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!