Razon Detra

Racism in 2009

2009-12-02T18:16:00.000-08:00

Well, earlier this month (or rather in November) I was told that I could not get a hair cut because the salon didn't carry shampoo for African American women. Isn't that sad? That in 2009, their are people that believe there are certain shampoo companies that cater to certain ethnicities. How very ignorant. I wasn't as angry as I was shocked. My expectations of said salons was much higher and so as I move into my New Years and Resolutions and all that crap, I feel like America's New Years Resolution should be "to be more informed". I don't think-no wait- I KNOW that racism will never go away, but people can just try and be more informed about the ever-changing world around them. Very much not interested in the character of the woman who said this to me but most of all, I want people to be more informed. Or in other words, THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK. Geez.

When in Italy, do as the Italians do...

2009-08-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

So while I may have changed the place (well technically not really) , the phrases' meaning did not change. "When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do" is applicable in every aspect of your life ( and mine), and recently, I have learned the deep importance of such.

While going through life's struggles and trials, as well as growing into a better human, you will learn that it is best to adapt to the ways of your surroundings to best absorb the knowledge, to best receive the message.

Sometimes, our Razon Detra is a large (?) question mark, but it shall change into assurance as soon as you "Do as the Italians Do". Give what you are given and ONLY THAT.

Clouded Leopards and Why the World is only Separated by Language and Seas

2009-08-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

Clouded leopards are the most interesting cats I've ever heard about, thanks to Animal Planet. They are the only cats that can climb down trees, and they can open there mouth larger than any other feline. Furthermore, they are the direct decedents of of the Saber Toothed Cat (Tiger).

Amazing.

And the world is only separated by Language and Seas. We are not any different otherwise. So I encourage all of you to travel our beautiful planet and learn a new language. Try something different, because what you'll find is that we all have similarities based on the Human Design. We all have hearts that break, laugh at jokes, smile when we're happy, cry when we're sad; we simply are not connect by land. And according to what HIstory has taught us, that means nothing anyway.

My First Bottle of Chanel...The Story. Pt 1

2009-08-28T14:19:00.002-07:00

Once upon a time there was a woman, CoCo Chanel. Well that wasn't her real name, however, this is what she was called.
She created the empire of Fragrance, Clothing and Ultimate Fashion that we've come to know as Chanel.

Fast forward a few decades to me. Jasmin. A fairly middle class child, and slightly aware of a fashionable society.

After completing my first year of college, I realized that it was time for me to buy my own bottle of Chanel Perfume, my favorite fragrance, and bottle of choice, "Chanel Chance". More on this later.

It's Been A While

2009-08-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

So, I had to begin classes and have been picking up great ideas for the site.

1. A link that everyone should bookmark on their browser.
2. I will be posting a piece on social conformity very soon. I recently took a hiatus from all forms of online/mobile social networks. I think its very necessary for the success of a functioning, positive spirited person.
3. A piece on love will be posted as soon as I get my love life squared away. I have formed a hypothesis about love and we will see if my theory will be proven correct hopefully in the next few months. Love, as you know, takes time and is very unpredictable.
4. Channels you need to watch so that you can be SMARTER, and what you really need to download on your ipod (or zune, Thanks Rae B)
5. Pic of the month: this will be a new feature that includes artwork by aspiring artists, music by non-traditional musicians (aka jazz), places you should visit etc.
6. Why I love the Phoenix and the principles of the Phoenix (yes, the bird)
7. Finally, a website that is slightly overpriced but definitely fun to window shop on if nothing else,

In my Next Life

2009-08-04T10:46:00.001-07:00

A woman spoke. She said "In my next life, I want to be a journalist. And I don't mean after I die". She further explained that she considers her next life to simply mean her next journey, her next project, her next accomplishment. She wanted to take on another passion, after she master the one that she was currently engaged in. So in my next life, I want to be a supermodel. And in my life after that, I want to be a lawyer. Never ever limit yourself or your dreams. As a Kanye West Man once said "Reach for the stars, so if you fall, you land on a cloud."

The Sunset at the North Pole

2009-07-30T22:47:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that I love the sky; if you didn't know, now you do. So someone sent me this picture of the sunset on the North Pole. It's absolutely beautiful. When I was a little kid, I wanted be an astronaut. This is my ticket to the world.

25:Italy

2009-07-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

1. I want to explore the world outside of the 50 States
2. I think that Italy birthed some of the most outstanding people this world has ever seen
3. I've never been outside of US
4. I love Opera
5. I love Art
6. I love Music
7. Lady in the Tramp made me fall in love with Italian music, Bella Note
8. I've always been fascinated with World History
9. I think Italian is VERY Romantic Language
10. I want to take and authentic Gondola Ride
11. I want to be a supermodel in my next Life ( which means once I master whatever I'm working on now, maybe in 2 years)
12. I love Diamonds
13. I love Clothes
14. I love Handbags
15. Haute Couture ( thats probably french, but they influence fashion SOO much in Italy, it's ridiculous)
16. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Tirimisu
17. I love italian food
18. I mite want to live there when I grow up
19. Fashion Week in Milan: nuff said
20. I think italian men are gorgeous
21. Italian women have complexion, so they aren't oddly pale
22. Martin Scorsese
23. Anonioni, Fellini (pretty good directors)
24. I really want to feel like I lived for more than just money, but for life, for culture, for influence, for people
25. to tell the world how great italy is.

What does it mean?

2009-07-30T20:35:00.000-07:00

We sat in the crowded Federal Reserve Bank of New York, half awake, half concerned for the speaker and ultimately, anticipating the words that would give us freedom to be absent minded in thought. In a stuffy, large auditorium, none us could pay attention, and if someone had asked me what the name of the speaker was, I would've showed them a list of names scribbled on my notepad and told them to guess.

As my mind began to get restless and departed, I wondered how on earth someone could be so distracted and unfocused on what someone was saying; it was obvious that this person had really prepared, yet my devotion to being a good audience had weakened.

Then I heard the words Razon Detra and I immediately was drawn to the speaker. Not knowing what it meant, but hearing bits and pieces of what the speaker was saying, I found myself lingering on every word that he spoke after that.

As soon as I got a chance, I looked it up.

I found nothing except "reason for being".

Then I realized that the meaning for everyone was differerent and thus, there was no "real" definition other than "reason for being".

This is mine.

I thought that Life and Family and Happiness and Prosperity and Heaven were reason enough, yet, as I continue through this enthralling journey called Life, I continue to find new reasons and new understanding. Even In the last 3 months, I've gotten a new "Razon Detra"; Italy.

Crazy that it's a place, but realistic in nature since I plan to go in the VERY near future. Which makes it one of my reasons.

Nivea has a song titled "25 Reasons" on her debut, self titled album and while I'm not a big fan of pleas of undying love,(in the song she list 25 reasons why she still in love with a guy, and why she's never leaving him..etc.), I respect her for having 25 reasons for doing anything, let alone love. I can't think of 25 reasons why I'm doing anything in my life, but that will soon change.

See it's not that I don't have 25 reasons, it's that I've never been forced to think of them, you know?

25 Reasons why....?

So here's what I'm gonna do.

Compile list of why so that I can emit more passion in everything I do. Even if it's just feeding my dog. Or hugging my mom. Or creating a blog.