Blog Archives - 2 BLACK Girls

Parking Wars!

3/30/2015

So this weekend I was in Malibu and trying to find parking. Anyone from LA knows the hassle of trying to find street parking or the struggle of the pay and wait game. Yesterday was the struggle and wait game for me. I waited about 15 minutes to find a parking spot and another 10 for the surfer to pack all his stuff and move his car. I waited patiently with my blinker on. As soon as he pulls out this person tries to dive in for the spot. All I shouted out my car was "not today mam"! The guy ended up pulling back into the spot and reversing to block her and let me have the spot. Thank God because the audacity of some people.

Written By: Lauren Beal I @laurenbeal

Boy to Man

3/29/2015

Just as back in the days black men began greeting one another simply as man. It still happens today. I always assumed that was just because they either forgot a dudes name or it was a kind of homie greeting. Recently while reading Damn The Man by Tom Dalzell I’ve learned that actually stemmed post slavery. It was a term of endearment since the slave owners addressed black men as boy. Did you all know that? What are some terms that we use on a daily bases that has historically meaning?

WRITTEN BY: VIOLA CONSTANCE | @Voila_its_Viola

I Don't Speak the Same Language but I Understand It

3/28/2015

You ever out somewhere and over hear a conversation and become interested? The conversation could be comedy or really juicy. It starts off in one language and all of a sudden the participants in this conversation just change up the language? That’s okay, you understand this language whether you speak it or not. So now you’re really into it because you feel apart of the exclusive convo club. I bring this up because I definitely do this often. I’ll admit I’m pretty nosey, well curious. I learn so much just from observation and I guess ear hustling. I won’t stare, in fact I’ll rarely glance over, but there have been times where people have looked at me like was she listening and they’ll give me a small smile. I just smile back and greet them as though I have no idea what they were just saying.

In moments like this do you tell them you speak or understand the language? Do you leave it alone and not mention it at all?

WRITTEN BY: VIOLA CONSTANCE | @Voila_its_Viola

Closed Mouths Don't Get Fed

3/27/2015

All this week I had been putting off asking for a favor from someone. I needed a letter of support and recommendation from all of my program supervisors. I think that I am doing a great but the nervous energy always puts doubt in my mind. Finally I just took up the courage to ask. My supervisor didn't even hesitate to say yes and actually already filled out my forms before I could ask. Just a reminder never hesitate to ask for what you need and want.

Written By: Lauren Beal I @laurenbeal

Compliments on OFF Days

3/26/2015

So today I received many compliments on my look... That's always nice when people can genuinely compliment someone else especially a stranger. I'm always like hey that was nice and it actually does increase my happiness level although I dress to impress my damn self, but what gets me is people super compliment on the days that I'm off. Like maybe I just decided not to comb my hair just fluff it or I decided today was going to be wrinkled shirt day, because I don't feel like ironing one piece of clothing just to go to the store or my great aunt's house up the street. Sometimes I want to say thank you, but really what's wrong with my look? You don't see these damn wrinkles? Lol am I just being self-conscience or what? That's just like, have you ever had “an off day”? You run a few quick errands not all put together and you end up seeing everybody and they mama out and about AND they see you and speak! This seemingly happens to me EVERY TIME. It’s like the Universe knows and is working more on me to no care. Good one Universe.

WRITTEN BY: VIOLA CONSTANCE | @Voila_its_Viola

Instagram the New Pick-Up Line?

3/25/2015

One night after work while waiting for my mom to pick me a young man (looked to be about 16, although he claimed he was turning 19… -_-) approached me. He was polite. The basic introductory conversation was okay until, he asked me for my “Insta.” Um, excuse me kid you are in my face. You see my face. We’ve just talked about the surface happenings in our lives. Why do you want my Instagram? If I had one I’d still have on as many articles of clothing as I’ve got on this evening. So I tell him the truth. No, because I don’t have one. “You don’t have a Instagram!? You lyin’!” No, no I’m not. I’m not sure what the hype of Instagram is all about, but it doesn’t phase me. If I even had an Instagram it would be full of photos of food and beach scenery. Now I’m eye scanning my surroundings searching for my mom telling myself, Vi don’t be rude, but screaming on the inside someone get this boy out of my face! He then asks, “what about you’re Twitter?” I do not have a Twitter (at that time I did not). He then goes on about how I do not have a Twitter or Instagram and why I’m not on social media while handing me his iPhone. I mention the exact phone he has because he asks me if I have an iPhone as well. No kid. He’s floored. He can’t believe it. In an exhausted voice he half asks “well let me get your number then.” Pure comedy. Now I’m enjoying this. Can you not just approach a young lady and actually hold a conversation and it continues via phone or text if you’re both interested and not through likes, hearts and retweets? I gave him the right number, because I knew for a fact he wouldn’t contact me.

Can any Instagram users please explain the hype? Why is it apart of pick up lines and meeting new people? Why are people more content with this than living in the real world?

WRITTEN BY: VIOLA CONSTANCE | @Voila_its_Viola

Sexual Violence connected to Black Male Names

3/24/2015

I completed a mandatory Sexual Violence Awareness Course for my college and I see this. Why are all the male names commonly used black names?!? Is it just me?

Yes Ma'am and No Sirs

3/23/2015

When I answer closed ended questions it’s usually with a yes or no followed by ma’am or sir. Whether I’m speaking to my three-year-old nieces, my 6-year-old clients, my mom (y’all don’t need to know her age), my supervisor, the lady at the Rally’s window who took my order, or whomever, it’s just nice. To get respect you've gotta give it right? Now I’m not expecting people to return with an okay ma’am or whatever, but hey, if they do then they do. I've got no problem with that!

Yes ma’ams and no sirs are just a sign of respect for me. BUT people trip off of it. Not in a rude way. I respond to co-workers emails by saying “yes ma’am, thank you for the information” or “no ma’am I won’t be able to do XYZ.” One co-worker in particular will respond (whether it’s email or in person) “I’m not old!” or “really?! How old are you?” Lady, you’re older than I am, but age doesn't matter when it comes to showing respect. I've even had a man tell me, “oh no, sir is my father,” hmm, insert my fake laugh, good one.

Are my means of respect dated or old school? If someone addressed you as such, how would you respond?

WRITTEN BY: VIOLA CONSTANCE | @Voila_its_Viola

Sunday Lunch Dates

3/23/2015

After a long week filled with working and worrying, I feel that there is sometimes nothing better than going to church and then brunch. A lot of restaurants serve amazing bunches. Attending brunches or even lunch with friends and preparing for the next week can be a huge refresher. I would encourage everyone to find even a cheap brunch or lunch specials and have fun times with friends.

Written By: Lauren B. I @laurenbeal

You're Attitude Doesn't Match Your Job

3/21/2015

I don't understand people some times. I volunteer weekly at a feeding bank downtown. I hadn't been in awhile due to work and surgery, so I was super excited to be back and serving in my community. I get there and everything is going well. The other volunteers and I set up all of the produce and such for the morning/afternoon crowd. We're talking, working, laughing and are just in good spirits. All goes well, people come in with their carts and selectively shop around. Once the crowd dies out we begin a prep clean up, but the actual employees at this center are like legit cleaning; removing tables of food, moping the main floor when it isn't exactly quitting time. People are still allowed in until a specific time 12:30 and it is only 12pm. Two employees in particular are staring me down. Um yes I am still manning a station it isn't over yet. Then what do you know, in walks two people needing groceries and half of the items are gone and the floor is wet. Just like with customer service jobs, why in the hell do people get these types of jobs where they forever don't want to do them or do them in good spirits?

WRITTEN BY: VIOLA CONSTANCE | @Voila_its_Viola