The Adventures of Ta’Niya

Project Naptural

Posted on by astoldbytaniya

Teresa Hardaway, two years ago, was a designer starting her Master’s Degree at the University of North Texas. She needed to find a study for her degree. After jumbling through different options, Hardaway came up with a study that would resonate with thousands.

teresa hardway at exhibit

Teresa Hardaway, founder of Project Naptural. Naptural is defined as the new age description of chemical free African American hair. (Photo Credit: Teresa Hardaway)

Project Naptural is a study that turned into a brand. Natural, which Naptural comes from, means to have chemical free hair. The acid-like product of a perm helps to smooth out African American women’s hair to a state that isn’t natural. Naptural is becoming a more common approach to kept hair– a new age fashion twist.

“I didn’t invent the name Naptural. The community of [chemical free] natural hair did. I’ve just used and enhanced it,” said Hardaway reassuringly.

Two years ago, Hardaway started by calling forth focus groups of African American women to have meetings about their hair on campus. She simply would ask the women what hair they had and what they thought of their hair. These groups would have life changing discussions on the struggle of being an African American and having natural hair. The African American women voiced their concern of trying to be successful and their hair being called “nappy” or “unkept”.

“The meetings were intended to be an hour and turned into four,” Hardaway smiling said, “They were deeply moved by it.”

Realizing the need for women of color to embrace their natural hair state. Hardaway expanded her blog site into much more. The blog helped showcase her journey from her hair being chemically relaxed to chemical free hair. Currently, the site helps women with written out stories, tutorials and informative vlogs. The blog also coincides with the Project Naptural’s numerous social media sites like Twitter.

The monumental moment, so far, for Hardaway was the University of North Texas Exhibit. The exhibit was held in the Union from January 15 to February 6, 2016. This exhibit was an expansion of the focus groups that Hardaway was used to. However, this exhibit reached thousands. The exhibit gave an opening for all races and genders to understand the need for racial understanding of African American women. Hardaway states that she had people of all races ask her questions about the project. She explained how majority of the viewers didn’t even know it was an issue for African American women. Other African American women were moved by the exhibit and caused tons of emotion.

(Credit to Teresa Hardaway)

Onlookers at the Opening of the UNT Exhibit. Middle, Teresa Hardaway, founder of Project Naptural.

“When I saw the exhibit right in the middle of the Union, I was moved to tears. Not tears of sadness but of joy. Joy for the acknowledgement of my people,” said Junior Tatyana Parks.

Including what she did at her focus group, Hardaway put two blank white boards for races to input their hairstyles and what they felt about them. There was an overloading amount of data.

writing on the wall.jpg

Writers on the poster boards at Project Naptural Exhibit. These boards are used for people to write what hairstyle they have an how they feel about it. (Credit to Teresa Hardaway)

 

“There is so much data that I am still in the process of going through,” Hardaway stated.

Now, a Master’s graduate and currently a professor at UNT, Hardaway is branching out even more. Hardaway is expected at different forums and panels this year nationally discussing Project Naptural. Also, Hardaway is working on expanding a mobile application, specifically for African American women. This site will help African American women that are natural by giving them selections on hairstyles and stylists near them. Hardaway is driven by her success due to the people she is helping. She feels that this project can resonate with everyone.

“I felt there was a need and I went with that,” Hardaway says. “I feel that people shouldn’t just go off of what something is doing for them. People should help each other. This project could open doors for other communities as well. We as mankind should help.”

If you are interested in helping, Project Naptural’s mobile application is in the works and needs donations. Visit Project Naptural for information.

Pink Beach Balos, Crete, Greece. It has patches of white and pink sand. With Sunset, the accents of pink show more from the sky. https://moco-choco.com/2013/04/04/7-amazing-pink-beaches-in-the-world/

The Future Adventures of My Bucket List: Age 22

Posted on by astoldbytaniya

I recently have been hoping for a vacation. Who could blame me? I work 30+ hours a week and I’m a full time student. I know I won’t be able to take one anytime soon. I have finals this week, as well as summer school all summer long. I didn’t mention that I am on a limited budget. However, once my college career is over and my adult life begins I would love to do adventurous this. Of course my bucket list really entails a great career, getting married and having five children. This list is my list to see amazing things that the world has to offer.

1.Visit a Pink Beach.Pink Beach Balos, Crete, Greece. It has patches of white and pink sand. With Sunset, the accents of pink show more from the sky. https://moco-choco.com/2013/04/04/7-amazing-pink-beaches-in-the-world/

I remember looking on Facebook and saw this picture of this beautiful pink beach. It captivated me. I was in dismay after a minute and had to search “pink beach”. I was shocked to see that there are numerous of pink beaches around the world. I scrolled through over ten beaches before I saw the one from Facebook. The Balos Lagoon Beach of Crete is located in Greece.

2. Go Sky Diving.

sky diving.png

I’ve always wanted to go but I didn’t know if I’d truly be up for it. You are free falling from the sky and then left to trust a parachute to trust.  That thought changed after I heard my friend went. She later, wrote a blog vividly her experience from the moment of signing up to jumping out the plan to the free falling moment. I knew that the experience she described was honest and magnificent. I can’t wait to enjoy it.

3. Go on an African Safari Trip.

I absolutely love elephants. They are beautiful creatures that are endangered.  I know that in Savannas of Africa it is there homeland and there are lots of professionals helping to keep safari animals like elephants alive. A couple of months ago I saw that Good Morning America sent two of there anchors over to go on a safari trip. They stayed for a whole week and got to be up close to the animals. The elephant segment was my favorite.

4. Visit the Holy Land.

Yes, I’m one of those people. One of those religious people that love Jesus. I have no reason to hide it. I have a strong Christian faith. I get chills thinking about walking the alleged streets that Jesus and his followers walked. Even more, I would love to get baptized in the Jordan River. I believe anyone with a love for the Christian faith or is curious would enjoy this trip. I remember watching the Trinity Broadcasting Network as a kid and there were always these speccommercial showing a trip to the Holy Land.

5. Build a real Snowman.

I live in Texas. Where it drops below 60 degrees and we make a fuss about buying winter clothes. We don’t get much snow, it’s more like white ice. However, I’d love to go up North and see real snow. Like the movie White Christmas, I’d love to be in Vermont and sing about the snow. Even better, I’d love to wake up one Christmas morning in a cabin and go outside with a group of my friends and family to have a snow ball fight and build a huge snowman. Just like the picture below, I’d have a smile bigger than my snowman.

 

These are a couple of things on my adventurous bucket list. What’s on your bucket list? Comment with what and why. I’d love to hear!

The Adventures of Ta'Niya

The Adventures of a Foodie: Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe

Aside | Posted on by astoldbytaniya

All because my Co-Worker, I experienced delicious Cajun Food.

No exaggeration. I had been craving Crawfish for weeks, especially because it’s in season. Crawfish are these amazing sea creatures that are in season during the months of February through May. It is a great delicacy that is famous in countless Louisiana dishes. Sure, you could get them any time of the year but during these months they are bigger, better, and juicier.

As soon as my Co-Worker/Friend, Essence, stated she wanted to go after work, I knew I was going. I canceled all plans for the evening. I couldn’t wait to get off.

Razzo’s Cajun Café is a New Orleans duplicate of Cajun food. There’s 19 locations in Texas. They’ve been in business for 23 years serving millions with their Cajun cuisine. My friend’s family is from Louisiana and she gives it multiple stars because it reminds her of home cooking.

As we walked in to get a table, all of my senses went into overload. I heard the sounds of what could be easily described as the Friday nights of Louisiana’s bayou. There was jazz-banjo fun music playing. I could see people drinking and eating on the patio enjoying their time there. I could smell the fried seasoning and sweet scents of desserts and alcoholic beverages. I couldn’t wait to get inside.

Patio area

Patio area at Razzoo’s Cajun Café in Lewisville, Texas. (Photo Credit by Ta’Niya Breedlove)

As we walked in, it felt like we had crossed the border into a Louisiana backyard bayou. Lighting was colorful but dim. There were accents of color from these colorful empty bottles that were used as decoration in the foyer.

 

Bottles

I wonder what was in these Bottles before. (Photo Credit by Ta’Niya Breedlove)

 

Front-Host

The Host Table (Photo Credit by Ta’Niya Breedlove)

As well as these white Christmas Lights that were dangling from the ceiling and draped over wall posts. Our Hostess greeted us and within a matter of seconds we were sat a table to look over our menus.

I, like my friend, knew what I wanted to enjoy as the main course. But after looking

over the menu my mouth began to water after every title and description. Things like Gator Tails, Creole Pork Chops, and Stuffed Shrimp, made me even more hungry. I decided on Gator Tails for my appetizer and a nice glass of Strawberry Lemonade. My friend explained what she usually gets was her choice for tonight, Boudin Balls and Stuffed Fish.

 

Our waiter, Haleigh came to our table seconds later with nice Southern hospitality.

Haleigh waitress

Our Waitress, Haleigh, surprised us when we found out it was her first week serving. She was amazing! (Photo Credit by Ta’Niya Breedlove)

She complimented us on our jokes and we joked over the titles on the menu. In particular the menu has Appetizers listed as “The First Chomp”. In the description, it says they are appetizers or meals for cheap people. As she left. I continued looking at the scenery. I realized that Razzoo’s had a place of warmth and comfort. Maybe it could’ve been my excitement for the food, but I really enjoyed the moment.

First, my drink arrived with an extra glass of water. Usually at restaurants, I know that specialty lemonades and teas come without free refills. With this big Mason Jar of Strawberry Lemonade, I knew that I wouldn’t need another glass.

Strawberry Lemonade

 

Then, our appetizers arrived. Mine was warm and ready to be indulged. I had a rather big size helping of Gator Tails. Each alligator bite was a perfect combination of crunchy and chewy with the right amount of spices. As well as, freshly cut French fries. With Razzoo’s special spicy sauce on the size, it took my experience to another level.

Gator

Gator Tails with special sauce, my delicious appetizer. (Photo Credit by Ta’Niya Breedlove)

 

My friend let me enjoy her appetizer Boudin Balls. It’s a fried ball with Razzoo’s special batter. On the inside of this scrumptious ball, it has seasoned rice and Cajun sausage. It was my first time trying it and surely not my last.

Then, our main course arrived. I didn’t need to try my friends dish. It was all about my one pound of Boiled Crawfish with seasoned corn-on-the-cob and two soft whole new potatoes.

As I popped open every tail, I fell more into a food trance. Haleigh, our waitress, came over and laughed. I kept explaining my dazed look was because I really enjoyed my food. I looked across the table at my friend and she had the same hilarious look on her face.

Essence at Razzoo

My Food Dazed Friend Essence. (Photo Credit by Ta’Niya Breedlove)

After I felt my limit had been reached, I gaze at the five Crawfish left. I knew that I couldn’t fathom anymore. I apologized for not offering her any. She took two and I watched her enjoy them.

Crawfish Dish

Crawfish (Photo Credit by Ta’Niya Breedlove)

We laughed and talked occasionally glancing at our finished plates very full. Haleigh returned offering dessert. It was the hardest decision I ever made. I already felt my stomach being past the point of satisfied. However, I knew I couldn’t turn down their winning streak of food. She told me the choices of desserts: a bread pudding, strawberry cheesecake, and a sundae. I decided to get a Zydeco Dancer, their strawberry cheesecake. It was a placed in a round dish with over a crunchy bottom layer, over two inches of filling and strawberry slices with whipped cream as the top. It was the best decision I ever made.

Cheesecake

Zydeco Dancer aka Strawberry Cheesecake (Photo Credit by Ta’Niya Breedlove)

My friend couldn’t enjoy any of the desserts because of a peanut allergy. By the way she say me dancing and squirming in my seat with joy for the dessert, she had to try. She agreed, it was amazing.

Once Haleigh saw we were absolutely at our food end, she brought our receipts.

 

Recipt

Reasonably priced meal. (Photo Credit by Ta’Niya Breedlove)

I immediately prepared for the damage that this one dinner would put on my bank account. I looked down and saw it was dramatically below what I expected. I had enjoy amazing Cajun cuisine for a reasonable price.

Before we left Razzoo’s, I bragged to the manager of how great my time was. He humbly accepted my compliments. I walked away from the restaurant with a smile the size of a football field on my face.

 

 

Me outside Razzoo

Me outside Razzoo’s Cajun Café. (Photo Credit by Ta’Niya Breedlove)

If you’ve eaten as Razzoo’s, comment with your experience and what your favorite dish is.

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/casey-cavanagh/why-we-still-need-feminism_b_5837366.html

The Adventures of a New Age Feminist: My Opinion

Posted on by astoldbytaniya

Feminism. What does it mean? Oh, the many wonders and debates this one word causes. It easily can be defined as a person that supports the equality of ALL women.

It doesn’t mean that because you are a feminist, you hate men. It doesn’t mean that if you are a feminist, you’re instantly a lesbian. It also doesn’t mean that a man is less of a man because he is a feminist. These stereotypes must be clarified.

I identify as being a feminist. I recently took a Psychology of Women course. In the course, I realized that I had been a Feminist but didn’t know it. As would many conscious human beings that realize that fairness for women is important. Sadly, it is an issue that is overlooked and often times misunderstood. Human beings should realize equal pay for women is important. That women aren’t given the same amount of leadership opportunities. Also, that women desire to have a voice to be heard and deserve respect.

I could go on forever about the double standards and disadvantages that women face on a day to day basis. Yes, women are reaching new heights. Artists like Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lawrence taking a stand on Hollywood’s treatment of women. Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton campaigning tremendously reaching a new level for Women’s suffrage.

https://g.co/kgs/bsIsC

There are publically acknowledged day’s like International Women’s day that allow the conversation of the Feminist Movement to be discussed. 

 However, this article is about women against women. Constantly women are publically debating against stay at home mothers and working mothers, strippers and politicians, virgins and those that are slut-shamed. I’m here to point out that regardless of the differences between these women they really are one.

As a New Age Feminist, I have realized that as the movement progresses, the social media attention has caused a rift between the world known leaders and supporters of the movement.  Celebrity leaders like Emma Watson and Beyoncé have been viewed as one being a feminist while the other isn’t.

There are now two sides of the spectrum. It just so happens to be similar to the political side of things. There’s conservative feminists and then there’s liberal feminists.

The media attention for both sides has caused a rift in the movement. It seems to make the mission not clear and more of a social media circus.

Those that identify with the conservative feminists are those that usually dress professional and modest. Their leaders cause needed attention to the movement through thoughtful speeches, conferences, inspirational songs and televised interviews. Usually these groups of women are doctors, lawyers, politicians and social activists. The relatable leaders like Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton and Emma Watson make International Leaders pay attention to the need for support of ALL women. The conservative feminists are usually leaders that have been at the forefront of the movement for ages. They are what many would call the “founding sisters”.

Liberal feminists are new leaders to the feminist movement. However, their ways of promoting feminism are not conventional as the conservative. Those like Amber Rose and Beyonce have recently joined the movement and many have debated that they aren’t “true feminists”.

Liberal Feminists celebrities don’t have a college degree and are reality stars and bring a different perspective to the feminist movement. Some are reality stars, known strippers, and from all walks of life. Conservative Feminists believe that the liberal feminists focus on their bodies and aren’t Feminists to them.

Is this okay? What side should a young girl be on? Is this causing a break in the movement? These questions I can’t answer but I can give my opinion.

It should be respected that there are two sides to the spectrum. Though there are two sides or types of feminism, they still are feminists. There shouldn’t be a side. For example, just because you relate more to Eleanor Roosevelt or maybe Marilyn Monroe, it doesn’t mean your goal for women’s equality is different.

I believe that by judging or forming sides, it’s hurting the movement and causing the stereotype of women to form a disarray. Stereotypes like women are good for complaining and needing attention. Women shouldn’t publically bash each other. It’s okay to disagree but in the end realize that these are your fellow sisters. Especially if you call yourself a feminist, that is a contradiction not to support other women or look down on another woman. One group is not better than the other. I believe that women aren’t just good for complaining and have worthy issues of discussing and fixing. I believe that if both sides came together and realized they are one, the movement could only soar to new heights.

 

Signed by a Feminist.

Copyright by 2015 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

5 things Once Upon a Time has Taught Me

Posted on by astoldbytaniya

 I have always been in love with the magical beings that are Disney Characters. When I found out about a show that dealt with Disney Characters but with a modern twist, I was instantly hooked. I watched two seasons of the show in a week’s time through Netflix. That meant plenty of hours staying up until 4 am. It was all worth it because the show made me fall in love. Watching weekly childhood characters like Snow White, Captain Hook, Rumpelstiltskin and the Evil Queen take on villains while having families was fascinating.

Copyright by 2012 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

It’s a fun filled time with Disney Characters like Snow White and Prince Charming. The show is every Sunday Night at 8/7c.

I got my Best friend and Brother hooked on the show as well. After realizing our many conversations of evaluating the show, I realized the deeper meaning of our “fan-demonium”. The reason that many of the fans are hooked, five top-rated seasons later, is because the hope the show brings. One of the main hopes of the show is love. Love is something all of the fans have and long for in their life. This show revolves around love relationships between parents, spouses and friends. This show has taught me five amazing things about love.

Copyright by 2015 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Regina/The Evil Queen and Henry have a bond that makes evil become good.

1.       It’s never too late to change for the better of those you love. (Regina and Henry) 

After reevaluating the first two seasons, I realized the true meaning of the show wasn’t just on the heroes. I mean it’s pretty evident that Emma Swan is the savior and the main protagonist of the show.  She does help the town realize that they’ve been under the Evil Queen’s, Regina, curse for 27 years. Henry being the ever-so-adventurous-young hero was the first to notice his mother was the savior. However, the show isn’t just on the good being good. It’s about the untold stories of the alleged villains. Villains, like Regina, have a reason behind there evil-wicked ways. Regina wasn’t just born evil. She was driven by her deceased lover’s death. She was driven by her overbearing mother that forced her to marry Snow White’s father. She put all of her wrongfully directed anger on her innocent stepdaughter, Snow White.

 This story of a villain like Regina isn’t really told. Making us, the fans, realize after hearing her story how she too deserves the right to love. Yes, Henry went to help his biological mother, the Savior, Emma reunite with her family and save the town. Also, he needed to help with the healing process of his evil mother. She needed to change for the better. She had such weight on her of anger and hatred that was never addressed. She was taught to be evil and take what she felt was rightfully hers. It was powerful for her to realize that she had all she needed in her son, Henry. It was powerful for her to finally forgive the wrongfully accused. Even though Regina’s anger was balled up for decades it took her ten year old son standing up to her for her to realize she needed to change. Regina’s struggle to be better taught me: It’s never too late to change.

Copyright by 2015 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Charmings are finally reunited and they’ll continue to fight to be together and happy.

2.       Love is worth fighting for. (The Charmings: Emma, Mom and Dad)

This statement is truthful. When you find love, you’ll want to keep it. There will be obstacles in your way trying to keep, destroy or take away your love. The Charmings from the beginning of their relationship have had to fight. They had to fight to get married, to stay married, to have a family and keep them all together. The main obstacle at hand was the hate that Regina/The Evil Queen had for Snow, which affected her husband and child. She took every chance she could to hurt Snow White.

Copyright by 2014 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Now having a second chance at being together. The Charming’s strive to live life anew.

The ultimate obstacle to overcome for them was when Regina/The Evil Queen performed a spell that made the family live in another Universe not knowing who they are. The family knew that their recently born daughter needed to be the Savior for their people. They regretfully put their newly born child, Emma, in a portal alone to escape the curse. They trusted and hoped that she would return to them. Then, Snow White and Prince Charming were swept away be the curse not remembering who they were and the love that they had for each other. This went on for 27 years.  Until eventually, Regina/The Evil Queen’s adopted and Emma’s biologional son, Henry, went to Emma and told her about the spell and her family that she never had. After Emma finally understood, she did everything she could to stop Regina and help regain everyone’s memories.  Ever since then we’ve seen throughout the show their family continue to fight for love. They’ve overcame battle after battle and have never wavered their love for each other. Even now, they are in the Underworld battling Hades because of the love they have for their daughter. I can only hope that when I find love or love finds me that I’ll keep it just like them.

3.       Timing is indeed everything. (Robin and Regina)

I believe that true love does exist. There is someone out there for everyone. However, I feel like it is important that each person is deeply ready to be in love and all that it entitles. Example, Regina/The Evil Queen and Robin are now happily together. However, they could’ve me thirty years before. The reason they didn’t is because Regina was still going through her struggles of hate, abandonment, and hope for a better life. With the help of Tinkerbell the Fairy, Regina/The Evil Queen was given the option to find who her true love was. They were outside of the bar that he was at and all she could do was stare at him. She never went in.

Copyright by 2015 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

The timing for Regina and Robin has had many setbacks but now that they are together it’s magical.

Tinkerbell, like myself and many other fans, were angry at Regina/The Evil Queen’s choice. There is another perspective to it though. That perspective identifies with many and helped with understanding of Regina/The Evil Queen’s choice. Timing is indeed everything. Everything does happen for a reason. Sometimes you have to go through those obstacles and work out those struggles so that when the time presents itself you are able to truly accept love. If Regina/The Evil Queen met Robin before she did, she wouldn’t have gotten over her anger with Snow. She also wouldn’t’ve gotten Henry. The same for Robin who saved so many people and had his son. Thankfully, Regina and Robin are together. 

Copyright by 2014 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

You can feel Emma and Hook’s chemistry heating up every week.

4.       It’s okay to be a strong woman. Just find a strong man to understand you. (Emma and Hook)

Emma and Hook’s love story is admirable and relatable. Perhaps it’s because we’ve watched their characters truly develop from being enemies to being lovers. We’ve seen how each gesture and comment has helped deepen their love for each other. Emma is the main protagonist of the show. We have watched her struggle from being abandoned, in countless amounts of foster care homes and more. We’ve watched her trust people to only have them disappoint her. When Emma finally meets her parents, it takes a lot of time for her to even truly forgive them. Emma is tough because she’s always had to protect herself. Eventually, there’s someone that comes along and realizes her exterior and interior being. Hook is determined to love her through all of that. Hook is everything that someone wants in a partner. He is just as strong as her. He understands life’s hardships she’s faced. He longs to understand her and help her anyway he can. Hook sold his most prized possession, his boat, to help Emma in her time of need. Hook had to work hard to get Emma’s trust, respect and love. In return, he states that he is a better person because of her. There love showcases that though you may go through things in life that aren’t fair and hard. Though you may feel that there’s no one out there that may love you or truly understand you. There is someone for everyone.

  5.       Love will always find you. (Snow and Prince Charming)

The most romantic story on this show is Snow White and Prince Charming. Though their daughter is the main protagonist of the show, it is their love that captivates everyone. The Charmings have gone through a lot through their lives, together and separate. They have battled strong enemies and overcame near impossible obstacles. However, it is their love that remains pure and genuine that motivates everyone around them. They are the heroes that even in their darkest times find a way to keep everyone’s spirits lifted and give hope. It’s interesting because most of the people on Once Upon A Time have these magical powers that are unstoppable. However, Snow White and Prince Charming always find a way to win.

Prince Charming and Snow White met in unpredictable incident. He was passing through a rode and she was trying to rob the rich. They had one run in and couldn’t stay away from each other. They always found a way to love each other. Their love for each other wasn’t even unstoppable when Regina wiped their memories for 27 years due to the Storybrooke curse. They still found a way to fall in love with each other. When their memories came back, they weren’t blown away because they always had faith that they would find each other. Their love is the theme for the show. Even when it feels like there isn’t love or it won’t last, have faith that love will win. If you aren’t in love, just know that love will eventually find you.

 

Copyright by 2011 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Snow White and Prince Charming were the first love story we learned of at the beginning of the show. There story is continuously developing. Fans are always wanting the best for them.

 

 

The Adventures of A Kid Movie Lover: The Good Dinosaur

Posted on by astoldbytaniya

THIS DOESN’T HAVE ANY SPOILERS TO THE GOOD DINOSAUR! SPOILERS FOR THE LION KING!

Many would say my obsession with animated children movies is a problem. I’ve had a couple of ‘frenemies‘ say that it is only due to my lack of wanting to grow up. Cue eye rolling. However, I digress.

My love for Disney, Pixar, and Dreamworks movies are the only thing that keeps me sane. I promise! Come on, we all know how stressful ‘adulting’ can be. BILLS! BILLS! BILLS! On a night when I need to unwind, I can always count on my movies. I’ll pull out my old school VHS player and press rewind for some great singing and dancing.

My absolute favorite childhood film is The Lion King. It’s an amazing quality that I can quote it from beginning to end. I sing along to all the songs and pretend that I have great friends like Timon and Pumbaa. I cry whenever Simba is running after the gazelles to save his trampled father. I pretend that maybe, just maybe, the story will change were the greatest king that ever lived, Mufasa, will be able to return home with Simba. I just pray that they’ll stop Scar and run the Pridelands together.

Even more than that, I enjoy the rivoting story of a young cub growing into a king. He, after watching him grow up, finally finds the strength within to overcome his past. He has to come to grips with the past of accidentally causing the death of his father. He even has a moment with his father appearing in the stars and in the pond near him. It’s, in my opinion, the greatest scene in any movie ever made.

Overall, I love the inspiration that the story gives. I never felt I would find a movie even remotely close to that. Until last week, I went to see a movie with my daycare kids called, The Good Dinosaur.

The kids raved and ranted to me all week about the movie. They said and I quote  how it was the greatest movie ever and how emotional it made. I, considering their rants and raves about everything, took their comments lightly. Was I wrong? No one could blame me though. These are the same children that ranted and raved to me about Frozen. Don’t get me wrong, Frozen is awesome. However, it was not the greatest child animated film. According to them, it was.

Thursday, March 17th, was the day I realized there was another movie right underneath the greatest. Within five seconds of the movie, I knew that I was hooked. I couldn’t compare myself to such a magical experience. I will try not to include any spoilers. However, I will try in a couple of steps to explain to you why you should see “The Good Dinosaur”. If you are a Lion King fan, this is a requirement.

Scenery

THE GOOD DINOSAUR

THE GOOD DINOSAUR – Pictured: Arlo. ©2015 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved. (Stills Edited by Stitch Kingdom)

The film’s digital scenery is like none that I’ve seen before. It’s very detailed and pure. It’s so realistic that most could look at this photo and think it’s real. If you look closely you can see our protagonist, Arlo is on the top. Arlo is a lime green dinosaur that captures your heart from the start. The second thing that captures your heart is the beautiful place and scenery that the film showcases. I thought nothing could compare to the Pridelands until I say Arlo’s back door.

THE GOOD DINOSAUR

THE GOOD DINOSAUR – Pictured: Arlo. ©2015 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved. (Stills Edited by Stitch Kingdom)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friendships

As you get older, friendships dwindle or fade away. There are some that have the same few friends since they can remember. There are others like our good dinosaur, Arlo, that make friends that will leave a lasting impression on our life. Arlo meets a interesting sidekick that he once hates but later feels responsible for. Arlo and his friend (will not ruin name) go through the test of times together. They are a great example of what friendship means opposite Timon, Pumbaa, and Simba.

THE GOOD DINOSAUR

THE GOOD DINOSAUR – SEEING THE LIGHT — An Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend in Disney•Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur.” Directed by Peter Sohn, “The Good Dinosaur” opens in theaters nationwide Nov. 25, 2015. ©2015 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved. (Stills edited by Stitch Kingdom)

 

 

Underdog 

THE GOOD DINOSAUR

THE GOOD DINOSAUR – Pictured: Arlo. ©2015 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved. (Stills Edited by Stitch Kingdom)

Every movie has one. This isn’t a spoiler. Arlo, is similar to our wonder hero from The Lion King, Simba. Arlo has to fight through his past to overcome his deepest fears and be the good dinosaur fans know he can be. Arlo doesn’t disappoint.

 

Great Storyline

Story’s that captivate you no matter your age are the best. For me, I looked around the theater that Thursday afternoon and saw all ages crying, laughing and cheering. Adults taking their children, grandparents that their grandchildren, could all be seen smiling after leaving. I knew then that this movie had a strong effect and should be seen by everyone possible. The main reason that this movie really captures people is because of its relatable tone and voice of reason. It’s deep message could be used throughout one’s life. Similar to Lion King’s effect of embracing oneself, The Good Dinosaur allows viewers to desire that feeling. “The Good Dinosaur” the essence that adults and children near and far will doubt themselves sometimes. The true goal is to be loyal, honest, true and overall, good.

 

THE GOOD DINOSAUR

THE GOOD DINOSAUR – Pictured: Arlo. ©2015 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved. (Stills Edited by Stitch Kingdom)

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Still from the movie, The Lion King. Recieved from Photo Bucket.

The Adventures of a Sick Person

Posted on by astoldbytaniya

This post is one that many readers can relate to. This post evaluates the issue of being sick. Many of us can feel tough and invincible until we are hurling over a toilet, coughing until we can’t breathe or running a horrible fever with chills. This week I was stopped right in my tracks with this issue and sense it consumed me I decided to evaluate the situation.

 Denial

This past week I experienced something that wasn’t in my planner. This issue scratched everything that was planned out and became a top priority. I kept feeling at the start of the week very sluggish, tired, and queasy. I knew that I had been overworking myself. However, it was when I was trying to do the news for my Wednesday night show and was in extreme pain that reality struck.

news sad face

My tryout session for NTTV news. It’s like I could see this moment in the future. (Credit: Sophia Constantine)

I realized that I was sick.

If you’re like me, you don’t have time to be sick. There’s so many things that need to be done. I always say to myself, “If I can just make it to the weekend. I will rest up and take care of myself.” Well, my body wasn’t relying on the weekend. After vomiting my soul in a toilet from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, I understood that my body had crashed. I texted my boss after my third bathroom visit and told her that I wouldn’t come into work. Plans had officially changed.

 

Self-Diagnosis:

This can either be a good thing or a bad thing. I knew in my heart that this was an average case of a stomach bug. I remembered a couple of people I knew had it some days ago. However, when you feel horrible and nearly want to die to relieve the pain, you’ll try anything.

I looked up online all of my symptoms and found out the possible illnesses. After sometime I realized, I could either have a case of an Appendicitis or a stomach bug. WebMD is great for the simple analysis but if you don’t want to scare yourself, don’t go on.

Sleep All Day and Night

After finally dry heaving into the toilet the last deposits of my stomach, I finally could rest in bed. I had been sleeping in the bathroom after being tired of running in every 20 minutes.

bed

My only destination when I’m sick…. my bed. (Credit: Ta’Niya Breedlove)

Once I climbed into my bed, I slept for what seemed like forever. It was understandable considering I felt like I had been hit by a wrecking ball the size of the sun. I remember waking up at one point and having my head leaning over the edge of the bed and one sock off. It felt amazing finally not vomiting. I had the after effects of an unsettled stomach that would linger throughout the day. After the 3rd nap, I was able to look at my television.

Random Marathons

There’s usually only one thing you can do when you are sick. That is to watch television. It’s interesting what’s really on television in the daytime. I usually don’t get a chance with work and school. That wasn’t the case today. First, I watched a couple of daytime talk shows. It’s amazing how many of them they have. I learned how to properly fold a fitted sheet and underwear. Then, I had the channel on a Law and Order marathon. It was delightful because in between naps I would wake up for either the end of an episode or the beginning. I became a really good detective and had a 70 percent chance of picking the right killer. Lastly, I watched one of my favorite childhood channels, Nickelodeon. It was interesting because for four hours they had SpongeBob on. I was a bit aggravated considering all the possible shows they could’ve played. However, after SpongeBob they played two of my favorite shows, iCarly and Victorious. They are two shows that made me laugh in my time of need. Considering when I’m sick how emotional I can get, the shows were a ray of sunshine.

The Keepers

I am very grateful that I live at home for many reasons but one in particular is when I’m sick. My family caters to my every little need. Some would call me a baby. Well, my Mom does call me that. I cry out at moments when I need something to quench my thirst or ease my hunger. I cry out when I need an extra blanket to warm me up. Even minutes later I’ll call them to cool down the house with the air conditioning. They never fuss but only when I try to do it myself. The real reason they complain is because they don’t want me to spread any germs around the house. It’s funny even when they come into my room they make a big deal about disinfecting. They try to come in fast and are covered up similar to a ninja.

Bathing/Shower:

Usually the one thing I am responsible of controlling is cleaning my body. It takes all of my energy to shower or take a bath. I usually convince myself for an hour to get up and get it done. When I finally get up, my legs are shaky and wobbly.

my brother outside bathroom

My Brother outside the bathroom when I was showering. He played “Hello” by Adele. (Credit: DJ Breedlove)

I reach into my dresser to find my comfort pajamas, my warm, fuzzy cow onesie. I walk ten steps into my shower and turn on the warm water. I let the water fall onto my body and I wonder why I didn’t do this sooner. I take the longest shower. After what seems like a moment I dry off, put on my onesie and walk back to my bed. I take another nap after I realize it is only noon.

The Diet

8 pack of sierra mist

I nearly drunk the whole pack in one day. (Credit: Ta’Niya Breedlove)

This is what I call it. I’m not able to eat for a while considering my fear of not holding the food in my stomach. Eventually I can and my basic needs are met with the delicious crunch of Saltine Crackers and a chilling lemon-lime Sprite or Sierra Mist. Towards the end of the night I upgrade to a blue Gatorade. This diet is the only thing to look forward to. I was trying to work my way up to soup but the smell was horrific and I had to turn it away. The diet wasn’t horrible until I smelled my family enjoying their grilled steak, baked potato and salad for dinner. That’s when I realized that my body had really betrayed me.

Back to Reality

After finally being able to go to sleep at 2am, I realize that I am better than the night before. I look back at all my enjoyed moments throughout the past 24 hours. I realize that I never want to be sick again. I vowed to stay healthy. I vowed to always eat my vegetables and fruit, try to exercise and rest. Even though I know, sickness is not in my control.

sleep at 203

After napping all day, I could finally fall asleep all night. (Credit: Ta’Niya Breedlove)

The Adventures of a College Student: Not Enough Time

Posted on by astoldbytaniya

(title picture by http://victorygirlsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/clock1.jpg)

Definition of Time

365 days in a year. 52 weeks in one year. Seven days in a week. 24 hours in one day. 60 minutes in an hour. One minute is 60 seconds.

The meaning of those sentences above could easily be summed up as TIME. Time is money. Time is energy. Time is Power. Time is EVERYTHING.

Disagree with me not, for time truly is everything. Even more so when you are a working-college student.

My time, from the moment I wake up, is consumed by things, ideas, plans, and work. My time is not essentially handed out but rather taken away from me. For there are times that I am a rushing race horse. Continuously, running a race that appears like there is no finish line.

This week was a week that I saw time leaving and it seemed that I couldn’t stop it. It seemed as though it was pulling me and I couldn’t catch up.

Time: Local Construction

A couple of months ago, my commute to school would’ve taken, with traffic, 15 minutes. However, the state, coincidentally, started construction when I transferred. At first, it was one lane closing. The solution was to just merge into another lane. Add three minutes. Then it was one whole road closing. That wasn’t so bad and it wasn’t so great either. However, all I did was just take another way to the highway. Add ten minutes. The biggest upset came when two of the bridges I normally would take magically disappeared. This caused me to take a back road that had, sure enough, two school zones. Add 10 minutes. No, let’s add 15 minutes for the fun of my stress in the morning.

denton traffic text

Funny Picture that I saw on Facebook about Denton Traffic. (Credit: Avery Comer)

If your Math is at least on a fifth grade level, you’re correct. It’s a 43 minute drive from my house to the University of North Texas. Insane, try doing it four times a week.  

Time: Roommate

I have recently began staying with a friend on the days that I go to campus. She stays a lot closer with no construction issues. However the issues with staying with her is that she’s a night owl and a busy bee combined. While I’m snuggly uncomfortably on her old Granny couch. She flickers on lights here and there and holds night conversations with her live-in boyfriend. While my eyes are closed, I can hear her considerably saying, “Let’s try not to wake Ta’Niya.” As she goes in the kitchen to fry some French Fries and drink unusual amounts of water before bedtime.

Also, her air conditioning is nothing shy of – Antarctica meets the North Pole- cold temperatures.

amber and I at chinese food

My Polar Bear Best Friend that I’ve known since I was ten. She’s a great person when she’s not freezing me. (Credit: Ta’Niya Breedlove)

Time: School

By the time I finally go to sleep, my alarm, ever so nicely, wakes me with a startle.

class schedule spring

My class schedule for this semester. (Credit by: Ta’Niya Breedlove)

Classes aren’t so bad. Being in my Major Core classes and an online science class is not a difficult schedule.  Basically, I listen to tons of lectures and complete unlimited amounts of assignments. After my classes are over at 12: 20pm, I can anticipate more things highlighted and bolded in my Planner.

I say my goodbyes to my friends as they walk to Fry Street and complain about school over margaritas. If only I had the time to complain.

 Time: Work

I rush into work with one leg in jeans and another in khakis with my arms in my labeled polo. That is a bit of an exaggeration but I am in a hurry to clock in. I usually change in the car or in the bathroom at work.

hunter and I

Pajama Day with one of my Daycare Kids. (Credit: Ta’Niya Breedlove)

I work with the most eccentric group of four year olds. I must have as much energy and craziness as them. If I don’t, I will be aggravated and frustrated. I have to worry about planning activities for them to do every day. The activities usually involve a wide variety of objects; marsh mellows, silly string, construction paper, paint and more. As well as, cleaning up a disastrous classroom after majority of my kids have left for the day. Overall my time at work is between six to eight hours a day. My boss is kind to work with my school schedule so I arrive when I can. Sometimes at work I wish I was rich so that I could just go to school. The time that I use working extremely hard I could focus on homework, studying, or finding an internship. However, I need to pay bills.

Time: Extra

Every day I get a total of two hours to myself when I finally get home. I usually try to unwind by doing my favorite thing, WATCHING TV. I feel that I may have gone crazy a long time ago if I didn’t have my shows to look forward to. I watch a combination of different shows. I love shows like comedy, drama, and reality. I watch Scandal, Pretty Little Liars, Once Upon a Time and more. Sometimes when I’m stressed at school or work I think of what television show comes on that night. This moment is my escape from reality for a bit.

Time: Family and Maybe Friends or Neither

babes family photo

Dinner with my family at Babe’s Chicken in Sanger, Texas. (Credit: Ta’Niya Breedlove)

funny brother picture

My Brother took these pictures. We were in the car as a family. (Credit: DJ Breedlove)

The most heartbreaking thing of all is my lack of time with my circle of love. This circle consists of my family and my close friends. I am robbed of energy and time that I can spend with them. There are times when we are going to dinner or a movie that I snooze in my seat. Though I am grateful for their support they sometimes are upset when I can’t be with them. They become sad when I constantly have to say, “Raincheck, please?” They don’t fully understand the life that I am living and that my acts aren’t intentional.

In Reality….

I would love to say that this post is a complaint. It is a reality of what my life is. This is my life. I know that I only have one to live. All of the many things that I am doing are important to me.

I love that I am going to school to be a Broadcast Journalist. I love that I have a fun job that allows me to be crazy. I love the town that I live in, regardless of all the construction. I will always love my Circle of Love.

There are times when I am completely overwhelmed and exhausted. There are times when I laugh to the point of crying. I love so hard that my heart beats strong. With all of these factors, I continue to add to my planner. Time continues to go on with my life.

in front of Amber hous

Feeling positive about my life. (Credit: Ta’Niya Breedlove)