<![CDATA[2 BLACK Girls - Daily Musings]]>Sun, 30 Jun 2024 15:01:52 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Sigh: Last Day Teaching]]>Fri, 08 May 2015 23:17:47 GMThttp://2blkgrls.weebly.com/daily-musings/sigh-last-day-teachingToday was my last day teaching at a local middle school. I am extremely sad. More sad than I thought I would be. I learned so much in my short time as a teacher and still have a lot of learn in order to become a better educator. I gave my students feedback cards in the areas that I did well or could improve. I realized that life is all about taking the constructive criticism in oder t become better. I am excited to take their feedback and what I learned n the classroom and use it in the future. 
Written By:Lauren B. I @laurenbeal
]]><![CDATA[Begin Mornings With Breakfast]]>Tue, 05 May 2015 13:52:36 GMThttp://2blkgrls.weebly.com/daily-musings/begin-mornings-with-breakfastStarting the day with breakfast and a coffee will change your whole outlook on life. For the past few days I have been skipping breakfast, due to running late, and have seen the difference. Your mind and body just wakes up and comes alive when you have something on your stomach to start the day. 

I issue you a 2-week breakfast challenge. Eat something in the morning before you leave your house for two weeks and see the results. 
Written By: Lauren B. I @laurenbeal
]]><![CDATA[Hard Work Pays Off]]>Mon, 04 May 2015 13:50:12 GMThttp://2blkgrls.weebly.com/daily-musings/hard-work-pays-offMy body isn't as it used to be. I knew this day would come but have been quietly dreading it. The pounds don't come off as easily as they did 6 or 7 years ago. The food sticks more often than it did 6 or 7 years ago. I hate dieting and I hate working out but I vowed this year to start eating more heathy. During the week, I cut out most junk foods and cut down portion sizes. Needless to say I have not hit one single stair master as I should, but I am down 10 pounds. This summer, I am making a conscious plan to change up my diet even more and start to do small workouts. Being heathy isn't just about the now but living a long and beautiful life. I will make sure to keep you updated about my struggles and triumphs. 
Written By: Lauren B. I @laurenbeal
]]><![CDATA[Why Twitter, Just Why...]]>Tue, 28 Apr 2015 01:37:39 GMThttp://2blkgrls.weebly.com/daily-musings/why-twitter-just-why
Like most young people, I often turn to social media to get updates on developing news stories. Sadly, many journalists, news sites, and new programming is not as quick as developing stories as a person with a camera phone on the streets. To update my news I might have CNN on my televison, a news site open on my computer and twitter. While looking for developing stories and different perspectives on the Baltimore Riots i have also noticed Love and Hip Hop Trending. Why is such a serious new story such as the these protest being overshadowed by trending topics like Mama Dee? Things I just cant understand...
Written By: Lauren B. I @laurenbeal
]]><![CDATA[Young & Travel]]>Mon, 20 Apr 2015 20:49:44 GMThttp://2blkgrls.weebly.com/daily-musings/young-travel
I saw this as one of the many posts I come across on social media. I stopped just for a moment and remembered how important it is to travel and see the world. The world is a huge place but the world is also your backyard.

I have been lucky enough to travel outside of the United States twice. Once to England and to the Bahamas. There is no feeling better in the world to take in new sights and get new highs. 

While my youth and situations prevents me from traveling internationally at this time, I am making a pledge to explore what is in front of me. This weekend I traveled to a small city next to the city where I live. Although just a short time, it was interesting to eat the food in the local town, see signs and how the drought is affecting the lives of individuals, and lastly to remember the spirit in which travel is made important. I challenge you to travel and explore! 
Written By: Lauren B. I @laurenbeal
]]><![CDATA[I guess I'm not cool...]]>Fri, 17 Apr 2015 23:50:12 GMThttp://2blkgrls.weebly.com/daily-musings/i-guess-im-not-coolI am a teacher. Today one of my students was acting up in class and I had to discipline. Typically, I do not discipline harshly as I feel this is not conducive to the learning environment. However, today was all about respect for the class and the environment. After I disciplined the student, they said 
Man, Ms. B, I thougt you were cool 
It made me realize. While I do want relationships with your students never get too comfortable. This is a lesson in life as well. Any relationship you may have know the boundaries, expectations, and outcomes you want. In that relationship build toward the outcomes. I guess today I realized while I want my students to like me or even think "im cool" it cant come from the sacrifice of their education. 
Written By: Lauren B I @laurenbeal
]]><![CDATA[I Found My Claddagh Ring!]]>Thu, 16 Apr 2015 17:19:17 GMThttp://2blkgrls.weebly.com/daily-musings/i-found-my-claddagh-ring
Yesterday I went through my jewelry looking for a specific pair of earrings. In searching I found my Claddagh ring and it made me smile. I bought this ring when I was about 8 years old. For whatever reasons the hands attracted me and it I just had to get it because it was my birthstone. Looking at this ring reminded me of my 2012 trip to Central London. One of the guys from the flat my class stayed in had this tattooed on his finger. I remember him telling a few of us why he got it and what it meant. I remember being so shocked that it meant something as I just thought it was another ring design. Once he told us the meaning is in how you wear it, I thought, man I'll be more cautious when I wear mine. *Read on for the meaning*
The Claddagh's distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart, and usually surmounted by a crown. The elements of this symbol are often said to correspond to the qualities of love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown). The way that a Claddagh ring is worn on the hand is usually intended to convey the wearer's romantic availability, or lack thereof.

If the ring is on the right hand with the heart facing outward/away from the body, this indicates that the person wearing the ring is not in any serious relationship, and may be single and looking for a relationship: "their heart is open."

When worn on the right hand but with the heart facing inward toward the body, this indicates the person wearing the ring is in a relationship, or that "someone has captured their heart".

A Claddagh worn on the left hand ring finger facing outward away from the body generally indicates that the wearer is engaged.

When the ring is on the left hand ring finger and facing inward toward the body, it generally means that the person wearing the ring is married.
WRITTEN BY: VIOLA CONSTANCE | @Voila_its_Viola
]]><![CDATA[Sometimes People Just Want You To Listen]]>Thu, 16 Apr 2015 00:05:53 GMThttp://2blkgrls.weebly.com/daily-musings/sometimes-people-just-want-you-to-listenPeople tend to always come to me to vent. Be it in the work place, when I volunteer, complete strangers when I'm out and about, something draws them to me. They open up and spill their guts about various things ranging from health concerns and relationship issues to living certain lifestyles and things far more personal. Most of the time I do not respond in many words, because either I don't feel it necessary or the person venting did not ask my advice or opinion. Sometimes people just want to be heard. Sometimes they want a non-judgemental mouth to speak to. Sometimes they just want to release things they may have been holding in for far too long. This week the complaints, the rants and raves have been pouring in. I took a lesson from all of those who want me to listen and spoke to select individuals about things I am currently dealing with,and I must admit, it felt really good. An imaginary weight was lifted from my being.

Find time to close your mouth and open your eyes for someone, you could help lift their weights and spirits! 
WRITTEN BY: VIOLA CONSTANCE | @Voila_its_Viola
]]><![CDATA[Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan]]>Wed, 15 Apr 2015 00:16:03 GMThttp://2blkgrls.weebly.com/daily-musings/plan-your-work-work-your-planMargaret Thatcher once said, " Plan your work for today and everyday, then work your plan." Often times people miss either one or both of these steps. You want to change or transition in life then plan what you are doing. It might not have to be microscopic planning but everyday you should be working toward a goal. After you know your goal, create a plan on how to can attain and maintain it. Having a plan is great but having the follow through is the necessary step most people miss. After planning, WORK IT! 
Written By: Lauren B. I @laurenbeal
]]><![CDATA[April 13th, 2015]]>Mon, 13 Apr 2015 19:59:49 GMThttp://2blkgrls.weebly.com/daily-musings/april-13th-2015Advice is wonderful! From family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. Advice can come in many forms. Even unsolicited advice can sometimes lead to wonderful new opportunities. There are issues when people give "advice" just to tear you down or purposefully make you believe wrong information. Sometimes you wont know it until you act on their advice. Sometimes, caution and asking for a second opinion is much needed. While there are a lot of people with good intentions, you must keep a close eye on those who want to constantly dole out bad advice. ]]>