Hair Happiness

Whew! With school being so stressful and being so busy, I have had such little time to honestly devote to taming my quickly growing, natural curly fro this semester.  Laziness always sets in its full form and I started to get fed up with my breakage and just doing the same hair styles time and time again.  I was tired and wanted some change.  Come Thanksgiving, It was most definitely time for a change. I needed a nice, I mean 'nice' trim.

Symptoms

Symptoms

1. Having trouble sleeping sleeping at night
2. Staying up really late (usually don't fall asleep until between 2:30-3am)
3. My body is very tense, especially in my shoulders/upper back
4. Occasional mood swings
5. Not eating at regular intervals
6. Exhibiting reclusive behaviors; highly introverted
7. Very picky about my choice of company

 There are things I want to do [and experience] with others, but I often feel void at times or alone or without people who I'd consider close to me in this new environment.  At times, I am overly anxious to the point that I just don't end up doing what I originally set out to do or what I said I would do.  My actions are somewhat that of someone with a settling mentality.  I honestly don't know why all of a sudden this persona decides to come to life.  I recognize that quiet time is very important, but having too much of it may be a slight problem for me.  The phases come and go where I'd like to be around people or not (please refer to symptom #7). 

What's Been Cooking Lately?

Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala with White Rice

With the right ingredients, and the right spices, you too can enjoy your own take of a traditional Indian cuisine. Any time I eat at an India restaurant, my favorite dish to try is the chicken tikka masala - it's something you can never go wrong with. My take on this dish involves using tomato pasta sauce with cheese (this creates that creamy and cheesy taste mixed with the tomato paste), curry powder, masala, onion powder, garlic salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (a little spice is always nice), diced chicken breast. I believe that's mostly what I used to create that signature flavor. Different recipes call for additional spices, but I was content with the flavor I was able to accomplish.

More Pics...

Changes In Due Season

I have decided to revamp my site to reflect some of the changes in my life, my perspective, and my overall growth.  I'm going with the 'less is more' theme.  There are too many things in my life that serve as a distraction to what I am really here for.  Now is the time that I changes my environment and my habits so that I do not lose focus on the end goal.

There is a purpose for everything that happens in life.  Now that I am a graduate student still transitioning into full adulthood, all of the things that I used to focus on in the past no longer concern me as much as they do now.  My priorities have changed and now that I have seen a little bit more of the world, I have started to hone in on the things in my life, besides the academic grind in the field of engineering and graduate school, the drive me to keep pressing forward.  These things include my faith in God, my family and friends, photography of people and nature, and self-expression through fashion, art, and dance.  My potential to do great things and make a difference, a large positive impact on someone, is what continues to add fuel to the fire.

This point that I am at in my journey is by no means an easy one.  The struggle of graduate school is real yal!  I ask myself everyday what did I get myself into.    I had some idea coming into graduate life of what to expect, but think I missed out on a quite a few crucial expectations in your first year and beyond, but it's okay.  In my perplexity, I turn to God for answers, share my thoughts with family, and empathize with friends.  I may not know or understand my calling, but I know that discovery is a never-ending process, and in time I will know the answers.

Until then, stay tuned for more photography and updates, pray for my well-being (mentally, physically, and emotionally), and spread peace, love, and happiness.

- Maleshia J.

Be Bold, Be Fly, Be You!

It's not about what you wear, rather it's about how you wear it.  As my sister always tells me confidence can go a long way.  Last week, I was felt like being expressive with my outfits and willing to take a fashion chance.  Things worked out in my favor.  I absolutely enjoyed working it (walking around on campus).  My attitude throughout the day was definitely a positive one.  I'm glad I put to use some items that probably would have just stayed in my closet for months.

Congratulations Miss America (2013)!!!

Today, the first Miss America of Indian heritage was crowned.  Instead of reading all of the negative racist comments on various social media, and angering myself, I'd rather spend my time and energy celebrating her accomplishments, her hard work and effort, and what her trailblazing actions symbolize. She stands on a very strong platform as a highly educated woman of color who wants to promote education and scholarship. I congratulate Nina Davuluri for being bold, standing out, and making a difference. Congratulations and #represent well. This is the kind of change #America needs to accept.  This moment is priceless and will, and shall, never be forgotten.

Winner Nina Davuluri said: 'I'm thankful there are children watching at home who can finally relate to a new Miss America.' Photograph: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images (Source)

My word of advice to the haters: Let the haters keep hating why she does her thing, makes your money, and gains that knowledge.

Stay positive everyone!

Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Dish with Homemade Dressing

I made a delicious dish and used this as a chance to practice my food photography.

True Life: I live in a beer and cider central...

And I absolutely love it! Let's set things straight - I do drink beer.  The taste alone does not bother me, however I do have many preferences.  Particularly, I enjoy hard ciders and light beers like Blue Moon for example.  My roommate tells me that Blacksburg is best for being a huge college town with some of the best selections of beers.  Even better, it's known to have some of the most notable breweries in the region.  Blacksburg's just got it like that.

In my week of living in Blacksburg, I have tried a few different types of beers and ciders other than my favorite/standard Woodchuck Hard Cider, courtesy of my nice roommate.  And the list goes as follows (in order of consumption):

1. Devils Backbone Brewing Co. - Vienna Style Lager (Signature Virginia Beer)
2. Highland Brewing Co. - Gaelic Pale Ale
3. Bold Rock Hard Cider
4. Angry Orchard - Traditional Dry
5. Hornsby's Hard Crisp Cider

These are the few beers that I have tried so far, but I'm pretty sure there are more beers for me to experiment with in the future.  Until next time!

The Big Move: From MD to VA

As many of you may know, I am attending Virginia Tech to pursue a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.  Over the five (5) months, I had been finalizing things for the big move to Blacksburg, VA.  When the time finally arrived, I packed my bags into a rental car (since I didn't have a car of my own for now), rode with my older sister and brother-in-law, snapped some pictures along the way, and made my way down to VT Land.  Upon my arrival this past Sunday, August 11th, I met my new roommate, who is very friendly, personable, and down to earth.  She even showed me and told me about some great local spots, like the Y Thrift Shop (YMCA Center).  The Thrift Shop (pictures soon)!!! You already know.

Imprints by Maleshia J.© - Leave Your Mark™

Now Introducing: 

Imprints by Maleshia J.© - Leave Your Mark™

I have always enjoyed digital photography as a hobby and view photography as an art form that allows for true expression from the lens' perspective. A picture is definitely worth at least 1000 words, if not more, and there is something special about how a single photograph to withstand the test of time.

In my personal experiences, I've used my photography to capture the essence of my life, to tell a story, and to share the beauties of the world we live in with others. My love for capturing precious moments has led me towards become more involved with photography.  Reflecting on the wide range of photos that I have, it was important that I get more serious about making my personal brand a top priority.  Although I am learning and perfecting my craft, I want to make sure my photos (especially the good ones) get all of the credit that they deserve.

If there is anything that I want to before I leave this world, it is to inspire others, spread happiness, and leave my mark by making a difference. I want to leave a lasting impression, an imprint, for others to follow by example. One way of leaving my mark in the form of digital photography is by capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments that that tell a story.

This is the beginning of a long, but fulfilling, journey ahead. I am novice from a professional photographer stand point, but we all start somewhere, right? I look to other photographers for inspiration as a means to teach myself something new and perfect a craft. As with any hobbie, craft, trade, you get better with time and practice. We'll see where my hobby will take me.

We are all artists, blessed with God-given talent(s). We all have a voice and ideas to spread.   Don't let your gifts go to waste.  What mark will you leave?

Additional Notes:

I currently own two cameras: Kodak Easyshare C913 Digital Camera and Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera (new addition).  Most of my existing photos have been taken with my Kodak C913 camera.  I am experimenting with the Nikon D3100 for practice.  

Flashback

A UFC commercial just came on before I started watching a YouTube video and I had a flashback to the nights when my maternal grandma and I used to watch wrestling matches before bed summer nights.  I'm talking about real wrestling matches, not this fake, WWE, stuff out here (no offense to all the WWE fans). She loved wrestling!

I miss my grandma Rosa.  She was the toughest and strongest woman you could ever meet, and I learned so much about being a woman, taking care of your home, life, and being a faithful and servant woman of God from just being in her presence.

Pittsburgh: Buffalo Blues All-U-Can Eat Wings

Last night, a couple of floor mates and I decided to explore a notorious venue suggested by a Pittsburgh native (who also lives on my floor).  The place is called Buffalo Blues, located in East Liberty/Shadyside, Pittsburgh, and on Wednesday nights they have an All-U-Can Eat Wings special from 5-10pm for  $12.  That sounds like a good deal and it was so worth it.   

Relationship Experiences

Relationship experiences: I may not have much of it, but what I have experienced so far and what I have observed is enough for me to recognize red flags and not make bad mistakes over and over again.  The motto that I've embraced when it comes to relationships is it's okay to be selfish - look out for myself first.  Trust me, it's much better that way in the end.  You reduce your chances of getting hurt by like 10 times (my attempt at rough statistics lol).

I shall warn ye reader that none of my recounts of past relationships are in chronological order.

Black Love

I love seeing Black love (especially in digital photography).  Now don't get me wrong.  I do not discriminate.  I love people of all shapes and ethnicities. But there is something special about seeing Black love that just tugs at my heart.

Bowie State University 2013 Commencement: Michelle Obama's Inspirational Speech

Today, I had the pleasure of watching my best friend of over 10 years walk across the stage to receive her Bachelors of Science in Theater Arts.  Let me first start by saying that I am so proud of my homegirl, my sister, and the luminous crystal that she has grown to be.  I know God has many great things in store for her in the future.  We're both going to be doing big things.

US News | Syria News | More ABC News Videos

To add to the grand celebration, Bowie State's commencement speaker was none other than the First Lady of the United States of America, now Dr. Michelle Obama!

Yellow Foldable Shades

I found these sweet foldable shades at Walmart for only $5. I have another pair of white shades that I got from Forever 21 last year (on clearance for $1.80!), but they're bulkier. It was time for another addition. They're cheap, save space, and fashionable. That's a win-win in my book with these foldable shades!

Vision: The Maleshia Jones Foundation

What good is knowledge if you don't use it for something? Or apply it to better your life or the life of another.  It would be a waste to go to school to get a degree if you don't plan to do anything with it.  Always begin with the end in mind.  I guess it's like that sometimes.

This afternoon, while in the shower, I had somewhat of an epiphany.  What would I do if I won a million dollars?  I had never seriously thought of a realistic answer to this question, but I know for a fact I wouldn't go insane with materialistic endeavors.

The first few things that ran through my mind were to pay off student loans and bills, donate money to various foundations (Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, UMBC Foundation, my high school, the National Society of Black Engineers, etc.), and help out my immediate family with necessary expenditures.

Then I thought to myself, what if I started a Maleshia Jones Foundation, one that would raise money to provide academic scholarships and youth outreach programs for underrepresented communities within the Maryland area (maybe start locally on a county level and see where and how it expands).  The primary foundational foci would be on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and youth outreach programs that engage students and get them interested in science and engineering.  I would first direct my focus on girls in science and engineering.  The underlying premise would be that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to regardless of your economic, cultural, or academic background. With guidance and support, the journey is a bit easier and more fulfilling. So much can be learned along the way.  The struggle is real. I know firsthand.

I am built for this.  My upbringing has allowed me to see both sides of the spectrum.  It is not easy doing your best when you have so many things trying to discourage you or knock you down. Support is everything.  That is what I hope to provide to young students with dwindling confidence.  I want to share my stories of challenge, struggle, doubt, triumph, growth, faith, and success in hopes of inspiring others that they can succeed also and rise above barriers.

I have to get all this down because such a small seed has the potential to grow into something so great and magnificent.  What I dream of may be ahead of me at the moment, but if it is meant to be, my dream will come to fruition.  Soon my 'what if' will turn into a 'it is' by the grace of God.  May God continue to guide me on my journey to help and bless others.

Family Day at the National Cherry Blossom Festival

The Annual National Cherry Blossom Festival took place the last few weeks (March 20 - April 14).  Tourists form other states and countries waited around for the blossom peak positions to come to fruition around April 4-6th, but nature said otherwise.  I wanted to take a trip down to the National Mall myself to snap photos of the beautiful scenery, but in light of the peak date, I waited until the last week to visit.

I invited my mom, sisters, and nieces and nephew for a family day at National Cherry Blossom Festival on last Saturday (April 13th), and boy, what a beautiful day it was!  My mom and older sister didn't have to work, my cousin from DC joined us, and we even got my little sister to come - who originally was going to stay at home.  I had the chance to spend time with family, see the Cherry Blossoms, and take beautiful photographs.

Here's how our day panned out:

Photos on the Mall (while waiting for cousin to arrive)

Visited the Museum of Natural History (for the kiddies)

Decisions: I Finally Made Up My Mind!!!

Making a decision on where I want to be and where I am supposed to be for the next 5 to 6 years is a big deal and is not an easy decision for me to make. As many of you all know, I am a recent graduate from UMBC and I applied for PhD programs for the fall of 2013. Entering the graduate school realm at a place far away from home (out-of-state) is very scary. I'd basically be starting fresh completely on my own. I know in my heart I'll be fine though. Many people have done it before me, right, and they made it out alright?

Here's the story. Mid-February acceptance letters and rejection letters started rolling around and decision time began getting shorter and shorter by the second. It seemed like forever before I started hearing back from the schools that I really was considering attending. Fast forward to mid-March, a few rejection letters later (from schools I thought I'd get into), and I finally narrowed my options down to 2 schools: Virginia Tech and the University of Pittsburgh.

Both are really amazing schools, but two major factors are costs and environment (distance from included). After many hours of comparing schools, chatting with family and friends, praying, and fasting, I went back and forth on where I wanted to go. In reality, I was asking myself the wrong questions and not thinking in the right frame of mind. What I should have been asking myself is where does God want me to go or where am I supposed to be. Today, after talking to my academic advisor, who is also a man of God, I got my answer. It was like the icing on the cake.

By the grace of God, I am elated to share that I have finally made a decision. Now I can smile without worrying what the future beholds. Wherever I go I know I will be taken care of and I will make the most of my experience. With the power vested in me, I now pronounce myself as a Hokie!!! I will be attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University otherwise know as Virginia Tech!!!

Let me soak that in. Whew, that was long overdue, but I had to wait on God to tell me where I was supposed to go. My patience has really been tested these past few months. Now I can move forward and proceed with filling out paperwork, applying for assistantships, and fellowships, and simply doing my part and letting God handle the rest. God is good all the time!

And with that, I can say that my decision making wasn't so bad after all.  It was all worth it in the long run.

My Favorite Fashion Colors

If you check out my Tumblr blog, you will notice that amongst all the random techy-, home design-, and faith-based things that I reblog, I like and reblog many photos of fashion ensembles.  You can take your wardrobe wherever you want if you have the following colors in your palette: Teal, Fuschia, Coral, Merlot, Grey, Green (Lime), Turquoise, Mustard, Neutral (Beige, Gold, Tans, Browns).

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the photos presented in this blog post, but you can find the original source by clicking on the links below each category.

Clothes are a powerful tool for displaying your personality and geting your point across without saying a word. It does not matter what you wear or how much you wear, but how you wear it. Confidence is everything. As long as you feel comfortable in the skin you're in, use clothes to accentuate your inner and outer beauty.

What are your favorite fashion colors?

Teal: soft, delicate, and serene

Sources: Teal 1, Teal 2, Teal 3

Reason(s) to Smile

I have so many positive and uplifting things going in my life. God is really doing wonderful works. I won't settle for allowing something or someone to steal my joy and happiness. Always take something negative and turn it into something positive. Even when things aren't looking the best, I know that everything will be alright in the end.

Attain Success Without Them & Prove Them Wrong

This is my first and by far the worst rejection letter I've ever gotten. My thing is I'm not even upset that I did not get into the school program itself. What bothers me the most is how the rejection letter is phrased. This particular excerpt rubbed me the wrong way.

Some of My Favorite Wendy Williams Outfits

Heather brown sweater dress by Qi Cashmere (Source)

I just happened to be watching the Wendy William show this morning (I'm usually not up this early), and she was wearing one of the cutest, flattering, and casual chic outfit. Let me start by saying that I am a huge fan of high-waisted ensembles (including high waisted belts and cinched waisted garments). Wendy does a great job at finding (and fixing up) clothes to fit her style. She know's what she likes and works best for her frame and so do I.

Here are a 10 outfits (out of many) that she's worn that I really like:

Remembrance: RIP Mr. T

One year ago today, a great, loving, and wise man ascended towards heaven. As I mourned with and comforted my family and friends, I could not forget Mr. Toliver's impact on my life.  Mr. T always knew just what to say, even if it wasn't necessarily what you wanted to hear right then and there. A few years ago, I experienced some rough patches academically, socially, and personally, and Mr. T gave me one of the greatest pieces of advice regarding reactions to mistakes in life or any situation for that matter.

Here is a blog post that I wrote last year, nearly 2 weeks before his passing:http://maleshiaj.blogspot.com/2011/02/two-reactions-to-mistakes.html

Wow. Since then I've grown to be a stronger person, excelled, and have made a difference around me. I thank Mr. T and my Meyerhoff family for believing in me and seeing that I maximize my potential. To this day, I am still humbled to know that Mr. T reached out personally to my mom around and after selection weekend just to say that he wanted me in the program. This was before I even set foot on the UMBC campus! That's love. Your legacy lives on and you are never forgotten. Rest in Peace Mr. LaMont Toliver.

Banana Pudding: Christmas Dessert

I used the same technique as described in my previous blog on banana pudding. The use a more decorative bowl adds to the overall presentation of the dish at hand. This pudding was mighty tasty, if I do say so for myself. Making banana pudding has to be one of my more enjoyable dishes to make.

We Must Change the Culture of Science and Teaching: Freeman Hrabowski at TEDxMidAtlantic 2012

Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, President of the the University of Maryland Baltimore County (my Alma Mater) speaking on the importance of STEM education.  This man speaks the truth.  The key is early exposure and belief in youths' potential.

The Bird's Nest

Election Day

The lines were extremely long - a beautiful thing.

Mi madre.

My mom and I.

Banana Pudding

I decided to double up on the dishes I brought to the ME S-STEM Program Meet and Greet Potluck.  I make some good banana pudding.

Ingredients:

• Great Value Vanilla Instant Pudding
• Jell-O Banana Cream pudding
• Vanilla Wafers
• Bananas (as many as you desire)

I like to mix the vanilla and banana pudding so that there isn't too strong of an artificial banana flavor, especially since I add real bananas to the dish

I get my hands dirty by making banana slices...

And making layers of the pudding, the vanilla wafers, and the bananas.

The finished product with a decorative design of bananas, crushed wafers, and whole wafers.

To make this dish even more exciting, add whipped cream or whipped topping.

Chicken Casserole

For this year's ME S-STEM Program Meet and Greet in August 2012, we decided on having a potluck lunch amongst the scholars and the mentors within the program. I decided to make chicken casserole for the potluck. Here are a few photos of the finished product and all of the products I used to create this dish.

It came out mighty delicious!

The Ingredients (I obviously had fun shopping at Walmart):

• Tysons Grilled & Ready Chicken Breast Strips
• Great Value Classic Alfredo Sauce
• Great Value Rotini
• Great Value Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• Birds Eye Steamfresh: Broccoli, Cauliflowers, and Carrots

     

Before placing the dish in the oven

The finished product!

Check out that texture!

The advantages of this dish:

• It's simple to make; requires minimal cooking experience (boiling and heating in the oven)
• Has many Servings (lasted me a week)
• Inexpensive and very filling dish
• Dish complete in 45 minutes or less