29.10.09

Photo Reflection


Honolulu Airport 178
Originally uploaded by cristalkit02
I took this photo in 2007. It was in late June or early July I believe. This is a photo of my father, Manuel holding my nephew Gabriel as we were leaving the Buddhist temple in Oahu

My family and I went to Hawaii to enjoy the summer over there for a week. We stayed in Oahu for the most part and went to visit Maui for a day.

Looking back on this photo, it brings so many memories of the time we all spent and all of what happened the year of 2005. In '05 I finished high school. But what always remains in my heart is when my grandfather passed away that year. I was heart broken, it had been a long time coming but I didn't think it would've have happened around my graduation.

The rest of that year was kind of dramatic for me as well. My sister became pregnant and one of my best friends was going through a very serious situation. I would elaborate on it, but I don't want to invade their privacy, nor am I comfortable discussing every detail. All i can say is that naturally, I became affected by all of this. Juggling school and trying to be there for everyone was tiring me out.

But by the summer of 2006 everything seemed to turn around for the best. My friend had finally gotten her life in order and was away from the negativity that had left a dark cloud over her head for most of 2005. On June 10, 2006, I distinctly remember getting a call from my little sister, while I was in the middle of watching The Omen at the movie theaters. Of course I thought nothing of it and just let the phone ring (silent mode, that is, because i'm courteous). Then she sent me a text "Where are you?! Lisa's water broke!" My first thoughts "Oh shit! you guys we have to go! My sister's water broke!" So we all joined together and met up at the hospital.

It was just me and my best friends and my direct family. The ones who held it down for me that whole past year. The ones who I've stood by and supported like no other. All united at a hospital to witness the birth of my nephew. Gabriel Guillermo Flores.

Funny thing is, my sister ended up staying in labor for about 33hrs! lol So we left the movie for nothing and my sister had to deliver by Cesarean operation. Go figure! =) But waiting for the birth was that moment in which everything just made sense to me, I was in a calm and happy state of mind. I felt centered and whole as odd and confusing as that may sound.

The rest of 2006 was spent cherishing every precious moment I had with my family and the addition to our life. We all bonded more with him around. He was the reason to our smiles, to our joy, to our laughter. He was the reason we became a stronger unit more than ever. My sister believes in reincarnation and she felt that Gabriel was a reincarnation of my grandfather, hence, she gave him the 2nd name, Guillermo, in honor of my grandfather. That year went by so quick! Its amazing how fast babies grow up! I think we have enough documentation of his first year =)

So this photo shows me how far we've come along as a family and how good of friends I had at that time in my life. Its so great to look at this photo and remember all the times we shared in Hawaii that summer as a whole considering all that happened the years prior.

Spotlight: Jimmie Reign


I can't believe I'm so uninformed with my fellow Bay Area folks. A few weeks ago I just barely learned about Jimmie Reign "The First Lady Of The Bay" by a fellow twitter friend. The first song I heard with her was with music artist Balance doing a cover of Drake's hit "Best I Ever Had"

Her voice is pure and angelic, yet so strong and controlled.

Jimmie Reign grew up in San Francisco Bay Area. She is the oldest of four girls. She learned how to sing through her father who was a preacher. When her parents divorced, things got complicated for her. "Things in my life changed so drastically," divulges the siren, "I was forced to grow up quickly because of new responsibilities. Consequently, I didn't really have a childhood and a lot of my songs reflect things that have happened during that time."


Because of the things that she's gone through in her life, she is among one of the most well liked singers in the Bay Area. She a realness to her and you can relate to her struggles in life. Jimmie's music covers topics such as relationships, being a single mother and much more. "When people see me, they don't expect me to sing about the topics I do or be as real as I am. They think I am a woman who has everything going for her but really it's not that easy. I have the same troubles with relationships that the next woman has, I have a family to take care of and I've got haters just like everyone else," Jimmie states. "The difference is that I am learning to put a positive spin on everything negative. I am learning to control my temper when negativity arises, and I am also learning that it's ok to be by myself- I don't need to be in a relationship in order to define who I am. I am finding that balance between being a grown woman and being "Daddy's Little Girl"

Jimmie has worked with many people on her music. She's worked with the likes of J. Valentine, E-40, The Team, Clyde Carson, Traxamillion, Brian Morgan, Terry Ellis, Paul Anthony, Lea, BedRock, Taj Mahal and much more.

I see many good things in her future. So be on the lookout for this Bay Area songstress.

Her music is available now on DatPiff.com. Her mixtape is titled "Go Girl"


Music Videos:
Make You Wait (Official Video) 


Different Person (Official Video) 


 

 Balance ft Jacka, Big Rich, & Jimmie Reign - Can't Go


YOUTUBE CHANNEL



The Jimmie Reign Buzz:
“Jimmie Reign is my best kept secret. She is one of my favorite singer/songwriters because she sings with so much passion and her lyrics are so heartfelt. I don’t know why she hasn’t been put on yet!”
          -Damon Eden, A&R, Atlantic Records "Jimmie Reign's 'Tryin' To Be Your Girl' delivers a fresh and sultry spin on the Camp Lo hit, "Luchini" that is certain to keep the club hoppin'!!!"
            -James Leach, Director of Writer/Publisher Relations, SESAC


“With her second single JIMMIE is set to REIGN as R&B’s next big "SUPERSTAR"
          -Tawala Sharp, Music Director, 100.3 The Beat L.A. “Jimmie Reign is a hot up & coming artist who has a sound unlike anything I’ve ever heard before! She definitely has the tools to go the distance! Love the voice and love the song!”
          -Box Kev, DJ, 106.1 KMEL “Jimmie Reign is a gifted singer/songwriter whose talent goes beyond music. She has a story to tell and it’s coming from the heart.” 
          -Marcel Anderson, A&R Coordinator, NFLUENCE RECORDS/TMG “Jimmie Reign is a hot , young talent that has always been ready for the majors. I think now is her time!”
      -Sean Kennedy, Founder, ILL TRENDZ RADIO PROMOTIONS “I really like Jimmie Reign’s ‘Tryin’ 2 Be Your Girl’ I think it could be a hit!”
          
    -Saeed Crumpler, Rap Retail Buyer, RASPUTINS RECORD STORE 


Sources Cited: http://www.soultracks.com/jimmie_reign

28.10.09

Wanting A Relationship, Rather Than Needing It



Why is there this constant obsession with being in relationships? I keep reading and hearing people talk about wanting to find someone to be happy. How can you base your happiness on whether you have a partner or not?

Don't get me wrong! I'm not some scorned woman wanting everyone to be miserable. lol I do think being in a relationship can be a good thing; that is, if you go into one for all the RIGHT reasons.

People say they want to have a boyfriend/girlfriend because they don't want to be alone and feel unhappy. As the old saying goes "If you are not happy with yourself, then you are in bad company". I don't think you can truly be in a good relationship if you don't love yourself. I think in a way its also a slap in the face to the people already in your life. So basically, even though were here, you're still not happy aside from us always being there for you and going out doing fun things" "Are we just what you resort to when you're single?" I feel like people force themselves to get involved with people just to have someone. I know some people who although normally wouldn't go out with a certain type of guy, they do anyways just because they feel like someone is better than no one. They trick their minds into believing that they actually do like them. Or sometimes they go in with false hopes that they will actually learn to like them, but never really do.

Don't go into a relationship just to get gifts out of the other person; its such a selfish and heartless thing to do to them. You act as you like them as a bf/gf just so that they can spoil you?! Someone that is capable of doing that has no compassion and heart. They don't take into consideration that the other person might actually really like them. They're just playing with their emotions for material things. The person that ends up getting hurt is the person who actually wanted to make it work. The person who actually had feelings for the other person. Its such a sad thing to see happen to good people with good intentions. Seriously, its called a job! Get one and stop living off of others by playing mind games with them!

So the moral of the story is, do the right thing! ^_^ Do not play with people's emotions. Don't lead people on just because for the time being its convenient or because you're lonely. One should consider the feelings of others. The right time to be in a relationship is when you truly, truly care for someone and they like you just as much. *Releeeeeeeeeease* I love ranting lol

24.10.09

Spotlight : Dom P

Vote For Him NOW

Right now Shades Of Me is on soundcheck.com and he needs your votes folks!
Its a shame how so many talented artists are slept on. Dom P is one of them.

Mae West


I really admire strong powerful women who just don't care what others think about them. It lets me know, its okay to not worry about impressing others. As long as you are doing & saying what you want, then everything is fine.

One of the most profound confident women ever to have graced this earth was Mae West. Mae West was one of the top actresses of her time in the 20's She was best known for always playing the dominating female leads. She was both dominating on film and in real life. She was a force to be reckoned with. Her thoughts were provacative and yet at the same time very honest. I admire her strength and openness about her sexuality and being a woman.

Here are some of my favorite quotes by her; Enjoy!

  • Don't marry a man to reform him -- that's what reform schools are for
  • Men? Sure, I've known lots of them. But I never found one I liked well enough to marry. Besides, I've always been busy with my work. Marriage is a career in itself and to make a success of it you've got to keep working at it. So until I can give the proper amount of time to marriage, I'll stay single
  • I like a man who's good, but not too good -- for the good die young, and I hate a dead one
  • I go for two kinds of men. The kind with muscles, and the kind without
  • Personally, I like two types of men - domestic and foreign
  • Men are my hobby. If I ever got married I'd have to give it up.
  • The score never interested me, only the game
  • I'm no angel, but I've spread my wings a bit
  • Look your best -- who said love is blind?
  • A man can be short and dumpy and getting bald but if he has fire, women will like him
  • Ten men waiting for me at the door? Send one of them home, I'm tired.
  • Every man I meet wants to protect me. I can't figure out what from
  • It's not the men in my life that count, it's the life in my men.
  • It's all right for a perfect stranger to kiss your hand as long as he's perfect.
  • Love thy neighbor -- and if he happens to be tall, debonair and devastating, it will be that much easier.
  • Good women are no fun. The only good woman I can recall in history was Betsy Ross. And all she ever made was a flag
  • You can do what you want, but saving love doesn't bring any interest.
  • Brains are an asset to the woman in love who's smart enough to hide 'em
  • Some women pick men to marry -- and others pick them to pieces
  • Cultivate your curves -- they may be dangerous but they won't be avoided.
  • Women with "pasts" interest men because men hope that history will repeat itself
  • The best way to behave is to misbehave
  • You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough
  • When I'm good, I'm very good. When I'm bad, I'm better
  • It's hard to be funny when you have to be clean
  • I'm a woman of very few words, but lots of action
  • It isn't what I do, but how I do it. It isn't what I say, but how I say it, and how I look when I do it and say it
  • When choosing between two evils, I always like to try the one I've never tried before
  • Marriage is a great institution, but I'm not ready for an institution yet
  • When women go wrong, men go right after them.
  • It is better to be looked over than overlooked
  • To err is human, but it feels divine
  • Sex is emotion in motion
  • Those who are easily shocked should be shocked more often
  • I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number you get in a diamond
  • A dame that knows the ropes isn't likely to get tied up
  • I never loved another person the way I loved myself

15.10.09

Movie Go-ers



Since I went out to the theaters recently, I started to pay attention to my surroundings and all of the people that attend. I find that its mostly high schoolers and young couples that go to theaters to catch a flick.Yesterday was a reminder of why I hate going to movie theaters.

First off, when its a new most sought after movie, you know its going to be a packed house. Sure enough, my friends and I had to watch the midnight showing because the showing that we had intended on going to was already sold out. Its annoying that now even at movie theaters you have to "pre-order" your tickets in order to be guaranteed a seat. Plain ridiculous. So we go to the doors where we were going to watch the movie and we were welcomed with a big line of people already in line waiting for the doors to open to get their seats. Great. I notice that when the line starts moving into the theather, everyone tries to cut in between others. That makes it more chaotic because sometimes you end up splitting up from whoever you came with, which in turn, delays you from finding a seat. By the time you both make in, its too late to sit around the middle area because everyone ran and took those seats. Good thing, this past trip to the theaters I didn't have to deal with that because we took a different route than the rest of the crowd. Skills.

When you finally make it to your seat, some people leave their things to go buy snacks. Leaving their items with one person of their group will guarantee no one will steal their seat. Its annoying when they come back with loads of junk food and they have to get past you because they chose to sit smack dab in the middle. I don't know if its just me, but i find the smell of all the junk food to be atrocious. And because everyone brings in various types of food, the smells somehow combine into something unnatural and not great for my senses.

Sometimes a person can be the unfortunate one in having to sit in front of someone that's always moving their feet around and hitting the back of their seats. I've had that problem before and I had to turn around and give her a dirty look for her to get the picture. ^_^ It felt good to put her in her place with the stink eye haha!

Since the majority of the movie-goers when I go tend to be young kids and teenagers, it is expected that childish behavior is to be seen. I find that they take pleasure in wasting money on junk food and not eating it. Instead, they choose to throw around popcorn and make a huge mess for the theater employees to clean up once the showing is over. I've caught a few boys before throwing popcorn directly at the people below them just for fun to get a reaction out of them.

Do you get those reminders on a movie screen before a movie starts to turn off your phone? Why is there always someone who doesn't listen?! The woman who sat next to me recently, walked in late, so I had to move myself from my comfortable position just so she could come seat near me; and she forgot to turn off her phone. Her ringtone went off and it was vibrating very loud. She had to be slow about it too >(. It took her forever to get it out of her pocket and then she stops to stare at the screen, tell her boyfriend who's calling, and then turn it off. All the while, the backlight was so bright and shining in my face! If it wasn't for my calm rational self, I would've yelled at her for interrupting me.

Oh yes! Can't forget about those loud mouths at the movies. I don't mind if you express your opinions or react during a scene in a movie. But that doesn't mean that the whole room has to hear you. "Don't do it!" "She's hella dumb for that one! I would've this...and I would've that...." Common statements yelled out at the movies. I can't even hear what the actors are even saying when everyone is yelling over them! Occasionally, they ruin the next scene for you too! They'll blurt out what will happen next, and sure enough it happens, and it just kills the surprise/suspense in the movie. The scaredy-cats are just as annoying too if not more. While I was watching Paranormal Activity this past week, almost all of the little girls were screaming when there was a strange noise during the scenes. I know I'm one of the few people that rarely get scared but its like come on, that scene was not scary at all even for a scaredy-cat! I wonder if maybe they do it on purpose as well, seeing that their young and love pushing other peoples buttons.

These are the reasons why i hate going to the movies. if i didn't have to deal with these kinds of people all the time, then maybe I would go more often. The average demographic of movie-goers turns me away from theaters. Perhaps they should put reminders before the movie to be courteous to others and shut your mouths, dont talk about whats going to happen, dont scream for every little thing, turn off your phones, dont kick seats in front of you and etc. I'm not saying all of these kids and persons are annoying and do these things, but majority do. There are exceptions, i know. So don't get all offended over what I say. Its just my opinion and I'm venting

10.10.09

Meditations

What i always find to be helpful in my personal life are books on philosophy. I personally prefer to read ancient Greek philosophy and a few modern philosophers here and there.

I'm currently reading Meditations by Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. Let me give you a little background information on this man. Marcus Aurelius (161-180) was a roman emperor orphaned at a young age until his uncle Antoninus Pius adopted him. He took on his name thereafter. Antoninus was the successor of Hadrian's throne; which made Marcus the successor to Antoninus. Marcus always had the privileged life. He was taught by some of the most elite instructors. Throughout his lifetime he compiled a book of all of his teachings from his uncle, his instructors, fellow philosophers & his own thoughts. Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was one of the pioneers of Stoic philosophy.

I love how everything makes perfect sense to me. Reading books can sometimes feel like you're reading another language & you worry the whole time trying to get the literal meaning rather than trying to understand  the actual message the author is trying to convey (e.g. the infamous yet oh so good plays of William Shakespeare) to readers. But not this book; anyone can read this and understand it with ease. His book touches almost every topic such as death, friendships, ambition, motivation, stress, fear etc.

Life is pretty hectic for me at times. I try not to let things get to me, but I am human, & sometimes I can crack. This is when I turn to philosophy. Philosophy gives great insight on life and I find it to be one of the most motivating things for me. After reading a few excerpts I am suddenly enlightened, revived, strong, and ready to conquer the world.

I'll probably post some excerpts from the book for readers to check out later tonight or this week. But for now I'll leave you with this.

For further information regarding Stoicism:
http://www.geocities.com/westhollywood/heights/4617/stoic.html
http://www.iep.utm.edu/stoicmind/

One Love Album

Just lately, I've been listening to alot of Dance/Electronica music. It tends to enhance my moods. Its great motivation when I'm working out. The beats are infectious. The lyrics are simple, but simple enough to have it stuck in your head for days. Many have asked, are you a raver? I haven't really done the whole rave scene, although, I would love to. Too bad most of my friends aren't really into all the genres of music that I'm into. Or else, I would've already been making a name for myself at all raves from NorCal to SoCal partying it up. I'm still young, I'm 21, so I think I still have time to investigate ;).

Anyways, my twitter buddy @HDiddyDollar sent me a link to the new David Guetta-One Love album. Its amazing! One Love features artists like Estelle, Ne-Yo, Kelly Rowland, & Kid Cudi to name a few. If I had to select a few songs for you to check out, I would hands down say On The Dancefloor ft Will.I.Am & Apl D Ap, I Wanna Go Crazy ft Will.I.Am, If We Ever ft Makeba, & Toyfriend ft Wynter Gordon & Afrojack. If We Ever is a slower dance song; I just find it to be very sweet. All the other ones I've just mentioned will have you shaking your ass nonstop.

David Guetta has released two singles from One Love already. Maybe you have heard them Sexy Bitch ft Akon and When Love Takes Over ft Kelly Rowland.

Its a must hear album, even if you don't listen to dance/electronica music. I had my friends vibing to it and they say they're dance music haters.

8.10.09

Religious?. . . no

So earlier this week I was walking home from school. I was minding my own business listening to music on my iPod when I saw a group of women who were Jehovah Witnesses members, worshipers; whatever you'd like to call them.

I personally do not believe in God and I have been approached many times by these Jehovah Witness followers time and time again. I try to avoid because they are like pushy salesmen. I tell them I'm busy but they are not considerate to me; they just continue pestering me with the word of "God"
Anyways, I start to steadily increase my walking speed to get out of the situation asap, but one woman started walking my pace and started pulling out their magazines and the bible and asking me if I wanted some scriptures read to me from the Holy Bible. I politely declined and told her I was not interested. Then she was saying in spanish, "well let me just read you one, it'll only take a minute of your time." I just blatantly told her the truth, "I don't believe in GOD, so the bible really has no significance or importance in my life" You would think when you tell someone that you're not interested that they would respect your wishes and fall back. Not in this case! She kept at it and wanted to get down to the bottom of why I didn't believe in God and throwing in jabs about how people that have no religion are bad.

I hate hate hate, when people tell others what they should believe, that they are wrong, that they are not good people because of it. Who the hell was she to tell me that I'm wrong. There is no universal right & wrong. We all have different ideas on what is right and wrong. I used to be Catholic, and just like the Jehovah Witnesses they say to love your neighbors. So if I am considered a neighbor, why was she being aggressive towards me and attacking my views?! Shouldn't she just have respected that we have differences? I have caught myself a few times baggin on friends for being of a certain religion. But I realized this and have since then stopped saying anything to them about it. I mean, they doesn't force their religion onto me, so why should I be a jerk and talk negatively about their religion?

Anyways, I don't care for people or religions for that matter who find it neccessary to put down other peoples religions/views for the sake of winning "converts". I have been studying religion in cultures for my Cultural Geography class and I've learned a little bit about a few groups. I learned a little about Judaism, Catholiscism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, & etc. I believe in some of their views but not all.

This is my thinking: I don't believe in God. I don't believe in following a religion. I don't think I am a bad person because I have no affiliation to a group. I'm agnostic. Meaning, I believe that there is a higher power or some force that controls the happenings of life; but as far as giving "it" a name?..there is no name for me. I'm a woman of science, I need solid evidence before I can believe something. Just because it was written in a book is not enough proof for me to believe that Jesus, Moses, Mohammad, & others were prophets of this higher power that most refer to as God or Allah. I think I am just a strong believer in philosophy. Yes we evolved (my opinion) from primates, but that's not the end of the story. There are ways that one should conduct themselves. I think the utmost important thing that I can agree on with religions is that we have to be good people. I don't think its to be "saved" and sent over to the "heavens" or the "afterlife". I just think it pays to be a good person overall in this lifetime.

I just had to let that out. Once again, I'm not trying to bash religion, I'm just stating my viewpoints. By all means, join a religion if you truly believe in what they stand for, if you believe in a God or various Gods (for my Hindu friends). If it makes you happy, if it makes you a better person then I support you in your endeavors to be a better human being.Just respect me and I will respect you.