Today’s Guilty Pleasure goes to awful rap music.

I rarely, if ever, purchase rap music and I don’t often attend rap concerts. If I do, they are free of charge like the one I’m helping out with tonight at work.

However, there is something about crunk ignorant and raucus rap music. I mainly like to listen to it while working out but sometimes I just revert back to my former self and feel the need to drop it. Remind you, this is often while in my apartment, sometimes in my car, and always on the elliptical machine.

These songs are totally values incongruent. They are mysogynistic, homophobic, racist, sexist, and really just contain every problem in the world that one can name BUT the beats are amazing. Therefore, I work to block out the lyrics while I focus on the music in the background.

My latest favorites are Juicy J’s “Bandz A Make Her Dance”,  2 Chainz “No Lie” and “Birthday Song”. Go ahead and give them a listen. I dare you not to move. I also dare you not to cringe should you listen closely to the lyrics.

I’m often embarrassed when people find out I know these songs. I become concious should they come on my Spotify while I’m in the office. I just know that these songs aren’t carrying any piece of a positive message. We don’t need any additional objectification of women in the world.

Before I took a sociology class songs like these were on a regular rotation in my music collection. But, I know better and I still can’t help but TurnUp to these songs. Some people might think, “I mean, they are only songs.” However, I know that there are women and men in the world who take their cue on male/female interactions based on these songs. There are women in clubs and on stages right now with little clothing  dancing to these songs that believe this is the only way to attract male attention and that the size of their breasts and butt determine their value in society. I know that I have a Little Sister who looks at music videos and has friends in her high school who think they need to engage in sexual behavior and act like the women the men rap about in these songs. Sometimes this can lead to consequences like teen pregnancy and low self esteem.  I know so many wrongs about these songs. Why do I continue to listen?

Total guilty pleasure. Perhaps I’ll choose something different on my upcoming turn on the elliptical.

Later y’all.

 

Latest Spotify Additions

Heart Beats- Johnnyswim–Ummm…after the first 5 seconds I was addicted and my day at work took a whole new direction. Also, listen to Adelina, Annie, Home, Good News, Bonsoir, Hallelujah, and Paris in June. She is Donna Summers’ daughter. Done. Apparently, they live here in Nashville. I’m on the hunt. I have a weakness for soulful music. You just feel like the lyrics have come from the deepest and darkest places of their soul. A place that only a select few people can tap into and deliver what they find. Check out more about them on Back Down South.

Diamonds- Rihanna–Her personal life bothers me but I can’t help but love her catchy tunes. This one was the golden song I couldn’t wait to come on the radio on my drive to and back from Athens, GA. Find a local radio station and ride it till the wheels fall off.

We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together- Taylor Swift–What? Yep, I like it. Deal with it.

Anything Could Happen–Ellie Goulding–There is so much passion in her voice and the thought that “anything could happen” is inspirational and almost comforting–while scary at the same time.

Your Body- Christina Aguilera–I mean, get it boo! Her voice is money and the beat makes you move.

Fool For  You- Cee-Lo & Melanie Fiona–I heard this song on my mom’s radio station the last time I was at home and it caught my ear. I didn’t hear it again until driving home late from work and it certainly helped that drive down 70S move a bit faster. Strong soul music. Gotta love a well matched duet.

Valerie- Amy Winehouse–Why wasn’t this on my Spotify/iTunes years ago? No se, senor.

What are you listening to?

Later Y’all.

Whoa! A Thursday post actually on Thursday. Stop it. Let’s do The Peanuts happy dance!

What am I thankful for today?

1. When my students tell me about the good things they do in the Nashville community. I work with Greeks. I love them. I often want to strangle them. I love them. Well, yesterday I was a bit bombarded with awesomeness as one of the fraternities sent me info about their participation in the “Light the Night Walk”  for Leukemia and Lymphoma with their parents on Family Weekend and one of our Tri-Council Circles had kids from Fannie Battle in the Student Center for a Craft Night. I saw one of the photos and it made my heart grow. Another of our sororities held a benefit for the Ronald McDonald House that included french fries and cheeseburgers. I know that fraternities and sororities do amazing works on and off campus. Oddly, I’m often the last person to hear about it and I am just incredibly thankful that of all weeks, when I need it the most, they shared some good stuff. Way to Be More!

2. My growing comfort with quitting things or saying “no”. I just let go of a couple of things this week and I already feel better. I feel lighter and like I can actually put more of myself into the things I actually want to do instead of the things I feel duped into doing or really only sounded great in the moment. There is this incredible freedom in realizing that the world will go on without you in it. These things will get accomplished and I don’t have to be the one who does it all. My former pastor eminded us that God begins the day while you are sleeping. He does this so that you can understand that you are not needed to make the world go around. He’s got this all under control.

3. The journal my aunt got me for Christmas. Yes, I blog but I also journal. Most of my journaling is full of church lessons and devotion reflections. I’ve been really good about using this journal in the development of my relationship with Christ. I was glad she was able to see me use it during her visit earlier this month. It puts my thoughts, questions, dreams, and prayers in one place.

4. Cancelled meetings! I get to come home today at 5pm. Watch out now! What should I do with all that extra daylight? I’m thinking I’m going to clean my apartment and my car. I mean, I am just a born rager these days ;).

That’s all for now.

Later y’all.

Well, I actually do books on my iPad through Kindle but you get my drift. I dig reading.

Here are a few suggestions just in case you decide to use some of your precious time to support the written word:

 

1. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky– Read the book before you see the movie. Fall in love with the book and never let it wander from your shelf. Let it seep into your authentic core and make peace with some of the things hidden there.  I have read it numerous times since high school (I’m 29). It is just as amazing and relevant now as it was then.

2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn-I mean, why not? Everyone else is reading it. Great twists and turns. Page-turner. A bit sick. I still don’t know what to do with the rather unsettling ending. I just don’t know who to antagonize in this book.

3. A Different Mirror by Ronald Takaki– Read another version of the story behind all the stuff you learned in high school history class. I’ve read this book multiple times since college in an attempt to wrap my brain around our country’s history and the impact it still has on the present.

4. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz–

The Four Agreements

1. Be Impeccable with your Word

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally

3. Don’t Make Assumptions

4. Always Do Your Best

Sounds like common sense but let’s be honest with each other, we ain’t all practicing these agreements on a daily basis. Are we? The answer is no. Read the book.

Fall is a great time to throw on a large sweater, leggings, warm socks, and a scarf while you get comfy on the nearest couch, grab a cup of coffee and have some one on one time with a good read. This sounds like a great time or is that just me?

Later y’all.

One of my favorite movies is Mean Girls and it just so happens that National Mean Girls Day was on October 3rd. You have to watch the movie if you want understand the 10/3 reference. In the movie, the women make it pretty clear that,  “On Wednesdays, we wear pink.” Since I seek to appreciate the wonderful life that God has given me I thought I’d start a new series on Peculiar Pearl that allows me to take a moment each week to give thanks.

 

I know, today is Friday BUT cut me some slack. There were so many blessings flowing my way yesterday that I didn’t make time to blog about them ;).

 

Here we go…

Nice auto mechanics. I mean, I have no idea what to do with that oversized toy called a Mazda parked downstairs. Therefore, I need some assistance and the boys at Sears Auto Center do it for me.

My voice. I mean, I’ve heard myself on tape and my voice is rather obnoxious and unexpected. I didn’t really remember how it sounds until I happened to watch a video from the Greek Leaders’ Retreat. This footage was complete with my color commentary. I mean, that is what people have to listen to when I speak? Yeesh! Despite how I might feel about it, this voice has gotten me quite far in life. It is loud, clear, strong, and I’m not afraid to use it. My voice often causes people to ask “Wait, where are you from?” Other people just call me “bourgie” (like at the most recent high school football game I attended), and others have just told me that I “sound white”. Oh, well. I’ll take it and keep chatting my way to success.

I’ve never felt the urge to do drugs. I mean, I indulge in festive beverages but that is where I draw the line. I’ve never even smoked a cigarette or marijuana. I’ve never felt compelled to engage in narcotics and I’m super thankful for I know that everyone is not able to share that blessing. It is hard to watch people struggle with addiction and the  negative impact engaging in drugs can have on that person’s entire family, their friends, and often the community in which they live.

Well, that got kinda serious. How would Glen Coco feel about this?

Take some time this weekend and reflect.  What are you thankful for at  this time in your life?

These seems to be the songs that my Spotify finger wanders to these days. Enjoy!

1.  Spectrum- Zedd & Matthew Koma

2. I Will Wait- Mumford & Sons

3. R.I.P- Rita Ora

4. One More Night- Maroon 5

5. Tongue Tied- Grouplove

6. No Lie- 2 Chainz ft. Drake

7. Over When It’s Over- Eric Church

8. Ho Hey- The Lumineers

9. Bottom of the River- Delta Rae

10. It’s Time & Radioactive- Imagine Dragons

11. One Last Kiss (Blow Me)- Pink

Tomorrow night I get to see Carrie Underwood at Bridgestone Arena! Can’t wait! My boots are fired up and ready to go. Ready to be Blown Away! See what I did there? You love it ;).

Later y’all.

I love volunteering for this organization!

http://www.gotrnashville.org/volunteer-spotlight-krystal-clark/

Honored to be featured on the website.

 

 

Thanks to Volunteer Traditions I am the owner of this new snazzy “Football in the South Tee”!

Obvi, I choose it in Black & Gold because I hold season tickets for football games at Vandy. ANCHORDOWN! Really, my dear ‘Dores, just win!

Super amped to rock this tee at the next game against Auburn. Secretly, I want the right to yell War Eagle or even Roll Tide but for now ANCHORDOWN will have to make do. The former are much cooler ;).

Lucky for me I’m going to have a new football adventure at Ole Miss this weekend. My friends are taking me to Oxford to tailgate on   “The Grove”! I’ve got my red dress all picked out and I’m ready to roll. Hotty Toddy here I come!

This basketball baby is having fun in SEC land. The fashion, the tailgates, and the sheer passion for the game are right up my alley.  Don’t worry folks, I’m loyal to my Blue Devils and the ACC for basketball but I’m dating around and liking what I see on the football field in the SEC.

I’ll make sure to report back about my trip to Ole Miss. Wish me luck!

Oh, and don’t forget to check out Volunteer Traditions @Vol_Trad or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VolunteerTraditions. Great products to showcase your state pride. Feel free to send me anything with VA, NC, or TN. Thanks!