I'm In Love...

I'm totally and utterly in love with this Gucci silk shirt...but it comes with a price tag of $1,199.00 and there is NO WAY IN THE WORLD I can justify spending that much cash on a shirt, no matter how gorgeous it would look on me...

However, I would be willing to spend money on a boat charter. How fly would that it be if I could charter a yacht for my inner circle for a nice relaxing cruise in the Mediterranean, right off the coast of Greece...that would be hot. Who's up for the trip? I may actually be able to swing that in 2008 if all goes according to plan this year...again, I say, who's with me. Get your passports ready now, lol.

36-24-36…Yeah Right!

I am being pulled in so many different directions right now…I’ve been working out and trying to tone up to reach my target measurements (it’s not really about weight, it’s all in the measurements) but I keep getting all this conflicting information…My manager agrees that I need to tone up, and I think that he would ideally like me to work my way down two or three more additional dress sizes…which, I’m still debating on…then on the other hand, my new agent only wants me to drop one dress size…but the problem is that I am booked for a fashion show in March at my current size…and my publicist has advised me not to lose any weight until after the show…And they say all there is to modeling is looking cute and smiling for the camera---whatever, people think they know, but they have no idea. And I also have the bonus job of managing models. People are always trying to take advantage of the girls, so I feel like I’m been cast in the “big sister aka protector” type role instead of the simple talent manager that I thought I signed up for, but such is life. It’s so crazy, but I love every minute of it. But back to the size thing, I am at a crossroads, I guess I will just continue to be healthy and exercise… At least no one can every accuse me of taking Hoodia Diet Pills and taking the easy way out.

I Don't Get It...part 2

Okay, after this I promise I am finished with talking about dieting and the harmful effects...but seriously, I can believe people still believe in some magic pill that will mysteriously allow the weight to just melt right off of your body. Now I'm sure there are some Diet Pills that are not harmful, but research has shown us the harmful effects time and time again. What needs to happen for people to get it...nothing that is truly worth anything comes easy. If it seems to goo to be true, it often is...With that said, perhaps I should get up, take a break and work out...I still gotta get into a swimsuit by April, lol.

That's part of the reason why I want to do all I can to provide a positive image of a woman with curves in this industry...without starving myself or adhering to some unattainable standard of beauty. But that's another blog for another day.

Mail Order Pills

Is it just me, or does it bother anyone else that people can order pain killers online, with or without a perscription. For instance, I was randoming searching along the good ole' internet (as I often do), and I found a site selling Fioricet . I mean I understand the convenience of the web and all--but c'mon, there are still things that ought to be done in person...live, not over the phone or via a pc. Maybe I'm making too much of this, but I think this is where some people with addictive personalities get it twisted, start down a path that can only lead to destruction in most cases. I know people who have popped pills (lot of those crazy girls I went to school with of course), who have done all kinds of harm to themselves just because they decided to self-medicate instead of doing other things (prayer, therapy, meditation, etc) to ease whatever pain and challenges evident in their life.

Wow I really went on a wild tangent, and I still gotta finish researching for this article.

I Don't Get It

I went to a go-see a few weeks ago that went really well with an agency here in Charlotte. They don't have any "plus" girls on their roster, so it would be a good spot for me. However, I was told that I need to lose some weight and go down one dress size. I don't mind because that was something that I planned to do anyway. I've been losing weight like crazy anyway, so one dress size is a piece of cake. Nevertheless what I don't get it all of these crazy things they have on the market to help people lose weight. Me...I'm doing it the old fashioned way, watching what I eat and exercising, drinking lots of water, staying away from sugar (which is hard because I'm a coffee addict...My name is Jameka and I love Starbucks). I was surfing around the net because I'm doing a story on Diet Supplements and I found the strangest stuff...people are serious about doing whatever they can to get rid of the extra pounds...which can lead to all types of unhealthy behavior...back to work I go, more on this later...

Living in the Country

Although I live in NC, I am undeniably a city girl. I like the energetic pulse of living in a city. I guess that's why I miss Chicago so much and visit NYC like it's my second home (after I either marry rich or make that first million, I'm buying a spot in the East Village). And that's why, out of all of the cities in NC, I chose Chartlotte...this is a great place to live. You get the convenience of living in a city, without the negative hustle and bustle. I Can breathe here...the weather is gorgeous (it's been 70 degrees for almost two weeks straight). I love sitting in my backyard and reading or writing poetry. People smile when they see you on the street. Showing respect by saying yes ma'am and yes sir to older people you don't know doesn't get you crazy looks:-). Charlotte is such a cool place to me, but after checking out some blue ridge real estate, I may have to consider moving to a nice luxurious country home when I retire. I love horses and haven't been able to ride in years, so it would be cool to be able to buy a few and live out my golden years enjoying the serenity of the countryside...I'd probably last less than a week without a boutique or a nail salon nearby, but a girl can dream, can't she?

And It Continues

Who would think that you would have so much to do with a newly constructed home. Don't get me wrong, I'm in love with my house. I spend countless hours in an upstairs bedroom that I converted into a home office. I have a peaceful and relaxing bedroom and a great welcoming kitchen....but keeping up with all of these repairs has got me about to tear my hair out at the root...the latest is issue is with the outlets. The outlets on one side of the living room just won't work. Just stopped working all of a sudden...What the heck? I didn't know that I was supposed to have an eclectrician on standby, waiting patiently to do my bidding. Perhaps I should just turn my dwelling into a commercial space, then I wouldn't have to lean on the electricians who charge an arm and leg to the simple homeowners. Instead, I could use company money to pay for power supply repair, and I'd be all good. I'm such a girl...I really should learn how to do some simple home repair (and car maintenance for that matter), but I have a completely antiquated (hope I spelled that correctly) attitude when it comes to manual labor, I think I'll just leave it up to the menfolk, lol.

A Common Theme

The new year is off to a good start, I'm doing my best not to sweat the small stuff, but when you are "trying to make it" as best you can in the industry and you can't even count on your own peoples who have connections to hook you up...what's a lady to do...work harder and smarter I guess. This will not be a long blog, because I have written about it all before, please read this post to remember. This is one company in particular that I work with on a regular basis that has never, ever asked me to be involved in any projects. Sure I've worked behind the scenes on a few things, my opinion has been sought, but never has anyone asked me to be involved in anything where I could get some much needed exposure...and we are talking about everything from print opportunities, online, tv/video/radio...you name it, the projects have come up. And maybe I have been at least considered for these things, but was not chosen for whatever reason, that's fine...I just wish someone would tell me that I was at least in the running. What's the use of having television experience (on camera and production -I've been a reporter as well as a host), radio experience (used to co-host a radio show in college), spokesmodeling (marketing, communications, public relations experience), acting (indie films, local tv shows and commercials)and the list goes on...My resume is solid, not to mention I actually went to school for communications and broadcast journalism...

Had to vent...on the flip side, I'm blessed to have some great people in my corner. Shout out to Maurice Williams, my manager; Tangi Davis, my publicist and Tamara Walker, who has been an all around excellent reference for me. Jason Anderson, who is working hard to get my new site, jswmediagroup.com off the ground. You all have my gratitude and appreciation. Thanks for always thinking about a sista and trying to put me on:-)

Homeowner Blues part 1

Being a homeowner is expensive. I have so many plans for this house, but finding the time, energy and money to get everything I need done completed is exhausting. For instance, I need to paint my bathrooms, my kitchen and the accent wall in the living room...fortunately I found this cool website for estimating Painting Costs, but unfortunately, that crap is expensive as h@#%. I need a million dollars, anybody want to hook a sista up, lol.

Mother-Daughter Retreat (Travel "Wishful Thinking" Series)

I know it's kind of early to begin thinking about Mother's Day presents, but I'm always daydreaming about taking trips so I just could not help myself. This year, I think I'm going to take my Mom to the Outer Banks NC for a weekend retreat for just the two of us. Mom loves the beach in the off season, so this should be perfect. Just the thought of getting away for a private beach getaway makes me giddy...Mom is going to love this one.

I love Charlotte, but...

Man, I was perusing this website, Apex NC Real Estate, and I must say that some of these houses are quite nice. My dream is to own property all over. I mean, I would love to have vacation houses in all of my favorite cities. I drool whenever I think about owning one of those old houses on Monument ave in Richmond near the Fan district. New house just don't always cut it...I miss having some history associated with the place I dwell...My house is new, but it's in a historic neighborhood here in Charlotte, so I still have a strong sense of history when I look around at the land...

Dreaming of a Getaway (Travel "Wishful Thinking" Series)

I'm scheduled to hit MIA in April for Chuck's birthday extravaganza. Jacinta, Khendra, Sherisse and even my cousin Erika are all trying to make the trip. I have my eyes on a new assistant (J, pls say yes, pls); so she may be making an appearance in good ole Miami as well. The entire entourage will be in the building. It'll be roughly 2 weeks before my own birthday, so I may as well party like it is my birthday. I'm trying to find a suitable place to stay...something similar to this Orlando Vacation Rental I found. We'll see, I need to book my arrangements now before it gets pricey. I'll keep you posted.

Addictions (part 1)

So some people struggle with drugs and alcohol abuse, while others drive themselves crazy with worry regarding their body image or other self inflicted woe. Me…what’s my vice you ask? Post It Notes.

That’s right ladies and gentlemen; I am a Post It Note junkie. I am addicted to the yellow variety (the other colors just don’t have the same finesse and appeal). You should see my desk, they are everywhere. My addiction to Post It Notes could be likened to an anorexic’s obsession with the newest Fat Burner magic bill—both frightening and hopelessly sad all at the same time (that was in poor taste I know, but I never said I was politically correct 100 percent of my life).

True, the Post Its make my home office look more chaotic than organized, but I can’t help it…There’s a kind of comfort I find in that chaos…The reason? Well, that’s another blog for another day.