Driving in Miami -___-

When I was a kid, I yearned for the day that I would be able to get behind the wheel and drive a car. Since I've been driving in Miami, my desire to be behind the wheel has diminished with every near-death experience. These are some of the things I've learned that Miami drivers do.

-The person with their left blinker on, will change lanes to the right and vice versa.
-The person in front of you with their blinker may or may not turn.. Usually they do not turn.
-The driver next to you will get over even if there is absolutely no space for them to do so.
-Most drivers with children in the car, do the most dangerous things.
-There will always be a driver that will speed up to get in front of you, then drive full slow once they do so.
-Stop signs and red lights mean nothing.
-A person on the cell phone will almost always cut you off because when they merge, they can't see you over their phone.
-If you honk at someone, they will honk back. Especially if they were in the wrong.
-If you put on your blinker, the person next to you will speed up so that you can't get over.
-When you are late, everyone will drive under the speed limit.
-There's always that car that's doing 30 MPH on I-95.
-You will experience many times that you visualize yourself getting out of the car and choking the person in the car in front of you.
-People in right turn only lanes will always wait until the last minute to go over. Of course they didn't see the the huge arrow on the ground nor did they see the sign that tells them they could only go right.
-When you are trying to cross more than 2 lanes there will always be one car going too fast or too slow to prevent you from doing so.
-People will run you off the road just to jump from behind a bus. The same bus you saw and decided it was best to not get into that lane.
-You will see people weaving in and out of lanes because they are text messaging. I've even seen this on I-95.
-At night, a lot of idiots use their high beams. They do so even in well-lit areas of the city.
-Old people are very dangerous behind the wheel.
-I do not like stereotypes but several Asians have made me really believe they can't drive.
-There is always some driver in front of you who thinks they're Mother Teresa and will let every single car over.
-When there is construction in one lane, a jerk will always ride all the way up and get mad when no one wants to let them over.
-People in SUVs think they can do whatever they want.
-The person with the most piece of shit car will drive it as if they own the streets.

What Kanye plans to give Kim for her birthday

For Kim's upcoming birthday, Kanye plans on throwing her a huge bash on a private island. Other gifts include a pink diamond bracelet, a Chanel dress, and a custom Prada bag that will feature a KK printed lining. It is estimated that the gifts, including the party, will cost over 1 million dollars.

I think it's safe to say that Kim met Kanye in the bathroom stall and showed him why she deserves to have it all.

I'm back!

So since I've been hit with an incredible bout of boredom lately, I've decided to start blogging again.. I know you can't contain your excitement! 

School Wants Students to Log Off FaceBook Permanently

Pinecrest Preparatory Middle-High School has already denied access to Facebook from their servers at the school, but now they want students to close their accounts permanently. Parents who agree with this measure say that what students post on Facebook leads to them to being bullied and that the kids dont realize what they're sharing with everyone. Administrators want students to log off because they feel that what happens on Facebook after school hours is ultimately making it back to the school.

I think the adults in this situation have their panties in a bunch. Making them shut down their Facebook account isn't the answer. Children have gotten bullied before the social network existed. Teaching children what not to post is the better alternative here. All they're going to do is force children to create account under false names on order to continue with their Facebook activities. Banning something like Facebook only leads to more of the activities that you're trying to prevent.

Sunday = Day to be Religious...

I find it increasingly more and more annoying that most people are only religious on Sundays. I find this to be true on FaceBook and in real life. I mean it's fine for you to post whatever you like on your own page, but you have to keep in mind that according to your religion, you are representing all that it stands for. So when an outsider sees this type of behavior, they are easily put off. It is my understanding that you should represent your faith at all times. My favorite line I hear all the time is "Well, at least I go to church". I don't think these people understand that the fact that they go to church and still do wrong makes them worse than the people that never go. If you have been to church and know all the rules, but you still disobey them, then what is the point.  I especially hate when people say "Today is the Lord's day". Newsflash, EVERY day is His day, not just Sunday. You can't do whatever you want Monday-Saturday, then become a super religious person on Sundays. It boils my blood and I know most people do it just to get likes on Facebook or to gain approval in real life.The same people that post these types of statuses are the same people who behave so unholy and wouldn't give anyone a helping hand. Very few people actually practice what they preach in regards to religion but they play the part very well. Ive actually been to church and would go all day long on Sundays, I went to Bible Study and Sunday school. I must say that I've encountered some of the meanest people I know within the walls of a church. I was very confused by this. I also have seen some of the holiest people on the streets and seen them do some very questionable things. If you can't fool God, then why try to fool me?

With all this being said, if you don't like what I said in this post, then you can un-friend me in the name of Jesus! 

Check it Out!

 Go listen NOW!!!


http://www.mediafire.com/?affgh9db2f3miqg

My Experience Giving Birth

 

When I went to the doctor on 1/31, I learned that I was 3 cm dilated. The news made me very nervous as I was told to be expecting him soon. I was also freaked out because I was given 3 different due dates and didn't know when he'd come. I spent the next few days doing chores and running errands in preparation for the baby.

February 5 was the first due date. I sat around anxiously awaiting the breaking of my water. Nothing happened and I began to feel more at ease. Everyone had expected the baby to come over the weekend and I was a bit relieved that he hadn't. That Monday I went to Walmart and did some shopping. My coworker called me and we chatted about the baby. I was getting comfortable with the idea that he might not come until the 15th, which was his third due date. 

February 8 was the second due date that he received. Sure enough at 1:45 am, my water broke. I was in denial because all I wanted to do was sleep. I called my boyfriend 4 times and he didn't answer. I called my dad and he didn't answer either. I kept thinking now that I'm finally ready to pop, no one is answering me. Finally my boyfriend called back, and we were soon on our way to the hospital. 

When I arrived at the hospital, it finally started sinking in that I was going to have a baby. I became more nervous and excited than ever before. After being asked a ton of questions, I was taken to a room. The nurse verified that my water was broken, and I was on my way to the labor and delivery floor. 

Much to my amazement, I was still 3 cm dilated. I thought that I would be more than that since it had been a week. They gave me a drug called Pitocin to help my contractions stronger. After a while, I had only dilated one more cm. 4 hours later, I had dilated to 6 cm. About 20 minutes after that, I got to 8 cm. I was so excited because I know that at 10 cm you start pushing. The excitement was dashed when i was still 8 cm dilated almost 4 hours later.  I was told that I would be needing to get a C-section. In between all this craziness, I started to feel my contractions because someone decided to turn off my epidural for no reason. I was in so much pain that I cried uncontrollably. 

 Once I reached the operating room, tears were streaming down my face because I was experiencing extreme pain. They gave me medicine to help, but it wasn't helping fast enough. I had to get several rounds before I wasn't able to feel anything. During the procedure I was terrified. I could feel the pressure of them moving things around in order to get him out. I was so happy that my boyfriend was right next to me. If he wasn't, I would have been a total wreck.

When they finally got him out, they cleaned him up, and brought him over so that I could see him and kiss him. The first time I saw him, I started to cry. I couldn't believe how beautiful he was. I couldn't believe I had helped create someone so precious. 

Once I was back in the room, I was pretty much out of it. My guests had left and I prepared to get some rest. They soon brought the baby in and I had to take care of him all night though I was in pain. I was glad to do it because I was just so glad that he was finally here. The next few nights I had to take care of him alone as well. It was definitely challenging. He didn't want to sleep in the crib so I was forced to allow him to sleep on my chest each night. He doesn't like to be changed, so every time I attempted to take his clothes off, he would scream as if I was murdering him. Those days were indeed memorable.

Though the experience was tough, I am so glad that he is finally here.He is the most precious thing I have ever laid my eyes on and I am so happy that he is mine :)

Whitney Houston Found Dead

 

Whitney Houston, 48, was found dead today. Cause of death is unknown at this time

Prop 8 Declared Unconstitutional...Woo Hoo!

The California gay marriage ban, known as proposition 8, has been declared unconstitutional.

I'm glad that the judges decided that the ban was unconstitutional. People should be able to freely marry no matter their sexuality. Heterosexual couples have been screwing up the sanctity of marriage for as long as marriage has existed, so I really don't see how it could be decided that homosexuals could ruin it. 

 

 

Song of the Day 2/06/12

Song of the Day 2/05/12

Love Story: Yanet & Gerald

 Yanet & Gerald 

How long have you guys been together?

We have been together exactly 1 year and 2 days =) we were officially boyfriend and gf since 2/1/11 at midnight! 

Children?

We do not have children yet but soon!

How did you guys first meet?

We met over the phone because we worked for the same bank (BankUnited). We would talk on the phone from time to time and I used to love his voice over the phone, until one day the lady that worked with me left to another bank and he requested a transfer to work at my branch. He did know how I looked but I had no idea who he was until I met him. I was impressed by his elegance, impeccable look, and his smell drove me crazy.

First Impression

My first impression was surprised, I can still remember like it was yesterday when we first met. I saw him walking towards me, we were introduced first and I then gave him his cash drawer and his keys. I was a little nervous; he is very tall and charming. We became very close friends first, we would spend many hours working together next to each other, he helped me a lot to overcome problems with my previous relationship, he was there for me when no one else was.

Where did you go on your first date? How was it?

I do not remember where we went to a first date because since we worked together we would go to lunch from time to time, but one of our first dates was to the Sunset Place movie theater to watch Black Swan, he asked me out in Van Dykes and on our way there he gave me a gold key necklace with a purple heart stone (my favorite color) and the earrings. The purple heart symbolized his love for me and the key is the key to his heart.

What sets him apart from other guys?

My boyfriend is one of a kind; I do not know any other person that is as loving and caring as he is. I am his priority, his princess and he makes me feel like one. It was hard for me to believe in love again but he earned my absolute trust and love. More than anything, he is a gentleman, and there is no one day that passes by that I do not thank God for putting him on my way because he is my soulmate, my best friend, my lover, my future husband, my last romance.

What do you feel keeps your relationship strong?

I think what keeps our relationship strong is that we communicate, we tell each other everything. We are open to any topic of conversation. We trust each other 100%, we do not let anyone interfere in our relationship. We love each other so much that we spend as much time together as possible. He is simply my other half.

Any advice to people just starting out their relationship?

My best advice to couples starting out a relationship, is to have trust since the first day, if both decide to be in a serious relationship, then take the relationship seriously, based on MUTUAL respect, love, and honesty. In times of arguments, let some hours pass, and when both are more calm, then talk about the problem, look for solutions and move on, it will make the relationship stronger. In addition, do not let people from the past ruin your present and future. Avoid any contact or relationship with exes, only if children are involved, then keep contact to the minimum. Show your significant other that you love him everyday, and make sure you feel loved too because it takes 2 to tango =)

Love conquers all, we only live once, but if we spend our life with the right person and we live to the fullest, once is more than enough.

Volunteer Loses His life

Dave Bompart, affectionately known as Big Dave, lost his life on February 2, 2012. He had spent the last 2 years of his life helping the victim of Haiti's 2010 earthquake. He was deeply involved with the Project Medishare that is based out of Miami. His latest project involved helping to build an orphanage. Last week, he was shot and robbed on his way from the bank in Port-au-Prince. He was flown to Jackson Memorial Hospital and doctors worked feverishly to save his life. Sadly, he did not survive. Though he has passed on, his wife hopes to continue to help the community in Haiti because that is what he would have wanted.

His memorial service will be held on Feb 5, 2012 in Miami. He will be buried in Ohio.

This is one story that really struck a chord with me. He was just trying to help a country that needs so much and some brainless criminal decided to snuff the life out of him. This type of action makes others less willing to go help out in these countries. I'm very certain the money could have been taken without shooting him. Better yet, the person should not have robbed him at all. I feel so sorry for his wife because not only did she lose her husband, but someone in the hospital decided to steal her laptop. Hopefully others will not get discouraged and continue to give help to the people of Haiti.

Song of The Day 2/04/12

Why I Hate Valentine's Day

First I want to say that I'm not some bitter, lonely, unloved chick that hates all things that are cheerful. I'm just not big on holidays and this is one holiday that especially irritates me. People sit around feeling all sad for themselves because they have no one to share a meaningless holiday with. Most people don't even love themselves and feel that they need another person to prove their worth. Not having a valentine is not the worst thing on earth, yet some people feel that it is. Is your happiness really dependent upon receiving chocolates, flowers, and cards? If that's what you base it on, then I actually feel sorry for you.

One of my main reasons for disliking this day is that some people say ValentiMe's day. Who the f*ck is valentime? Hmmm? Seriously, this is one of the most ridiculous holidays that exists. It's the one day out of the year where people are hard up to be with someone in order to give the appearance that they are loved. I mean do you really think there's some half naked angel looking thing lurking around shooting people with arrows in the attempt of hooking them up? Don't get me wrong, in the past it used to bother me. I used to expect whatever guy I was with to get me something and I would be highly disappointed if I didn't get anything or if I didn't get what I was expecting. Once you realize that it's just another day, you're able to cope with it better.It's a day for sorry boyfriends to try to prove their 'love' and for girls to act as if they are loved. When the day is over everyone goes back to their regularly scheduled programming of not giving a f*ck about the holiday until it rolls around again the following year.

My boyfriend and I don't celebrate Valentine's day at all.I've learned that it's about the type of relationship that we have all year long that makes a difference. I like that he goes out of his way for me everyday, not just the one day that Cupid tells him that he should do so.

So to those of you moping around, cheer up and actually do something to make yourself happy on Valentine's Day.

Song of The Day 2/03/12

Song of The Day 2/01/12

Don Cornelius Found Dead... Apparent Suicide

The creator of 'Soul Train', Don Cornelius, was found dead today in his home. Authorities said that it appears to be from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Song of The Day 1/31/12

Artist Profile: Stephen T Da Kidd

Stephen T Da Kidd

Name: My government name is Stephen Tavon Martin. My dad wanted to name me Phillip though

Stage name: As an artist I go by the name Stephen T Da Kidd, but you can just say Stephen T for short.

Are u a solo act? 

Yes, I am a solo artist, but I am also a part of a team of artists.

If yes, how would u feel if told u had to be part of a group act in order to be famous? 

If I was told I had to be in a group for success, I would ask whoever is telling me this will I still be able to get my message across.

Do you sing,rap, produce? 

I mainly rap now, but I also produce.. And singing?...I'm working on it lol

How long have you been interested in music? Apparently since I was an infant

How did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in music? As a kid I wanted to be a rapper, and then I started producing around the 6th grade and from there I knew that music was what I needed to pursuit for the rest of my life.

What would you want a career in if it wasn’t music? Well I’m actually in college now pursuing a career in entertainment marketing. Even though that’s still related to music that’s what id do if it wasn’t music.

Describe your sound
Can my sound be described? It’s a real combination of a lot of things. I'm a real diverse guy and that shows in my music. Take a middle class Black male who lives and spends a little too much time in the hood, but when he isn’t in the hood he is with some upper class whites with a father who is a low key radical and hippy and mother who remains soft spoken yet very opinionated. Now take that same guy and put him over some 90s R&B samples, rock bands, orchestras, 808s, congos, and some other cool instrumentations, and play that all through you “Dre Beats”.

Who's your biggest influence?  

My biggest influence musically is probably Rick James, he was so ahead of his time.

What do you feel is your biggest strength when it comes to music? 

My biggest strength is my creativity and that I do what I feel. I build songs and mixtapes around that. Most rappers or any musicians for that matter work with what is given or try to imitate a certain sound. Me, I create a sound. I create everything associated with my music. Even when it comes to the covers, I might not be the person who technically creates it, but I actually sketch my idea and give it to the graphic designers to create.

What do you think you need to improve on? 

I can improve on my writing skills. Sometimes I still feel like I don’t get the complete message across and some things are forced. Another big thing I have to improve is my mixing skills. Since I am recording in a home studio without a pro engineer, I need to still work on making it sound like professional quality.

What's one your favorite songs that you've done and why? 

One of my favorite songs I've done has to be song that I recorded in like the 10th grade called “Still Aint on Yet”. It was actually the first song I wrote and recorded solo. This song was really the beginning of my style and sound.

Have u performed for a live audience? If yes, where was it and how did it go? Yeah a few times, I'll talk about the last experience. It was at my school FAMU, during homecoming. A few days before the singer Miguel actually got booed while performing, so I knew it would be a real tough crowd. It was a block party and I got word I would be performing the day of. Well after I prepared my show I realized I couldn’t curse, and lets just say that didn’t go to well, so I was “removed” from the stage.

 Where can we hear some of your music? 

My music can be found on the SLVR RM FCTY website, SLVRRM.BLOGSPOT.COM or on my personal youtube page, youtube.com/STEPHENT06

Where are you from and how does that influence your sound/style? 

I'm from a small part of Miami called South Miami. South Miami and Miami as a whole is real diverse and you see a little bit of everything and that shows in my style and music. Drive through my area and you will see how one song of mine can sound so high class and artsy and the next be a street song about the hood. The lives are really that close where I am from.

 

Where would you like to be in 10 years in terms of your music career? 

10 years from now, I would like to be pretty notable and on my rise taking over the music industry on the business aspect. Possibly my major goal of being the president of a major label, or just the president of marketing for a major label. Basically in 10 years imma be doing some big shit.

Video: Stupid hoe... It almost gave me a seizure

Idk wtf this is....

Love Story: Danielle and Jason

Danielle and Jason 

How long have you been a couple?

Since February 1, 2010 (2 years on Wednesday)

How did you guys meet?

Our mutual friend Emilio set us up through facebook. He told me that his boy thought I was cute & was going to request me & that he was a great guy.  J started messaging me through facebook and we had our first date January 17, 2010 and never looked back. He moved in with me about a month after we were official & we’ve been together ever since.

First Impression

I thought he was so sweet and was very open with me. From the beginning we could always talk about anything & be completely honest. 

First Date
We went to Carrabba’s & a movie (the Book of Eli). It was the best first date I have ever been on. Had a nice dinner with wine & lots of conversation followed by a great Denzel movie and a sweet goodnight kiss on the cheek.

What sets him apart from other guys? 

He accepts me for who I am and has never asked me to change. He is always there when I need him & supports me 110% in everything & anything I want to do. What sets him apart from other guys is that he is not like any of them.

What  keeps your relationship strong? 

Honesty, love & laughter.

Any advice to people just starting out their relationship? 

 Always be honest with one another and everything else will fall into place.

Love Story: Rie and D

Rie & D

Rie: This is from my 25th birthday. I decided that D was the only person I wanted to spend my milestone birthday with. It was nice to get all dressed up for dinner (we were WAY overdressed). It meant so much to start off my first day a year older with the man who makes me so happy. The kiss was a way to calm my nerves (not a real fan of taking pics) but it's so sweet and all I see is how much we love each other.

Rie: This picture is one of my favorites because it was candid. We were at the Stir Crazy for Halloween as part of my bday celebrations.. We didn't even realize his sister was taking it. She posted it the next day... She can tell us how much our "lovey dovey" behavior makes her sick, but somehow it's like she approves of me as his girlfriend and that means a lot. 

 

D: I knew it was being taken.

Rie: We went to visit a friend in the hospital, as a family with his sister and her kids... One of the twins had the phone and snapped this candid but sweet pic of us. We lean on each other, we need each other. I know that I can depend on him. I know that if I'm feeling bad he'll make me feel better.

How long have you guys been together?

D and I have spent almost all of our lives together as friends... We met at some point at Pine Lake elem in the second grade. We also went to high school together. We've always had mutual friends. He's known me before the boobs, during the braces, and after my very destructive relationship with my ex. I knew him before he was tall, with the long blonde hair, and while he was still playing baseball.  

 

Children?

Rie: We have not been blessed with kids yet. But we have discussed baby names. I am just weird like that and I like a man who's willing to think that far ahead with me. He may hate most of the names that I've picked out, but the little exercise shows me just how much he loves me that he wants to have kids with me. And even after he's met my crazy family, he still wants to dip into my gene pool and raise kids with me. He's a keeper!

D: Naw man, I got 15 kids and 10 baby-mommas... Just joking. 

 

How did you guys first meet?

Rie: Is is bad to say that I have no idea when we first met? While I admit I can tell you a story about the first time I saw someone in the 2nd grade, I can't tell you where and when I met D. We never had classes together but somehow we always knew each other and always said hi. I guess that's a good thing, we've known each other so long that there seems to be no real beginning or ending to our friendship. In high school we rode the bus together during the summers and sometimes during the year when my girl wasn't in school and I had no other choice. He was always great about stopping by our table at lunch and saying hi... There was always a hug, like he was so happy to see me. I always just saw him as a friend. Someone cool I talked to. 

D: I used to catch rides home with her and her girl... I had to ride in the back. 

First Date

Our first date is one of my favorite stories. But first the back story. I had finally left my unhealthy situation with my ex in mid 2010 and moved back home. I found him on FB and we began reconnecting after my 6 year disappearing act. We texted frequently but I always saw him as an old friend and had no interest in dealing with his feelings for me. [ I know how horrible and assumptive that sounds.] So funny enough, one day I'm starving and there's no food in the house and he texts me that he's at Keg South (a bar). I asked if there was food there. He said yes. I asked if he'd be willing to feed me. [Again I realize how horrible this sounds] So I told him I'd meet him. Then I scurried around the house to figure out what to wear. [Somehow, even though I knew he was just a friend, I wanted to dress to impress] I get to the bar and find him. He did not look like the D I know from high school. He was tall, blonde beauty. I got bombarded with names as he introduced my to his sister, brother-in-law, nephew and 2 of his nieces... After the fam left [I offered to take him home, which was the turning point in the night because I wanted to spend more time with him and didn't want it to get cut short] we decided to play pool. I'm not the greatest player and he didn't pull the typical guy move and get all touchy feely to attempt to "teach" me. Instead he appealed to my intelligence and explained that the key to playing pool was understanding the geometry of the game. I can remember looking at him as he got ready to hit a ball and thinking "WOW! He's so confident" and that was so sexy. 

What sets him apart from other guys?

 He's special. He's not conceited, he's so laidback some people mistake it for laziness... .But I'm a high stress person and his calm nature helps to keep me calmer than I'd normally be. He feeds me [ Seems simple enough, but the way to my heart is through my stomach] He never makes me feel like I owe him anything. He puts power steering fluid in my car, changes my broken headlights, and drives so I don't have to. He includes me in his life. He had me around his family from day 1. Even before we were official his sisters introduced me to friends as his girlfriend... He anticipates my needs. He often says what I was just thinking about. He's willing to do things to make me happy like go to church, or walk around the mall with me. He makes me feel important. We go to the strip club and his eyes are on me. He's always looking at me, not at the other girls around him. He makes me feel BEAUTIFUL. I've always wanted a man who could be in a room of 100 beautiful women including me and yet only see me. Dustin makes me feel that, everywhere we go. He always makes me feel wanted. 

 

What do you feel keeps your relationship strong?

Our relationship is strong because I treat him as more than my boyfriend. He's my confidante, I tell him all my hopes and dreams for the future and the past and present. He's my best friend, I share my secrets with him. I tell him everything. He never makes me feel like I can't tell him what I feel or what's on my mind. From the beginning I never felt like I had to front. With him I'm just me. We joke, we kid. We spend time together, whether it's going out or curling up together to watch a movie. We are a big PDA couple. It's rare to see us without our hands being entwined or kissing. We say I love you and I miss you constantly. Life is so short. We make sure that we both know how much we matter to each other. We may not be married, but I think the strongest thing about our relationship is that I treat him like my husband, and he treats me like his wife. 

Any advice to people just starting out their relationship? 
Don't rush into a relationship. The greatest thing that Dustin did for me, was not try to lock me into an exclusive relationship right away. He gave me time to date other people and realize that I was happiest with him. So the decision to become official was made based on my experience with world. Also, don't let other people dictate anything to you. I've had a few friends who feel like D isn't good enough for me. One swears he can't take care of me financially because he's not as educated.. .Another swears he isn't good enough because he's not "attractive" enough. Never let people tell you what you should be with. Let your heart tell you who makes you the happiest.

Video: Sh*t Gangstas Shouldn't Say

Song of The Day 1/30/12

Love Story: Kristy & Raul

 

1.14.12 My birthday trip to NYC -On top of the Empire State Building

 Kristy & Raul

The couple has been together since July 2007 and have been married since May 2009.

2001 in my mom's classroom

How did you guys meet? 

We met back in 2001 when he first got here from Colombia. He was one of my mom’s students at Ponce de Leon middle school and I would hang out with him every time I visited my mom.

First Impression?

My first impression of him was that he was a ref! I know it sounds really mean but he didn’t speak any English since he had just arrived from Colombia and I would make so much fun of him! We then got to know each other and we liked each other back in 2001 but things never worked out. After all, I was only 14 and he was only 15, we were babies then.
 

Our 'first' date

First date

We really didn’t have a first date. After going our separate ways in 2001-2002, we reunited again in 2007 and Raul invited me to go clubbing with his friends. I will never forget it! I was with one of my girl friends and we met up with Raul and his friends, little did I know he was part of a “crew” and there were about 30 of them. Not only was I intimidated with how many people there were, I was super sheltered by my parents and I was hanging out with guys that were covered in tattoos and gold teeth. I definitely judged them and thought I was going to get raped or something but they all turned out to be the biggest sweet hearts of life. I had so much fun that night and it ended up becoming a routine for us to go clubbing Thursday through Sunday.

Proposal 

The proposal was so romantic and unexpected, well sort of. I knew he had bought me an engagement ring. He went with my mom and they picked it out together. On Easter Sunday of 2009, I was home with a sprained ankle. He knows that the way to my heart is through my stomach, so he brought me some tiramisu gelato. As I was eating it, I looked into the bowl and realized that there was something shiny in it. I immediately yelled out "Ew, gross. I think someone dropped their earring in my ice cream". My family told me to take it out, and when I did I realized it was a ring. I was speechless as he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was one of the best moments of my life!

     
What sets him apart from other guys?

He treats me like a princess but he doesn’t let me take advantage of it. He loves me for my weirdness and my bitchiness and only complains about it sometimes lol. He puts me first and tries his hardest to provide for me and our future family. He is the most determined man I know. Not only that, it helps that he is very handsome!

What do you feel keeps your relationship strong?

Communication! We tell each other everything, we respect each other, we give each other space, we do love to be random, and most importantly we keep the love and passion alive in our relationship. 

Any advice to people just starting out their relationship?  

Respect one another, love one another, communicate, and be forgiving. There may be something that may upset you but ultimately ones love is stronger. Lastly, focus on your future together, the past is the past and there is a reason why it is behind you, do not bring in any DRAMA from previous relationships because it will only hurt you.

Song of The Day 1/29/12

Love Story: Nadine and Leon

Nadine & Leon

How we first met

We first met at the Kevin Hart comedy show at FIU in 2009, where he began scheming after my cousin that I attended the show with. For the following months, from her stories I got the impression from my cousin that she was completely uninterested, and Leon was sweet but not really her type.
After an awkward add on Facebook while I was thinking he was only trying to get closer to my cousin, he somehow convinced me to give him my number, calling to ask how to cook "skrimp". Soon asking him to accompany me to buy school supplies the next afternoon, we chilled just about every single day since then. I just used to hang out on his couch listening to his music and study between classes, strictly acquaintances, then soon friends, and then (him realizing it before me) prospective beaus.
I had just come out of a 3 year relationship only a few months earlier, and I was not interested in Leon at all for the first month or so. His admission of a crush actually scared me at the time, when I remembered my cousin's stories about how he got attached fast lol. Leon started growing on me through his charming, cooking, and taking good care of me. Many steps later we became official on March 15, 2010. We have now been a couple for just about 2 years, and are working very hard to push together even further into the future.

Our Nicknames

We got the names Panda and Giraffe from our friendship days, as one day while we were cooking in his dorm he called me a little asian panda with his goofy little laugh, and I had to get back at him, telling to use his "tall giraffe-self to get the pasta on the top shelf". We are a whole foot and a half apart in height, me 4'10", him 6'4". It creates challenges, (such as when it comes to walking somewhere together on time lol), as well as really fun times.

This photo of us brushing our teeth together was taken at his moms house in Palm Bay, Fl. It marked the first of many overnight trips to his family's house. I've never had so much fun brushing my teeth lol. We traded turns with the camera and even recorded how to properly scrub each tooth, while being sure not to drop the camera in the watery abyss of the sink lol.

These were genuine smiles, and a real capture of that moment in which I realized that I could grow old with this guy. Waking up to fight over the sink, or tell the other they didn't brush enough is something that I can see myself getting used to. Even though we argue quite often and have our many downs, I am so happy we are blessed enough to have ups to make it all worth while. Our rare moments like these cannot always be caught on film such as this opportune frame, but when they do happen, they are beautiful.

What sets him apart from other guys?

Leon is a big goofball, loves to have fun, and is always there to give a good laugh. He is loving, attentive, and very caring. What most people see on Facebook is really close to reality, as we spend just about every single day together, and even then can still find times that we can actually stand each other. I have never trusted someone as strongly as him, especially in such a short amount of time. Even though he does some crazy and stupid things from time to time, I never have to worry about his faithfulness to me and to us. He doesn't lie to me for anything, and I can feel it. He always seems to have a way to reassure me that he is here to stay, and always ready to fight for we have. From time to time we have a breaking point, but we can never seem to cross the line and break us apart. It seems so unnatural...

Any advice to new couples?

• Don't sweat the small stuff. Every time we argue, whether a long heated argument or a 5 minute debacle, we always make up within a few minutes. If it goes past an hour, something is deeply wrong, and we still fall back into each others arms. Always remember you are wasting time by staying mad at each other; precious time that God did not mean for you to spend fuming over something that can be solved with mutual sorrys and some understanding from both sides. Forget who wins and who loses, and try and work it out by saying, "I get where you're coming from". Anything after that is up to what you value more, being right, or staying together.

• When you guys go out to parties, give each other some space and room to roam around, socialize, and even dance with others. We flirt with other people to a respectable point, because we know we will always come back home to the other, and a little joke here and there with other people is harmless and fair if your significant other is understanding enough to accept it. This freedom brings us back closer at the end of the day, and at the same time give each other room to escape this tight relationship.

• When you say you trust someone, do it. Don't look through each other's phones and Facebook, etc. It looks bad on you, and makes it hard for the accused to avoid hiding things. If you trust, it allows thing to be more open without forcing it to light. Leon just told me he's going to the strip club with his friends tonight. I can accept it because I trust him. He knows where the line is, and will check in with me and make sure he shows me I'm worth coming home to in the morning.

Final Thoughts?

We are not a perfect couple at all. We have just matured and learned to appreciate each other every day. Petty jealousy and little fights are too pointless to waste time over. Leon and I argue just about every day as we test the strength of this rubberband we call our relationship. In the end, God keeps us strong enough to snap back into place and hold ourselves together. I am pretty hopeful for our future and we'll all just have to wait and see where the Adventures of Graff and Panduh lead us.

Song of The Day 1/28/12

Arguing in a Relationship Does NOT Equal Love

Photo: Roserehab

Over and Over, I've heard people saying that if there are no arguments in a relationship, then there is no love. This a point constantly reiterated in my newsfeed on Facebook. I'm not sure how anyone can equate yelling and name calling with love. Communication is key in a relationship, but that doesn't mean communication in the negative form. I understand that when people argue, they become passionate and reveal feelings and sentiments that would have otherwise remained unknown, however I don't think that arguing represents a positive quality in any relationship.

From experience, arguing detracts so much love from a relationship. There's nothing enjoyable about fighting with someone that you love. That's why it baffles me that there are people in this world who live to argue with their bf/gf. Every little thing turns into a fight, and because they make up, they think it is okay. 

I hate to argue because it takes so much out of me. It makes me get out of character when all I want to do is get my point across. Why would I want to yell and get angry, when I can talk and have a normal conversation? 

There hasn't been a relationship to exist that has been argument free and I'm not saying that arguments make a relationship bad. I am saying that to believe that a peaceful relationship is an unhappy one, is absurd. If you reach the point that you argue more than you talk to each other, then that is a serious problem.

Baby Left Brain Dead After His Father Allegedly Beat Him

 

 

 

Yosi Mahlab was charged with aggravated child abuse; He allegedly beat his son so viciously that it left him brain dead. The attack on the child happened on January 21, 2012. At this time, no clear motive has be released. He admits to having struck the child in the face at least twice. Claire Chery, the victim's mother, has admitted that she knows that her son may not survive his injuries. The 4 month old is currently in critical condition and has lost all brain activity. He is on life support and has a skull fracture and bleeding of the brain. If the child should pass away, Mahlab's charge will be upgraded to murder.