2011 has been crazy as all get out interesting...I've neglected the blog in ways that I can't even attempt to apologize for. But as I've noticed this tends to be the way I've lived my life for awhile. I've neglected some friends, some family, even neglected myself. So much so that I've spent a better part of the year sick. (If its any consolation..I must say I have gotten a lot out of my health insurance plan this year...Boo-YOW!). Its a way I have lived my life for the last 15 years to say the least.


 My schedule has written more checks that my body couldn't keep this year more than any other. And my writing has suffered. My health has suffered. My relationships have suffered. When your a jack of all trades you can never been a master of none..


So I'm going to go ahead and take the advice of family and friends... I'm going to just go right ahead and.. take a seat... See how the other half lives... Sleep a little more, read a little more, dance a little more, cook a little more, play with my niece/nephew/God daughter a little more, write a little more.. Shoot maybe I can take a seat long enough to start writing that book. At this point the door is wide open for me to really just relax and do the things I love and not just the things that I feel I'm needed for. Sometimes in life we need to understand that though we are needed by many there is one who needs our love and attention far more... And that's ourselves. *kicks off shoes and relaxes her feet*

Do you have any resolutions for 2012? Maybe they're the same ones from 2011..? Find yourself doing too much as well? Any ideas on great ways to take a seat...and continue sitting?

Done and Done!!

Today I bought my first car. Words can't express how I feel today. I left the dealership singing a song I made up that sounded a little like: I got a car I got a car. I'm thinking if I get Swizz Beats to do the track and Nicki Minaj in the hook I can go triple platinum... Forreal though! Anyways...

I can't explain how good I feel right now. I feel like I've arrived. Like I've accomplished a great feat. Like I've finally got to that place where I can say: "Ok Special; they were wrong you could do it." I know some of you are probably looking at your screen perplexed like really? Is it that serious? Yes; it is that serious.

It's more than just a car. It's the culminating of all the hopes and dreams I had for my self as a young adult. I vowed to be someone I could be proud of when I was 21 and all that I've been able to accomplish coming from where I'm from is a blessing. Since setting these goals for myself I have struggled but have checked off each and everyone.

I've:
*Moved out my mama's house
*Strengthened my faith
*Excelled in my chosen career AND loved every minute of it
*Obtained my masters
*Have a banging apartment
*Own my own car.

It's more than just: "I got a car!". I've officially become independent. The underlining theme in the goals for my 20s was to become independent. To learn how to take care of myself before I got married. Growing up I saw far too many women I knew and loved have to learn after being kicked to the curb how to take care of themselves. Now don't get me wrong: I can't wait to have a man take care of me and I him. I look forward to submitting to my husband because he WILL be equipped to lead. But... I wanted... no NEEDED to know I could take care of myself before I could completely let go and follow. And I've managed to get them all taken care of... with 2 years to spare. Now that I've accomplished the goals of my 20s I look toward to working on the goals of my 30s.. time to get married and make it cool to be barefoot and pregnant! Owwwwwww!


What goals have you set aside for yourself in the last decade? Have you been able to accomplish them all if any? Whats holding you back? Whats been pushing you forward?

Walking Song...

I. Will. Trust. You. I. Will. Trust. You. I. Will. Trust. You. As I slowly woke up this morning these words continued to play over and over in my head. I began to say them over and over as I began to gain full consciousness. I then realized I forgot to turn the TV off the night before. I realized it was a Gospel song playing. Throughout the fast I had also decided to fast from secular music as well. This hadn't been the first time I'd forgotten to turn off the television and been awakened by the sounds of praise. But today is different. Today is day 21.
Today I bring my fast to a close. Today I reflect on my 2011 thus far. Today I can say: I DID IT! Last time I fasted I cheated. I cheated not once, not twice, but three times. I ended that fast lighter. Not just physically, but emotionally, and mentally. But I wasn't lighter spiritually. Yes I felt closer to God; but I also felt some guilt for not sticking to the fast. So when I decided to embark upon this fast a couple months ago it was very important for me to stay true to it. To feel that closeness with Him with out the shame of not embracing the fast completely.
I was able to finish this time without a heavy heart. The one thing that kept me was the realization that all things happen in time. I didn't spend my fast wondering how I would get to the end of the week. I focused on getting to the end of the day. I have a tendency in life to worry about tomorrow instead of focusing on the journey of the day.
One thing I know I will take with me is learning to trust God more. Learning to let Him get me through the journey of the day and focusing on living in His word TODAY. As I've been doing the fast I've been following a 21 Day fast on the bible app on my phone and today I noticed day 13 hadn't been checked off. I'm positive that I read it but I reread it anyway again today. It was definitely needed. I realized it is exactly what I needed to take the lessons I learned in the last 21 days with me through the rest of the days of my life. 2nd Peter 2 out of the Message Bible is going to be my walking song for my daily journey. Thank you Jesus.

Who would of thought...

So as I continue on my 21 day fast (Did I mention that already? I'm doing a 21 day fast and so far so feeling real good..) I am following a 21 day reading plan. I wake up every morning and read a specific scripture. Before each scripture is a small paragraph about what I should try to take away from each day.

Well the other day I had to read a scripture about how blessed I am. The take away for that day was to keep a list throughout the day about different things that I'm blessed with. I woke up very cranky that morning. I wasn't feeling very well and so needless to say I wasn't really in the mood to write down how blessed I am.... But as the day progressed I was able to jot down a few things... Like to read it? Here it go...

*As mentioned previously I wasn't feeling well.... But this uhhhh..kind of sickness only comes when you ARE well. Thank you God for good health.

*As I walked through the snow watching the bus pass me by... sighing under my breath hoping the next bus wouldn't be too late I stopped remembering a friend of mine who couldn't afford a metrocard and wake up 2 hours early to walk to work...so I jotted down "I have money to go to work."

*As I sat on the bus and texted my Director about missing my bus...again... I'm reminded how grateful I am to HAVE a job.


*As my day progresses I get some uplifting texts and emails. I didn't ask for them. My spiritual family just knew that I needed it and sent me good tidings. Then I realized how blessed I am to have great spiritual family. People who surround me and comfort me even when I don't realize I need it.

*As I got through the rest of the work day my spirits continued to rise as I realized that people at work looked at me as a potential leader. And not just the people I supervise... My boss pulled me aside and mentioned that there was possibility for upward mobility.....*insert happy dance here*


So you know how blessed I am... How blessed are you?

Allow me to reintroduce myself....

****If you didn't already know I'm on Twitter! www.Twitter.com/SometingSpecial Its a great opportunity to get up to date blog info as well as get a taste of the Wisdom Wednesday if we're not friends on facebook****

When I initially created this blog I wanted to remain anonymous. I wanted to be referred to as 'Special' from my pen name Somethin' Special. I preferred that my offline life remain removed. Well as smart as I am I went ahead and would blast new blog entries on my facebook page. So it didn't surprise me when people started commenting and included my name. When I first saw it in the comments section I had a couple seconds pause where I contemplated deleting the entire comment. I didn't; but I REALLY wanted to. You see outside of the opportunity to remain removed I really never cared for my name.

When I was born my mother was going to name me Wendy... What she was thinking I will never know (No disrespect to the Wendys out there). I just don't believe I ever would of been a Wendy. My actual name, Sonia, isn't that much better; or so I thought. The one God parent that I do know gave my mother that name. I don't know where he got it from and I never asked. I actually found out the story of almost being a Wendy when I gave a rant to my mom about how un-Sonia-like I was.

You ever met someone and found out there name and the two just don't seem to fit? Well that is how I always felt about my name. I'm fun, and silly, and intelligent, a little eccentric, deep, and a host of other billions of contradictions and Sonia is just so... bland. Like what were they thinking! Didn't they realize? Didn't they take one look into my cute,chubby, baby face and see I was destined for greatness? Sonia just would NOT cut it. I actually was going to change my name when I got older but couldn't find anything that fit. By the age of 21/22 I gave up and decided to just live with the name I was born with. It didn't hurt that I met someone who absolutely loved my name.. Flattery can be persuasive!

By the ripe old age of 27 I've met a plethora of people who love my name. Not just Sonia but my first and last name (No I am NOT putting my last name on here..lets not get crazy). So much so that I began doing my own research... and I was astounded by how perfect a name for myself it was. Walk with me...let me school you on all that is Sonia...

Sonia is the Greek variant of Sofia. Sofia, I learned this past weekend, means a broad knowledge of things human and divine; a highly developed sensitivity that is based on experience and principles. It also means wise. In Hindi it means Golden. Which in case you didn't know means: exceptionally valuable, advantageous, or fine (Now I knew I was fine but now I have proof. #ImJustSayin!!), having glow vitality; radiant. In Mayan Civilization it was the given name for their main wives. It was a sign of respect, intelligence, and that she was a virtuous woman. Anyone with the name was considered strong, independent, and wise.

I say all this to reintroduce myself to you. My readers, my lurkers, my friends, my family. I'm Somethin' Special also known as Sonia. To some affectionately known as Sony or even Sone. THIS is who I am. This Sonia is who I grew up to be. The person I was destined to be. The person I am still en route to becoming. The greatness that I knew was in me was right there in my name and as much as I fought it fate won. Lets hope I continue on this path to fulfill all that was put forth when I was named. Lets also hope that through this reintroduction I can maintain reading material that live up to the name...

How do you feel about YOUR name? Do you think it fits you? Have you ever researched it? What does it mean? What name do you think you should have?

Maybe We Can Be Friends...

At the ripe young age of 27 Ive had my fair share of relationships. Relationships with family, relationships with friends, and of course relationships with boys(I've had A LOT of those. Not one with a man yet...but I'm working on it). Throughout my years and relationships with these people I've been loved, used, inspired, betrayed, taught, and a host of other verbs that have shaped me into this fine young lady you read before you (I rocketh majorly). I've always been a believer that (wo)man does not grow in isolation. As the name of my 3rd grade social studies book says: People need People.

I think the most important thing I did learn was that relationships are work. They are tough jobs that sometimes have sucky pay and benefits. But when you work for the right people... the experience can change you to the very core of your being. Sometimes for the good and if you don't watch yourself sometimes for the bad. I heard a quote once that went something like we aren't what happens to us but how we react to what happens to us. So you have to be mindful of all that you go through. Having the right heart attitude is very important.
But before you even get to all of that you should be mindful of the people you keep around you. The people you pour, and allow to pour into your life. After hearing the list of a good friend of mine I decided to create my own. Its a list of the characteristics I need in someone I have a relationship with. Notice I said need and not want. I'm the first person to admit I think I know everything. As human beings we think we know whats best for us but unfortunately what we want may not entirely be what we need. Also notice I said someone I have a relationship with. This isn't a list of for just the people you want to have an romantic relationship with. This goes for all people that I want to have a relationship with. That means people I'm friends with from work, school. or the nearest coffee house...or krispy kreme donut shop since I don't drink coffee. Unfortunately family doesn't necessarily have to abide by this list as you can't shake some of 'em even if you wanted to. But I digress... Here goes everything:

*Love me NOT my gift- In this day and age far too many people are opportunist. They are looking to find out how you can bless them. I'd much rather people like me for ME and not what I can do for them.

*Understand the call of God on my life- This is pretty self explanatory.. I live to please God and not man if you not with it you can kindly keep on moving..

*Encourage; not discourage- I need people around me who are going to lift me up and not try to bring me down. The crabs in a bucket mentality is not needed around me.

*Reciprocal- I'm a firm believer hat you should not ask for what you cannot give. I try my absolute best to be a good friend to the people I have in my life.. I think its fair to ask the same in return.

*Respect- Seriously in this day and age we are teaching folks to disrespect one another far more than we teach them to respect each other. I for one don't need any disrespectful folks in my circle.

*Benefit of the doubt- I need the people in my relationships to give me the opportunity to state my case before they assume I've done something wrong. If you hear something out of doors about me come speak to me before you condemn me.

*Understand that I'm a private person- I LOVE to have 'me' time. I need those around me to understand that sometimes... I just like to be alone. I'm a lot to handle at times.. even for me.. I like to just get alone and just BE

*Understands that I'm a open person- I LOVE being around people.. Haha I know after reading the last criteria your probably shaking your head.. But even though I love my 'me' time I love to give and draw on the energy of others. Yes I'm as comfortable in the center of the room full of people as I am off in the corner with a book. Its another part of me being me.

*Trust- Trust is the foundation of relationships... If I can't trust you I do not want you around me. That's it.. I need not say anymore.

*Dry shoulder- I'm not a much of a crier... but when I need a shoulder to cry on... I'd expect my friends to fill that space. If not.. what are you there for?

*Willing ear- I talk a lot (Have you not read one of my long winded blogs?) Sometimes I just need someone to... listen. Just to listen.

*Respects Boundaries- Boundaries preserve the respect in relationships. We could go back like shackles and ankles and I'd still need you to respect certain boundaries.

Now that you've seen my list what about you? What do you need (feel free to throw a want here and there) from the people you share yourself with.

Asia Monet

As stated when I first ventured down this road of high lighting some fabulous women I know I am blessed to be very good friends with many fabulous women. One of my very best friends is Plus Model Asia Monet. Now I am the first to let a chick know your not a model just because you take nice pictures and you have a high saddity camera. But Miss Monet is official. She's been featured in ESSENCE, Glamour, Venue Divas and was on the cover of Gemini Mag to name a few. She hosts XTV where she has interviewed up musicians such as Leela James, Tony Yayo, Angie Stone, Serani, etc. She's been in the NY Post as well as on the TODAY show. And most importantly she is a runway DIVA! I love her dearly and here is my interview with this fabulous phenomenal woman!!


1. What is your motivation?

I am motivated every time I step into a department store, turn on my television , walk down the street and see a billboard, open a magazine, or view a fashion runway and is confronted with a typical "standard of beauty" that is not representative of me.

2.What made you decide to begin modeling?

Growing up I always loved to pose, take photos ,and strut my walk. But it became clear to me during my college years at SUNY Albany after participating in a runway show where I received such an outstanding ovation, that the industry was missing something big!

3. What advice would you have for any women trying to break into the industry?

My first and foremost advice to aspiring models is to educate yourself about the industry. This is a business like any other in order to be on top you have to know where you are coming from to know where you want to go. The Internet is an extraordinary tool to research any and every topic involving Plus Size Modeling.

4. What makes you different?

Humility. Even though my profession requires me to be confident I remain humble. Personality has brought me along way in my journey. A lot of my business is acquired by referrals. I believe my ability and determination to remain humble as I accomplish greater things, makes me unique.

5. What impact are you trying to leave the world after you pass on

When I pass on I hope to leave a legacy of a successful career in modeling within main stream media, which inspired and opened the door for endless opportunities for women of different shades, shapes, and sizes ... Redefining the definition of "beauty".

http://www.asiamonet.com/