#50: HOAES (3)

Being an engineering student in the 21st century is exciting and comes with many opportunities and adventures, but the fact is we are living in the age of technology. Therefore, we the students of today have to be familiar with many computer programs for engineering projects. Personally, I think some of them are really exciting and some aren't. It becomes overwhelming sometimes to learn these programs and they take up so much time, in order to get a better understanding of its functions.

After being enrolled in many engineering classes over the past years, I've come to learn and understand some of these programs and there are some that my head is too stubborn to comprehend till this day. I am no expert in any of them, but I do my best in a good amount of them. The best advice I can give future and present engineering students is that in order for them to get better knowledge and skills for these programs, they must dedicate a lot of time practicing these programs. I've come to realize that the more time I spend on programs by myself and play around with the menus, the better it is for me to effectively use the program.

However, the more classes one takes as semesters go by, there are not many times available in the day to just sit in front of a monitor practicing programs. Therefore, one has to manage their time accordingly and try to struggle with the program on their own before getting help. I am not proficient in sticking to the second part of the advice because I get so frustrated sometimes with the programs that I just give up and get help, which is not a bad thing, but struggling is also good because you will have the right questions when help is finally received. For instance, if someone feeds you all the information, you won't think thoroughly of something but just work on automous mode and recall on all the things the person did when they were helping you and not knowing why. Honestly, I am telling you this now because I know it is the truth, but being the fact that we're all humans, it is easier said than done. But do try your best to stick to it.

It gets aggravating at times when learning these programs like I said earlier, but in classes to come, you tend to appreciate the fact that you learned it because you have more ways of approaching certain problems. That is what usually puts a lot of engineers and engineering students at an advantage sometimes compared to others without engineering background, because they aren't conversant with these programs. Therefore, pay attention to all programs you're learning today and will be learning tomorrow because you never know when it may sneak up on you. Trust me, I say this with experience.

Here are some programs I've encountered and had to learn over the past years:
Autodesk: *AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Inventor
Carlson Mining
ArcGIS
LabVIEW
MatLAB
*Microsoft Excel


*Used in most of my classes

Jasmine Mans - Roses



#49: Fashion faves - Red hott lipstick

Over the past months, I've been experimenting with lipsticks, and what color suits me best. All my life, I've chosen not to wear makeup but the only form makeup that I wear is lipgloss, because I like having smooth, soft and shiny lips. However, during special occasions like my dance or acting performances, I do wear makeup for dramatic effect or to accentuate my costume.

So, being that fact that I want to not only rely on lipgloss, I've been trying to see which lipstick fits my complexion and size of my lips. My mom wears gold-colored lipsticks which are perfect for her because it suits her lighter complexion and definitely accentuates her lips and that's what I want. I've tried her lipsticks before, however, I didn't feel like it was for me because I have pinker lips and I am darker in complexion.

Recently, I have been wearing red lipstick to special occasions because I love the color red and it was accessible to me. Fortunately, I was browsing through my most recent pictures and I realized that I love how it looks on me and I will stick to that. I'm also happy that it fits me, because I wouldn't want to be wearing a color that I'm not a fan of, so it is just my luck that my fave color is my ideal and suitable lipstick. I've also come to realize that if I don't put too much of it, it tends to look like pink rather than the dark red color it is.

Check out these pictures of me rocking the red hott lipstick.

Mi fren - Vickie Fornah

#48: Website faves

So instead of working on a homework assignment, I decided to (unintentionally) procrastinate and browse through Essence online (http://www.essence.com/) and just see what celebrities are up to. I really like this website and it gives me an opportunity to aesthetically please my eyes with articles and also pictures of some of my favorite celebrities. Essence is definitley is one the websites I check out at least 4 times a week, and some others.  Rujizzle's World is checked everyday to check my messages and also to write stuff for Dear Diary... When You Believe Foundation is also checked everyday because that's my philanthropy.

Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/) is another major distractor of mine because I get on it pretty much everyday, I don't know if I'd call it an addiction, but it's definitely an obsession. It's just so interesting and has a variety of so many things, that are not provided in just one website. Sometimes I choose to watch goofy videos, and also educational ones as well. Besides being a Youtube channel owner, this website plays a big role in my life because that's how I actually taught myself how to belly dance, just from watching multiple videos of belly dancers and mirroring them. For great music and updates about Sierra Leonean artists, I visit SLMTV Radio frequently as well.

My University's webmail and my personal e-mail is another one that I check everyday, because I need to stay updated. I enjoy checking out some of my friends's blogs as well because they are amazing writers or just always make posts about interesting things with regards to art, fashion, politics, technology, education, feminism, charity, etc. Yahoo is another resource that I use sometimes, because they remain updated about news, and I really apprecitate that. Obviously, this post will not be complete if I don't mention, the giant of all websites, Google. When I get bored, I just like to type in random thoughts and see what comes up, just for the heck of it.

Other websites that I tend to visit at least once a week due to the fact that I like watching my fave shows online are:
TBS: Meet The Browns, House of Payne
ABC: Modern Family, Dancing with the stars
NBC: Celebrity Apprentice, Community, The Office, Outsourced
LOGO: Rupaul's Drag Race

P.S.: I am not paid to talk about these websites and in no way affiliated or endorsed by them. These are just my personal preferences that are being shared.

P!nk - U + Ur hand

#47: Photo Challenge - Day 30

Day 30: A picture of yourself

Goodbye 30 Days Photo Challenge!!!

"Chor Bazari" from the movie, Love Aaj Kal

#46: Watch. Reflect. Act.

I came across this video today that was done by Daniel Craig and Dame Judy Dench, which was recently released to the general public. I like the concept of the PSA and it's definitely an eye-opener for all people of the world. I advice you to watch it, reflect on the message and act towards equality of all people. It is possible.



#45: Photo Challenge - Day 29

Day 29: A picture that can always make you smile

My babies!!!

Dr. Jones - Aqua

#44: Photo Challenge - Day 28

Day 28: A picture of something you're afraid of

Being lonely

P.S.: I had a difficulty finding something for this, but I chose something that I'm not of a fan of. I am okay with being alone, but dislike being lonely. I did think of something that I absolutely dislike but I don't want to see that on my blog at all.

Broken - Seether feat. Amy Lee

#43: Green day

Today my friends is St. Patrick's day, and I was obviously reminded from all green I see around campus in people's attires and properties. I've never really been conversant with this day, the background and meaning of it, but all I can summarize is that it has something to do with Ireland, drinking and beer, and green.

In the past, there have been times when I'll voluntarily wear green if told ahead but this year since I was unaware of it, I got out of my house rocking red! After going to my first few classes of the day, I decided to not change my outfit when I went back to my place during break because for two reasons. One, I don't know what this day really represents at all. Two and the most important reason is that I was wearing one of my new shirts which I absolutely love and it's also in my favorite color. In my world, the color RED is greater than green, a mon avis.

Besides the commemoration of this day, I've had a pretty nice day. The weather was gorgeous and still is outside and I loved it. In general, I'm just really happy and full of life more than usual today. There isn't really much of a reason and I like it because I'm celebrating life and no particular reason to. Even though I have a good amount of homework that awaits me, I'm still excited and smiling all day. Hopefully, my day will end with receiving good news but if I don't get that, I'm still happy because I'm breathing with good health and have people that I love and they love me in return.

Have a wonderful rest of the day. Stay safe and for the ones that plan to drink tonight for St. Patrick's day, please be safe, eat food before drinking, do not drive and stay away from risky encounters.

GreenDay - American Idiot

#42: Photo Challenge - Day 27

Day 27: A picture of yourself and a family member

My brother

Scream - Michael and Janet Jackson

#41: Photo Challenge - Day 26

Day 26: A picture of something that means a lot to you.

Dance

Janet Jackson - Feedback

#40: Photo Challenge - Day 25

Day 25: A picture of your day

I had a fantastic day today, because this evening I got to meet Ms. Roxanne Jones and sat through meet/greet/educate session with her. Ms. Jones is the Founding editor of ESPN Magazine and Senior Vice President of ESPN. Getting to hear her speak, interact with her and ask question is definitely one of the greatest experiences of my life and I feel honored and blessed about it all. I'll write about our session together in Rujizzle's World Dear Diary tomorrow, because I have some homework assignments to work on now.

Walking - Mary Mary

UPDATE: I have written an entry about my time spent with Ms. Jones, check it out in Dear Diary... titled "Words have power" on Rujizzle's World.

#39: Photo Challenge - Day 24

Day 24: A picture of something you wish you could change

"Hum Tum"  from the movie, Hum Tum



#38: Photo Challenge - Day 23

Day 23: A picture of your favorite book

The Holy Bible

Ron Kenoly - Ancient of days

#37: Message to the world

A friend of mine shared this video a week ago and I had the opportunity to listen to the whole thing today. I highly encourage you, whether a Christian or non-Christian to listen to the entire video, it is very inspirational and powerful. Take a moment and reflect on the life you've lived and the life you plan to live, put God first in all decisions you make. I know that my life is definitely going to change for the best after being blessed with this video. Remember that with God, all things are possible and God is love.

Please listen to the entire message, it's worthwhile.

#36: Sweat it out

Hey everyone, hope you're having an amazing Saturday. My Saturday started slow and a bit annoying because I was suppose to go to the gym on-campus to workout with my friend but unfortunately it's closed due to spring break; we checked the other gym on-campus, yes that was closed too. Due to the fact that I really want to start maintaining a healthier lifestyle, I decided to go back to my place and just watch a couple of workout videos on Youtube, at least I'll get my sweat for the day.

I'm glad that I didn't give up on working out for the day because I feel very refreshed and ready to conquer the day. I did various workout routines within 40 minutes while blasting Britney Spears songs, and I can definitely feel the burn. Also, I dedicated about 30 minutes going over some belly dance moves because I have a public performance coming up at the end of this month and several throughout the month of April. As for today, I don't have much plans of going out but just staying in and working on school assignments, which should be quite splendid (yes, there's a hint of sarcasm in that).

I highly encourage you all to take this healthy journey with me in staying fit and active because it does the body and mind good. Obviously I'm too occupied during the weekdays to do these things but I'm still getting my workout from walking around campus a lot, carrying a heavy school bag with a laptop, and also having two dance practices in the week.

Stay safe and I wish you all a wonderful and fulfilling day. Bye!

Fit in gbet - Heyden Adama

#35: Photo Challenge - Day 22

Day 22: A picture of something you wish you were better at

Reading and making music

Video - India.Arie



#34: Love all the way

After virtually witnessing the earthquake and tsunami in Japan today, I've come to realize how important it is to cherish life each day to the fullest. It made me realize that we need to love to the fullest and be grateful for the presence of our loved ones in our lives. Do not delay sharing your affection towards your family, friends, partners or acquaintances for tomorrow because tomorrow may never come for you or them, and act on it today.

I do not know anyone in Japan but my heart and prayers are truly with them, and I know God is in control. While watching these videos as the disasters unfolds, I realized how scary it must have been for people there and outside of Japan thinking and worrying about their families and loved ones. Although I was younger, but being a Sierra Leonean I have been in a situation like this before whereby the welfare of family members was a crisis during the civil war, so I could definitely relate.

Although I already knew this, but the disaster in Japan definitely reinforced the message that one must cherish their life each day and love like they've never loved before. Tell friends, family members and partners how much you like, love, cherish and appreciate them. Do not assume that the person knows but physically tell them and also show it. Do not show concern when they are in crisis but always be affectionate to them when you can.

Live your life to the fullest and do not wait for tomorrow, because there may not be a tomorrow. I advice you to follow your dreams today, make a positive change in your life and others, and show as much as affection as possible to the ones that you like, love and have been instrumental in your life and others.

As cliche as this may sound, I encourage you to live your life and do what makes you happy without inflicting any pain on others; love like you've never loved before to yourself, the ones that cherish, appreciate and respect you; laugh the loudest and most you can, and always keep yourself happy and comfortable; last but not least, dance off all your stress to your favorite songs and move every part of your body.



These words - Natasha Bedingfield

#33: Photo Challenge - Day 21

Day 21: A picture of something you wish you could forget

Nothing



P.S.: There are certain things and events that have taken place in my life that I did not like, however, I do not wish they never happened because I believe that everything happens for a reason. Rather than wishing certain things away or regretting, I learn from them and plan not to repeat them again or find means of avoiding it.

"Mere saath chalte chalte" from the movie Humko deewana kar gaye

#32: Photo Challenge - Day 20

Day 20: A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

Venezuela

Beenie Man - King of the dancehall



#31: Photo Challenge - Day 19

Day 19: A picture and a letter

R&L



Yori Yori - Bracket

#30: Photo Challenge - Day 18

Day 18: A picture of your biggest insecurity

Failure

Gwen Stefani - Rich girl

#29: Photo Challenge - Day 17

Day 17: A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.

When You Believe Foundation

Check out the website: http://www.whenyoubelievefoundation.org/

Heal the world - Michael Jackson

#28: Saathiya

I love Rani Mukherjee! Everyone that knows me and my love for Bollywood movies already knows that I absolutely love and adore the talented and beautiful actress and dancer, Ms. Rani Mukherjee. I'm currently watching Saathiya, and it's just made me realize how much I've missed watching Bollywood movies. Yes, I realized a trend in Bollywood movies whereby the themes are redundant and sometimes corny, but I can never get tired of the songs, costumes, colors and dance moves.

Another reason why I have great interest in Bollywood movies is because it creates a surreal world of love whereby you know there aren't many instances that occur in real-life but it is possible and just softens one's heart. This is the first movie I'm seeing of Vivek Oberoi so far and I think he's a pretty good actor and cute. Saathiya is sad, funny, cutesy, cheesy and colorful (as expected for a Bollywood movie) so far and I'm going to continue watching it; even if it gets boring, for the sake of seeing Rani's smile and presence in general I'll keep watching. Have a wonderful rest of the day!!!

Aye Udi Udi



#27: Photo Challenge - Day 16

Day 16: A picture of someone who inspires you

My mom and grandmother (paternal)

"Meri Maa" from the movie, Taare Zameen Par

#26: Miss Africa USA 2010

I am feeling so inspired right because I just watched this entire clip of the Miss Africa USA 2010 pageant, it was so wonderful to see the beauty, talents, strength and love from Mama Africa's daughters. The performances by all the ladies were terrific and at the end I definitely clapped out loud as if I was at the actual show. The talent portion was definitely full of many talents from the chords of their voices, movement in their hips to the rawness in their poetry. Please spare some time and watch this video below and I assure you that it will be worthwhile. God bless, Africa.

Happy viewing!!!

#25: Fashion faves (items 3)

I won't necessarily consider myself a fashionista, because I'm so inconsistent with my personal style and attitude towards fashion. However, there are many things that I love about fashion, but what I love most is how one can express themself without words through their clothing/personal appearance. The reason behind a lot of my faves is because I've come to realize these are the things that accentuate certain features of my body.

Fashion faves are:

Business suits (pants and skirts)



High-healed shoes

Dresses

***

***This image was gotten from Google images, and those numbers do not represent my level of interest for the dresses shown.

DISCLAIMER: The items shown above do not necessarily mean I'm a fan of stores or brands that provide them. Some of them were selected because I liked the design of the product, and to have examples for you to see. I don't own the items in these pictures and I am not endorsing any company or brand.

Raven Symone - Some call it magic



#24: HOAES (2)

As said few weeks ago, I'll be writing opinions, excitements, rants, etc. about being an engineering student. Well in this entry, I want to give advice to present and future engineering students and can also be beneficial to *STEM students as a whole.

• Have great time management
• Get help as soon as it is needed
• Do not make life all about academics and no social life
• Have a graphing calculator that will become your bestfriend
• Have a designated study environment that is conducive for you
• Do not depend on seeking sympathy from an engineering professor
• Must have appropriate priorities that are fitting around your academic schedule

* Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Vulindlela - Brenda Fassie

This is an entry for Herstory Of An Engineering Student

#23: Fashion faves (items 2)

I won't necessarily consider myself a fashionista, because I'm so inconsistent with my personal style and attitude towards fashion. However, there are many things that I love about fashion, but what I love most is how one can express themself without words through their clothing/personal appearance. The reason behind a lot of my faves is because I've come to realize these are the things that accentuate certain features of my body.

Fashion faves are:

Africanas (African attires)



Body mist

Sneakers ***

***This image was gotten from Google images, and those numbers do not represent my level of interest for the sneakers shown.

DISCLAIMER: The items shown above do not necessarily mean I'm a fan of stores or brands that provide them. Some of them were selected because I liked the design of the product, and to have examples for you to see. I don't own the items in these pictures and I am not endorsing any company or brand.

Avril Lavigne - Hot



I'm currently listening to SLMTV and loving all these Salone jams. God bless my mamaland, Sierra Leone. 50th independence anniversary coming up!!!

#22: Photo Challenge - Day 15

Day 15: A picture of something you want to do before you die

Travel around the world

Lauryn Hill - Doo Wop (That thing)

#21: Photo Challenge - Day 14

Day 14: A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

Family and friends

P.S.: Besides God, I could not think of one particular person but many people, which I think is absolutely fantastic. I am blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones and my life would not be the same without them in it.

Decale Gwada - Jessy Matador

#20: Photo Challenge - Day 13

Day 13: A picture of your favorite band or artist

Fave band is Evanescence

Call me when you're sober

Going under

Bring me to life

#19: Photo Challenge - Day 12

Day 12: A picture of something you love

Pig's feet meat



Sara Evans - Suds in a bucket

#18: Photo Challenge - Day 11

Day 11: A picture of something you hate

Olives

P.S.: Just looking at it makes me angry, I HATE the taste and smell so much. On a nicer note, I love the song and video below.

Affo Love - Danse de l'arraigne