Keep REAL ones around! #OnGod

It's taken me a week to write this blog because I was not sure of the angle I wanted to take. You know, if I wanted to place 3 of my fitness family members, Leroy, Wilchelle & Jamie, on the highest pedestal and sing all of their holy praises or simply tell the story. To be honest, there is no angle JUST the truth of it all. They may still end up on that pedestal ... actually my entire fitness family. Overstand, it's a true blessing when you are surrounded by people who truly care and have your BEST interest at heart. This describes the entire Justice League Of Fitness (JLOF) and I have one piece of advise to everyone reading this ... Keep REAL ones around. #OnGod

Last week we attended SCW Mania in Atlanta, please believe the JLOF showed up and showed out. Beginning early Friday a.m. through Sunday afternoon we were all scheduled for some of the most intense workout sessions and lectures. Day 1, for me, was ALL dancing with one nutritional session which was totally awesome. For those that know me, you know dancing is life so I was in heaven. My first class was Zumba with Erick Santana. When I tell you he gave us the business - HE GAVE US THE BUSINESS!! I have never been so enthused about Zumba in my life as I was after that session.

Afterwards, I had 2 sessions of Country Fusion line dancing, one was a workshop. This was right up my alley. Elizabeth Mooney is a great instructor. She made the session so much fun that I brought back 4 dances from her sessions to my own class. The ladies shown in the picture below are Wilchelle and Jamie (my trip roomie). I was mad as all hell with them on Day 2 but in the end I realized what they did was all done out of love.

(SIDEBAR) During this class I had one of the greatest moments of the entire weekend. One of the attendees asked me if I had a YouTube channel, when I responded yes she advised she recognized me. She told me she enjoys the way I teach. I helped several participants with the dances in class and was shown a lot of love over the entire weekend as a result. I love what I do and it shows when I dance. I thank Ms. Lorraine for letting me know that I need to continue doing what I do, no matter how discouraged I may get sometimes.

Day 2 started off really well but took a turn for the worse about 30 minutes in. Our first class was Reb3l, a high intensity dance style of fitness taught in a club like environment. The ambiance was just right for dance fitness. Oh, let me step back for a moment. I have neglected to mention a very important factor ... I have an AHLM (anterior horn of the lateral meniscus) moderate macerated tear in my left knee. I was unsure if I should have come but I knew I could modify my workouts to assure that I did not put too much stress on my knee. Well, I was doing well in Reb3l until they played one of my favorite songs. I had not heard Keri Hilson's 'Get Your Money Up' in years. The beat dropped and I LOST IT! All modifications went out the door and I went in. If you have bad knees then you overstand the pain of dancing on carpet without shoe socks/covers. Pivoting of any kind can cause a lot of pain. There was this move that required an in and out leg motion and it happened to occur on my favorite part of the song so y'all KNOW what that means. I WENT IN!! I was able to get a good one and a half in/out motion before I felt a pop. Tears begin to immediately fall from my face but I was sweating as well so I felt I could play it off. Wilchelle was in my face so fast, it was almost comical. She asked if I was crying. Initially I told her no but eventually I answered I was crying and sweating. I continued to dance against my fit fam's advice. Wilchelle eventually snitched on me to Jamie who told her to call Leroy, the head honcho. Long story short, I was pulled out of class and sat down for the remainder of day 2. I was NOT happy at all. I was so mad at the 3 of them for most of day 2 but as mad as I was, I began to realize this was for the best. Leroy proceeded to ice the knee and take care of it from a worst case scenario perspective. I was confined to my room. Let me show you what happened as a result of that POP in class.

What an entire mess this was! Could barely put weight on it and all I could think about was how mad I was that I was made to sit out. Want to know the icing on the cake? One of the classes I was supposed to take that day was right below the bathroom window of my room. I could see Jamie, Wilchelle and Sharon getting down in POUND class. I cried like a big ole baby. I wanted to dance and workout. It was so unfair to me is all I kept thinking THEN it hit me ... I could have made my condition worst. My fit fam did what they felt was necessary because I wouldn't. They made me sit down and be still when they knew I had no plan to stop. It is an awesome feeling to know others care about you more than you do yourself. I had planned to do all of my classes on that popped knee. I am glad their plans were different. I had to see the orthopedic specialist the day after we arrived home. I showed him the picture of my knee and he was blown away. He thought I had really done some damage to my knee due to the increased swelling. I gave him the long version of what happened and he told me the immediate care given after feeling the pop was possibly the saving grace for my knee. This was my visit ... over 40 cc's of fluid was drawn from my knee.

So to the 3 JLOF members who I was SO angry at ... THANK YOU! I love you all with my whole heart. It takes genuine care to "snitch" and make sure your fellow fit fam member is ok. To the rest of the fam (Sharon, Monica, T-Hi, Mr. Taylor, Roger and Walter) thank you also. You checked on me, fussed at me when I was out of line, and just made sure I was alright after you were made aware of my issue. I am proud to say I am a part of this organization.

CHEAT IN PEACE!

I have a serious question and I hope y'all can provide a sista with an answer or two. DISCLAIMER: I do not subscribe to these types of actions. They are both comical and pathetic in my opinion but something I have pondered over for years nonetheless!

So you think your mate is being unfaithful, right? Ok, BOOM, so check it ... you've put an elaborate plan together to catch your mate in the act. You may use a fake social media page, hack into their current social media accounts, go through their phone or maybe even follow them to a said location. You know, back in the day you really had to be an inch high private eye and put in some foot work BUT NOT in today's world of technological advancements. You now have the advantage of social media which means you can get the dirt while at work or laying in your bed. Who knows but times have changed so finding the dirt is a lot easier and puts a lot of foot patrolling to rest. Watching these stories unfold on social media or listening to them in person is extremely comical. Soooooo ...

After ALL of that playing detective WHAT HAPPENS NOW?!?! I cram to overstand the point of it all. You bash this person all over social media, to your family and friends but STILL stay with them after you find EVERYTHING YOU ARE LOOKING FOR and I mean EVERYTHING. So what was the point? There was no plan in place for the "if I am right" scenario and you indeed were right. I see these situations more times than not. If you are not going to leave them what is the point in attempting to catch them cheating?

OR HER!! When they realize they've gotten away with it and you stayed, what would stop them from doing it again? This makes you look naive and gullible not only to your mate but the side piece and EVERYONE you've shared this with as well. That side piece is still, in most cases, messing with your mate and if not them, a new side piece. So again, what's the point?

I was just wondering and figured I would put it out there. I saw this situation on social media earlier and felt like taking it to the masses to see what say you all! Thanks in advance for the possible clarity (if that exists) you will provide. It's appreciated.

The Events of June 10th of 1988 - It Still Hurts

On June 10th, 31 years ago I had three VERY life changing events occur. What was supposed to be one of the best days of my life began with the loss of one of the most important persons in my life. My #1 lady my grandmother, Barbara L. Vann, passed early in the a.m. I was awakened to hush voices and ambulance lights flashing through the entire house.

What a way to start the day. I was graduating from high school that evening. I had just modeled my cap and gown for her the day before. She expressed how proud of me she was. I am the FIRST of my generation - my mom's first, first grand & great grand. I knew all of my grand and great grandparents. I was truly blessed in that regard but at that moment none of that mattered. I did not matter to me if I walked across that stage to get that diploma or not at that moment. I told my mother I wasn't and the only thing that made me go was the fact that my grandmother would have wanted me to do it so I did. I was not a happy day either.

I didn't want to do anything after graduation but do home and sulk. My mom talked me into going out with my then boyfriend who, on that night, became my "baby daddy". Yep, that was also the SAME day I conceived my son. Talk about life changers!

11 days ago, on June 10th, I started this blog. I cried a lot. My son is currently serving a 3 year sentence in a Florida State prison. This is his second time going in. People don't overstand that you can grief a child who is not deceased ... just absent from your presence so every time I would start this blog I began to grieve for the loss of my grandmother and my son.

I miss them both dearly. I believe he was given to me in place of her which makes it even harder. You'd think it would be easier now but 30 plus years later, it all still hurts like it did June 10, 1988. Thanks for listening y'all. I had to finally get it off of my chest. #JUNE101988 #EmoDay

The GLOW Up heading to 50

As I sit here sippin' this created with muscadines Vintners White wine (IT IS THE BOMB) for this Chapter 49 of my life that I just entered I am reflecting on how awesome my 40's have been!

This is the last year of my 40's! Time has truly flown and goals have been met. During this decade I have lost weight (50 lbs in 2012, maintaining keeping at least 30 lbs off),returned to my natural roots and graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Communications. During this decade, I have prepared myself for the next. The moves made will set me up for great things. Let me show you two.

Along with successfully completing the three above mentioned goals, I also became a line dance aerobics instructor AND a certified NRA Pistol instructor. So, not only am I able to dance you fit, I can also train you on the proper way to use a firearm and get you certified to obtain your conceal carry permit. Entrepreneurship is the next goal. When you are doing what you love you are never working is how I see it.

This 40's reflection also caused me to look at my physical self. Going into my 50's, I need to work a little harder on my physical activity. Although, weight wise, I am still in the same range give or take 5-10 lbs (that is actually a lot to me) I could do better in my eating and workout habits. I use to be a QUEEN OF THE BRIDGES but knee issues have slowed that down. I must persevere and work through this. The next pictures show b-earthday's from ages 40-48. I have to say my favorite year was 2014! 44 was my YEAR! Life, health and body were awesome. I was also celibate and learning to love me more. *whispers to self* Maybe we should go back to that life!

The above pictures keep me straight every year. I look at each year that passes through the pictures taken on my birthday. I am missing something this year because I haven't gotten back on it like I should. I have fallen off the vegan wagon HARD. No I don't eat red meat or pork but I dabble in seafood and poultry. I will eat an egg white or 2 for breakfast with a side of turkey bacon or sausage. I still won't drink cow's milk or do any dairy either, they nauseate me. I found that out the hard way with a milkshake so I am good there. For the most part I still eat pretty healthy but I need to make changes. Here is Chapter 49's picture. The dress is big and it flows but my arms and legs say a LOT!

At 49 I'm not bad but could be a lot better! The GLOW UP is still real as I count down the days to 50! My goals for this last year of my 40's is to 1.) get a job that aligns with my educational background, 2.) work on making entrepreneurship a full time lifestyle and 3.) more traveling! That is a lot for 365 days but I am sure it can be done! WATCH ME WORK! It is written so it shall be done. The universe and I are going to make it happen! Come back and watch the progress.

Chapter 49 - Goal Getter

So here it is, June 20 2019 and almost 1 a.m. What's so special about this date? Well it's my b-earthday and I turned 49 today! I can't believe I am almost 5 decades years young.

I remember when I was younger thinking that 40 was old. When I turned 40 I looked younger than some of the 20 year old women walking around.

Here are a few pictures from my time in my 40's. It has been a GRAND time! I lost 50 lbs, returned to my natural roots and graduated with my Bachelors. My 40's has been a great learning experience as well as an awakening decade. I always heard once you hit your 40's things change and that is the truth. My IDGAF meter is off the chart and the closer I get to 50 the more intense that gets. Anyone reading this in your 40's relate to what I just said?

I brought in 49 with a glass of Vintners White wine from the San Sebastian Winery and it has long ago kicked in BUT I wanted to make this post before going to sleep. My goal in the next year is to secure the bag ... simple as that! New business (self employment), new residence, new car and travel! I have 365 days to make this happen. Happy B=earthday to me! LET'S GEAUX CHAPTER 49!!

Nothing like a GEMINI!!!

Mission Impossible COMPLETE - The Tale of Graduation and Chanel

On September 4, 2011 I wrote a blog - MISSION IMPOSSIBLE - THE REINVENTION OF MS CHANEL! In this blog I set 3 goals (which increased to 5 later but I don't think I ever wrote about them) that were to be completed before I turned 50 and as of May 9, 2019, a month shy of my 49th birthday, all goals have been completed. Before I go any further, let me tell the tale of "Graduation and Chanel".

For months, leading up to graduation, I had VEHEMENTLY stated I would not be walking. This started in the Fall semester of 2018 when I realized my two reasons for everything I do/did in life would not be attending. I felt there wasn't a need. Graduations, in my opinion, are to show off what you have accomplished to your family and friends. Truth be told though, if I were to never march I would still have accomplished the goal of completing the Bachelors program. My reminders would be the degree hanging on my wall AND the student loan debt incurred. In the 'getting ready to graduate again' process, I was reminded of when I received my A.A. degree in 2006. My son and daughter were right there by my side.

I walked to show them that NO MATTER the age you can do anything. I wanted them to see that if mom could do it they could too. It didn't have to happen right out of high school but at any point in their lives. So this go around, I truly did not see the need to walk but close friends and the man who supports me saw otherwise. The day of graduation I had a complete and total (I know they mean the same but that's how serious it was) meltdown. Thinking back to it now, I looked like one of my 2 year-old granddaughters having a tantrum because they were told no. I screamed, stomped, cried, yelled, cried, etc. Y'all get the picture. At that very moment, I did not care if I walked or not. My son is incarcerated again and my daughter was unable to make it to Florida. Why should I walk? For who? Well, I remembered one very special little person was coming ... my oldest granddaughter Daysha. Don't get it twisted, my other half, coworkers/friends were there and I was happy but knowing that my oldest grand could see her grandmother graduate made my heart smile. She is an extension of my child so in my eyes, it was just like my child(ren) being there.

At this moment, one month later, I am appreciative. I am happy and I am blessed. I have completed all 3 goals I set at 40 to complete before I turned 50. The 2 additional added were to take a trip out of the country and marriage. Well, I guess I can say the out of the country part has been completed. I did take a cruise in December 2018 and we went to the Bahamas.

It was my first time on a cruise and being out of the connected United States. I do want to make another BIG trip for my 50th birthday next year, stay tuned!

And so it begins: Mother of an Incarcerated Son

If you have read any of my most recent blogs you know my son has gone back to prison. My last visit with him, in county, was a tough one and getting my first letter from prison was just as tough. It saddened me greatly as I looked upon that envelope and saw those same numbers that I had seen so many times before. As a matter of fact, for five years between 2009-2014. I seriously never thought I would be going through this again. Did I set my standards too high for him? That is what a parent is supposed to do right? Well, maybe I should not have done that because now I wouldn't be as disappointed ... maybe. Anyway, none of the correspondence from him has been good. He is extremely down, depressed and it shows via his words. This is a concern for me, a huge concern. His mental health means nothing to the prison system so anything he has been diagnosed with prior to going in that place will mean NOTHING to those corrections officers and wardens. I just want him to be safe, as safe as possible, while in that dreadful place.

This picture is a great depiction of how I feel each time he gets in trouble.