Fortune cookies are fun but I feel the need to determine my own fortune through the spirit of Kujichagulia.
Kujichagulia [KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH] (Self-Determination) – To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves instead of being defined, named, created for and spoken for by others.
Thursday when I went to pick up my girls from daycare, Ms Joan (who happens to be a displaced Katrina victim, very religious, stern with my kids, she also has smooth brown skin & a comforting voice that makes me think she can make some good sweet tea.) said, “I heard you are graduating Saturday.” I was like I am but it is not a big deal, it’s just an Associates. She said, “who cares, you are graduating & when one of makes it happen, it is a big deal, congratulations”. Her comments made me think back a little & I smiled because it was so like something my grandmother would say.
So today was my WCC graduation & I am officially an “Associate”. The graduation was actually fun, even the boring speeches held my attention. My loved ones made it out & screamed for me when my name was called, which was encouraging. I am proud that I made this happen even though it took forever, I still did it.
Today really marked a new beginning for me & I’m looking forward to the next leg of my educational stretch. In about 2 weeks, I will be jumping off into a business statistics class & I’m looking forward to it. Now that I have officially conquered a full-fledged math courses, nothing else intimidates me.
I know I treat my blog as a personal journal most times, so I appreciate the fact that many of you tune in & are down for your blogging boo!!!
Thx for your support,
Tafari
muslimahlocs / May 18, 2008
greetings and congratulations tafari. i am sure your family must be very proud!
Meikmeika / May 18, 2008
Congratulations!!!
Your gonna ace statistics!!!
Tamra / May 18, 2008
I loved the sweet tea comment…
Ms. Joan is indeed on point–when I look around at all of the craziness out there, especially as it relates to black men and boys, this is huge, so don’t play it down at all.
Again, congrats! And, amen on “Kujichagulia.”
BizyLizy / May 18, 2008
Tafari,
Big hugs for stopping by and commenting on my blog (I did respond to one comment regarding your confusion, hope it clarifies).
Also, wanted to extend congratulations on your graduation. I returned to school three years ago at age 36 & still have a couple more years to go. Plugging away…
You have much to be proud of. Your words inspire laughter, controversy, and greatness. Your voice is unique in that you have an ability to express yourself with such lucid transparency. I, too, loved your reflections on Ms. Joan and your grandmother. And then your comment on my blog about self love…
It damn near brought tears to my eyes.
So again, many congrats extended to you and your lovely family for all your successes. I suspect this is only the beginning for you.
You are a treasure.
WandaWoman / May 18, 2008
Congratulations on your graduation!
DJ SKiP / May 18, 2008
Hey how’s it going? You might not remember, but I contacted you w/ questions about your BLs….I now have another question:
What camera do you use to take your pictures? I’d love to get into photography, but I’m not too sure what to buy….any suggestions? I’d like to keep everything under $1000 if possible
Feel free to contact me at JSkipper53@aol.com
Bygbaby / May 19, 2008
Muslimahlocs – Thx so much boo! They are & made me feel special yesterday, it was great!!!
Meikameika – Shit, e will see in a few weeks. LOL!!!
Tamra – My kids do not like Ms Jon but when I met her, I was like she is what they need. Somebody to be on that ass!!! There are not enough figures like her around nowadays!
BizyLizy – Got your update, now I’m on the same page and I thank you for broadening my vocabulary with my favorite new saying “emotional tampon”!!! I am enjoying your blog & even read post on my iPhone which is not all that fun with long text but the stories are worth it.
We are now in a race for education completion, who will win in this race to the death??? LOL
WandaWoman – Tx boo!
DJ Skip – I do remember talking with you. What did you decided to do about locking???
In reference to my camera, I use the Nikon D300 & it is my NEW baby and an upgrade from the Nikon D80!!! For a budget under 1k I would highly recommend checking out these links:
Nikon D80
http://tinyurl.com/4edawn
Nikon D60
http://tinyurl.com/569t2d
http://tinyurl.com/5jgzfv
Nikon D40
http://tinyurl.com/2op2pn
Any of the above are great options but please note that the D60 is the new version of the D40. Last year I started with the D40 & slowly upgraded as my needs changed. If you get addicted to photography, the camera bodies are not expensive, it is the lenses that will kill you financially. when you get to the point that you want to invest in some lenses, I can give some assistance.
BTW I only promote Nikon because it is the best & that is what I use!!
My preferred camera dealer is B&H because they have great pricing & almost always cheaper than anyone else.
You can see more examples of my work with here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bygbaby/
I only post certain images on my blog & post everything to my Flickr page.
Good luck,
Bygbaby
AnnaC / May 19, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!
Bask in the glow, you more than deserve it.
Malik / May 19, 2008
Congrats bruh. You should be proud.
Tamra / May 19, 2008
Canon…hehe.
Bygbaby / May 19, 2008
Thx AnnaC & Malik!!!
Tamra – Don’t start none, won’t be none!!! LOL
Bygbaby
NappTown / May 19, 2008
Congratulations! What a milestone. It is on and popping now! Keep it going! I wish you much success. 🙂
Shai / May 19, 2008
Congrats. It is a step closer to making your goals why not celebrate. I think folks have downed community college so much that it is not taken seriously.
I graduated from WCCC and then went on to get my bachelor’s at Wayne State. I am proud of ALL my graduations. It all takes hard work so be proud.
And business stats, I will pray for ya. I had it for a summer class. LOL. I survived with my brain partially intact with an strong B.
Cluizel / May 19, 2008
CONGRATS TAFARI!!! Whoo hoo!!!
Disturbed Stranger / May 20, 2008
Congrats.
I really like your blog. Good job.
I love fortune cookies too 🙂
Darius T. Williams / May 20, 2008
Of course I’m down – and congrats on the degree man!
Bygbaby / May 24, 2008
Sorry it took me so long to respond!!!
NappTown – Thx so much! I have two more weeks of relaxation that classes jump off one mo gin’
Shai – I hear you & I think maybe that is why I was tripping. I am not looking forward to this class but ready for business. It is 8 weeks, so it should not be too bad. I guess I will know in 2 weeks.
Ckuizel – Thx boo!!!
Disturbed Stranger – Thx for checking me out & please keep checking in, especially if you like to read tacky shit.
Darius – Thx!!!!!!!
Bygbaby