International Women's Day 2015

March 8 is known as International Women's Day. For the past century, since the first International Women's Day, Women have had a day to recognize themselves and their achievements. However, this year marks my first year knowing about this day. I cannot recall a single year were International Women's Day has been mentioned. Never have I heard a teacher, an older peer, or people in general make a big deal out of a March 8. It has always been just another day for me and I assume everyone else surrounding me.

Well now that I know about IWD (International Women's Day), starting from this day forward, I will no longer not be celebrating March 8. Although women should be celebrated everyday, it's nice to know that we have our own day to represent all that we have contributed to this world and how far we have come in our struggle for equality.

And even though we've come a long way, we should raise more awareness about female equality and equality for all in general because we have yet to reach its full potential. I feel like this years International Women's Day theme, Make It happen, is a great way to encourage others, specifically females, to advance in whatever they fancy. Be it becoming more "aware of women's equality, for more women in leadership roles, fairer recognition of women in sports, or for increased financial independence of women." We as women have to come together to make a better world for all to have equality.

If each and every one of us could try to make a difference in today's world, then tomorrow would be a brighter and better day. But it all starts with each and every one of us. So ask yourself, what would you be miserable without or what do want to be different in today's society. There are so many concerns that pop into my head. I can't list them all, only a few, to give you an idea as to what needs to be changed and bettered for our future.

Some Great things that have inspired me to take part on feminism are.

This photo series I found on Pinterest

• This video is a great watch from CloudyApples about how we should all be treated as individuals and "shallow offerings coupled with expectations" are ridiculous and just outrageous. 
• This piece from Buzzfeed about Indian widows who are breaking tradition by celebrating Holi 
• Sarah Silverman teamed up with National Women's Law Center to bring forth a serious message about the wage gap for women. 
• "Why U. S. Women Are Leaving Jobs Behind" is about U. S. mothers having to abandon their careers, in order to take care of their children. Unlike in most European countries were mothers just take time off and start back where they started from.  
• And honestly, Emma Watson. She has so many great things to say and put out on the table for discussion. She uses her talents for something so big and great. It just makes me want to do more and/or equally the same. I love the fact that she doesn't abuse her power as a role model by wasting it on something so irrelevant and meaningless. I truly admire her and hope to be as inspiring to another. 

Renovations in Oak Cliff, Dallas, Texas

I've lived and spent the majority of my eighteen years in North Oak Cliff. I live not even five minutes away from Downtown Dallas and right by 35, which is incredibly convenient. I've always loved where I lived because it's quiet, rarely do cars pass down the street, and it's incredibly centralized. However, I have a feeling that all this will change because of the revitalization of North Oak Cliff and I am absolutely against it and hate what's soon to become of North Oak Cliff.

I've seen what they've done to the Bishop Arts District and to say the least they made it ridiculously overpriced. All the shops and restaurants are incredibly expensive. To give an example, we use to go to this little hut-type-of-restaurant that served authentic Mexican tacos. They were absolutely amazing and I remember we use to go what felt like all the time, but then, and I don't mean to sound racist, the White people came along and ruined everything. What were once 99 cent tacos became $2.00 and the lines to get the tacos were too long! The tacos were great and all, but gosh did everybody have to show up and for $2.00? As if!

It was then that I realized that Bishop Arts District was changing and that I'd no longer taste those great barbacoa and lengua tacos ever again. Eight years later and my taste buds still miss the orgasmic taste (I'm being dramatic, I don't think they were that good, hahaha. Who knows though, I can't really remember). And I know it's not necessarily all their faults, they didn't tell the restaurant to raise the price, but if they didn't move in the area the restaurant would've been incredibly cheap, instead of overpriced.

Everything in the Bishop Arts District is overpriced though, and perhaps the reason is because they are all local and start-up businesses. However, they should really lower their prices. I honestly don't think they realize that Oak Cliff is not Lower Greenville or Uptown. Majority of people who live in the area are families, not young singles. And the majority, for the moment, are Hispanics who have jobs that barely provide enough for their families. Reason being why when you go to the Bishop Arts District all you see are young newlyweds, or much older people whose kids are long gone, who also happen to be mostly White and from the Kessler Park area.

Jim Lake Cos.

I don't have anything against the Bishop Arts District because I do like to walk around and window shop and imagine that one day I'll be able to shop at all the stores, eat at whatever restaurant without worrying how much I'm spending. What's bothering me now is that the city of Dallas wants to revitalize Jefferson Boulevard by making it like Bishop Arts. I saw the plans and they look great! I'm not gonna lie, but they also look very expensive and they want to add a lot of upscale apartments. It sort of feels like they're trying to make it look like Mockingbird Station.

I don't like, it if I wanted to be at Mockingbird Station, Lower Greenville, Uptown, or whatever, I'd go to those places. They should be preserving, cultivating Jefferson, with it's rich Hispanic culture, not try to change it into something that wasn't even there to begin with. All these upscale changes are going to burn a hole in taxpayers money. And the fact that they're making upscale apartments bothers me immensely. The city should invest in making more single-home houses and renovating old homes that have even the least potential. Even if it's more expensive to do so.

I'm not against change, I can easily adapt to any environment, but this all just sounds and seems SO ridiculous. For the moment being I cannot see how this will benefit all those who have grown up in North Oak Cliff. The only thing I can see is another upscale area in Dallas, that will eventually kick out everybody who cannot afford to stay.

The comments on these articles seem to agree that this seems like a bad idea.

• Jefferson Rezoning Plan Approved
• Board Approves 5 Million for Bishop Arts Project
• Seven things to know about the $40 Million Bishop Arts Project

I'm in!

I called my brother today to ask for a favor. He then notified me that I recieved an envelope from London. The first question that came to mind was, "Is it a big envelpoe or a small envelope?". I asked and he told me it's a big envelope. I could hear in his voice that he was proud of me and that made feel happy. However, I told myself, "You don't know for sure, yet. So don't get too excited." 

My Gofundme Link is gofundme.com/mwfxr4

Two hours later he came and brought the envelope with him. Right after he handed it to me I put my finger underneath the flap and opened it. I didn't even wait for my parents. I knew for a fact I was accepted.


I guess this means it's meant for me to go to London, that is if I can come up with $25K before July 1st. Hahaha. So keep me in you're prayers or better yet I will accept donations, haha.

Sidenote: The picture quality in these pictures are horrendous! I have horrible lighting in my room.