Girls Love Beyonce...and Amanda "loves" Drake! New Drake Track!

New Drake track!!! Girls Love Beyonce feat. James Fauntleroy

Drake drops a new track April 16th. I can smell the track list coming...

                          

5am in Toronto...Started From The Bottom...No New Friends...now Girls Love Beyonce. I am in Drake music heaven! To me, this song is just another example of how talented my boo...I mean Drake is ;) Read more about the song and download it after the jump!!

Read more!!!

Nursing School 101 Series: Part 2

Now for 'Part 2' of our nursing school series. So get last weeks notes out, time for this weeks lessson!

I took the GRE

(Please make sure and read my post about preparing for the GRE and how I studied here!)

On my list of programs were 8 community college or AA degree programs and one MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) program. The requirements for the MSN program meant I had to do more than just the one to three page applications I had been encountering. I had to write a personal statement. I needed 3 letters of recommendations- either academic or professional (start building relationships if you already haven’t; may come in handy with scholarships as well). I also needed to take the GRE. The GRE is general knowledge test used to gauge if you are a graduate school prepared student. There are 3 sections: verbal, quantitative and analytical writing and it cost $185. The test usually takes about 4 hours (I finished in a little less than that). You should begin preparing for the GRE months in advance. I think 3 months of study time is a good amount, especially if you can’t afford a prep class. I did self stuffy. I found it hard to stay disciplined and study when I know I wanted to do other things…like not study and watch TV, but if you want a competitive score, you’ll press through it. The verbal and quantitative sections are out of 170 points. The lowest you can get would be 130. The analytical writing is an average score out of 6. There are two 30 minute timed essays you must write and each of those is out of 6. ETS (the company who administers the test) then takes both of the scores and averages them. The score you receive is the combination of your two individual essay scores. If you take the computerized test, you get your verbal and quantitative scores immediately. You would need to wait a few weeks for the essay scores. ETS does administer the test paper and pencil style, but it’s only 4 times a year. I found that there are more places giving the computer based test, which helps fit into anyone’s schedule. I did pretty well on the GRE. My math score could have been higher (womp womp), but math has never been my strong subject. For an inconsistent self study, I’m proud of myself.

The MSN Route

Since I did apply to a MSN program, I had to hunt down people to write me letters of recommendation. Let me tell you something about myself. I am not my teacher’s favorite. I rarely even speak to my teachers. So this was something of intermediate difficulty. I ended up asking an old boss, my microbiology teacher (after a friend who took the same class with the same teacher suggested I do so) and my 5^th grade teacher. Yes, my 5^th grade teacher. I found trying to practically sell myself to the school in my personal statement a little uncomfortable. I’m not good at the interview question, “So tell me some strengths and weaknesses you have.” I wanted to write, “I just want to be a nurse, isn't that good enough?” You and I both know it’s not, so I came up with 2 pages, single spaced as to why they should select me. My application fee was $100. It hurt me to give them that money, especially since I just spent all that money on the GRE and transcripts, but I pressed on. I submitted my application March 1^st. Acceptance letters are being mailed starting April 1^st. Let’s just say I am already a wreck!

UPDATE!!!

Unfortunately, I have not received my letter yet! Due to a change in policy I am assuming, I must wait until my last in progress prerequisite is complete...then my application will be reviewed. Now, when I went to the information, I was told they would  review applications with in progress items, but hey, I'm not in charge here. SO AGAIN...we wait!

Websites that might be helpful:

www.ets.org

www.allnursingschools.com

www.amazon.com (find your study books here, much cheaper!)

Hope this lesson was helpful. Until next week...

xoxo,

Amanda

We're on Facebook!

We finally decided to venture into a WHOLE new area of social media and want YOU to tag along!

                           

Read more here!

Nursing School 101 Series

                                                        

                  "It Costs How Much?!??!!!": The nursing school process exposed!

Hello All! As I move through the next phase of my life/career, I thought it would be a great stress reliever to write about my nursing school application process. Not only will it help me decompress, but I hope that you all will be able to gather valuable information you can use if you want to be a nurse, or you can share with someone who may be lost in their own process. So get your notepads out, class is in session!

                      

About $500. That is how much I spent on transcripts. This does not include the cost of gas driving to all these campuses and the hours poured into making sure every “i” was dotted and “t” crossed. There were 9 schools on my list. Out of the 9, I have applied to 4 programs. It would have been more, but I recently got a job and that hinders my availability to go to campuses and talk to nursing counselors. Applying for nursing school has been one the most stressful processes I have ever voluntarily put myself through. There were many moving parts and I thought I would share the major ones with you. Hopefully it will help someone out as they go through the process.

Part One: Let's get started!

Figuring out where to apply

There are a lot of schools to choose from, especially in California. There are diploma and degree programs to consider. Some are, most are, impacted if you are leaning toward community colleges. You could go the private route, i.e. West Coast University, Loma Linda or American Career College, among others. I went onto the Board of Registered Nursing website for the state of California and pulled up the NCLEX (national licensing exam for nurses) passing rates. From there, I chose how far I was willing to travel or move to go to school and picked the programs with the highest passing rates. I already had all of my core prerequisites done, so I was able to make my list with confidence. My advice: make sure you have your classes done. It takes away some of the anxiety.

I made a spreadsheet

Every school requires a certain number of transcripts to be sent to them. Sometimes you have to send them to two separate offices (like with Los Angeles Pierce College). Every school pretty much has the same requirements, but there is some variation. Schools like El Camino/Compton Educational Center require two extra classes. These courses fill up very, very fast. If you don’t already go to that school, your registration date may be so far out that you will have to attempt crashing to class. Some schools have chemistry as a requirement, or use it to make up for lack of units. I went on each website, printed out information on the schools I wanted to apply to and made a folder for easy access. I made a spreadsheet of how many transcripts each program wanted versus the schools I took the prerequisite at and put the mailing address on there as well.

I suggest you start with this. If you are just beginning the process, I think choosing the schools you want to apply to and preparing this spreadsheet is a great way to start your nursing school journey. Come back next week for the next installation of our series! Have a great weekend!

xoxo, 

Amanda

Websites that may help:

www.rn.ca.gov

www.brn.com

www.allnursingschools.com

www.atitesting.com

Happy Resurrection Sunday! Happy Easter!

Hello All!

No matter what your personal beliefs, we here at BBG do hope that you are enjoying your Sunday with your family and friends. It's always nice to be surrounded by those who care for us and to be able to carry that truth with us through life. Hope you all had a fantastic day!

xoxo,
Amanda&Lasondra

My Real Life ABG Moment...Smh

My Real Life ABG Moment….

That awkward moment he walks in with his wife…yeah, that part! Now before you start judging me,let me explain…

I’m out with my friends at a nice wine bar in Santa Monica (you       know, that one) a few Fridays back. Happy hour was almost over, so  I ordered both my drinks at the same time (probably the beginning of this awkward memory). I ordered one glass of pinot grigio and a glass of sangria. Now I am a ‘light weight’ by most people’s standards, but I also had not eaten much or drank a lot of water that day, so the stage is set for something spectacularly hilarious to happen at my expense. I was sitting next to the door, but couldn't see the people coming through the door. Once my friends got there, we moved to a more open table...me sitting directly facing the door (second key part to this truly, wonderfully awkward social mishap). As I finish my glass of wine, I am a tad…loopy one could say. As my friends and I chat about our college years and trot down memory lane, we begin to discuss ‘said’ person (the power of the tongue y’all- I must have spoken him into existence…my existence).

Now, let me tell you about ‘said’ man. This guy has truly made a life for himself. He has really become quite successful. And frankly, it’s just not fair! I liked him when he didn’t have nothing! When he was bumming it around campus and rocking braids; when camouflage was the new hot thing. Now someone else is experiencing the life I used to fantasize we would have- house, cars, trips, cash, happiness. He’s wearing designers I have never heard of or know how to pronounce. No one understood why I liked him so much. It’s not like he’s Idris Elba. Nevertheless, he makes my heart race and when friends would see him on campus, they would come up to me later and say, ‘I saw your boo!’. This year will be our ‘ten year anniversary’. 10 years ago this summer we met. Even though I felt this way and I could see he had feelings for me, we never dated…EVER! We have even discussed it ad nauseum. There were so many chances for us to at least see what could have been, but nothing. I know I am one to fall for a guy with potential, and ONLY potential. But with this one, I should have seen it and stuck with it, because it would have paid off in the long run. I can be honest and say I experience a little bit of hateration when I think about it. Secretly hoping I will be second wife material (I know, I know. I need professional help). But after I also that to pass, I really am happy for him…and her…I guess. (He’s still working on me).

So here I am, on my second drink (I should probably have slowed down or ate something by this point) and I see a woman who looks ALL TOO FAMILIAR walking into the establishment I am currently spilling my guts in. My eyes are fixated on the door. I can’t turn away. It can’t be her, because that would be just too weird. A woman walks in behind her (reinforcements just in case I get out of hand I am sure…she heard me talking about her man), then a man, then it happens…I see the outline of ears and glasses that make me automatically weak in the knees. OOOOOHHHHHH NOOOOOOO!!! SERIOUSLY?! FOR REAL?!!?! 

 

I start saying (too loud I might add) “Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!”. I’m flustered, I’m shocked…I’m now staring at the table and fumbling for my phone so I have something to occupy these emotions I’m feeling. My friends are busting a gut at this point. I feel like I am going to cry (I am almost done with my second drink. I should have stopped while I was ahead). He actually comes over and says hello. I’m startled. I didn’t see him walking over toward us. I was in a fog. They sit in their VIP section and more people started to come. I guess they were having a party. Good for them! (Can you sense the sarcasm? I hope so).

We finish up our night, as I dodge going to the restroom as people from that party go. I’m not trying to have my first fight in a wine bar restroom. We start walking to our cars and he’s outside, talking to someone. No goodbyes are exchanged, no looks. I just leave. I go home and laugh at the awkwardness of the situation. You may ask why it’s so awkward. You ask very great questions. Ever know someone still has feelings for you? Wonder why your wedding invitation never came in the mail when you thought you were so close? Ever wonder why he still makes slick comments about the guys you date or talk to and tells me that he has tenure (you know, because of the whole 10 year thing? He’s cute like that…that sucka!)? 

Yeah…that part.

Oh, and this….the text I got the next morning: “Awkward moments in the theme for this weekend.”

              

              

*Shout out to Issa Rae! She has created a world with her show "The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl" I finally feel like accurately articulates my life's happenings! She has really made my life a more pleasurable, yet still awkward..thing! Haha :)

The New Justin. Timberlake that is.

     

First let me send out an apology. Amanda and I are putting in some hard work these days and that means sometimes things fall to the side. Like the blog. But never fear good and faithful reader! I am here with something good!

   
Now usually my posts have been about my life. You all have gotten a peak at my grad school experience (which is the MAIN thing that keeps me from you), my dating life, and even what it is like to be born on a highly commercialized holiday. But in this post, you will be getting a look into my creative mind; how I think about things in popular culture and such. Today’s “and such” is a review of Justin’s new album. And I hope and pray you are not wondering who Justin is because that means you have already failed. But because I am generous I will tell you that I am referring to Justin Timberlake of course, who’s new album, The 20/20 Experience dropped Tuesday.

   
 I have been anticipating a new album from JT for the longest. Simply because his last 2 albums were that good. That great. That musically pleasing that I was touched in my soul. Anyways Justin (or JT as I sometimes refer to him because we are that close) decided 7 years was a good length of time. I wonder if he is very religious and decided to go with the cycle of completion like in the bible. Well finally there was news of a pending album. Then dropped the single Suit and Tie.



Now I was feeling this cut from the album, but as any smart consumer of music knows, the single is not usually the best the artist has to offer. It’s usually the song that will gather the most listeners and have them on the edge of their seats for what is next. So I already had high expectations since the single makes me wanna move a lil something. After this, I discover that the album is up for pre sale on ITunes. I pre-order of course because I hate going to target after work only to discover that it is sold out at every target in a 20 mile radius of me.  Well with my pre-order I receive another song from the album, Mirrors. I don’t feel the instant connection like I do with Suit and Tie, but it grows and me. And more importantly, in classic JT style Mirrors is like 2 songs in one and I am all about the second part after he switches up the melody.

   
Finally Tuesday is here! The album comes into my iTunes so it is on my phone promptly and I am listening that morning. And let me tell you it is worth whatever you may have sacrificed to get the album (read: lots of trips to different targets). The first song, Pusher Love Girl although not my favorite cut, surely does have me movin form jump. I find myself singing that one the most, but I am sure it is due to the simple 3 note scale Justin uses for the chorus (it’s been a long time since I’ve done music theory, so don’t judge me if the terms are wrong). Suit and Tie is next up and I already know most of the words and even in the midst of listening to the other songs which are newer to my ear, I still want to hear this one. THAT’s a good single. Suit and Tie also makes me want to dress up and hit a fancy shindig, and get my two step on; since that’s the only dance I do anyway. Next up is what may be one of my favorite songs, Don’t Hold the Wall. Something about the beat and the melody makes me happy. And the song is a little sultry, which I like as well. Makes me want to go to some dark club with a slinky dress on and have some hot guy ask me for a dance. Ok maybe not so much the slinky dress, but you get me.

  Strawberry Bubblegum comes next, and I like this song a lot. I think it’s pretty cute. Not only that but I love the melody JT changes the song too in the second half. Definitely a fav of mine and a must listen. The more I listen to the cd, the more mixed feelings I have about Tunnel Vision, which is the next song. I will get back to you on that one and see of it grows on me. Or maybe dies on me, I’m not sure yet. Number 6, Spaceship Coupe, is probably my favorite song. I LOVEEE this one.  It’s got sweet lyrics and a sweet beat. The first part of the song reminds me of some really great 90’s slow jams (like on late night radio with Kevin Nash for my LA peeps). My favorite part is when he says “Sing to me”. Can’t put my finger on it, but I think it’s his phrasing. I hope that at the concert Justin does some Dru Hill/ Ginuwine type moves just to set the mood right (which is another JT favorite of mine by the way). The song is all kinds of sexy in my eyes. And not that wanna be sappy sexy like in the Notebook. That come get me and grab me up sexy like in Django.

    
That Girl is next, and it is such a cute song! I wanna change the words to that boy and serenade someone every time I listen to it. And I love the background vocal harmony going on. I just love me some good harmony and sneaky little backgrounds that really complete a song. Now here comes a tricky song, Let the Groove get In. All I can think of is Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine, or some lil salsa night club on south beach when this song comes on. But nevertheless I start dancing every time. And then when JT really pounds the beat later in the song, I really start moving! Mirrors comes on after I really get groovin, and I feel like I am back when NSYNC was really hot and they were making music that was just a little less poppy (yes I made up a word here. I can do that because I am a graduate student). However, when JT changes the melody and it becomes this very sweet melody over the beat I fall in love. I absolutely love it. And to be honest I love what Justin is saying in this song. It’s pretty deep to tell someone they are a reflection of you and you see them in everything you do, and they have inspired a song, and all. I am waiting for someone to hear this joint and think of me. But that’s me getting sappy on you. The last song is called Blue Ocean Floor. It’s a ballad, and this cd does not include songs I consider ballads except this one. Like his other albums, Justin ends on this soft note. It’s a beautiful song that likens the relationship to ocean animals and how they communicate (frequencies, ocean floors, etc. Get your Marine biology on here folks). That metaphor in itself makes me happy because I think you have to be talented to write like that.

   
Overall, this is a great album and worth the wait and I can’t wait to see JT in concert (because I WILL be there). I keep it on repeat. I figured it would be great because his other albums were and I can listen to those even though they are older. I consider Justin somewhat of a genius because he usually throws in some complex harmony, background, etc in his songs. I do feel like this cd lacked in that area, but nothing normal people would notice. And more importantly, it’s complex so I may not have discovered it yet. I am still hearing more and more in terms of complexity in Justin’s last two albums. If you are slacking on your pimpin and do not have this go get this. If you are a single man, get this. The ladies will appreciate that you respect JT like they do. If you got a girl, get this and play her that Spaceship Coupe cut and watch her blush a little. She knows sexy when she hears it. If you are woman, you probably got this. Or you are searching every day for your copy. I’m not worried about you. If you don’t like Justin, why are we friends? I’m playin, but seriously, you will be a sucka in 20 years when your kids ask you who JT is and you have nothing to show them or let them hear. That’s like not liking the Beatles or something. Don’t let that be you.

 
Alright good people. Stay tuned. It’s March and BBG is putting some work in so stay tuned for updates on the company and our lives. Because our lives are that interesting. Seriously.

Xoxo,

Lasondra

P.S. I know Justin has some bonus tracks. I will get back to y'all on those. For anyone who thought I was slippin.