Christmas Reflections 2009

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Every year I tell myself that I am mailing out Christmas cards. I’ve even purchased cards yet, I never mail them. Days and weekends just fly by! This year I discovered Christmas newslettering and realized it’s a quick innovative way to catch up and bring family/friends up to speed on the events and happenings that occurred in my life the pass year. By newslettering, I am sharing my joys and highlights with you, my dearest friends. I’m beginning a new tradition of celebrating the season while reflecting on the greatness of God active in our lives throughout the year.

2009 has truly been a divine year! It was a year full of excitement with multiple travels to great cities across the U.S. for work & play, a prestigious presenting of my research data on Tomorrow’s Leaders in Aging (My young professionals in aging org) at the 2009 ASA/NCOA Conference, and celebrating my heavenly 27th birthday with my BFFs/F&F ~Holla! J It has also been a year of defining firsts including a) witnessing the inauguration of our nation’s for Black President, Barack Obama, b) realizing the American dream of home ownership and purchased my first home, spending quality time with family and friends, and c) capping the year off with a wonderful fun-filled vacation to Negril, JA where I met a potential love for life! Wow, what a year and that is just a short list of God’s many blessings to me and mine (this means you as a part of me)!!!!

I am looking forward to 2010 being even better. In 2010, we all win!

I hold all of you close to my heart and thank you for contributing to all of the joy I experienced in 2009 professionally and personally. What matters most at this time is the impact one may have on another’s life.
Know that you have left on indelible mark on my life and I pray I have left the same in yours. Alas, lest we forget that Jesus is the reason for the season! Matthew 1:21 states, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” cue: ♪ Joy to The World ♪



Enjoy all the great Christmas carols this week and praise HIM!

I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Wonderful 2010. May God Bless You!! Love, Urrikka

Give Me Those Complex but Simple Equations

I asked him
to share what was within
his power to give.
The simple things
Not money, cars, or platinum rings.

What I requested
has been tested
and proven to be accepted
by all women.

A card expressing the indescribable.
A bouquet of flowers as evidence of blooming love.
A tender touch, warm hug, and a lingering stare
All to show that he cares.

Offering gifts to me
As one should to a Queen.
And in dishonoring she,
You lose as King.
For there is no dynasty
Without Her Majesty

So does this seem like trigonometry?
Because this math is simple to me,
The solution is an absolute.
Sum up these variables and then compute
That the best gift
Is all of you.

If he can't meet you where you are... leave him where he's at!

Words from Pastor Jamal Harrison-Bryant:



I often warn women who are contemplating marriage to marry someone who can take care of them. When a woman marries, it ought to be to someone who is capable of taking her to the next level. If she comes from poverty, there is no reason for her to get married and still be impoverished. The role of the man is to take her to another place.


When she gets married, she ought to dress better, drive better, live better, and eat better, not constantly be in a struggle over where her next meal is coming from. My grandmother used to say, 'I can do bad all by myself'. For a woman desiring a mate, the objective, of course, would be to find a Christian man, who's settled, has goals, accomplishments and a job. But a goal-oriented and focused man can't just be approached any kind of way. So the woman who seeks this type of stability must make sure that she stands out above the crowd:


1. Make sure your relationship with the Lord is strong and growing.


2. Make sure that you are presentable. Working from the inside out, your presentation should be representative of both who you are and whom you seek. Appearance is a reflection of how you see yourself.


3. Have the ability to hold an intelligent conversation.



4.. And most importantly, allow God to take control.

You don't need to go after him. He's going to come after you, because after he sees and smells you and knows that you're in his presence, he's going to want to know who you are!

I know there's somebody reading this who has been chasing after the 'man of your dreams,' but God says, 'Just sit still and allow patience to have her perfect work through Me.'


Furthermore, it's never a good idea to be too forward and too aggressive. Attempting to win a man's affection by jumping into bed with him will only backfire and cause him to lose interest in ever developing a lasting relationship. It causes him to lose respect for you and question your character.

However, if he sees that you are dressed with quality, that you smell like you are somebody, that you look like you're doing fine without him, then that will attract the right attention from him. He'll have no choice but to give you his attention. Stop looking so needy, climbing into bed, trying in vain to capture a man's heart.


God woke me up in the middle of the night and said, 'The same thing that Naomi told Ruth to do is the same thing that I want them to do for me.'

God is so sick of people coming to Him trying to get a quickie and never romancing Him for Who he is - going to church screaming, shouting and hollering, but hadn't been intimate with God all week long! Stop trying to treat God like a sugar daddy and start romancing Him with worship and praise: 'I'm yours Lord...everything I've got...everything I'm not!'


The God we serve, which is the God of Love, demands and requires of us foreplay before He gives us what we need. In the book of Ruth, the mother-in-law tells Ruth, 'You have to wash.' John 15:3 reminds us, Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. When you sit in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you are taking a shower. When you hear the unadulterated Word of God, then the dirt and grime that you've accumulated all week long begins to wash off of you.


Ask God to 'create in you a clean heart and renew a right spirit.' Stand in the word. Then wait upon the Lord to renew your strength.

Pass this on to those who have found or are seeking Mr. Right.

This message is not directed at the receiver, it is directed to women I know that touch other young women that can benefit from this information. We are to be Naomi's of the world today. Our young women need to be informed of how to catch and keep a man that will respect them.

"If he can't meet you where you are....leave him where he's at!"

Unauthorized

Mommy's home and has given me so much food for thought, especially when it comes to my online presence and my obvious addiction to social media outlets like facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Black Planet and now my own blog. These sites are all fun for me, but I really have to take into account who I'm letting into my inner thoughts and comments on life around me. Not everyone will be happy for me and nor will they care to know all my thoughts. In reflection of this truth and on my actions in the last few months. I'm going to do a virtual "clean house" and declutter my virtual imprint. I'm adding more privacy settings to my sites and making my blog for friends only not the world at large. So, I hope you all would read and participate with me on my blog and know that it is only shared with us ~ not just anyone who may come across my link.

Much love ♥

Uncontested: Caribbean Queen

This month of November has been another fabulous month in the life of Ms. U. I truly can't complain~ God is Good! In this time in our country where there are so many people impacted by our recession, whether it be a job loss or another life altering change, I'm truly thankful for the steady constants in my life: a stable job, own condo, bills paid, and most importantly a great family and true friends.

My dear friends and I (AKA Thick Clique) began an annual tradition last year to travel to Jamaica in November to celebrate birthdays and enjoy the island during the off-season. Last Year we went to Montego Bay, JA. It was seven of us then and we had a blast. Here's a glimpse of the fun we had. Here's my sis and I at the barefoot bar :-)

This year we had to go back and do it bigger than ever! We set out sights on taking over Negril, JA and that's what we did! On this trip we had 12 ladies all excited and eager to hit the beach, get a bronze tan, go on excursions, wind it up at a dancehall, and maybe even meet a "Winston" :-)



Of course, I didn't have to go to Jamaica to get my groove back becuase it never left~ LOL!

So, I planned to do the things I've never done before this on trip. I'm a native Floridian and I've never done water sporting! Well in JA, I jet skiied, parasailed, went boating, and bounced around on the ocean on a banana boat. I stayed at the Beaches Sandy Bay resort. I loved it! Everything was wonderful.

Once I got back on the ground, I was on to enjoy all the luxuries that being at an all-inclusive resort provides. This means a lot of drinking and eating, lol. My new thing is Convoursier and Coke~ yeah I know its not a "island" drink, but it will get you sailing :-) I did make sure to bring some of that duty-free Jamaican rum for kicks back home.



Although I didn't go to JA to find a boo, I surprisingly found a potential love in the most unlikely of ways (at least for me). Lately, I've only have had luck meeting men online. It seems as if no one ever approaches me in person, but online I'm a man magnet, SMH! So to meet someone while on vacation, who has the same interests as me and in the place in his life where he is looking for a lasting loving long-term relationship like me is something out of a Arabesque novel.



Is this love? I don't know, but I'm excited to see where it leads! Not knowing what tomorrow brings is what makes life worth living!



My trip was awesome I could write pages on all I did, saw, and experience while there for an amazingly short 7 days. I believe that a picture is a thousand words, so here are a few more.

What are your vacation memories? Do you have a "Stella" story? Do tell!

U-Tube Throwback: Prince ~ Nothing Compares 2 U

I absolutely love this song by Prince. Its amazing how songs can bring you back to a particular place in time with images so vivid you would think it was yesterday. What are some of your songs that trigger memories of love's past?

Nothing Compares 2 U
Uploaded by samsarax. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

Un-Called for Absence

Time truly flies! Its something we never seem to have enough of, and yet on occasion, wish to rush. All the time that has lapsed since my last post, has been filled with some unimaginable highs and some unwarranted lows both professionally and personally. I haven't been writing not because of lack of content, but more of my loose grasp of this thing called time. Since August, I've interviewed for a job on the hill (didn't get it), met some interesting political players (lobbyists), and networked like I was running for VA Governor. After my month of trying to be a politico, I came to really appreciate my current job and all the perks I get for being a meeting planner. So in September, I headed to the Rockies in Colorado Springs for a conference and man did I have a blast! ~ after work, of course :-) Here's me at the Garden of the Gods.

After my meeting there, I had the blessing to join friends in Seattle, WA! I absolutely love this city. It has it all for the nature buffs: mountains, lakes, and even a beach :-) I loved the shops at Pike Place Market especially the flowers, fresh fruits, jewelry, and of course the infamous ...City Fish Company with the flying poultry, lol.

Seattle was great!

Back to DC I go, and then came the most glorious day of the me all... my birthday, Oct 2!!!

Sadly, my cakes didn't get its candles blown out, but I did celebrate nonetheless and headed to the club!



At 27, I'm reaching for the heavens and truly the sky is the limit! I'm loving and living life to the fullest!! So if you don't see posts on here often, its because I'm out here experiencing life and not merely posting my desires or observations:-)

Unnoticed? Forget the Business Card. Just Google Me!

Forget the Business Card. Just Google Me

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Uncensored: CNN's BIA 2 Tomorrow's Leaders Post-Show thoughts

Here’s my spin on the Black in America 2 documentary. I believe that CNN did a good job on their second installment of this eventual series on the experience of being black in America. I first want to say that CNN missed a great opportunity to offer real time dialogue and interaction from viewers by not utilizing the same CNN/Facebook application they used during the Michael Jackson Memorial Service. I don’t know why it didn’t occur to them that this medium would help effectively progress the discussion. In the absence of the Facebook application, I went on Twitter to follow the nation’s reaction to the sequel. I followed the trending topic #bia2. It amazes me how quickly folks were ready to stamp the show with a #fail! Can we get past the first segment before judging emphatically that CNN only perpetuates the stereotypical stories and outcomes? I felt the story on the mission in Malaak Compton Rock’s heart, Journey for Change, is a great stride in the right direction. Exposing inner city youth to other black cultural experiences of poverty unfathomable to them outside of their borough, is a life altering intervention that will yield a good return to society. It may not be realized during that year long program, but in the year to come these 30 students will be leaders in their communities in some capacity. I just hope it impacts the society in a positive way.

The segment on Capital Prep’s Principal Steve Perry (aka Joe Clark 2.0) was awesome and inspiring. Yes, he is fine and the waves in his hair were quite impressive, but the most intriguing quality I found was his dedication/determination to have 100% of his students succeed in life.

The following clip lightly scratched the surface of the classicism issues within the African American Community. Yes, the affluent black socialite group exists and often times can be perceived as invisible for their stories aren’t depicted or reflected in the media. Unless of course they are surround in some controversy or scandal (i.e. Dick Parsons and his young pregnant side piece). I celebrate with them that their families have generational wealth and have garnered great acclaim, I'm saddened that they didn’t highlight some of the efforts they do/could do to enlighten and encourage others to start that legacy for their families. The featured young man who attends the Tuxedo Balls came off as very arrogant and self-absorbed, which unfortunately further perpetuates the stereotype of buppies and widens the gap.

The final segment on the Management Leaders for Tomorrow was a high note to leave off on. I was just constantly reminded as I watch this that this is not a new concept. I was fortunate enough in college to be an INROADS intern. Their mission is to develop and place minority youth in business for corporate and community leadership. They have been doing this successfully for 40 years. Why weren’t they profiled? Interestingly enough, it could be because even though the mission is focused on minorities the founder was a white man. I commend the work that Mr. Rice is doing, I just wonder how these business school prep students will ascend into the higher ranks of Fortune 500 companies. I agree that mentoring is key, networking is essential, and knowledge is power. As an emerging professional and leader, I will be right there with them climbing that latter and continually breaking those boundaries that try hinder the gifts within.

CNN I give you a grade of B- . The documentary exceeded expectations, but I look forward to Black in America 3.

Uncensored: CNN's Black in America 2

Last Tuesday, July 14 I had the wonderful opportunity to go the prescreening of CNN's Black in America 2 at the Navy Memorial Heritage Center in Washington, DC. Thanks to a dear college friend, I got an invite to be in the audience of a selected few to see the documentary delving into the multifaceted experiences of being African-American in today's society. I admit I missed the controversial expose last year, and was happy to be in the midst of many progressive blacks who are making innovative changes in our communities in this showing. I also have a little news junkie "groupie" love for the host of the evening, Roland S. Martin. LOL :-) The theme for this installment of their coverage was on finding solutions for the mounting problems that disproportionately effect "us" from our marriages, education, and careers/finances, we as blacks in america have been ailing, as one panel member stated "When white america has a cold, black america has pneumonia." I encourage all to watch the documentary when is airs on July 22 & 23 and continue the conversation in your circles of influence.

Roland Martin told us all to ask ourselves this question "If we want to see change for the better in the black community. What is the one thing that you are going to do to change the black community over the next 365 days?" He also said that if you ask yourself this question and a year from now you haven't done anything, YOU ARE the problem in the black community.

Join me along with The Root.com at Busboys & Poets (5&k location) on July 23 from 8-10pm. We wll be watching the first night of the documentary and will be followed by a panel discussion on the show.

SIDEBAR: I saw this clip on You Tube. I love CNN for having some of the finest black men on news television! Check it out! I'm a big fan of TJ Holmes, Coco Brother, and Russ Parr :-)

U-Tube: Michael Jackson Home Video

In these last two weeks we all have be inundated with sensationalized stories in the media attempting to answer the burning question on "Who is Michael Jackson?" After the world viewed the most moving memorial service broadcasted internationally ever, I believe every viewer walked away with greater appreciation and love for the contribution that Michael Jackson gave the world through his music and humanitarian efforts. His legacy is truly multifaceted, but I will remember him as the musician who created the soundtrack of life. I love this home video that gives us a glimpse of his true self as a loving/caring person, brother, son, and friend. His family is really no different from ours. They have their trials and triumphs with a foundation built on love and loyalty.

Unforgettable

Today marks a week after the DC Redline Collision that killed 9. The tragic events of Monday, June 22, 2009 eerily foreshadowed the coming crash to our spirits as we lost three cultural icons: Television Icon Ed McMahon died Tuesday June 23; 70’s Icon and Sex Symbol Farrah Fawcett and the incomparable Michael Jackson (Undeniably the King of Pop) both died on Thursday, June 25. There has been so much said and written about these occurrences this week. I can’t possibly begin to detail how I have been affected beyond that this week will remain with me forever. I will remember where I was when I got a text from my friend asking me “If I was OK?” at 5:36pm on June 22. See, I take the Redline everyday and pass the exact spot the accident occurred routinely and as the saying goes “it could’ve been me, if it wasn’t for the lord.” I was pondering leaving early that day too. I was thankful to work late this day. That night, I was glued to the news and couldn’t believe the pictures before me. The rest of the week, I had to reroute my commute and did so somberly and humbly.

On Thursday, June 25 at 5:58pm, I got an unbelievable text telling me that Michael Jackson had died how we “Never Can Say Goodbye.” I got call not too soon after that and thought the friend on the other end had to pulling some kind of cruel joke. I responded with the “Stop Playing” side-eye. Alas, it was true and reality hit once the U-tube was switched on and the constant media coverage was flooded into my living room. All I could do was watch all the remarkable videos and sing along to all the amazing songs that Michael Jackson has contributed from his soul to ours.

On Saturday, June 27 at 1:45 pm, I facilitated a professional development training course on The “It” Factor for INROADS Interns. As an alum, it was a great honor to give back to college students and inspire them with my emerging journey as a business professional. My icebreaker question to them (after the obligatory: name, university, and internship company) was what is your favorite MJ song and name a characteristic of someone who has “it.” The answers ranged from: swagger, determination, intelligence, charisma, passion, meekness, and mystic. We all can agree that Michael Jackson embodied all of these traits and so much more. I was impressed that the students ages 19-22 all knew of his legacy and chose great songs as their favorite. One of my all-time favorites is “Man in the Mirror.” I'm taking a good look at that (wo)man in the mirror and making that change!

This week has been unforgettable for me. It is a reminder that life is short and that tomorrow is promised to no man. We must cherish and love each other while we can. I’m making a vow to always express of affections to those around me and live everyday as though it was your last…one day it will be.

U-Shaped

Summer is here! What this season means to so many is bringing out those bathing suits, shorts, sleeveless shirts, and the season staple garment—the summer dress. This spring I started an 8-week bootcamp workout class along with three other fabulous friends to get my humps and lady lumps more defined. Unlike Fergie, my humps and lady lumps need the assistance of modern fashion technology to achieve that optimal smooth flat abdomen and perky breasts. Many women who are classified as “thick,” “plus size,” and/ or “fat” know this area of fashion all to well: the beloved and dreaded girdle. The fashion guru’s have renamed this line of undergarments “shapewear,” but the goal is the same— to tighten and uplift our bountiful assets. These items are in no way a substitute for crunches, and won’t transform you from Mrs. Parker to Cherry, LOL!

In tandem with working out all spring, I have been trying out various shapewear to aid in resculpting my curves for the summer. I tried two of the most talked about brands: Spanks and Dr. Rey’s Shapewear. I truly don’t get the hype about Spanks, they feel like regular ole’ control top pantyhose to me. The only difference are the feet cut outs and the “bathroom” opening was frankly just creepy to me. The winning summer undergarment for me is Dr. Rey’s Shapewear! You may remember him from E! channel’s Dr. 90210 series. I could give my 10 top reasons why I love it, but I’m already giving free advertisement, lol. Hit me up on sidebar for more discussion.

Ladies, what are some of your body shaping secrets? How have you embraced and accepted your shape and body image?

Umpire Records~ Beyonce's Ego

I heard Beyonce's new song "Ego"on the radio today and beside my usual head bopping to the beat, I heard the lyrics and really thought about the meaning. I'm not about to delve into the Freudian concepts of the Id, Ego, and Super Ego or anything. It is -after all- a Beyonce song. So, I'm keeping my commentary light on this one, lol. One thing I love about her songs is that they make women feel empowered, confident, sexy, and in control. From "Bills, Bills, Bills","Survivor," to "Irreplaceable," these songs and several others become anthems for women at various points in our lives. Her cds should have a label that reads: Listener beware...these darn catchy hooks may get engrained into your mind making you act too much like "Independent Women" and cause you to lose out on that man over there with a "Halo!" The "I Am" album is a good contrast to her previous collections, it offers the suggestion to women that we embrace and exhibit all sides of ourselves. The confident, strong, independent sides can be merged with our softer and more vulnerable selves. It is important we have that balance. Go ahead and wear that "S" on the chest, but be sure to take that cape off and use it as a blanket to snuggle up with the one you love too.

Back it up Ladies :-)

I love this part of the song:

"Damn I know I'm killing you with them legs
Better yet them thighs
Matter a fact it's my smile or maybe my eyes
Boy you a site to see, kind of something like me

It's too big, it's too wide
It's too strong, it won't fit
It's too much, it's too tough
I talk like this 'cause I can back it up"

Big, Beautiful,and Black

I dedicate this poem to every woman who has ever felt unpretty

There are women who wear wigs

Some are small, shaped as twigs

Many are like me, big

Big as in large

Large and in charge

We won't take any garbage

or be persuaded

That thin is in

and the only way to win

the love of men

Is it such a sin

not to be thin?

Some one please tell me when

will this prejudice end?

I am not only judged by my color, black

but also by the size of my slacks.

I can stand all of the flak

For I am big, beautiful, and black!

Now, take that

All of you who are not fat!

Uncover Your Destiny and Purpose

Under this tag, I'll post some inspiration on my experiences in reaching my purpose and tapping into my destiny. Remember God has a plan for your life! Read and meditate on Jeremiah 29:11.

Shine While Your Light’s On: How to Turn Your Internship Into Leadership

Shine While Your Light’s On: How to Turn Your Internship Into Leadership

Musings from an Unrequited Love

Under this tag, I'll post all my poetry and commentaries on love and relationships.

I AM

I am like the sun that shines
bright and luminescent
under no man can hide.
I bring warmth all along this earth.
I have been like the sun since birth.
I can be your light
that leads you out of your plight.
I can be that damsel
that saves you from distress
Trust in me, and I'll do the rest.
I am all woman
Full-figured with ample breast
and curves that take no mess.
I may be no size nine, but my inner beauty is what makes me so fine.
For it is my mind that draws men to me.
Can't you see?
That I am like the sun that shines
bright and luminescent under no man can hide.
As the sun, I had to enlighten your mind.
Now, Won't you be mine?

Copyright ©2009 Urrikka Woods

Unpretty

This will be a recurring tag on issues of self esteem, empowerment, and acceptance.

Umpire Records

This is will be a recurring tag on my commentaries on music. There is a debate brewing.... Is Trey Songz the new R. Kelly?

U-Tube

This will be a recurring tag on everything related to television and movies.

The future of my favorite sitcom “The Game” may still be uncertain, but at least I can look forward to “The Cleveland Show!”

Utopia News

This will be a recurring tag on topics of world news, politics, celebrity gossip, and even the mess you hear in the local beauty salon!

Are U Unadulterated?

When I had the idea to create my own blog in response to the countless commentators I follow daily, I knew that my perspective is unlike anyone else’s and could contribute to the global conversations on life, love, career, entertainment, and everything in between. What makes my point-of-view so unique? The answer is simple—it’s mine—even though the subject matter may have been discussed ad nausea, my (your) spin on the world around us is unequivocally different and valuable.

Unadulterated – to me means to be pure, free, complete, whole, and true to one’s self. Someone who embodies this description is a person not easily altered by another’s influences or experiences. They grow into the person they were destined to be organically and plant seeds into others to reap an even greater harvest.

Take a moment to ponder this concept and examine areas in your life where you can be authentically unadulterated. This is our blog, please share your thoughts, insights, rants, and raves!

Welcome to U Unadulterated!

Welcome friends, foes, bloggers, and countrymen to U Unadulterated! I created this blog to share my unique view of world around me—having grown up with an unrecognizable name with a persistence to do the unexpected, I unabashedly joined the ranks of the ubiquitous commentators on life, love, career, and the plain ole’ mundane. My personal charge is to reintroduce words that start with “U!” Every entry will be my little game of Scattergories with the letter “U.” My posts will be me unapologetic, uncensored, and a even a little uncanny. I may be overly ambitious in my quest to utilize this underused letter, but I promise this blog will be fun and unmatched!