#ThrowbackThursday to 2010 of me trying to sing /play Alicia Keys’ “Unthinkable”.
Author: asiamber
Great Web Series!
If you’re tired of “reality tv” or don’t have Hulu or Netflix check out these web series for FREE! These are some of my favorite YouTube web series because they have a variety of complexions, hair textures, and real life and funny situations people go through. Please go and check out #IssaRae & #BlackandSexyTV‘s web series: #HelloCupid, #AwkwardBlackGirl, #RoomieLoverFriends, & #FirstTvSeries

This time of year so many people make New Year’s Resolutions, but how many actually go through with them past the first few weeks of January? Why wait until it’s a new year to better yourself? Self improvement should be year round. However, January is a symbolic month with origins of new beginnings and transition. “People say they’re going to eat less or they’re going to stop smoking or they’re going to stop whatever. One of the reasons it’s hard to do that is now you’re replacing this behavior with no behavior. So what you need to do is replace a habit with some other behavior.” says Art Markman, author of Smart Thinking: Three Essential Keys to Solve Problems, Innovate and Get Things Done. If you’re not a celebrity with a million dollar contract or hired people to help you maintain a goal it is more challenging to accomplish.
Between Jennifer Hudson belting out ballads to herself, Janet Jackson whispering, and now Mariah Carey and Charles Barkley appearing in the “new year, new me” type of commercials we can become annoyed. Change is already difficult. Don’t make promises you know you cannot keep. If your goal is to run a mile, but you’re out of breath walking up a flight of stairs, maybe you should start off slow by stretching and walking. Nothing happens overnight. “I will not do this”, “I won’t say that”, “I will do this more”. The mental or physical things to do list some make for can become frustrating, because we at times don’t know how to go about change. Be faithful of smaller tasks like waking up a few minutes earlier, not waiting until the last minute to start something. Monitor what you watch and listen to. Surround yourself with people who will encourage and help you make the right decisions and maybe you’ll see actual results and accomplish goals throughout the entire year instead of envisioning them
12 Years A Slave Review

There aren’t enough words to describe how I felt after watching 12 Years A Slave . The film is based off of the book and true story of Solomon Northup, a free Black man kidnapped and put into slavery. Solomon Northup wrote 12 Years A Slave and published it only five months after winning his freedom back from being kidnapped and sold into slavery. When the credits rolled at the end of the film I walked out of the theater speechless and in a deep trance. The acting was phenomenal and tells the ugly truth of slavery. A lot of times the millennial generation forgets about what our ancestors went through so that we can have the lives we live today. Sadly, slavery is still thriving in the world today and the cycle will never break until we face the facts. This film made me appreciative of not having to live in a certain time period, and how far we’ve come as a society and far we still have to go.
Roomates Whitney and Robin navigate life and dating. If you watch MTV’s #Catfish, you’ll enjoy this Web Series #HelloCupid
Check It Out! #BlackGirlsRock
Good Music!

I can listen to these albums without skipping a song! If you enjoy R&B and Symphony Orchestra you will enjoy these albums! Go support the following artists:
Janelle Monae’s “The Electric Lady”, Justin Timberlake’s “The 20/20 Experience” , India.Arie’s “Songversation” and Kendrick Lamar’s “Good Kid M.A.A.D. City”
Don’t Dim Your Light!
In personal relationships and friendships in order to get along with others some tone down their physical appearance and dumb down who they are to eliminate being judged and have people like or love them, but you should NEVER feel like you always have to do that! * That doesn’t mean not to listen to legit people’s constructive criticism, better yourself, but have the discernment to know when someone is always picking on you just because or labeling you a problem because you have confidence or you think differently.
Regardless of your attire, size, complexion, style, or hair texture, SHINE because of how you carry yourself and treat people.
At times some people project their insecurities onto others. If someone is quiet, short, taller, shaped a certain way, or does not share the same interests it does not mean they are stuck up.
I’m a visual learner. So, body language, voice tone, and actions or lack of actions speak louder to me than anything else. Because of others preconceived notions, valid facts, opinions, or environment young women are praised or put down for having certain features, being more introverted, or extroverted. If you know me I’ve always changed my hairstyles and nail polish frequently. Why? Simply, Because I Can, nothing philosophical or special. For a brief moment, I will play devil’s advocate and say some use looks to their advantage, don’t take time to even talk or get to know someone for themselves, or think people skills and hard work don’t apply to them.
Some people are naturally thin, others are naturally thick and it won’t matter how much one eats or work out in my Future the rapper voice: Ain’t No Way around It! Unless surgery for the right reasons. That’s not an excuse to eat crazy because you’re slender or if you’re bigger in certain places to make fun of another’s body type. I’m no Fashion Police or What Not to Wear expert or shopper! However, to eliminate unnecessary drama, annoyances, and insecurities I think it’s at times necessary to shop with people who share your body type or understand dressing for certain styles. Understand the dilemma of being petite, tall, short, skinny, busty, hippy, thick, bigger in certain places, smaller others places, larger other areas, shoe sizes, etc. My 2 cents: If you can never genuinely verbally, emotionally support, acknowledge, or encourage another person or give another person a compliment something’s seriously wrong!
—Peace Out follow@asiamber
When in Rome….Italia
Words can’t even describe how history books have literally come to life before my eyes! I recently had an opportunity to travel overseas. Italy is a beautiful country, rich with historic cities – from the hilly country sides, wine vineyards and valleys, to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the Coliseum. I feel as if I’m walking in a real-life pop-up book!
After a 13-hour flight from California, we finally touched down in Rome and took an hour flight to Northern Italy, to the fashion capital of Milan and saw the intricate details of Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” Milan’s hustle-and-bustle city life on narrow-scooter filled streets was instantly seen in a blink of an eye. Then, I was off to Venice, Sorrento, Montecatini, San Domenico and Siena.
We left Milan for Venice. Venice is cool and breezy and where we were serenaded on a gondola boat ride. We moved on to our next adventure and went to Florence to see Michelangelo’s Statue of David. Many areas in Italy, such as The Vatican and beautiful Sistine Chapel are so historic and very sacred that photographs and videos aren’t allowed.
Walking down the narrow cobblestone roads you could see the delicious gelato stands and smell the fresh food and many vendors selling souvenirs and artists sketching the historic cathedrals and other buildings and water fountains.
The next few days were really fast paced, we finally made it
to the beautiful island and hills of Capri, Italy, where we sailed the aqua waves of
The Tyrrhenian Sea to see the breath-taking scenery of Capri.
Regardless of background music, dance, and the performing arts are the universal language. It’s how we all communicate and connect with one another. On the small, yet efficient minibus radio you could hear Italian and American musical artists such as: Andrea Bucceli, Celine Dion, Beyoncé and Michael Jackson playing. Even though it’s almost 2013, the 90s song “The Macarena”, is still a really popular dance in Italy!
Overall, Italy is gorgeous and the people here really take pride in their country and their city and regions. I’ve learned so much about myself and others while here. I will never forget this opportunity, Mr. and Mrs. McMullins and The Fantasy Tours Family. I am forever grateful for having an education and living in a country that provides me a chance to enhance my mind and horizons overseas and in the States.
ASIAMBER 2013 ©
My Love is Your LOVE!
Whitney Houston’s “My Love is Your Love”
Even before “SPARKLE” I’ve always loved the sound and energy of this video; from Bobbi Kristina’s and Wyclef’s ad-libs and everyone clapping! Just Live and Love Life!
Kick, Push, Coast!

Lupe Fiasco’s “Kick Push” is a motivational song!
Check out FVSU student’s Chazz Wilcox (left) and Aaron Jones’ (right) stories about skating and life.
At a very young age Aaron Jones taught himself how to skate on quads and roller blades. Aaron finds it more comfortable and convenient to skate rather than walk. When I was in high school people talked about me and considered me weird, now that I’m in college my roller skating is embraced. My first job was at Olympia Skate Center in Warner Robins, GA. “A lot of people stereotype us skaters as trouble makers and weed smokers, but that’s not me, skating is my drug. It keeps me in shape, out of trouble, and it’s a way I express myself.” When I’m in skating I listen to everything from Gospel to Rap and Rock. I zone out when I have my headphones in and all my feelings whether I’m sad or frustrated go away”.
Skate boarding is now trendy, but Chazz Wilcox has been skate boarding since the age of three. “I learned different tricks by going to skate parks in Columbus and Macon, Georgia and by watching YouTube videos and pro-skateboarder Terry Kennedy”. I would tell beginners don’t be afraid, get out there and try. The number one lesson I’ve learned from skating is if you fall, get back up and try again.
ASIAMBER 2013 ©



