2012-2013

Well, it's a new year...but I'm still the same lil ole me. I suppose it's been a while since I've given you an update on my life. I think I say that every time I blog, but that's irrelevant.  So, in order to do a little catching up I need to do a quick flashback to 2012.

In ::insert month here:: of 2012 I traveled to New Orleans for a Cathy Harris Diversity & Inclusion Training. If you are in Higher Ed and interested in enhancing diversity & inclusion at your University, I encourage you to attend this training. It was a 3 day, 8-5 training, but every minute was well worth the price.  What's being in Nola without roaming the streets, right? Every where I go, I really try to learn something new. From this experience, I learned to be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

In October of 2012, my big sister became Mrs. Burse. What a wonderful wedding it was! If you know us, you know we are always down for a good time.  Some days I hear certain songs and still think of the fun we had at the reception.  Nakeitra was absolutely stunning, as you can imagine.  I hope her wedding day, and each day leading to, was everything she every dreamed of.

The bride, mom, myself, and baby brother on sister's big day! Do I have a lovely family or what?

Photobooth fun!

Sometime shortly after, we celebrated mama and my aunt Rosilin's 40& 50 birthday bash. They wanted a masquerade ball and that's exactly what they got! If I didn't know any better I would think they were 21!

In November, I traveled to Vegas for a convention. It so just happen to be election week! These pictures do no justice. It was so pleasant to see such diversity on such an amazing night.People where cheering loudly up and down the strip...such an incredible experience to share with others.

Just another beautiful view I wanted to share

A week after Vegas, I quickly washed, packed, and boarding my next plane to Denver for yet another conference.  Talkin' about weather changes?! Whew! Vegas was very very nice and I nearly froze to death in Denver. Needless to say, this little lady came down with a cold...but nothing NyQuil couldn't fix. I was well enough to finish out the conference and end with a fun day of shopping! Being in Denver all alone (well from MSU) was quite a challenge. I am blessed to be able to experience such an event, but there were literally thousands of administrations, faculty, staff in Higher Ed. Every time I stepped out of my room I saw another face....talk about anxiety!

One morning before the opening session...I was SO nervous.

Now, of course we had to finish 2012 with a bang. Joey and the Noxubee Tigers won the 4A State Championship. This was such a historical moment for the school and I am glad I was able to be apart of the celebration.  The team went 16-0...perfect season! I think that's kind of a big deal.

As soon as I got out of my boot, he was put in one. What a couple!

This year we decided to spend Christmas with my sister and her husband. They recently purchased a house, so they hosted this year.  After days of shopping, eating, and just enjoying our break, we decided to go ice skating.  This was such a fun outing for us all.

Birthdays were also celebrated in December.  Joey's sister, Deana, celebrated her birthday with a gathering at Dave's Dark Horse. Always a great place for pizza might I add. Happy Birthday Deana!

And what better way to bring in the new year.  2012 was wonderful to me and I pray I will be able to say the same at the end of 2013. I know there will be challenges, I know there will be celebrations...and I'm okay with that. I am ready to take on the challenges and rejoice in times of celebration. But most importantly, I am always ready to give God the praise. For I am ONLY here by His grace and mercy. Happy New Year!

ONE BRAND.NEVER DIVIDED.UPTOWN

"Preparation + Opportunities = Success. Be Prepared."  This is the outlook Jackson native, Brian Hart, has on life.  Brian is headed into his final semester at Hinds Community College in Jackson, MS.  Upon his completion, he will attend Jackson State University, majoring in Graphic Design. I forsee this as the beginning of Team Uptown.  Pay close attention, as you WILL see Team Uptown on billboards in the near future.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Brian during my two-year stay in Jackson, MS; we attended the same church, Lynch Street C.M.E. From the first time I met him (besides the silly streak) I knew there was something very interesting about him. Determined? Yes! Creative? Very much so! Driven? Absolutely? While most guys Brian's age are focused on young ladies and video game (which I'm sure he's very much connected to as well haha), Brian is more focused on building his brand and establishing his own clothing line, Team Uptown.

As always, I love to highlight young entrepreneurs.  I salute anyone trying to make a lasting impression on today's generation. Last week I was given the opportunity to talk with with Brian about Team Uptown.  Please see the interview below.


NRH: What is Team Uptown and how did you come up with the name?
BRIAN: Team Uptown is a clothing brand creating in Jackson, MS.  Ironically, the name stemmed from a college nickname "uptown".

NRH: Who is your target market?
BRIAN: My products are typically geared towards young, hip, and urban persons.  However, my clothing line is open to all.


NRH: How did Team Uptown come about?
BRIAN: Approximately 1.5 years ago I realized that I wanted to leave my mark in this world; I wanted to be known for something Brian invented.  With that in mind, my love for fashion, and being semi "different", I focused on creating a clothing brand.


NRH: What promotional items do you have to offer?
BRIAN: In my line of work, promotional items are essential.  As or right now, we offer t-shirts and sweatshirts.  In the future, we plan to offer various items such as rubber bands, stickers, etc.

NRH: Where do you see Team Uptown in the next five years?
BRIAN: They say if you're going to dream, dream big!  With that being said, Team Uptown WILL be in stores nationwide.  Pay close attention, you will also see my brand being promoted in videos by mainstream artists!

NRH: What is the single most influential factor in making Team Uptown successful? What is your motivation?
BRIAN: The most influential factor for my success thus far is my drive and determination.  My motivation is to become the best person I can be.  Also, to become success and make my parents proud.

NRH: What are your thoughts on education?  Most tend to think it's okay for your education to take a "back seat" if you're thriving without a degree. What do you think?
BRIAN: I believe education is the key to a successful future. It is the one thing no one can ever take from you.  After finishing at HCC, I plan to enroll at Jackson State University to complete my degree in Graphic Design.  Education is definitely important in 2012.  If all else fails, you still have your education.

NRH: Where can we purchase Team Uptown products?
BRIAN: Visit www.TeamUptown.BigCartel.com

Brian left me with a few words of wisdom: "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." He truly believes that if he takes the proper steps to plan today, success will follow.  Follow Brian Hart on twitter @BriingTheFame.

November 10: Thankful for my boyfriend

November 10: Today I am thankful for my boyfriend, Joey Sanders. Since Joey isn't on Facebook, twitter, or Instagram, I'll have to email this to him (old school) haha. However, that is one of the very reasons I am in love with this man. Joey is not the ordinary guy. I thank God that he was raised by two God fearing parents who taught him how to treat a lady. I am thankful that he has yet to veer from that. I often hear women complain about there being a shortage of "good" men. Well, first of all the word "good" is very subjective. My definition could be totally different from yours. However, I am quite certain I have a "good" man. And by good I mean one that stands by his word & puts my own feelings/interests before his. That my friend, is what I call a good man. 

Never in a million years did I think I would find a guy who loves me just as much as I love him! I know I get on his nerves every.single.day but he never complains. Joey always seems to find the best in people , which can be a blessing & a curse haha! I have watched the way he interacts with his mother & his sisters. If he continues, there is no doubt that he will be an awesome husband & father to our future children. (yes, I'm speaking it into existence). By the way, his family shows mad love as if I'm one of their own and that's a blessing!

So today I am thankful for my loving & compassionate man. My man that has not one, but 2 degrees. My man that has a stable job & knows the value of hard work. My man that never let's a day go by without telling me that he loves me. Joey, today I'm thankful for you! I am so glad God saw fit to place us together. I can not wait to see what the future holds.