Overload

Does anyone else have sensory overload in this age of technology?

Most recently I stumbled upon the Black Women's Empowerment movement and some confusing blogs about supporting (or not supporting) modern feminism or civil rights (black) activism. I had to read several (long) blog entries to even figure out what one of ladies even believed -- it was so complex that she couldn't or wouldn't summarize her beliefs into an "about me" section. At least not concisely. And, in her defense, being a black girl is HARD. I mean seriously, at least for me. We struggle with being too white or to black (ghetto), any number of stereo types, very real issues of gender and race inequality, and a myriad of relationship issues between both sexes. 

(This isn't the point but come with me on this journey, won't you? :)

My goodness. I read these blogs because what they were saying interested me... and these women are passionate about their cause and in some ways play into shame for those who aren't familiar with topics or people that they hold near and dear. 

And the whole time I'm reading, I'm thinking, "I should know this. I agree with her. Why haven't I noticed these popular culture issues? Why don't I know this name? Why aren't I familiar with this issue?" 

Um, because I don't have to be an expert on everything. 

You're passionate, I get that. I suppose we're all passionate about something. BUT the internet has created a place where EVERYONE has a forum. My dad has said that there have always been radical people, but the problem with the Web is that you can't always tell when someone is just a obsessed fanatic or a balanced informant. I have that problem. 

There are many worthy causes out there, and I realize those who are most passionate wish that everyone could be well informed and move to action. And crazy me feels the need to soak up all this information. Because it is useful... sort of... for some people. But, does my general ignorance of the Black Women's Empowerment Movement make me not truly a believer in the empowerment of black women? No. I guess not. I just can't write a discourse on it. And I suppose that's okay. 

Which leads me to another point. I think I am a jack of many trades (and disciplines) but really a master at none. Do any of you feel that way? Do you think that is legitimate, or do you think it's a side effect of the "personal PR" nature of social media? Does one need to master something in life? 

I don't think so. 

I think I can live simply, without doing anything fascinating. I don't want to be a master at anything unless the Lord wills it so. I just want to love my soldier, and to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with my God.

I need to back off the media. Especially in the middle of the night. Seriously. 

Nude

Well I should apologize about my absence, but the Sarge was in town. So, I'm back! I was thinking about what I should write about, as I haven't had much going on other than hanging with the boy. The good news is, care packages will be coming soon so that will be fun to write about, but I don't have much going at this moment. But then I thought...

Right now I am so OBSESSED with NUDE nails. It's almost disgusting... if being awesome could be disgusting.

These are my newest additions::

1. Bubble Bath 2. Mimosas for Mr. and Mrs. 3. Tickle My Francey 4. Pink Glove Service 5. Au Natural 6. Topless and Barefoot

For the record, nudes on dark skin is not equal to nudes on light or fair skin. I figured... it's not easily found online, so here are some popular nudes on my dark(er) complexion.

This is the cast of characters, in opposite order (that is, thumb to pinkie)

I dig most of these, but I have come to the conclusion that Ballet Slippers is NOT good for any skin tone. I like it perhaps for winter, but it is not the kind of nude I am going for. For today, I went with Bubble Bath on my fingers and toes. Here it is, two coats under natural light and inside. It is definitely buildable, but I don't think it would ever be opaque.

My FAVORITE though, at least so far, is Au Natural by Essie. It's on my thumb in the big photo, so you can't see it that well, but here it is up close::

I realize to MOST people, these look exactly the same... but they are not. The one I'm wearing today (Bubble Bath) is pinker and a bit more translucent than Au Natural. Also, the Essie color is closer to my flesh tone (the inside of my hand), so it's less white and more peachy. I'm just saying. There's a difference.

I love nudes because they are classy in my opinion. I just can't put on blue nail polish, I'm not satisfied with the result against my skin tone and style. I like nudes and reds, but I think my style tends to lean toward being understated rather than bold. I have not in the past worn nail polish on my fingers, but I like the polished, manicured look. Neutrals are a good compromise and way less fussy than a French manicure. I'm also picky about color, even nude color. I don't want colors that contrast to much or clash with my skin, so I don't like white or neon colors that much.. I'm basically hard to please. But these colors have really given me a newfound love for the girly art of nail painting. And if you don't believe me.. look at my Pinterest boards. I have one dedicated to my Essie wishlist and nails have just about taken over my "personal care" board lol.




Did you know there is like, a whole world of nail happy people, full of their own jargon and dissension on whether or not there should be a visible nail line under polished nails? Who knew? What's your favorite nail polish?

Also... what are you obsessing over that may or may not be completely rational? Am I the only one who goes through this stuff??