My friend, Bobbi-Jo is trying to get a dream job--backpacking through Australia. She gets the job if she has the most views on YouTube. Please consider voting for her. She's is very close to winning.
She's a lovely young chick, the kind we need more of--smart, sassy, and gorgeous. When I was her age, I wouldn't have ever considered such a thing, but she wants to do it and I've pledged my help.
If you missed Part 1, check it out here. But here is the rest-- After wandering around, I finally found Alice. She was mingling with a group of women, near a table decorated festively. I recognized a few women, but didn't know most. Finally, I figured out why Alice was so vague in telling me about the luncheon. To her, it simply wasn't a big deal. This group of women has been meeting for years. They were all ages, colors, professions, etc. They meet informally a few times a year and invite others into their circle. There was Melanie, who runs the premiere social website in Miami. There was also Sonia, who, 15 years ago, established the Miami arm of Suited for Success. There was a real estate professional sitting next to a housewife and a jewelry designer, next to a socialite. Very diverse group. And I had a ball. It was about networking and sharing. The afternoon was filled with laughter and giggling. There were little trinkets for each chica. We ate, drank and had a good time. This is what life is all about--exchanging ideas, networking, helping each other. I'm so glad that I was invited into this fellowship. I can't wait to see them again! Your comments--priceless!!
I don't have a lot of girlfriends. I know a lot of women, but very few are "girlfriends." However, when I meet one, I know right off. A few weeks ago, I emailed someone to secure an invitation to an event that I wanted to cover for Examiner.com. Another person returned the email. She was nice enough, and after a short volley of emails back and forth, I had all the information that I needed. A few days later, she emailed me again and said that I should meet a friend of hers, a local jewelry designer. She sent me some background on "Marilyn." Marilyn emailed me a few days later and we set up a time to meet. When she suggested the Bistro at Nordstrom in my favorite mall, I knew that she was my kind of girl. When I walked up to the Bistro, I didn't see her. So I looked around. I'd never even spoken to her on the phone, but as soon as I saw her, I knew it was her and I knew that I liked her. It was instant. Lunch was a blur. We talked and laughed and shared and giggled. It was so natural and so comfortable, as if we've known each other for years. She was funny and smart and chic and down to earth, all at the same time. She bought jewelry for me to see. I told her about Twitter. She invited me to a fundraiser that she's chairing. I told her about a potential client that I wanted to introduce her too. In the week since the lunch, we've texted and emailed each other. And we have another lunch scheduled already for this week! Why is it that sometimes folks you meet are instantly "friends" and other folks have to "grow on you"? Have you had these kinds of experiences? Aren't they great?? Your comments--priceless!!
I post daily. So that you don't miss any of my randomness, you might want to subscribe by email.
Last Thursday, I was invited to a great Spa Night event at the Acqualina Hotel in Miami. In case, you've never heard of it, the Acqualina is one of the nicest hotels in the country. I jumped at the opportunity to go. You can read my review of ESPA at Aqualina here. But what I really wanted to talk about is what you WON'T read in the review. How about I embarassed myself YET again!!!! Here's the story-- I decided to wear a peach colored linen suit with either a black or white tank under. I couldn't decide which. And whichever color tank I wore, I wanted to pull my hair back with the same color headband. One of the elastic stretchy ones. I kept exchanging the tops and headbands, not able to decide which I wanted to wear. Finally, I decided on the black tank, but then I couldn't find the black headband. I had JUST had it 2 seconds before. I thought it was on the bed. I looked on the bed. I looked beside the bed. I looked under the bed. No black headband. And it was time to go, so i simply switched tanks and put on my white headband and headed out. Mind you, I was standing in front of a FULL LENGTH mirror the entire time. So anywho, I get to the Acqualina, valeted by car and went in and introduced myself to the very nice man at the front desk. He went to get my contact and while I waited, I took pictures of the lobby. When my contact came, a very lovely young woman named Jessica, she escorted me into the Relaxation Room to begin the experience. I have to say, ESPA was nice! It is probably the nicest spa I've ever been in. It's 20,000 sqare feet spread over 2 floors of pure luxury. The event was pretty swanky too. I was rubbing elbows with the creme de la creme of Miami. It was great. I was so impressed that on the way home, I called FOJ Monique to gush about it. I told her every detail. I planned to go back next month. I came in to get undressed and THAT's when I discovered it!!!! Do you know that I had that black headband on all the time--AROUND MY NECK????? I was mortified!!!! How could I have worn that around my neck the entire time?? And I didn't even notice how HOT my neck was until I took it off. I had used it for a sweatband!!!! Do you think anyone noticed?? Do you think that they thought it was a new fashion trend?? If you happen to see women wearing headbands as chokers now, please know that I started it. Your comments--priceless!!
I post daily. So that you don't miss any of my randomness, you might want to subscribe by email.
What's with this new term, "cougar?" These are older women that go after younger men. We now call them cougars, huh? Well, I take offense. I am NOT a cougar.
No matter that I'm a few years older than my husband, and I often remind him that I already knew how to spell my name by the time he was born. And, no matter that I often dated younger men when I was single. I am NOT a cougar.
Why is cougar a derogatory term when older men have been stalking and preying on the youngest of women since the beginning of time? Why do women have to bear a stamp of shame? I am NOT a cougar.
I'm interested to see how you all feel about this. And in case you missed it--I am NOT a cougar!!
Pop star, Chris Brown, was to be sentenced yesterday, but the procedure ended up being delayed. Nonetheless, whenever the new date is set, he's expected to receive 5 years probation and six months of "labor intensive" community service in the case that stemmed from his physical assault of his then-girlfriend, Rihanna. He's made a public apology, although it was months later, and has been ordered to stay away from her. But here's my question--When is it ever "okay" for a man to hit a woman? I've heard many opionions on this, ranging from "it's never okay" to "if she hits him first" to "if she gets in his face" to "if she deserves it." I have a son. Although he is not a teenager yet, he has been taught that it is NEVER okay to hit a female. NEVER. EVER. PERIOD. THE END. And just so that he doesn't get confused--slapping, shoving, and the like are included. Agressive physical acts, of any sort, towards women are NOT okay. What's your take on it? When is it okay? And if there are scenarios that you feel warrant it, when do you notify the female? Does she know going in? Should he tell her on the first date? Or does she only find out after she's committed a violation? Im curious. Tell me. Your comments--priceless!!
Please let me introduce Shelby M Hill, a professional relationship coach and also an FOJ (Friend of Jewel). He coaches women regarding dating, relationship and social barriers. Interesting work, huh?
After watching women in his life experience unfulfilled, volatile, and dysfunctional relationships, he decided that he wanted to educate women about men--in addition to educating them on loving and working on themselves, rather than expecting a man to do it for them. He's challenged with making his clients understand that by investing in themselves, they can change the outcome of their personal situations.
One of the things that I love about Shelby is his unconditional and unabashed adoration for his wife, British. His blog, called My Life With My Wife, is a glimpse inside their relationship and never fails to make me smile. His honest accounts of those little "situations" that all marriages experience have given me great insight into the "husband's" point of view. He calls British his best friend, business partner, lover and confidante. When he even thinks of her, he beams--and I find it quite refreshing!
Shelby has extended an invitation to my readers to friend him on Facebook (Shelby M Hill), follow him on Twitter(@shelbymhill), comment on his blog, and visit his website. He also offers complimentary coaching sessions. Contact him via email at shelby@shelbymhill.com for more information.
I asked Shelby about his plans for the future and I wasn't surprised to find that they include writing books, hosting teleseminars and speaking engagements. And of course, British.
Who would have thought that a 3 year old would have dominated the news late yesterday? Yep, 3 year old Rachel Alexandra captured the Preakness, the second jewel in the Triple Crown of horse racing. A female hasn't won that race in 85 years.
She was told that she couldn't win against male horses. It was said that her in the race would be like sending a high school athlete to play against the pros. The horse racing world proclaimed that she had no business there. But her jockey, Calvin Burrell, had this to say--"She has so much determination. When you look this filly in the eyes, it's unbelievable."
I believe in women. I believe that a woman, or for that matter, ANY person, can do anything that they set their minds to, given training and hard work towards the goal. Don't forget to encourage someone today, especially a young girl/woman. One of my favorite quotes goes like this--"Here's to good women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them." I don't know who wrote it, but me likey!!!
It is said that you shouldn't cry over spilled milk, but when IS the right time to cry? When is it acceptable to shed tears? Are there different rules for tears of joy? If the tears form in your eyes, but never drop, is that considered part of your "official cry" count? And why aren't men supposed to cry? What is the deal with crying?
According to a survey, men cry once a month and women cry at least five times a month, on average. If that's true, then some months I'm way under budget and some months, I'm way over. Most times, I cry because of frustration, not knowing what else to do. I also cry during sad scenes on tv. And the mere thought of losing one of my parents can do it instantly. And I simply refuse to cry at work. It simply will NOT happen.
Some things can reduce me to tears immediately. There are also times when I think I'm expected to cry and my eyes stay dry. Does that make me a cry baby?
When do you cry? Do you lose respect for a man crying? Is crying therapeutic?
There are few things more exciting to me than networking with successful women. Something about being a woman while also doing it big, is inspiring to me. Believe it or not, I have connected with many through Twitter. I have made friends that I wouldn't have any other way. They are available for guidance, mentorship, bouncing new ideas off of, and just idle chat.
So, in honor of Follow Friday, where you recommend folks that you've found helpful on twitter, I'd like to recommend these wonderful chicks--
If you missed Part 1, check it out here. But here is the rest--
I don't have a lot of girlfriends. I know a lot of women, but very few are "girlfriends." However, when I meet one, I know right off.
Last Thursday, I was invited to a great Spa Night event at the Acqualina Hotel in Miami. In case, you've never heard of it, the Acqualina is one of the nicest hotels in the country. I jumped at the opportunity to go. You can read my review of ESPA at Aqualina here. 
Please let me introduce Shelby M Hill, a professional relationship coach and also an FOJ (Friend of Jewel). He coaches women regarding dating, relationship and social barriers. Interesting work, huh?
