4th of July Taken for Granted

As I prepare for my visit to Ft.Campbell, Ky Home of the 101Airborne Division. I get some extra cash to buy fireworks. One of the soldiers that was accompanying me mentioned how he hates 4Th of July and New Years Eve. I was taken back. I believe he was just as surprise as there was an awkward silence for a moment. Then he said let me rephrase what I mean; I hate the fireworks part of the celebration's. For a split moment I am taken back to war and I have unsettled memories of Iraq and Aghanistian.

I didn't realized how I take some of the simple things in life for granted. Fireworks for example. Sitting back and enjoying the bright colors, they do make a very loud noise. Its a sound that is not enjoyable to some soldiers. BBQ's are taken for granted too. One solider told me about how he was on a mission one 4th of July; and didn't get to enjoy the simplicity of "chill'n with friends." One said, " the thought of getting in my car and going ... Freedom to just get up and leave."

I was very proud of the company I was with. I kinda sat in silence with my thoughts. I realized that a lot of these soldiers were much younger than I. I understand it all now. Freedom; taken away from them, for split moments. I understand its a volunteer military, but you have to hand it to them. I could not do it. For the choice they made to defend our country at all cost; I Thank You.

Own Worst Enemy

"Off with her head, Off with her head"... I said.

Women are there own worst enemy. I know because I am one, in case you didn't already know. We disrespect another woman if we don't like what we see. Its fear of understanding our true selves. The aggravation I see in you, is what I truly see in myself. Example: if we see a woman that is skinner than us, we think "Skinny Bitch" she probably just throws up. When in reality, she may not feel so skinny or really does have a problem. As women we keep on feeding this vicious cycle of self-destruction. The truth of the matter is fear based self-esteem. If we were taught to have self-esteem, we wouldn't have this problem.

There are helpful tips we can do to help ourselves. We can easily rediscover our inner beauty. I love quick fixes, so I would start with a list of 5 things to do. The more we feel better progress this list to 10 and so on. Start with simple things such as painting your toenails, put lip gloss on, or sit up strait. Make a mixed tape of your favorite upbeat music and jam out. Look at your self in the mirror and well your self " I LOVE YOU". Spend time with the people that are nice to you and make you feel good about you. Tell yourself that your a good person and you deserve to be alive.

The next time we decided to get "Bitchy" at another woman, take a step back and think of something positive. Food for thought: if you "gossip" about someone else; chances are they are doing the same about you.

Bacon and Grease

Today we are going to explore one of the tangled webs of entertainment, Underground Hip Hop radio station, Bacon and Grease. Here is a site that thrives on engaging in interactive energy. They gather small town Hip Hop artist to unbreakable barriers of oceans and state lines apart. The Creator of Bacon and Grease; Kristina Trevino has an ear for underground music. As I understand it, all artist that make it on to her station. Represent a unique style from whatever "Hood" or "Barrio" the artist is from. Lyrics are from the heart and real life struggles of wanting to express themselves. This has become an old time art with a new generation perspective. I personally, am not a fan of Hip Hop. Although, I can understand the lyrical poetry of heart ache, struggles, and the fight to come up for fresh air.

If you would like to visit the site, or explore a world with in the one we are living in. I recommend you get a 40oz of your favorite alcohol or non-alcoholic beverage. Lean your seat back low, and put on all the jewelry you own and "Gangsta" it out by listening to one of the many artist Bacon and Grease has to offer.

http://baconandgrease.ning.com/