DELETE MY NUMBER FOOL......

So, Last Fall I crossed paths with a certain young man. He was tall, beautifully brown, hair in locs, and a smile to die for. We small talked, exchanged laugh, and exchanged numbers and started to get to know each other. He was a very nice guy, a true gentlemen, and funny, but I realized he was "CRAZY" soon after we met. We went out on 1 date and we had a couple of movie nights, but nothing amazing. I liked him a lot until his behavior begin to change. His crazy started to come through when he began to want to be near me every second. Always want to drop by, or want me to sit at his job(for hours and do nothing), i met the family (all in a matter of two weeks). Initially i just figured he was trying to be a nice guy because he was trying to become my "star player" in my life. Then it started to get worse, he would want to know where i was going, when, where, why, what time, when will i be back, do i want him to drop me off or pick me up. Now I am a sister that needs her space. I don't want you to be all over me and don't expect me to be smother you. This definitely didn't sit well with him. So, since i would refuse his offer to chauffeur me everywhere around the damn city, Sit at his job, and purposely remain busy so that would not be home, he would call all the damn time. I mean like 4 & 5 times back to back within 6 minutes. i wouldn't answer the calls, so he'd leave messages, and then text me. The very first time he exhibited that behavior, i had already decided in my mind that i would not be seeing him again. Unfortunately, it never stopped him from being a "repeat dialer & text-er". Eventually after a couple of months. He stopped!

Well, Saturday morning around 4am, my phone rings. I am livid! I don't know who it is at this point, but i knew for sure that I was about to really give someone a piece of my mind calling me at that hour. everyone who knows me has learned, if you want to speak with me, you better place the call before 10:30pm. After that, you might meet the Jenna that you don't want to ever encounter. Anywoo, when i saw that number i immediately hit "ignore". I refuse to speak to that crazy fool. So, as usual there is a voicemail, i didn't bother listening to the message i just instantly deleted it, but the only thing that was running through my mind was..this is a new year..DELETE MY NUMBER FOOL!!!!..lol

WE DON'T HAVE TO AGREE!!!!!

I've always been a very outspoken, quick tempered, passionate, and stern conversationalist. Since, I have always been this way, my method to prevent any sort of irate reaction on my end due to a disagreement is to just simply avoid all controversial topics, especially the topics that i am more passionate about than others. For some odd reason it seemed as though the last couple of weeks I couldn't run away from such topics even if i was paid to do so. They were all around.

The first issue came into play when my cousin and his came from Arkansas to Chicago to visit for the weekend. Now, my cousin makes it a point to avoid befriending people of color. I've known this about him for some time and even though i don't agree he is my cousin, I love, and i just choose not to really discuss the matter(cause i know I'd get pissed). Now his friend on the other was another special case. He dates interracial (that's fine), but he made it quite clear that he doesn't date people who are "darker" than he is. That is his statement i quoted him exactly. Upon hearing this statement flow from his mouth i begin to feel my blood come to a complete boil. In fact, my blood was boiling over. Discrimination is the subject that pisses me off to the core, especially those that discriminate within their own race. Now at the time that this conversation was taking place there was a room full of beautiful brown sistas, including myself. I felt as though i was in the twilight zone because no one saw a problem with their mentality except me. I was the only one feeling myself get so "fired up" over his ignorance. In fact many of the women in the room felt as though it was okay because it was a "preference", but in my mind i saw it as discrimination and worst of all it was discrimination within his own race. In my opinion a preference is to maybe favor one, but you can enjoy them all (not i like lighter and lighter only). I didn't see how someone of color could ever develop the mentality that one shade is better or more appealing than the other. I couldn't comprehend how two black men, especially from the south couldn't see how beautiful our culture was and appreciate it. in fact it pissed me off to see black men being okay with living by the house nigga/field nigga mentality. It seemed like such a disgrace to me and no one was angry except me. In fact I was so infuriated that i left the house for the entire day in hopes that all of those fools would have been gone by the time that i returned.

Then later in the week I ended up having a discussion about sexuality. An individual asked me do I feel as though people can be born gay or not. Now, I was brought up in an overly religious household and church where I am taught to believe that being gay is "wrong, wrong, wrong". I have encountered so many people who are so hateful toward gay people and the person I was having this conversation with was one of those "religious I can't stand gay people" types. It makes me so angry because I have friends who are gay. I am personally offended to have people in my life being judged, hated, and mistreated due to their sexuality. Most of the people that preach about how big of a "SIN" homosexuality is are sinning all day everyday themselves. The last time I checked fornication is a sin, lying is a sin, cheating is a sin, cursing is a sin, drinking is a sin, lusting is a sin, putting everything and everybody before God is a sin. So, it seems to me that we are all guilty of sinning. The world is full of sin so before we start judging & hating people trying to find out were they born a certain way. Why don't we do some soul searching on our end. God made us all. He loves us all. In my opinion "Can someone be born gay"? I have no idea and in fact i don't care. I love all people and I accept people for who they are. I am sure that if you feel as though you are so perfect, someone could point on a flaw or two that you can check yourself on.

The next topic i try to avoid is politics. I work around the most hard core republicans and sometimes these conversations can take a turn for the worst. in fact i remember reporting to work the very next day after President Obama had been elected. It was definitely a joyous day for myself and others that are happy to see some change taking place in this country, but many of my coworkers were not thrilled (that was expected). The moment that stands out the most to me about being in the office that day is when one of the brokers were being teased and asked "What was he going to do now"? his reply was "I am going to do what the rest of the world will be doing, that's suffering". I heard him loud and clear and I went off (and cursed a time or so). I got a "lil crunk"..lol So, I ended up being reprimanded for cursing in the office.

Then I had to have the abortion conversation. Personally, I feel as though it should be an individual choice with the right to decide what to do with your own body. Who am I, to tell you what you should and shouldn't do. I don't know your situation and I am not going to judge another person decisions regardless of their circumstances. I don't think any woman would be thrilled or nonchalant about having to consider eliminating a life. It is tough enough trying to put everything into perspective, the last thing you need is someone shoving judgemental views in your ear.

The funny thing is after having all of these conversations in one week had my energy and mood so tossed around I thought I was getting my period, but it was a coworker who had a chat with me and my cousin cassie who helped me see the light. i don't have to fight every battle, I don't have to persuade you to see my side, and i for damn sure don't have to see your side. The bottom line is We Don't Have To Agree and I don't have to let the mentality of another piss me off. My practice is definitely to always try my best to avoid such controversial conversations, but i know now that it's okay to disagree and when everything is said and done. I can still walk away from the conversation the same way it started as a GROWN WOMAN WITH MY OWN OPINION!!!!! and guess what YALL DON'T HAVE TO AGREE...lol Happy Sunday Peeps.. I've missed you all!

A New beginning.... Vegetarianism!!!!

After a long and difficult battle (with myself), I have finally decided to transition into a world i use to believe was equivalent to Death, VEGETARIANISM!!!!

This was definitely an incredibly difficult decision to make, but i honestly feel as though it is the best thing for me in the long run. I have always had a strong appreciation for all kinds of good food. My appetite has definitely caught many people by surprise, including grown men who couldn't out eat me if they tried..lol Really?? My coworkers and i had our own private meat eating contest and FOGO DE CHAO and i don't have to tell you who beat 3 men and 2 other women in the competition...me!!!! As the years go buy i realize that my eating habits have been the reason my health has started to decline drastically. I've definitely put on a few pounds, but the more severe issues are my concern.

First i begin to notice how my energy is so low. I literally feel drained all day long. The most simple task seem like such a challenge. next, i started to notice how i would constantly get a common cold (it was rare that i would catch a cold in the past), Then to top it all off I started having trouble with fluid and foolishness in my lungs and couldn't breath. for some reason at the age of 26, I developed Bronchitis. It was so shocking because there isn't a history of bronchitis or Asthma in my family at all.

with all of that swirling around in my mind, i decided that may be i should make better efforts toward improving my health and maintaining a better lifestyle.

I've been doing quite a bit of research about it and I've been looking at a few books that i will purchase to gain more insight.

My first step into this lifestyle is officially breakup with the cow. He has been so good to me, delivering such perfect steaks, juicy cheeseburgers, mouth watering Italian beefs :-( it's been real Mr. cow. i will miss you..lol That's my first baby step in my new life. I'll keep you all informed on my progress.

sending caramel kisses

Karma is a B*T*H, but Revenge can be worse :-)

I found this post on one of my favorite forums and had to share it with you all...i found it hilarious and disturbing at the same time...

so be careful how you treat people because there are all sorts of ways to get you back...

What is the worst thing you have done to get revenge on your Man/Woman when they made u Mad? A million and one trifling things I had thought about doing in the past came to mind but none as insane as some out some of these responses:

1.I cut up aluminum foil in little pieces and put it under his Leftovers and when he put it in the microwave……POW!!!!

2.My cousin put rubbing alcohol in her ex’s visine bottle after she found out he cheated… Had to wear a patch 4 a few dayz.

3.I took some dog food and mixed it in her hamburger helper.. haha, she cheated and she paid!!

4. I slept with my sideline boo in my home on my bed and didn’t change the sheets and the same night he laid right in all the juices.

5. Was dating the mom, she jumped fly, so I knocked down the daughter as revenge. Glad I grew up.

6.Hand Job using ICY HOT!!!!!

7.I f*cked her best friend and her cousin. not proud of it, but hey desperate times call for desperate measures

8. Moved 4 hrs away and the next week paid all my bills electronically with his whole check! I put soap on his tooth brush , put bleach on his clothes and washed it as usual and … make his food super spicy.

9.I found out this guy cheated on me so I log into his MSN blog anonymously and told all his females he has genital ..

**People Are Crazy****

What's the Worst thing you've done to get revenge?

Excerise Myths...

By now many of you know, i battle with my 'working out' regimen. one thing i want to get in order ASAP are the "Ab's". We all know that having a gut is the biggest wardrobe malfunction a woman could have...lol

so i found a few tips and myth busters to help us along the way and getting those abs that we desire...

1. Myth: To get rock-hard, you have to work your abs every day.Why: Abs need rest and recovery: It's only during rest that your muscles build. "Three to five days a week of consistent, dedicated abdominal training should get you strong, sleek abs," says Kathy Kaehler, trainer and author of Kathy Kaehler's Celebrity Workouts.

2. Myth: A good ab workout takes half an hour.Why: "If it takes you that long to feel them working, you're doing something wrong," says Kaehler. "I trained Jennifer Aniston about three days a week, and we did no more than five minutes of abs each time." Check your form, don't use momentum and focus on quality rather than quantity.

3. Myth: Super-slow crunches make you stronger.Why: Taking as much as a minute per crunch doesn't make you stronger than regular crunches do. In fact, ultra-slow ab work is less effective. Ideally, your workout should help you do everything better, from kickboxing to picking up a suitcase - neither of which you do in slo-mo.

4. Myth: The best time to train your abs is at the end of your workout.Why: "It makes no physiological difference when you train abs, it only matters that you do it consistently," says abs researcher and physical therapist Gilbert Willett, M.S., associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. So the best time to work them is simply whenever you're most likely to do it. "But if you do abs at the beginning of your workout, make sure you warm up first. Getting blood moving prevents many types of injuries during a workout."

5. Myth: You can't get a six-pack by doing Pilates.Why: "Pilates exercises your core, so if you practice it regularly and combine it with diet and cardio, it can give you a six-pack," says Kimberly Lyons, a personal trainer in L.A. But Pilates isn't a six-pack guarantee. "How your abs look has a lot to do with your genes, how lean you are, how long your torso is and how tall you are."

6. Myth: You won't get firm without a weight machine.Why: You don't need weights to build sleek and sexy abs, although some competitive athletes do use them to build extra strength. "Many weighted ab machines aren't designed for women," says Lyons. "If you don't fit into the machine properly, you might stress your body in the wrong spot." Her advice: Stick to the floor - it's cheap, effective and available everywhere.

Share some of your tips that are helping you get "fit" for the summer!!!

Follow My "tweets" or "twits"...lol

Hey Loves,

Your Girl is finally on twitter. So, look me up and send out a shout www.twitter.com/1Jennamarie

Later,
Jenna

If you missed it.....

if you all missed the chicago bloggers Girlfriend to Girlfriend Happy Hour on last Friday..you missed one hell of a good time!!! Maybe South Loop will Plan something else soon and you all can come out...

here is a snapshot!!