gave up acting for two years to devote his time into it. Talk about passion!! Talk about BLACK EXCELLENCE!!! He spent $100,000 of his own money travelling the world to pitch the film to investors. A few basketball players and others invested and helped form his $10 million budget... Remember the offer I mentioned??? He received his money back plus some. 

There are rumors that Netflix bid $20 million, but Parker turned it down to ensure that it was presented properly and to the right market!! That alone spoke volumes to me!! When you've invested in something and believe in something, your own project, you have to protect it! You don't necessarily sell to the highest bidder when it's your baby...when you want it done right!! 

I'm proud of this WIN for black people!! This shows our ability to BE in an industry that doesn't want to give us a chance! This shows the world that we belong... we always belonged and our gift will always make room for us!!  

I have learned to invest in myself, believe in myself, and allow myself to grow! No matter how many chances it takes... No matter how many No's I get... If it's mine, it's mine!! 

I'm so here for this story!! I'm looking forward to seeing this film.

Until next time, 

Stix

Day 25- January 25, 2015: (Monday Numero Quatro) Motivated by Monday IV

 I have a feeling that the Monday title won’t stick!! I’m not liking it too much.. in fact… as I was typing just now, I decided to strike the original title and change it to Motivated by Monday. 

What an oxymoron! I’m not motivated by Mondays… Mostly because I’m not doing what I love, but I intend to someday… I guess we can say I'm speaking it into existence! Boom… So there you have it… One day that title will be true! In the meantime… let’s talk about Monday!

Typical start to my week… I haven’t gone back to making my bed up in the mornings and yes, I’ve been hitting the snooze button… but I made it to work on time and even managed a little overtime after work! So blah…Typical Monday… I’m determined to end it with a quick work out on my floor…Maybe a few crunches (I need to work off these Klondike bars that I’ve been munching on since the snow showed its face…) and a push up or two! 

To end on somewhat of a positive note… I’ll share this… It starts kind of weird, but bear with me…

To get through my days at work, I’m usually listening to a playlist on Spotify. You know how songs make me feel… I, like most of us, associate certain songs to memories, some good and some bad. Today, while working on notes for a meeting I attended, Dwele’s “Open your Eyes” came on.

“I see you in a lonely place…how can you be so blind. You’re still regretting the love you left, left behind. Oh darling… I see you go through a change, sitting along each night. Are you expecting to find the love, love that’s right. Oh darling, open your eyes and let me show you the light. Girl you’ll never find the love that’s right….

There is a light that shines special for you and me…. You’ll need to look at the other side. You’ll agree… ”

Ok.. that’s enough. That song triggers a beautiful memory for me at the time, but definitely took me to a place today.. I was literally about to cry thug tears. My ex-husband used to create mixtapes that told “our story.” That was one of the songs from the first mixtape. I don’t think I’ve heard it since then. Anyway, I immediately went into this dark place that I’ve been trying to stay away from. That place where I hear the lies that I’ll never find love like that again…

That I’m the reason that my relationship ended…

I mean…after all… most of the guys I dated seriously are married now…

“…and look at you… divorced…”

I mean… THOSE kind of lies. 

Lies that I believe and pray like HELL that God will help me ignore. Anyway… right on time, my friend sends me an article entitled, “How To Ruin Your Life (Without you noticing that you are). Good stuff… I’ll include the link so you can read it, but check this out:

“You ruin your life by letting your past govern it. It is common for certain things in life to happen to you. There will be heartbreak, confusion, days where you feel like you aren’t special or purposeful. There are moments that will stay with you, words that will stick. You cannot let these define you – they were simply moments, they were simply words. If you allow for every negative event in your life to outline how you view yourself, you will view the world around you negatively….You will miss out on affection because you assumed your past love left you because you weren’t good enough, and now you don’t believe the man or the woman who urges you to believe you are. This is a cyclic, self-fulfilling prophecy. If you don’t allow yourself to move past what happened, what was said, what was felt, you will look at your future with that lens, and nothing will be able to breach that judgment. You will keep on justifying, reliving, and fueling a perception that shouldn’t have existed in the first place.”

 Commmmmeeeee on,  *in the voice of one of my good, church friends, Katie* If my God is not an on time God, man…!!! 

 http://thoughtcatalog.com/bianca-sparacino/2014/11/how-to-ruin-your-life-without-even-noticing-that-you-are/

 I’ma leave that right there! Check it out if you feel you need it!!! 

 Good stuff.

Until next time, 

Stix

Day 24: January 24, 2016- The End of the Snowpocalypse

Thank God!!!

Although I was able to get out of the house on Saturday, for a little bit, I wasn't able to go as I please like I'm accustomed too. I almost thought Day 24 would be the same way! I woke up a lot earlier than I had hoped because I went to bed pretty darn early the night before... I mean... what else was there to do?? lol

I looked out of the window and saw that the sun was out, but the ice was not trying to go anywhere. I had a kickboxing class planned... I NEEDED that ice to go! I needed some normalcy and working out was just the thing! Thank God a few hours later, as it warmed up, I was able to get out and enjoy a killer workout!

After my workout, some of my friends were just as anxious to get out of the house, so we agreed to meet up a little later for a Target run (for me that meant more Starbucks), Chinese food nearby, and then a movie! We may or may not have snuck our Starbucks and Chinese food into the theater!! G-STATUS!!

There is nothing like Starbucks and a good movie to end your weekend! lol We saw Ride Along 2! I'm not a fan of Kevin Hart... I've shared this before, but overall I enjoyed the film. It had its funny parts.. it's typical Kevin Hart lines that the black folks love *rolling eyes emoji*, and a pretty good plot to keep my attention! I walked away pretty geeked about a few new movies that will be coming out this year!

Yall know that I'm about to be seeing movies quite a bit now that television is gone!

Overall a good day.. No television... I honestly don't miss it. The only thing I'm sad about is not seeing the Toni Braxton film. I told my mom that she has to keep it on her DVR forever and she answers with, "I don't know why you didn't fast from something that you can actually do..." Dang. So what is she saying... I'm not gonna make it 366 days without television!!

Ma ain't got NO FAITH IN A BREH!!! smh.

Until next time,
Stix

P.S.- My gorgeous sister's birthday was the 24th!!! Quick shout out to her!!!! Love you baby girl! And her's a pic... Isn't she the cutest??



Bye 4real now!!

#Day 23- January 23, 2016: Snow day Adventures

Something I could have shared in my last blog, but didn't... because... I was in a mood, is that we pretty much got an obscene amount of snow in Nashville on January 22nd. I would say about 5-7 inches. It's been quite beautiful.

My roommate, dog, and I were pretty much snowed in most of that day. I knew I couldn't spend another day in the house, so I had planned on walking my dog and maybe walking to Starbucks too!! On my way out to walk my dog, my roommate asked if I were up for a snow day adventure! Thank God we were on the same page! We went to Starbucks, Walgreens, and Kroger! lol.. It doesn't seem like much, but it's definitely something compared to just sitting in the house looking at ourselves. Weird...

Starbucks was just what I needed...

Grabbed some Aleve and lip balm from Walgreens...

And picked up the fixings for some bomb chili that I thought my roommate was going to make for me becaaaaauuuuuusseee i'on cook like that!

To my surprise, we made it back home and she made me cook my chili! Apparently she wants me to be able to cook one meal for some guy who I'm supposed to date and at some point marry... Little does she know, that whoever I marry has to be able to cook for himself BECAUSE I'M NOT ABOUT THAT LIFE! haha! It wasn't so bad though. In fact it was quite easy. I could make it again... *shrugs* lol We'll see. Naw, but for real, I'm glad she showed me. I could have at least ONE MEAL under my belt to trick him into liking me. lol kidding.

Sidenote: I don't think I told you guys this... I deleted the Tinder app. Waaaayyyyy too much to keep up with. I'm not built for that life. I knew I wasn't the moment I signed up. I was bored and in my feelings... lol Honey, I'm good now. Match may get deleted too with the way I've been feeling lately. I went on a date with another random that wasn't all that good... Not a bad dude, just not for me. See... I could have posted all of this in the last post. I'm KAT! Anyway... back to my day.... 

I tried taking a nap... that didn't work...

I started washing clothes, as I stated on the last blog, and started playing with my blog. There were some errors yall didn't tell me about, so I had to fix those and finally create a layout for the page. Not really what I have in mind but I'll figure it out.

I also set up my Model Mayhem account so I can start seeking modeling gigs there! I'm hoping something cool will come out of that.

Well... there's day 23 for you! Looking forward to tomorrow. Hoping the snow is pretty much gone so I can hit up Starbucks again and make up my kickboxing class.

This snow has caused my kickboxing class, boxing class, and first fashion show rehearsal to all get cancelled! I'm ready to start getting out and living and this snow is making me get my life together at the crib... lol I ain't mad. I needed these two days.

Until next time,

Stix

#day18-#day22: January 18- January 22, 2016: Unmotivated...Clearly!!!

CRAY!!


I have no idea how to break down what has happened in the last four days... I clearly wasn't motivated or inspired to blog! I won't even pretend or try and make up something to make the last four days appear cool...

A synopsis would go something like this...

In the last four days, I've worked a crazy amount of hours per usual...

worked out....

ate a lot of unnecessary food...

went on two unnecessary dates...

 and allowed church to get me all the way back together. lol

So many things and not enough words to make it all make sense.

I don't feel like trying... *shrugs*

I haven't watched television... Not even once!

I've thought about it... but I'm going to keep with it.

I have a lot I hope to accomplish this year... I'm hoping that I can get it together so I can...

January is not what I thought it would be, but it makes sense why it's so hard! Like going cold turkey in anything in life, it just seems hard and lame for no reason.. I almost question why I'm even doing going without television... Especially if I'm not going to get myself together.

Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut I don't expect it to stay like this. I'm seeing a lot of people in my city back home, Memphis, making life happen for themselves! They have been working hard and are now seeing the fruits of their labor!

It's rewarding...

It's motivating...

I'm up next.

Now if only I can get on this discipline tip.

Off to wash some clothes...

*signing off*

-Stix

#Day 17- Ouch!!

I was super sore on the 17th day which kind of got in the way of my plans to clean. I don't know if I went too hard at my boxing class or what because my neck felt like I was in the boxing ring with a 200lb man!! It was crazy.

It wasn't exactly a lazy day though. I managed to get a much needed manicure, have dinner with friends, and try a new cupcake spot in Nashville called, "Sprinkles." The place has a freakin' cupcake ATM that dispenses cupcakes 24/7! Umm... Where the heck have you been all of my life!! Good stuff! They have cute little puppy cupcakes as well! You know I had to buy Tucker one!!

Something disappointing happened, but I'm going to say it needed to happen! The agency that I am signed with did something a bit shady in my opinion! I won't say what, but it definitely put some fire under my butt to do what I need to do to put myself out there more as a model! I am working with a photographer now to set up a shoot to build my portfolio and show everyone just how I serious I am!! 

It was just the motivation I needed to show everyone what I can do and how much of a BOSSSSSSS I am... lol maybe not a boss yet, but she's on her way! 

Expect updates from that soon...

I'm a day late... smh... But Until next time,

Stix

#day16- January 16, 2016: I liked today!

Let me tell you! Today was a good day! *in my Ice Cube voice*

Well... I could have done without going to work but hey... Gotta make this money.

After work, I participated in a free boxing class at Title Boxing Club! OMG!! Best workout I've had in a minute. The class started with 15 minutes of cardio and ended with a 15 minute ab workout! We hit the bag in between those workouts. Can you say killer?!?! I was pretty proud of how well I was able to keep up!! 

Between the kickboxing class that I took last week and this boxing class, the boxing class is definitely my favorite!  I have 9 more classes of the kickboxing class. I'll definitely finish that out. I was offered a $10 follow up class at title boxing club! I'm definitely taking that offer. With the way I'm feeling, I know this is just the thing to get me toned and back in shape while having fun! I met some pretty cool people as well. 

I've been looking into yoga too. Lol This is what not watching television will do to you!! It will have you doing all kinds of random stuff. 

I had a modeling audition for a fashion show an hour after my boxing class. I wasn't sure if I would be able to walk in my heels. My body was literally shaking when I left. We worked hard. Anyway, I felt something I've never felt before my modeling audition that I'm currently battling with...

Usually right before my auditions, I gain this weird confidence that I don't normally have. It's like I become someone else and I just go for it... Not today! I was fine right before I made it to the audition. Once I parked... something happened. I literally almost turned around. I had no confidence. I began to doubt myself... literally up until I walked into the room. It wasn't nerves... I think I didn't feel worthy of being in the show. 

I've been modeling off and on...working shows here and there, but this felt different. I've been to this particular fashion show before that I auditioned for. It's an awesome show. I think I believed in my mind that I wouldn't get it.

It was so weird... 

I walked into the audition... 

answered a few questions... 

I was told music would come on and I would walk twice...

Then it happened y'all...

Beyonce's "Blow" came on and I just knew... It was a sign from the Lord himself!! 

Bahahahahaha!!! Ok.... maybe it wasn't a sign, but it did put a smile on my face.

Oh wait... For all my new readers, Beyonce is bae! Know that! I'm sure she'll make one of my #wcw posts. (Now... back to my audition)

I walked twice, they clapped (which was weird), and I was done! They asked how tall I was and for my measurements (which I couldn't remember... Not good in the modeling world) and went on my way! 

I felt a bit defeated walking out because I wasn't prepared with my measurements! I beat myself up about it... kind of went back into my little bubble of self-doubt and idk... blah-ness! 

Thank God for my bestie-cousin, Lauren for the pep talk. It was just what I needed to get over it.... And guess what...

I got the gig! Haaaaaaaa! Boom!

A few lessons.... I gotta believe in myself more, be more prepared, and take this a bit more seriously! Oh and say no when one of my model friend's asks me to hang out when I know I've been up since early in the morning and doing the most all day. I am literally writing this blog while standing up on the top floor of ACME while she is somewhere in the middle of the dance floor getting her life! I'm cold and ready to go home... lol smh...

All in all though...Today was a good day!! I exercised quite a bit... Mind, body, and soul... Soul?? How did I exercise my soul?? I'ono! And to top it all off, I ended the day with 14,361 steps!!

 BOOM!

Until next time, 

Stix

#day15- January 15, 2016: Lame post.com II

Hey y'all! 

Another lame post ahead... You've been warned. 

I babysat for one of my favorite families from 7:30pm until 1am in the morning. It was the first time that I felt tempted to watch television!!! Like... who would have known?!!! Y'all wouldn't have. lol I'm committed to being disciplined in this area! I did NOT watch television!! Instead, I read a bit, wrote two lame blog posts to catch up, and talked on the phone!! 

I'm winning!

I recognize that if I don't start doing something interesting, outside of not watching television, then this blog could turn into the ultimate BORE! 

Working on it...

Until next time,

 -Stix 

#day14- January 14, 2016: Lamepost.com

It's been a busy week at work! I can't even muster up something cool to post!! I haven't been all that disciplined lately! I've kept with the "no TV" thing, but everything else has pretty much fallen by the wayside! I don't give up though! I'm determined to take control of my life... One day at a time!! 

I got the television thing down... I just have to do more with my time!!! 

All for now, 

Stix

#day13- January 13, 2015: I'm trippin'!

So here's what happens when you're really trippin':

•Day 13 doesn't get posted until Day 15!

•You hit the snooze button for an hour for two days straight

•Your bed no longer gets made

•Your on social media past 7pm! It was kind of important though! Apparently Adele is a Nicki Minaj fan and I needed to see it for myself!!

Guess what though!!!!!! 

Still no television!!! 

Oh and that kickboxing class nearly took my life! I survived and will be back for sure!! 

Boom!!

Until next time, 

Stix

#day12- January 12, 2016- Dear Diary, The struggle though...

Every time I type out the date in my title I feel the need to say....

"Dear Diary,..."

Random, I know. Maybe now that I've said it, it will be out of my system.

Tuesday! It was better than Monday, that's for sure! Not much better than Monday, but definitely better.... And by better, I mean I didn't hit the snooze button or get back in the bed. That's as far as it went though. I've completely gotten out of the routine of making my bed already. I think I'm going to try writing out my days, chore by chore to develop a better habit of handling my bih-ness because the way my life is currently set up( I actually hate that I quote that Kevin Hart line, but it's so necessary... Not really a fan of his, but I digress) I'm going to have to plan this out a little better.

It's amazing how I'm so disciplined at work. I set a goal for myself and I get it down... If I plan to be at work early, I usually do it. If I want to work an additional 2-4 hours, I do that as well! What is it about meeting my goals outside of work?? It's a daily battle I tell you!! 

Tomorrow starts my first day of the kickboxing class I signed up for... Let's see how this goes!! 

Until next time,

Stix

#day11- January 11, 2016: Monday Numero Dos

I've decided that I'm counting every Monday because... They're important. Lol They, for me, are the hardest day of the week and usually sets the tone for that week. It was another bluesy Monday for me. I didn't hit the snooze button. I did something worse. I got out of the bed, turned on my light, went to the bathroom, and then got back in the bed. I literally set my alarm clock and got back in the bed, with the light on, for another 15 minutes. 

I know.... I'm judging me too!!

I have to do better. 

Remember that #wcw I mentioned last week, Myleik Teele?! She does something cool on Sunday's that I think I'm going to try. She celebrates week's end on Sunday with champagne and sets goals for the next week! It makes sense! It's like rewarding yourself for all you accomplished the week before and take that positive energy into the start of the new week. Celebrating the end of one week at the beginning of the next week with champagne is pretty darn genius to me! I'm doing it.. Try it with me?!

Another day of no television down though! I have yet to slip there! And I won't! I hardly ever think about it. I've been reading quite a bit! Right now I'm juggling Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes and Grey by E L James! 

Can't complain...! 

Anywho.....

*Lifts glass* 

To a better start tomorrow,

-Stix

#day10- January 10, 2016: My "Why?"

My roommate and I had a great conversation about self-discipline and how hard it's been to give up television, for me, and cable for her! It all seems dumb and pointless right now. We've both found ourselves getting a bit frustrated by the process and even wanting to blame God or be mad at Him for where we are in life... I know, I know... That doesn't make a lot of sense and is ultimately not fair when I think about it.

One technique that I've practiced lately that helps me stay on task and committed to this challenge is to remind myself WHY I gave up television. I'll list them below:

1.) Maximizing my Time: I want to say last year, but if I'm being completely honest, I'll say for as far back as I can remember I have always spent my idle time in front of a television. There has always been something else I could be doing such as, organizing my living space, cleaning out my car, creating a plan for the day, week, month, or year, catching up with family friends, etc. Isn't it funny how we(or I) can give you a blow by blow of my favorite celebrities life, but can't tell you how my friend or family member is doing?! It's a sad or unfortunate truth that I am not proud of at all. With this challenge, I am committing to make better use of my time. 

2.) Saving money- Now that we both have given up television/cable, our new internet bill is so much cheaper than what we were paying... I'm talking like $140 cheaper. With this amount of money going towards catching up on bills (my divorce kind of jacked up my finances) and eventually putting this money away, I can take more trips and save for the house I hope to own in the next year or two! This definitely helps me stay on track! 

3.) Finding/ Focusing on my passion- Modeling is something that I really want to pursue and grow in, however I have never committed the time I need to, to make it happen. There are so many celebrities that I admire for always hustling and growing in their field and have always hoped to muster up the energy and drive that they have to pursue my dream. I know for a fact that they aren't sitting in front of a television. These people are studying their craft, building relationships with people in their field and working with them, and etc. Without television, I have time to do the same. Study my craft... Grow in that craft.! 

4.) Discovering new things- I hope by the end of this challenge I can say that I've tried lots of different things and found that I love some of them. Because I'm athletic and competitive, I am always down for a new sport to try. I've tried tennis and loved it! I will definitely revisit that sport with lessons in the spring. I plan to try my hand at golf as well. Recently, I signed up for a kickboxing class and a boxing class! I'll definitely blog about both! I'm looking to using some of this time to try different classes and see where it goes... Who knows.. I may take a cooking class! lol I'm not really about that life... But we'll see! 

Anyway, I was definitely motivated by our conversation to continue to focus on my "why" and continue to tackle this challenge with everything I have! This challenge could quite possibly lead to this year being "the best year ever" (another quote from my vision board) if I let it...

We shall see.

Until next time, 

Stix

#day9- January 9, 2016: "Be Bold. Be Unexpected. Be You."

That is one of the quotes on my vision/affirmation board this year! I took a peak at it before bed and it stood out to me... especially after watching the movie, "Joy," 

What an awesome movie... No spoilers, don't worry! 

One thing I'll share about myself before I continue is, I try to find the lesson in everything. In my mind, nothing happens by chance. If I come across it, it's for a reason and I'm going to find the lesson in it. Point. Blank. Period.  With that in my mind, I'll continue...

I walked away with quite a few lessons after seeing "Joy." In my opinion, the movie was a bit long and drawn out, however one thing I learned from Joy Mangano is that once you tap into your own power the sky is the limit! You literally cannot be stopped and absolutely no one can stand in your way. Joy Mangano is an inspiration, a hero! She was tested time after time with an invention that she couldn't get out of her head for years... She knew it was a good idea. Proving that to the world wasn't so easy... She wasn't your typical, self-confident, head strong woman. She was like me... A woman passionate about a dream and willing to do whatever it takes to protect it and see it succeed! She knew nothing about business. She simply had a good idea. 

She was bold when it was hard to be though... Unexpectedly brave and smart, and she didn't allow the market she was introducing her invention to change her!! It's a remarkable story and one that I was proud to learn is a true story! 

I love a good movie, but it's something about learning that the character that you are drawn to and inspired by is real. It makes defying odds and overcoming defeat seem possible! It's a great movie that I recommended to everyone! 

I walked out of that movie feeling like I could conquer the world... I felt like nothing could stop me... I am even more encouraged to...

Be Bold.

Be Unexpected.

Be Myself! 

Good stuff... It was also so refreshing to sit in front of a movie screen! Lol the things we take for granted! I am now extremely grateful for a movie theatre, chile!! Haha! 

Until next time friends, 

Stix! 

#day8- January 8, 2016- Vision Boards and Tinderonis

The first Friday of the year!! 

Looking back on the first 7 days, I'm proud that I made it. I hit the snooze button two days out of the week, I didn't make my bed once out of the 7 days, and I was on social media after 7 pm once out of the 7 days! 

How negative of me to point out the negative though?!!! I'm going to say that a different way moving forward. I'll start now shoot...

 I did not hit the snooze button 5 days out of the 7, I made up my bed 6 days out of the 7, and I wasn't on social media after 7 pm 6 days out of the 7! How dope is that?! That's only the first week. I see improvement for sure! Giving something up cold-turkey and adapting to a new way of living is hard and takes time to master! I'm only 7... technically 8 days in. It takes 21 days to form a habit! Just wait until I'm 3 weeks in... Y'all ain't gonna be able to tell me a thing!!

In other news...

I went to a vision board party and it was awesome! I've gone to quite a few, but this one absolutely takes the cake. My friend Ashley went all out! She bought white canvas boards instead of poster boards, had tons of magazines, a variety of paints colors to choose from, cool paintbrushes, lots of food and cocktails! It was quite a feast! We all had a great time chatting over our goals and realized that a lot of us are on the same page! It was quite encouraging to see that we all are on the same path of finding our true selves and being our best selves! I had an awesome time! It was just the thing to keep me motivated on this challenge. And you know what, there was no television?! We listened to Pandora and had girl talk! Good times! 

I can't believe I'm even sharing this with you guys... This tinder app has been quite overwhelming. I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing! While it's cool to see that some of the guys I like, also (swiped right) liked me too... It's a lot to keep up conversation with them all though! Geez! What have I gotten myself into?! There are two little Tinderonis that I'm feeling... Lol We'll see if a date comes out of it... Oh and guess what... One of them has a man bun! Lol 

I haven't quite figured out if I'm cheating on the social media challenge... Is this app considered social media?! I chat with the guys from that app. I am not trying to give the world my number... Hmmm... I gotta figure that out! 

Anyway, that's all I have today!! No Tv, ya'll!! I'm doing it! 

Until next time, Stix

#day7- January 7, 2016: What a day, what a day.

When I tell you it hit me hard tonight.... I wanted to watch Growing Up Hip Hop so bad!!! I needed something to do... I needed someone to call me and ask me to go out. A hookah bar... A drink and conversation... SOMETHING!! 

Instead my evening started with me laying on my stomach across my bed with Tucker on my back knocked out.. What a sight, right?! I was on social media waaayyyyy past 7pm. I'on EVEN CARE! I needed a filler. Lol

I wasn't up for reading a book or an article... Didn't feel like washing clothes... So... Know what I did instead?? 

I took a hot bath.... 

Lit candles...

played Sade Radio on Spotify 

and allowed myself to feel. 

It was soothing... 

Necessary. 

My mind is always going... At work I'm always resolving issues and answering every question known to man... I tell people all the time that it feels like people play volleyball with my brain. By the time I get it back, it's deflated.... Overused.... Useless. For once I was able to think about whatever came to mind. 

For a moment... There was nothing. I thought I was going to fall asleep. Then I prayed... I thought about past experiences... How I handled situations... How I could have handled others better. I thought about my dreams, my future, where I see myself in five years. I thought about my love life.... The qualities I l desire in a man... Which lead me back into prayer... Lol For the men of my generation... For my man. 

I thought about my deepest desires, my greatest fears, my relationship with God... 

What a feeling....  

Not one I experience often. 

And then I got out...

Got back on social media...

Downloaded a dating app.. 

Played on that until I caught a major cramp in my foot... 

This was all before 10pm. 

*sigh* Y'all ain't prayin.

Until tomorrow friends,

Stix