Inspiration at its finest...

So Christmas is over... a month of hustle and bustle for one day that ends as quick as it begins. Now don't get me wrong I love Christmas, it is the one time of the year that encourages giving more than recieving (for the most part). Well Christmas has changed for me since I have gotten older. First of all, I no longer make a list of things I "gotta have", now it is just things that I need (of course there are some wants here and there). Second, now I enjoy the things around the holidays that are more intangible (family, friends, "the small things"). Third I have a better understanding of the phrase it is better to give than to receive. I guess I am beginning to learn again the "true meaning of Christmas"( no matter how cliche it sounds).
So I am a sucker for giving gifts and this year I felt "inspired" to give picture frames with pictures in them. For me it was like giving memories in a decorative frame. Well it was a good idea at the time so I thought but my gift didn't go over to well with some people. At first I thought it was because they didn't like the gift but that was not the case. Although the picture frames and pictures were a nice gesture; everyone is not me and they might not like the reminence on the "memories" as much as I do (I love pictures and picture frames). This helped me learn when you give you have to think about the person you are giving the gift to. Since it is something that is for them it must fit their style. In the past years I have picked some gifts out and they went over very well, why? Because I catered to the needs/wants of that particular person. So what does this tell me, while it is the thought that counts, make sure you are thinking about what really counts.
Sometimes it is the small things in life that make the best gifts. Don't just limit your gift-giving to a certain day in the year, all year around is a good time. And sometimes your presence is more valuable than any present. ;-]

Home for the Holidays!

While talking to my friend for two hours I realized that Christmas is a time for friends and family. Although sometimes these are the people that annoy you the most, they are also the people who will be there for you the most. They shape and mold you into the ulimate person that you will become. So enjoy ( and cherish) them this Christmas!

Fighter for Love...(and everything else)

It has come to my attention that I am not a fighter when it comes to love (or even “like”) it seems like it is one of those impossible task that will never happen (even though I have the Ultimate Fighter on my team). It’s like I take no as the answer and go on my way but I have changed my mind when it comes to this philosophy. Just think if everyone in the world took on this philosophy when it came to love (or “like”), to just give up when they heard no. Oh what a world that would be. I think that half the time it is our own fear that keeps us from being a fighter for love (and "like"). Fear of what you might ask? Well for me (and almost everyone else), rejection. Fear that the person just might not feel the same way and we might have put ourselves out there just to get hurt or so it seems. So what’s a girl (and guy) to do? Be a fighter! Go get what you want and keep fighting until you get it. Those who take a backseat to love (or potential "love"), take a backseat to life.
So don’t be afraid to “Take it to the Head” when it comes to love (or well you know) because it is okay to want a “Strong Man (or woman)”. “And I am telling you” take on the persistent attitude, they’ll appreciate it. And if that is too much for them to handle then they’ll soon learn their lesson: “How does it feel”. I say all this to say if you are “Interested” then don’t be afraid. Just remember “Love will be Waiting at Home”.

Those who take a backseat to love (or potential "love"), take a backseat to life; you will always be watching others drive. Drivers wanted. :-D

Talent...What is yours?

A while ago I had a problem I couldn't figure out what my talents were. I mean I knew I had some but I just couldn't express exactly what they were. Well after much thought (and I guess a bit of soul searching) I am started to realize what they really were. They include writing, advicing and one of my favorites, cooking. So you can guess that tonight when I got the opportunity to cater a party for my mom I was delighted. I love to cook with a passion and I am so blessed to have the ability to do it.

Tonight's Menu:
Spinach and Artichoke dip with tortilla chips
Broccoli Quiche
Chicken Salad with assorted crackers
Fresh fruit salad
Mini cheesecakes
Little individual cakes with different fillings and toppings
Stuffed mushrooms
Apple cider
Sparkling Punch

Someday I may open a restaurant with my friend Mellena (who is going to culinary school, I am so proud). But until then... what is your talent? Think. Learn. Lead. ;-)

Oh so wise...

That I am!

"On the Real" (Honesty...the best policy)

Is honesty really the best policy? This semester has led me to believe that it is. I have always thought of myself as an honest person when it comes to things in general. Unfornately when it comes to my true feelings, being able to fully express what I need, I have not been completely honest with myself or others. I know what I want and sometimes I expect others to know what I want to but that is impossible unless I speak up. So now is the time for me to speak up because if I don't...well who knows but I just want to get this off my chest. I always thought that I could keep my feelings trapped inside and turn them on and off as I please but I have quickly learned that this is not the case. Keeping feelings bottled up inside only makes you want to explode. And even if those feelings aren't reciprocated at least you can rest easy knowing that you did your part. All I feel is regret everytime I have the chance to say (or do) something but I don't so from now on honesty will be my policy. ;-D

Here is the song to go along with this blog entry (I almost forgot about this song):
"Time" by: Musiq Soulchild
[Verse 1]I'd like to take a minute to apologizeFor not taking advantage of you
Through all the years you've passed me by
Honestly I really wanted to be mad at you, yes
For so many hours waiting, yeahI finally know what it means to be patient
And everything has its place, yeahAnd reason and I've learned that
[Chorus]Time waits for nothing
And everything is gonna take its time for it to happen
Time waits for nothing
And everything is gonna take its time
Time waits for nothing and no one
Cause everything has its time
[Verse 2]I used to think that if I tried
Then maybe I could change the things thatI regretted in my past life
But through all the lessons that you taught me
I have learned my experiences enhanced my character, yes
Now as I look back with what I know nowI can say that I wouldn't change a thing
Cause I love who I became, yeah
And when it's all said and doneI can only live for today
Cause I've learned that
[Bridge]I used to find it hard to believe
And almost impossible to conceive, yeah
Everything I do revolves around you
And knowing that, its kind crazy to me
Now if I had a dollar for every moment
That I spent watching my days go by
Doing, doing, doing nothingI probably never be penniless or hopeless.
[Verse 3]So for a while now, I've kept in mind
Cause what they say is trueThat you are of the essence
Down to the very last secondAnd I'm so glad that I've grown to
Respect you

"On the Real"

I am emotional and physical drained and very ready to go home. I like gaining all this knowledge but I need a break. Only 8 days until a little rest and relaxation. Talk about thankful. School is the least of my concern, I know the Lord will help me. But it is the other things in life that I keep dragging myself into that is taking the biggest toll on me. Well as long as God is with me who can be against me. NO ONE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KELLIE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAREST REQUEL! HAPPY BIRHDAY TO YOU!

HOW OLD ARE YOU? HOW OLD ARE YOU? HOW OLD ARE YOU? HOW OLD ARE YOU!

CUMPLEANOS FELIZ! CUMPLEANOS FELIZ! CUMPLEANOS FELIZ! CUMPLEANOS MI ENCANTA! CUMPLEANOS FELIZ! (Please excuse broken and incorrect spanish, I am a beginner)

WISH YOU ALL THE BEST GIRL!

Pondering on Love

" Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with a teardrop. "- Anonymous

"An ounce of emotion is equal to a ton of facts." - John Junor

"Love is not always black and white, it is those gray areas that make all the difference." -Jailyn Stone

"We love because it's the only true adventure." - Nikki Giovanni

" We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly. "- Anonymous

" You can never give too much love" -Jailyn Stone

" There is only one kind of love, but there are a thousand imitations. "- Francois de La Rouchefoucauld

"We cease loving ourselves if no one loves us." - Mme de Stael

"Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illumines it." - Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)

Spread more love it is the only thing that there is just too little of. Nite.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

"Roses are read, violets are blue...Happy Thanksgiving from me to you!" -Jailyn

"We love our bread...We love our butter...but most of all we love each other. I LOVE EVERYONE. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!" -Jailyn

Calling it Quits

Does persistance pay off? And if not when do you call it quits? Can you be persistant while at the same time maintain your dignity? I am a firm believer that persistance does pay off and if not it is at least worth a try. If a person is truly worth your time, they will appreicate the effort. Does this mean we can't take no for an answer...not hardly.

Songs like "I'm gonna make you love me" or "Saving all my love for you" make us all believe sometimes that persistance does pay off. I believe that 95% of the time persistance pays off because it makes people feel like they are loved and appreciated. It makes you feel special and important. Not taking no for an answer can show your steadfastness about the siutation. I guess in a way it shows your true dedication to the person.

So, where do you draw the line? If you are consistantly trying show someone how much you care and they don't appreciate your efforts then what should you do? This when you have to make the decision of whether or not the person is worth fighting for. Another good question to ask in this situation would be, what if you are the one who has been wronged? Would you appreciate someone's persistance for you?

I guess this topic is for the birds, like they say "different strokes for different folks." It's your life and you are ultimately affected be every decision that you make. But remember "you never miss you water until you well runs dry" (because you have nothing to drink and no where to wash you clothes). Nite. ;-O

So you call yourself my friend

I have always thought that I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends that care so much about me. Everyone on this page has made realize that good friends are a hard thing to come by. I love all you guys and wish you the best.

Krystle- Gurl, what can I say you been with me all the way, even today (hay hay). I can't believe that were juniors in college (yes you are a junior). We have gone through a lot together and we're still friends (what a treat!). Thank you for always encouraging me. I believe that you will be successful in everything that you do, you have already proved that you can do that just continue and that will become standard.

Naya- We have been through it all. I would have never had so much fun if you wouldn't had been there by my side girl. I can truly this friendship is one I defintely treasure. We are the perfect pair. I know that you will always have my back (and vice versa). My childhood wouldn't have been the same without you. Never forget the Lord is on your side and so am I.

Kristyn- Where are you girl? That really doesn't matter just wanted to let you know I love you and appreciate everything you have done for me. Naya, you and I are three of kind. I miss you girl but I know that whatever you are doing you are doing wonderful.

Melanie- Thank you for always making me laugh (I guess you can say vice versa). Your friendship has truly been a blessing. You are one of a kind. Your "wisdom" truly astounds me and I am eternally greatful for it. Thank you for always being willing to lend a ear (even when you didn't want to :-o). Just keep doing what you doing.

Michele- My lil' sister, thanks for keeping the laughs coming. Good times, good times. You are a lovely young lady and well...you know the deal. Don't change unless it is extremely necessary.

Danielle- What can I say???? Oh okay I thought of something...Thank you. I know it seems as if everytime you turn aroound I am getting on you for something but it's all in love. Thank you are sharing my pain, joy, sorrow, hope and the list goes on. I believe in you and I push you because I know that you are destined to finish the race. You are a smart and beautiful young lady. Thank you for just being you because it is the best thing you can be. Always remember the Lord will "NEVER" leave you nor forsake you.

Candace- Girl, you speak the truth (no matter how hard it might be) but that is just what I need sometimes (a wake up call). I am truly amazed by you and have enjoyed getting to know you from step aerobics to accounting I and II. You are a bright and intelligent young lady that is going to soar no matter what. God Bless

Raquel- Thank you so much for the video (I loved it!!! Muy Bien Gracias). Thank you for being such a wonderful roommate and friend. I have truly enjoy your wit and advice(when it is good, just kidding) and I think that the Lord has great things in store. You are a wonderful young lady that is defintely going places. God is looking out for you. By the way I am so jealous of you right now.

Mellena- Thank you Mellena for trusting me enough to want my advice. You are so full of life and such energy I love it. I want to know that you are making me so pround (and everyone else). Keep pursuing your dreams, you are a fighter girl and that will get you far. Thank you for showing me it is okay to step out on a limb.

Deanna (Abdulla)- You are so great. If I could say only thing about you it would be don't lose you sweet spirit. A genuine person is so hard to come by nowadays but you have proven time and time again that there is always an exception to the rules. You have always amazed me with your ability to trust. I am so glad that you have that ability it is so hard for a lot of people but you have it almost done to a science. I will defintely keep your new found revelation in my prayers. The Lord and bless and keep you.

Jacquece- Thank you for your loyalty(Cunningham wouldn't be the same without you). You are a wonderful young lady whose smile has (I am sure) brighten many days for others. I love that you still believe in things that others have given up hope on. ;-) Keep that spirit that makes you so unique. And remember throwing caution to the wind can sometimes make all the difference.

Lianna- Hey girlie, thank you so much for you friendship and loyalty. Thank you for listening to my advice (Remember I am your resident counselor advisor). You are doing the most and that is really important. You reaching for the stars and you will go far. I appreciate you caring about me and my feelings. You make me feel important and smart when I talk to you. I hope that you make it to your goal, let the Lord be your guide.

Anthea- Suitemate, the one and only. Even after we lived together we are still friends that is amazing. You are one of a kind. Your friendship is a treasure. You are so crazy. I am so happy to see that you are maturing and becoming a better person (I know you can do it). You have made me realize we are all in the same boat together. Just remember to stay afloat you can't panic.

Herminque- Thank you for your cheerful demeanor it brightens my day. I am very thankful for every thing that you have given me. You are a very determined young lady who has set a path and is destined to follow it. If you remember to keep God first that and other things are very possible.

Matthew- You have esteemed privilege to be the only guy to get a shout-out on my friend page. You have taught me so much about myself and for that I am truly thankful (a lot of times you do it by playing me but that is okay :-). You are an intelligent and handsome young man, you are going to take the world by storm (I have faith in you). The Lord is watching out for you and He has your best interest at heart.

The Texas girls- It has finally come a year when we are not stationed around or even next to each other. What has the world come to? Thank you for your all friendships. Much love to you guys.

Nicki- Hey girl, You know I wouldn't forget about you. I am very glad that you consider me your friend. I am so sad that we are so far away from each other now. But aside from that we have class so see you there! Keep that cheerful and happy demeanor it will get you far and it confuses people. God Bless!

Darn my curiosity...Because it killed the cat

Then again the cat was already dead so maybe it didn't do that much damage. My curiosity always seems to get the best of me. I mean leave me in a room long enough with a closed door and it just might get opened. Of course that doesn't mean I don't where to draw the line;though I am sort of a scaredy cat too. Oh well, what the heck...I guess that's what life's is all about.

Taking my Own Advice

It's very funny how I can help others and tell them what they need to do but when it comes to taking my own advice... That's a different story. It seems really easy to give advice but unfortunately just hard to take it. I guess sometimes to avoid the problems I'm having, stepping outside of my issues to help someone else can sometimes help me better understand exactly what I need to do. It's like entering the tunnel and not knowing how far you have to go but being able to see the light.

The more I realize this the more it makes me see my wall breaking down, I am becoming more and more open. I am like an open book and people are starting to read me (I can't decide whether that is good or bad). It's almost like I am making my own self vulnerable. I have always felt like I could make decisions without getting emotions involved. I have always thought that they best way to get rid of a bad habit is just to quit cold turkey. I have even thought that by avoiding things or certain issues they would go away. Yeah right, if only things were that easy.

It seems to me the Lord speaks the loudest to me in my silence. And when He can't get me to sit down and shut up He speaks to me when I try to help others (through me own words, what a way to get my attention).

I have realized that through this transformation I am sometimes able to see things better. My outlook on several things have changed. I feel like I have a new leash on life (maybe it's got a new leash on me). Whatever the case I have realized the things that seem to be the hardest that don't come easily are the things that I tend to appreciate more.

Searching for More

Have you ever met or are you someone who is always looking for more? Nothing ever seems to be good enough. Always looking for the next best thing. And where has this gotten you? Most times not very far. Many times people search for things that are right under their noses. You(and I) don't take the time to see what is right in front of you. Busy looking so far in the future that you miss what is here in the present. I have learned you have to live for the present or else life will pass you by. A famous quote by John Lennon "Life happens while your busy making plans." This passage is so true in many ways. Life is not an easy thing to plan but yet we put so much time and effort planning it. Why? Because that is human nature, plan or get screwed. Well, then how can you truly grab life by the horns? Holding on to the past so tight that you can't grasp the future is another way of searching for more. Your past will affect your future but it's up to you to determine how and how much. You can only beat a dead mule for so long (it's dead get the hint!). You are your greatest enemy sometimes. You can sometimes hinder yourself from getting the things that you truly want and deserve. By thinking that you can do it all on your own is a big mistake (that's what He is there for). Live, screw up, learn, and then do it all again. ;-) Knowledge is Power.

Mirror, Mirror

"Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?" I have realized the more and more I look in the mirror that I have to be content with myself. Others have their opinions but that is all they have. They don't have a say in what I become. The older I become the more I realize the easier it is to accept certain things. It is easier to accept things about yourself you can't necessarily change (especially temporary things). It is also easier to accept things that happen to you. You start to realize the lessons that life has for you sooner rather than later. You also realize what is really important to you. I also know that they are things in life that do not get easier with just living. Things like death, a broken heart, having to say goodbye. Sometimes these things can even get harder but I guess it helps you grow as a person. I guess getting older is a bad thing after all. The older you get, the wiser you get (at least in most cases). Also the older you get the more you realize who you really are. Nite, nite don't let the bed bugs bite. ;-)

"On the Real" My Favorite Pastimes

I love to read, it is my favorite pastime. Reading gives me the chance to take a break from reality. While reading I am in another world and I feel apart of that world. Of course will my hectic school schedule I don't always get the time to read like I want. However I have found a new pastime, writing. It is almost as good as reading (it is probably better). It gives you the chance to have control over a situation. It's like your own little world, you are the ultimate decider of what happens. Writing gives some (like me) the opportunity to express what I would not necessary say out loud. I just completed another short story. I wrote my first short story in 8th or 9th grade. I have also written a number of poems and essays. I am currently working on another short story and an assortment of other literary works. There is one particular one I am very proud of it has given me the chance to truly express myself. As I go back and read some of the things I write I am often encouraged. As a matter-of-fact I read something in one of my books to two of my friends and it shocked me at how they recieved it. Anyway back to my schoolwork until next time.

This is for you, You know who you are

To (Well you know) ,

What have you done to me?
You made me put pride aside.
I have realized that I must take the first step and make the first stride.
Opening up to you was the first step, surrendering to you came next.
Open... laying it out on the table, making myself readily available.
Open... to you and everything you were ready to give, you taught me a new way to live.
My emotions seem to run wild around you.
You make even old things brand new.
You help me see that you gain more open then you do close,
you made me realize with you anything goes.
With you I have so much to gain,
compared to you all other things seem vain.
I hid no longer behind my feelings.
Scared of exactly what the future holds.
I understand that for you I must break all molds.
Fear of rejection no longer hinders me.
I know exactly what is important to me.
Ready to explore and sieze the day,
ready to put myself out there and say all that I have to say.
Words will never fully express the way I feel inside my chest
but I will try to do my best.
Please don't give up on me, you see what others fail to see.
You know what others will never know.
You'll always and forever be the greatest gift given to me.


Love Always,
Jailyn

"Not Your Average Girl from the Video..."

"Not Your Average Girl from the Video..." this is part of the chorus to India.arie's song "Video." This and other empowering songs encourage women to embrace who they are and basically screw everyone who doesn't feel the same way. Of course it should not take a song to empower you to do this but every little thing helps. It is kind of ironic I would hear this song on the radio after dicussing some superifical issues with a friend. She was feeling a bit uneasy about approaching a guy because of the way she looks or acts (or doesn't look or act). This made me realize that maybe it's me but it seems as if sometimes women put out more and get less. Why is this? I mean it isn't enought that a girl is intelliegent, witty, has a wonderful personality, and can engage in delightful conversations with you. On top of all that she has to look like a supermodel (or something close to it). We [women] are consistently comparing ourselves to other women for a chance with a guy who wouldn't change if we paid him to. Why? Becuase we want to see what makes her "better than me" and we want him to "desire us." I mean I can't blame it all on men but sometimes some of them can play the devil's advocate. Women tend to be more accepting to men when it comes to a lot of things so why are men not equally as accepting? I don't know the answer but I do know we are all beautiful in our own way and if he can't accept that then he needs to "hit the road."

Well I gotta go (just had to vent for a minute). Nite, nite don't let the bed bugs bite. ;-)

Pride goes before the Fall

Have you ever learned a lesson for the second time and still failed? I finally found what I thought was a lesson in a experience I was in. After finding the lesson I was pretty proud of myself. I even told some of my friends about the lesson I had finally found in the experience. You see at first the lesson was hard to find but then it just kind of snuck up on me.
I am always try to find the lesson in any challenges that I face. Unfortunately in this situation I couldn't find the lesson so I decided that there was no lesson. But the other day it hit me like a pile of bricks and it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Feeling rather self-confident I started to share my lesson with others thinking that it was the end of the experience and the end of my lesson it had taught me. This was so not the case, just two days later after my new found revelation I was tested. I was tested to see if I had really learned my lesson and I hadn't. My pride was crushed I felt the weight of all those bricks back on my shoulders. This taught me another very important lesson that I have had to learn over and over again "pride goes before the fall." Remember there is a lesson for every situation but there is also a test. Study hard. ;-D