First Game Debut!!

Let’s be honest; coming back from an injury can both suck and be scary. I was hurt last my senior year last year, as I mentioned in a previous blog post “ The Journey to Recovery”. Today, was my first game back since I got hurt.

We played in my home state Dallas, TX at Southern Medithiost University (SMU). All my family and close friends of the family were there, so this was a great way to open up my senior career. I was nervous and overzealous and agreeably it showed. Ultimately I need up fouling out of the game in the fourth quarter. Overall the team played well against a team that should beat us badly. It was our first game and we only lost by seven points.

I feel like that was just a warm up game for me. A game where I could get all my butterflies and anxiousness out. I was just grateful to be back on the court after a full year. They said, “you never know how much you miss something until its gone”. I agree Things happen in life sometimes just to give me a reality check.

I feel like right now its hard to get back into the routine of things. eventually, everything will click all at once and it’ll be like I never left. So, I’m just going to thank God and keep moving forward. The best of me is yet to come. 

My Favorite 2017 Natural Hair Products

1.Hawian Silk ($4.95)

This product Cools and soothes my scalp while helping heal abrasions. It also helps reduce itching and dandruff. It keeps my hair soft throughout the day.

2.  Eco Styling Gel ($3.99)

I used Eco styling gel to tame my natural frizz and gives my curls that extra hold. I chose this holding gel because it doesn’t flake up and leave white residue when I mix it with my other products.

3.Cantu Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner ($4.99)

This is my go-to everyday product. I use Cantu as my daily moisture and it helps reduce breakage. Cantu also encourages shine, elasticity, and hair growth

4.Africa’s Best Herbal Oil ($2.50)

I love using this particular oil because it doesn’t drip excessively from my hair. Ruining my pillow sheets or clothing. Africa’s Best also uses different varieties of natural oils that help with hydration and maintenance.

The Journey to Recovery

I’ve been involved in sports since as long as I can remember. Like most athletes, I’ve busted my butt to become a force to be reckoned with in competitions. Sports ultimately became my life. After several hard exhausting summer workouts,  I was ready to dominate on the court. Then the unthinkable happens!

During my senior year of collegiate level competition, I had torn my ACL and meniscus during practice. Which meant I had to redshirt and sit out a season. Once I had received the confirmation from the doctors I was devastated. Overwhelmed with the news I didn’t cry in the doctor’s office, but I was bawling when I got to my dorm room and called my parents.

My dad being involved in sports all his life as well gave me some words of encouragement. My parents made an unexpected eight-hour trip to be with me on the day of my surgery. Once the surgery was over I was on bed rest for about two days. Now, the hard work begins.

I had to attend immediate rehab and therapy. The doctor mandated that I rehabbed at least three times a week to speed up my recovery time. During the first two months out from surgery, I was prohibited to apply weight to my leg. So, I had to crutch my way around. Now, that’s an experience that I wish on no one.

During this time I started to become anxious with my progress and in life. Always ready to move on the next exercise or progress level. I was anxious just to start back walking and running again. Once the summer time came I was still going to rehab and finally started back with basketball workouts. I was starting to see progress more and more each week. By the end of the summer, I was feeling good and thought I was ready to hop back on the court. My dreams were crushed as soon as I returned by to campus.

My doctor informed me that my knee was nowhere where it needed to be strength wise. He requested I that I keep working to strengthen my quads before he could give me the ok to play again. A month later I had to take a knee test that determines whether I was strong enough. Sadly, I failed this test twice. Now I was really started to lose hope and became frustrated. The estimated time frame for a torn ACL is about 8 months. I was going on a full year and season was approaching fast.

I made several goals for myself during the time until the next knee test to only focus strengthening my left leg. After another month and only a week and a couple days out from our first game. I had the chance to retake the knee test. Thirds times a charm. I finally passed and was announced cleared to play by the doctor later that day.  

Importance of Church to Christians

I’ve been feeling guilty about skipping church just to get some extra sleep and run a couple of errands. Am I wrong for putting human necessities before God? I try to go to church every chance I get, but sometimes it just doesn’t go as planned. I can’t speak for other Christians, but I know when I don’t go to church for a long time I become lost spiritually and mentally.

The Bible tells me I need to attend church so we can worship God with other believers and be taught his word for my spiritual growth. I have to surround myself with other believers that have the same purpose for loving God. I could tell the more I set back and listen to the people I surrounded myself with. I tend to find that those friends who ridicule God, tends to affect my attitude and thoughts towards my beliefs.

The church is important to me because I need authority and reassurance in my life. Which comes from both reading the bible and attending church. The bible is all you need to know what God wants from his Christians. Hence the B.I.B.L.E: Basic; Instructions; Before; Leaving; Earth. And through the church’s authority structure, I see what God wants when I’m lost spiritually. When I’ve prayed, read the Bible and still aren’t sure what to do, the church is where I go for advice.

I also think the importance of going to church is because I will never stop needing grace. God will always forgive me even when I don’t deserve to be forgiven sometimes. No matter how close I am to God, I’m still going to fall short from sin(s). And when I do, I need a place where I can come to be restored healed, and renewed. That place is the church. For these reasons and more, church attendance, participation, and fellowship should be regular aspects of a believer’s life.

Finding Balance Between School and Sports

Many college athletes struggle with transitioning from high school to college. While there are many rewarding opportunities associated with being a student-athlete, many struggles in finding a balance between academics and athletics.  But with the right attitude and planning, student-athletes can successfully excel in both academics and athletics. Below is a typical full day schedule for me:

Full Day Athlete Schedule

8 a.m. -11:40 a.m. Classes

12 p.m. -2:30 p.m. Practice

3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Weights

6 p.m. -8 p.m. Study Hall

This is just a typical athlete schedule. Sometimes it’s worse than this and I barely have time to eat. Here are a few tips of how I find a balance between school and sports.

Get organized

Calendars are my best friend for both school and sports. I write down all due dates for schoolwork, projects, and papers. I also write down sports practices and games. I revisit my calendar daily to help me know how to plan my week.

Planning my week

I use my calendar as a guide to how and what I have time to due. After I‘ve looked over what’s due that particular week. I then plan how I will study and when I will have time to study.

Use your weekends wisely

I love the weekend, this is the time I catch up on my sleep and prepare myself for the upcoming week. I usually start/finish homework for the upcoming week. I try to read chapters and take notes ahead of time.

Use your travel time wisely

This is the best time because you’re literally on a bus for 5 hours plus with nothing else better to do. I tend to use the times we travel for games or practices to get in extra studying. I use the buses wifi to my advantage and compete as many assignments I can.

Take advantage of school resources

Most universities provide resources to student-athletes such as tutors. I used this faithfully during my freshman year. I take advantage of these free resources even when I didn’t need help.

Unique Natural Hair Hacks!!

Being a college student I’ve been on a journey looking for cheaper ways to care for my natural hair. I feel like the older I get the more I’m in a rush or always busy with school. I’m always searching for hair and life hacks, anything to make my life more manageable. Let’s be honest Natural hair products and equipment are ridiculously overpriced. I have a few natural hair hacks that I have adding into my hair care regimen.

Here are 6 natural hair hacks that I live by:

1. Shower Cap or Grocery Bag for Conditioning Caps

Deep conditions are essential for natural hair. Instead of an expensive store-bought steaming cap, I personally love using inexpensive shower caps. I buy these at the dollar tree 5-pack for $1. No time to run to the store as an alternative I use a grocery bag without holes (Free).

2.T-Shirt Instead of Towels to Dry Hair

This technique works for all natural hair types and textures. It’s especially great since I tend to have frizzy curly hair. I don’t use towels anymore and have seen improvement. Towels have grooves that cause fraction and unnecessary breakage. Cotton t-shirts have a flatter surface that won’t agitate your hair. T-shirts tend to leave my hair silky and smooth.

3.Amp up My Deep Conditioners

I try to always add a little more love to my deep conditioners. I add ingredients that can be found in my kitchen. Ingredients such as Eggs and mayo for proteins, Extra virgin olive oil for shine, banana and honey for moisture just to name a few.

4.Cold Water Rinse

I seal my hair after every wash day. The cold water shocks my hair cuticles shut and help to seal in moisture. This helps keep my hair smooth, shiny and hydrated which is important because I workout a lot.

5.Shower Mirror

I have used a shower mirror for a year now and I’m in love. They sell these at Walmart for maybe $5 or less. The mirror actually has suctioned that stick to the tiles in your shower. Making it easier for me to see what I’m doing when washing my hair to help reduce breakage.

6.Old Tube Socks

This is great when I deep condition my hair overnight. The soaks act as a shield catching or absorbing any oil, water, or product from leaking onto the pillow or my neck.

 

Transitioning From College to the Real World!!!

OMG!! Lately, I have been wondering what’s next in my life after college. College graduation is approaching faster than I have time to prepare for!!! This May I will be faced with tons of anxiety and stress. As finals and making life-changing decisions draw closer. There’s so much pressure on me as I  transition from college into the real world. “You’re smart, I’m sure you’ll find a job,” people say. I’m terrified because I don’t know what to expect and honestly I’m just not mentally prepared to “adult” yet.

I have been torn between whether I should continue playing basketball overseas or start working right away. I have tried to be proactive in making my decision. Creating LinkedIn accounts, beefing up my resume, and searching on job websites like Indeed and CareerBuilder. I have connections and networks to help me go overseas right after college. On the other hand, trying to find an entry-level sports marketing job is ridiculous. Most of the jobs that interest me ask for two-years or more experience, which I don’t have. Since I was highly involved in sports I didn’t have time to take on an internship like I wanted to. I thought about applying for graduate internships or entry-level jobs to get me started.

It’s the thought of an instant switch from assignments and homework to executive decision making. I think the hardest transition for me will be adapting to the work environment and producing quality work for the company I work for. I guess I have to just be thrown into the ring of fire and learn how to survive. I feel all will fall into place after I get my foot in the door.

I’m then faced with financial and living decisions like other recent graduates. Prayerfully I can land a good job that’s not too far from my parent’s house. I plan on working awhile and saving my money. The benefits of staying home a couple more years and not rushing to find an apartment. Once I’ve saved enough to have a financial nest then I’ll search for my own place.

This transition is by far the hardest ever. These next few months are what’s left to living the life I’ve always dreamed of. People always say life after college is the best. It’s the time in your life where you make mistakes, travel the world, and do things will regret. All I can say is that I’m ready to see what God has planned for me in the future.  

 

Appropriate Christian Date Night Ideas

The ultimate goal of dating someone is to see if your compatible with that person. Determining whether or not the two of you should consider marriage (God’s main purpose of dating). In today’s society dating is getting harder and less of. Now of the days people are just leaking up without any intent of marriage. There’s fewer people with the same Christian morals beliefs on dating than I have. Christian dating has almost gone to the waste side, because it is associated with NOT being a social norm. Finding great Christian dating ideas shouldn’t be dreadful.

Proverbs 18:22(NKJV) 22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord.

Most Christians think dating is hard because you want to be in the loop with what your friends are doing. I encourage you that dating modern with Christian values is still possible. I can date just like the modern couples do, but I just have set restrictions and boundaries. Netflix and chill isn’t completely out question. My boyfriend and I watch movies and Netflix all the time without any fornication. We both have set boundaries/rules for each other and renamed it “Movie night”. Here are a list of 15 great Christian date night ideas we have done or plan to do.

1. Church
2. Explore NEW Restaurants
3. Manicure and Pedicure (Spa day)
4. Concerts/Sporting Events
5. Wine Tasting (Over 21)
6. Skydiving/Canoeing
7. Go “House Decor Shopping”
8. Aquariums/ Museums
9. Exercise Together
10. Outdoors Events
11. Mini Vacations with each other Families
12. Dinner for Two at Home
13. Ice Skating
14. Water Parks
15. Rooftop Dinners

 

When searching for date night ideas chose something that interest you both. To avoid any possible fornication try to find public places to visit. Dating like a modern couple isn’t existence for the Christian couple. You and your partner just have to know and abide by the boundaries and limitations set for your relationship. Date night can be just finding things that keeps the relationship interesting. I don’t think the actually dating is the hardest part of being a Christian in a relationship. I think the hardest part is finding someone of the same beliefs (equally yolked) and someone that loves you enough and welling to make those life changing decisions is.

Confessions of Being a College Athlete

“Oh you don’t have to pay for school you have a full athletic scholarship, ” they said. People who say this definitely have a different idea of this concept. I was blessed to have received a full  Division I basketball scholarship. Technically, there are no such things as a “full scholarship” anymore. NCAA now has a rule the scholarships are granted yearly now, not guaranteeing you’ll be covered for all four years. Some full scholarships only cover certain school expenses, because some students have to still pay for either their books and/or housing expenses.

As a college athlete myself, I have paid my institutions maybe more than $3,000  since my freshman year for housing alone. Thankfully everything else has been covered by my scholarship. College athletes definitely have less freedom than regular students on campus. Especially when the season comes around and your life just starts falling apart before your eyes. As an athlete you’re still expected to go to class, practice/games, travel, and maintain a 2.0 GPA to stay eligible.

This is definitely harder than it sounds with the crazy sports schedule (talk about stressful). It also doesn’t help that you feel tired all the time. Practicing approximately 3 hours a day, 6 a.m. weights/conditioning, and classes there’s not enough time to get proper rest. That being said rest is essential to an athlete it helps us rejuvenate our bodies. Being an athlete we’re constantly sore and have to take ice baths at 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit).

We always get dirty looks towards us if we’re seen struggling up a flight of stairs. Dealing with the comment of “You’re an athlete I thought you supposed to be in shape”! No, we just had leg day thank you. Many student-athletes can attest to the fact that we’re constantly hungry. My appetite definitely picks up during the season and I’m constantly snacking like there’s no tomorrow.

Many athletes are on meal plans, but the on-campus cafe really doesn’t accommodate for most athletes. We have to replenish what we’ve lost and we lose a lot of sweat. I literally carry perfume and deodorant with me everywhere, because almost all my athletic wear reeks. I do laundry at least 3-4 times a week.  What’s a social life? Athletes barely have a social life, because during the season you’re constantly with your team traveling. There are a limited amount of times you can actually go out for the night, but then we’re too exhausted from the week. Can you believe that’s only half the life of being a college athlete?  

Love Your Natural Hair!!

I have been natural since 2012, and have self taught myself how to properly care for my 3c hair. My natural hair requires a ton of attention, because it tends to dry out and become matted. Here are seven tips I use to retain length and prevent damage.(Number seven is most important!!)

1.Deep condition once every two weeks

I deep condition once every two weeks depending on the state of my hair. I usually use a plastic shower cap and a satin scarf to lock heat or maximum penetration. Deep conditioning helps prevents breakage and promote elasticity.

2. Daily Moisture

I found daily moisture prevents my ends from splitting. Water is my best friend. I spray my hair lightly everyday in the morning and before bed. I use Cantu Shea Butter as my leave in conditioner. I prefer to use Doo Gro oil as my sealant to lock in my moisture. I always seal my hair after every wash and before styling.

3.Comb your hair properly

I tend to comb my hair maybe twice a week. Your combing technique is essential in reducing breakage. I comb my hair from ends to roots or from bottom up. My detangling  tools are either a wide tooth comb or my denman brush. As an alternative I also just use my fingers as my detangling tool.

4.Protein treatment once a month.

I make my own protein treatments at home. Using ingredients from my kitchen: honey, mayo and eggs. Protein treatments gives your hair the vitamin, strength, and shine it’s lacking.

5.Scalp massages

For fast naturally growing hair I scalp massage my hair three times a week. I have invented in an electric scalp massager. They are sold at almost any retail store. Scalp massaging helps to circulate your blood, which stimulates hair growth.

6.Satin scarfs

Sleeping in a satin scarf, bonnet or on a satin pillowcase prevents your hair’s moisture from being robbed and causing the hair to dry out.

7.Protective styling

My favorite protective style is the lazy day hair bun. Its quick, simple and helps me manage my hair during basketball season better. Twist outs are good for athletes too. Protective styles helps to reduce the stress on your hair from daily maintenance. The less stressed my hair is the faster it grows, the less breakage and hair loss I have.