#day6- January 6, 2016- Random blogging/ #WCW

Listening to: Coldplay- Everglow

Not really sure how to write this one. I wouldn't call this "writer's block..." Just a chill night of listening to music and allowing my mind to wonder. There are so many places I want to go with this one... No real plans... just random typing and thinking. Sorry... This blog is meant to let you into my mind, my way of thinking... I hope you don't mind. 

I love music... This song that I'm currently listening to literally makes me want to cry... It's not the words... It's the way it sounds...I love music... especially music that allows me to feel...*sigh* I just love it. 

Ok... anyway.... A quick review of my day. I think I'm getting the hang of my mornings. I didn't hit the snooze button and I made my bed! Tucker and I went for our walk and I made it to work on time! I haven't watched television and I haven't thought about it much. The only time I think about it is when someone asks me if I watched a show. So far it's happened only twice. Both times felt like a slap in the face because they both know about the challenge. Lol... I get it though. They have to get used to this just like I do.

As you know I have more time on my hands so I'm reading more before bed. I read an article about one my favorite people ( I have lots of favorite people... I hate to admit that I have this "fan-girl" that lives inside of me and she shows herself when she finds like qualities in celebrities ... This is one of those people), Myleik Teele. #WCW

I'm afraid to even tell you about her as my description of her wouldn't do her justice. I am literally enamored by her. That sounds gay... maybe I should say enamored with her way of living! It truly is captivating. See... This is why I can't describe her to y'all...lol My fan-girl (I'ma call her Fran) is trying to take over.  

I won't even do it... I WILL share that she is the founder and CEO of CurlBox, a subscription service that allows black women to sample natural hair products monthly. While her company is really dope, I am more impressed with her willingness to share her knowledge with anyone who will listen! She's that chick that figured it out and wants to help everyone else figure it out too. She literally wants us all to share in the freedom of living... in our  truth, in love, and in business! So many people are selfish. If they haven't made it then no one can... Or they've made it, but because they don't know their worth, they are more worried about the next chick taking their place to pay it forward. It's sad. I am proud to say that Myleik Teele is nothing like that! She's young Oprah and a big sister in my head!! 

Anyway, another favorite person of mine has a blog called xoNecole and is also just as in love with Myleik and has benefited from her podcasts and encouraging messages via social media! She talked with Myleik and blogged about it!! So many nuggets are in that blog. It's on my home screen on my iPhone to read again because there is so much to take from it. Because I'm on my self-discipline tip right now, I thought I would share this quote with you guys from Myleik. 

“Successful people have this insane amount of discipline and do things when they are tired or they don’t feel like it. I’ve seen so many people do so much in a day with very little complaining. I always say that I don’t know a successful person that doesn’t wake up early.”

This struck a cord with me because this is what all of this is about... God shared it with me at church too!! I am molding myself into what will be a successful, well disciplined person. Someone who lives life on purpose and with the intention to give it all I've got. If that means waking up early to develop a plan, barely sleeping to master a task, then so be it! Myleik is setting the standard. I love that about her!! The article is dope! You know I have the link for y'all...

Check it out! 

http://xonecole.com/curlboxs-myleik-teele-keeps-it-real-on-being-a-boss-psychotherapy-why-single-women-shouldnt-sleep-on-tinder/

Until tomorrow, 

Stix 

#dayfive- January 5, 2016: Self Discipline is key

Tuesday was much better!! I guess it takes a little slip up to put it all in perspective! After all, I didn't give up TV to be half doing life.... especially in the areas where I'm trying to do better. I took that mindset as I tackled day five! 

•No snooze button

•I made my bed (small, daily chore) 

•Tucker and I walked for longer, in the freezing cold...

•I made it to Starbucks (wide grin)

•I made it to work on time

•I didn't watch television

•I was off social media at 7pm

•I was in bed by 11am (Church went a little longer than usual) 

I know these seem like minor accomplishments, but most of them definitely helped set the tone for my day! I walked into work a bit more energetic, which is a lot for me because I'm not a morning person. I even talked to my neighbor at work who I find to be UBER annoying. I read an article before bed on self disciple and it talked about how people who practice self-discipline/ self control are happier than those who don't. I believe that to be true after today. I'm really feeling this!! I'll be reading that article over and over to keep me motivated to continue this new practice of self discipline in my life. Self discipline is learned behavior... I am determined to learn and grow in this area daily. 

I won't sit up here and lie like I was on cloud nine all day though. My job is a bit overwhelming at times and most often than not people get on my nerves... Thank God for a church that will take you straight to the throne room of Jesus and help you reel it back in though! It was one of those days... I needed to be in the presence of God and weep until I felt free from whatever was holding me down. Tuesday night is my church night so I was able to do just that! 

 I am so grateful for my home church! The service was epic!!! We literally partied all night! It was a night lead by the Holy Spirit through worship! I was freed from a lot of anxiety, fear, and worry.  I was reminded to give every care to God and let go of the burden that causes my frustrations, doubts, and even those feelings that I can't put a name to... #ibeinmyfeelings

 Day Five, all around, was awesome though. God brought everything back to focus... It all makes sense... I realized that He put it on my heart to take this challenge and He showed me a glimpse of where He's taking me this year!! 

Looks like it's going in a totally different direction than what I had planned! Keep tagging along... I'll keep you in the loop! 

Until next time, Stix

#dayfour- January 4, 2016: Expectation Vs Reality

The Expectation: The first Monday of the year!! I had it all planned out. I wasn't going to hit the snooze button. I was going to wake up in ample time to take Tucker (my dog) for a nice walk. I was going to have my first cup of Starbucks for the year and be at work at 6am. The dream was set! I was ready to set the tone for my year y'all....

You can probably tell where I'm going with this as you read along, right?! Lol 

Reality: Weeeeeellllll.... The truth is... my expectation did not meet my reality at all! lol This Monday was like every other Monday last year. I hit that snooze button too many times. My dog and I walked for maybe 6 mins, but I blame the weather for that! Neither one of us were here for the cold weather that hit us at the door. I  didn't leave my house until 6:15am. Since I missed my 6:00am goal, I opted for a 6:30am work goal instead... So guess who missed out on Starbucks too.... Ugh!  

Not the best start to my year if I skipped my Starbucks! I need y'all to understand something... Starbucks is Bae!! I can almost say that because I didn't have Starbucks on the first work day of the year, I'm probably not gonna have the best luck all year... Liiiiikkkkkkkke it's that serious! lol ok maybe not? 

I didn't watch television though! I've talked to quite a few people who can't wait to see how this journey unfolds! I am too!! My best friend, who decided to take the 91-day no meat challenge, decided to go the entire year without meat after hearing about my challenge!! That's pretty dope! I'm looking forward to holding her accountable and vice versa.

Want to know what she suggested I do though because she's petty?! Lol She suggested that I try going without meat for a week!!! You would have thought she told me to kill my dog or something!! Lol I QUICKLY declined that offer!! lol I am doing ENOUGH as is... I NEEDS my meat! 

Lol... So there you have it... Day four. Meh. Tomorrow will be better! 

No television in four days though!! I'm so shocked I've made it this long! 

Once Upon a Time and Real Housewives of Atlanta did cross my mind though! *crying thug tears at the thought of missing out all year*

Until tomorrow... 

Xo, Stix 

#daythree- January 3, 2016: That's what I'm talmbout!

*In my Ice Cube voice* Today was a good day!!! Dang, I'm corny. But for real though, I accomplished all of my goals today and didn't think about television at all! 

I completed all of my chores (... Lol I sound like a kid) and even went on a 2.5 mile hike with a friend!! I had lots of fun and met my 10,000 step goal on my Fitbit Charge HR. I'm looking forward to more days like today. I've been on Groupon and Pinterest for inspiration. Hopefully you'll be reading more cool things I get to do during this cray-cray challenge!  

In other news, I read an article yesterday that talked about the top 10 habits you should give up in order to be more productive. Guess what the number one thing was?! Watching television (...but before bed!) Another one that they mentioned that confirmed that I am on the right track was spending a lot of time on social networks. I haven't mentioned it here, but I also gave up social media after 7pm. I like to be in bed by 10pm each night. I gave myself those three hours to prepare for the next day, write my blog, and read a nightly devotional! So far so good... 

I am so in love with this challenge right now although it is hard as crap! I'm loving that I am able to make the most of my time. It feels good. 

Look at me over here adulting and stuff! lol Anyway, here are the tips from the article I read and the link if you're interested! 

Have an awesome Monday!!  

* 10 habits you need to give up if you want to be more productive*

1.) Watching TV before going to bed!

2.) Spending a lot of time on social networks

3.) Not working out

4.) Multitasking

5.) Striving for perfection

6.) Going with flow

7.) Trying to be productive during the whole day (good one)!! 

8.) Doing every task by yourself 

9.) Giving yourself more time to finish some tasks

10.) Being negative and stressed out all the time 

Good stuff right?! 

Here's the link as promised: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/10-habits-you-need-give-you-want-productive.html

Xo, Stix 

#daytwo- January 2, 2016: The struggle is Real!

I am feigning to catch up on a show... Right now, I would even settle for Nick Jr. with my dog! Not even kidding. 

Day two was kind of hard. I went to work that morning and worked for about 6 hours. Normally, after working on a Saturday I would go home, cuddle up with my dog in my bed, and watch television!! I wanted to do that so bad... I could have even gone for a Netflix and chill kind of evening. As I stated on my last blog, I pretty much had made up in my mind that I was going to take a nap and get back on my duties when I woke up! That didn't happen because my cousin FaceTimed me just as my head hit the pillow!! "Dang, how did I forget to put my phone on silent?!!"  Lol All good though! It forced me to get up and start cleaning again. 

I am proud to say that I have sorted through my clothes and my closet is CLEAN!! There are a few other things that I had planned to do, but that's not the point! I am being more productive. I'm kind of winning right now. 

My favorite part about this blog so far is that I get to assess myself and how I'm doing with this challenge. I noticed that I may or may not be ( I totally am...) replacing television time with talking on the phone! I almost have to be on the phone at all times now while I'm home.  It's like when people stop smoking cigarettes... Those people usually replace it with eating more! I'm pretty much replacing one bad habit with another one. I know I'm doing it to keep from being bored! I'm soooooo bored! Ugh! 

I'm going to figure this thing out!! Maybe I'll make a list of tasks that I can accomplish along with my daily goals... because right now... I'm not so sure how I'm going to do this without napping all day or talking on my phone. 

Anywho...Day two down.. 364 more to go... Freakin Oh.EM.GEE!! Y'all pray for me! 

Happy Sunday by the way! 

I posted this on my Instagram and I'll post here as well! I woke up feeling completely grateful to be loved by God! I can always count on his love, his guidance, and his support! No greater love than to give one's life for his friends! I am forever grateful to have that kind of love! To know that someone literally, like for real, for real, laid down his life so that I may have life!! With that thought alone, it convicts me to live a more fulfilling life! If I gave up my life for someone, I would hope that it would be so that person can live... in the moment, in the now, resembling my characteristics, and testifying of that kind of love! I sometimes overlook that, but I won't moving forward! 

Everyday without television is a day with God, a day to live, and a day to testify of his goodness!!

Y'all choosing life today?! 

With love, Stix! 

#dayone- January 1, 2016: Old Habits Die Hard

I know you're probably reading the title and thinking I slipped up. Nope, not exactly. Something interesting happened though. Check it out. 

The day started off pretty well! I walked my dog at one of my favorite lakes, reflected on the past year, and eventually went home and started gutting out my closet! I later went over my friend's house because her mom was in town and cooked us a good southern meal! Yes, this meal included black eyed peas. For those who may not know, in the south, eating black eyed peas on New Year's Day is good luck! Look it up! The way I was raised you're supposed to eat black eyed peas AND collard greens, lol. Who knows what's right or wrong in this case?! I'm not one to believe in luck, but I am used to following this tradition. Oh, and you're not supposed to wash on New Year's Day or you're risking washing someone important out of your life! I also heard that a man is supposed to be the first person to walk into your house at the beginning of the year. I still don't know what that is supposed to do. lol 

Anyway, back to the subject...my friend's television was on in the living room. Luckily, most of us were in the dining room chatting about relationships, food, what to do that night... You name it, we talked about it!  I had a great time. On the way home though, I wondered what I would have done if everyone was in the living room watching a show. Again, I haven't worked out the logistics, but I have to figure that out. Maybe I'll stay for 30 minutes or so then leave and find something more productive to do. Maybe leaving or staying to watch television with everyone will depend on if I accomplish my daily to-do list?! Idk. I'll play it by ear, I guess.

Ok... Wait.. Let me tell you what the old/ bad habit is. I am a procrastinator!! I always have been. If I know I have time to complete a task, you better believe I will wait until the last minute to do it. This challenge is supposed to help me with this bad habit. I hope so anyway. 

Once I made it back home, I had planned on finishing my closet. Instead, I did something I shouldn't have done. I sat on my bed. 

No television... 

No music... 

Just sat on my bed in silence. 

Then I thought, "Ok... I'll take a shower..." I did. Want to know what I did next?! I tied up my hair, turned off my light, and got in the bed... Smh! No television=idle time. I am going to have to force myself do something different with this time. 

To make myself feel a little bit better about going to bed at 9:00pm without completing my list, I watched a video on YouTube on how to thread my new Brother sewing machine. Lol 

Not a complete waste, right?! 

So there's my challenge... Actually using my time to be more productive.

Crap.. This is going to be more challenging than I thought. 

So there you have it... Day one, ladies and gentlemen. 

I've heard there are others that are motivated to complete the challenge as well after reading my blog. If you decide to follow my blog and are taking the challenge, let me know either here or on my social media accounts! I'll list them below.

Ok... Signing off so I can take a nap... Smh #dontjudgeme #please 

Xo, Stix

Instagram: jessstix

Twitter: imjessStix

Snapchat: jess_Stix 

Hello, 2016!

Well!! It's 2016!! *Cues Adele* "Hello from the other siiiiiiiiiidddddeeeeeee!" 

Although I started blogging about six years ago, I recognize that you may not know who I am!! In true flashback Friday fashion, I have completed an old Myspace "About Me" survey!! lol Yea, they are usually 100 facts long and No, I did not feel like completing all 100! It's not as fun at 28 as it was when I was 18. #teamtooold 

Hopefully this will help you get a glimpse of just how lame I really am.. I hope so! ;-)

Enjoy! 

About Me:

General

1.  Name: Jessica “Stix” Rodgers

2. How old are you: 28

3. Height: 6'0"

4. Do you have any siblings? Yep-5. I’m the oldest

5. Do you wear eyeglasses or contacts? Both. Glasses during the week. Contacts on the weekend. Idk why. 

6. Right or left-handed? Right…. I have a weird obsession with left-handed people though. I can name too many celebrities who are left handed… Oprah, Julia Roberts, Barack Obama, Whoppi Goldberg…I’ll stop now.

7. Your fears- Birds, dogs that I don’t know, failing, disappointing my family, never having children, k.. this is getting a bit personal and depressing. 

8. Goals you would like to achieve this year: I have a few… but to keep with the theme- going 366 days without TV. 

This or That

9. Bright or Dark Room: Bright- The more light the better!

10. Dogs or Cats: Tucker

11. Pepsi or Coke: Coke Zero

12. McDonald’s or Burger King: Mc Donald’s all day!

13. Cappuccino or Coffee: All things Starbucks!

Have you ever…

14. Laughed for no reason? All the time!#TeamGoofy

15. Been in love: Yea… It's one of my favorite feelings

16. Fired a gun: Yep. Hated it! 

What was the last… 

17. Song you listed to? Somewhere in Paradise- Chance the Rapper (new fave song right now)

18. (Who was the last) person you talked to on the phone? Dani

19. Movie you watched? Concussion

20. Song you’ve sang: Just now in my head?- “This is the song that doesn’t end… Yes, it goes on and on my frrriiieeendddsss… Some people started singing it not knowing what it was, and they’ll continue singing it forever just because… this is the song that doesn’t end…” (it really doesn’t end … love that about that stupid song!) Fun fact: I'm pretty sure this was the same way I answered this 10 years ago. lol 

21. Flavor of gum you’ve chewed: Orbit Sweet Mint

Favorite…

22. Age you’ve been so far: - Hmmm… I’m going to go with 28

23. Season: Summer

24. Number: 11 (it’s the only odd number I Like… I prefer even numbers normally… I am a weird person… You sure you want to read this blog?

25. TV Show: *don’t rub it in* Grey’s Anatomy

26. Flower: Purple/ lavender Calla lilies and black roses

Random

27. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?- Black

28. What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?- Height

29. Are you too shy to ask someone out?- Nope! I prefer not to though…

30. Would you go on a date with someone on MySpace?- lol Naw! Did that… married him… didn’t work out!...*crickets* Aaaaaawwwwwkkkwwwaaarrrd!

A review of each day will start tomorrow!! Day one has officially started! So far so good! Wish me luck! 

XO, Stix