In a time of desperation, we find PASSION

So it has been a while since I have sat down and written anything. Not that I haven't been sitting down, because I have since March, basically. I did return to work for 2 months and part time, only to have my legs kicked out and back to furlough I went. It has been a rough year for us. All of us.  But, it is out of our control and like the title suggests, in a time of desperation, we find passion.

What's your passion? It is a question I have asked myself for years. Where do you find your passion? Not many people can wake up every day and do what they love. Truly love and enjoy doing. I love my job. I really do!  I love doing makeup. But is it my passion? I would say it is something I am passionate about. I am a social butterfly, I love meeting new people and building relationships with others. But during 2020, I realized that I am passionate about helping people. Being a voice for them; supporting them. I did a fundraiser for the Chicago Police and raised a little over $8000 to send pizzas to every department. All 25 and then some. I felt fulfilled after. I knew this was something I wanted to explore further. I felt like I was a part of something meaningful and I liked it. I made a difference.

Passion comes in many forms. I believe you can have it all. I am a hopeless romantic and I have to say, my dreamer, gypsy soul, is one of my favorite qualities. Sometimes it comes at inopportune moments but you have to make a decision to chase your dreams or let them die. Passion at home, work, life... sometimes you will hurt people. You will let them down. When do we stop living for everyone else and start living for ourselves?! You gotta take inventory and see what it is you're missing.

Being home I have racked my brain about what I would do if I had to change direction in my life. I have been doing the same thing for so long, that I don't even know what qualifications would serve me besides sales. I can sell. But looking at the back 9 in life, do I want to spend it selling some shit like car insurance that I don't even care about?!? Like in the grand scheme of things, some useless trash that I feel is pointless. Doesn't drive me. 

I see people with their big homes and fancy cars. I don't want any of that. I would rather be rich in life than with money. I have a good life already and we are by no means wealthy. Comfortable? For sure. We never go without. But where is the passion?!? I hate mundane. I am never sitting still, even right now as I type, my legs are bouncing like a crazy person. I am energetic and always looking for ways to LIVE. I live this life... we are only given one and I prefer to make the most of it every single day that I am gifted! I can't sit on a couch, watching TV or scrolling social media. That isn't living and I see it over and over and over again with so many people! I digress. 

Now, this leads me to the present day. Over these past few months, I have cooked just about every single day. I love to cook. I am hardly burdened by slaving over a hot stove. I find so much joy in feeding people that a lightbulb went on. This is what I should be doing! I should be feeding people! I have so much love to give and it comes out in my food. I'm no slouch either. I will cook up anything from a few ingredients laying around. It comes naturally to me. I am a daredevil but when it comes to gambling on a future, I am a chicken shit. I would never open a restaurant because there is no work/life balance. I am way too popular and fun to ignore my social time. I got it!  A food truck!  Low overhead, mainly work the lunch crowd, some sporting events and whatever. Is it painstaking work? Absolutely but it is rewarding. I would finally be sharing my passion!  I would be able to do free events to help feed people who need it. I am such a softie I can see this being a problem but I would have to keep myself in line. This is something I am going to research and hammer out the costs. I have been given an opportunity to really sit down and dig deep into my soul. This feeds my soul. 

Who knows what the future holds but I am excited. Something big is happening, I can feel it. I am going to take this energy and run with it. Like my favorite Bob Seger song says "I'll take my chances babe, I'll risk it all" 

This might be a boring to read but I like it. 

Jouir!

Jen 

 

We ain't men! But we should be...

I am pretty sure "God" didn't get it right when he made me. I put that in quotes to not offend anyone and their religious beliefs. Also, I stopped believing in fairytales around 35 years ago. I've always lived in a NO DRAMA headspace, choose my friends wisely and I never really followed a crowd. I analyze people. This is why guys, I think I can help you in your quest to bag chicks... with the help of one of my, dare I say best friends, Stephanie.

Sometimes you meet a person that can match your soul and have an instant kinship. I have that with Steph. We love Seinfeld, we can say 1 thing to each other and it snowballs into an hour long laugh fest that is usually at the expense of someone else and their unfortunate existence. I don't apologize for being a dick, I just am. We just are. She's easy going, likes to have fun and pretty sure she has zero feelings of sadness and if I ever saw her cry, I'd have to ask "what is this salty discharge?" Seinfeld reference. Steph is really a catch. If she was a guy, I would marry him. She really just goes with the flow and is so fucking funny!  She loves tasty treats and matches my excited body shakes when we see our food arriving.

We work in the same industry and I hear so many stories of dating and how these guys act. We can write a damn handbook on how to get laid... I swear! One little thing like: 'Your hair looks great! Did you curl it differently?' or 'Great lip!' seriously ups your odds.  Just noticing a shade of lipstick impresses a woman. A compliment goes a long way.

Here's another one: Do not let a woman pay. PERIODT. I dated a guy once and the sight of my wallet made him mad. He was actually offended when I offered to buy a round of drinks. That small gesture went far. It is an old school way of thinking and women like that shit. You hold a door, walk on the street side and pick up the tab.

Don't be cheap. You do not have to be rich. AT ALL. I am pretty uncomfortable around large amounts of money and I am not impressed by your fancy cars and big homes. I like looking at big houses, I still drive around and take in the sights, but I don't need nor do I want that lifestyle. Just don't be cheap. Take some vacations, treat her to a spa day or something, a fancy restaurant or buy her a nice gift just because. Which leads me to the next one...

Thoughtfulness. Oh man, I can tell you, this can lead you to Eden. Being thoughtful is such a sexy trait. You hear her say something about something she saw and liked, go out there and find it. Give it to her when she least expects it. Boom. Welcome to Pound Town, buddy! I know this is a lot to ask, you know? Listening and shit. I get it, I hear women ramble on all damn day and it is insufferable at times but if you cannot talk and listen for a minute, do you really think you should be looking longterm anyway? Or if you see something that reminds you of her, get it. I went through a Spongebob stage and just getting a Spongebob toothbrush meant so much to me. I can't tell you which one of  many mistakes bought it for me, but I know someone did and I liked it.

Put some effort into your look. Do not buy a $5000 Gucci suit or some Ferragamo loafers. I mean, if you can afford it please do, but just don't look like you rode in on a 4-wheeler after playing basketball for 16 hours. Double check for stains on your clothes.  Get a nice cologne and wash your balls. Get that neckline shaved up and for the love of god, clean your ears, trim your nose hairs and just brush your teeth! I've always been a fan of a guy in casual clothes: hoodies, some loose fitting jeans,  a backwards cap. Lord, I do love everything I just described so much that I married it! Ha!

Make the plans. Pick the dinner spot. Book the trip. I am the most indecisive person so when I don't have to think about that stuff, saves me from another gray hair. I cannot remember the last time I had a taste for something. I just want to eat! Not sure what, but sit me down and I will figure it out. Would it not be so sexy if you were booked for a trip, not having a clue where to and your bags were packed???

Now, not everyone can be funny. I wish everyone could be as funny as me. The world would be a perfect place if that were true but it's a gift, just be a conversationalist. I will tell you, I am not. I do not possess the gift of gab. I have friends that can pull a conversation out of a walnut! I envy that but I am also very comfortable in silence. Now, you get on the subject of politics and I won't shut up. Normal everyday chats though? Pass. I hate small talk. Just my own preference but a sense of humor trumps looks all day. If you are funny, I find you to be the most adorable person on two legs. Truly.

Ladies, this goes for you as well. I still have a lot to learn, especially in the thoughtfulness department. After 15 years of being with my husband, I have no idea what to buy this guy! He loves golf and I am sure my gifts of drivers, Garmin Approach, irons and gift cards to the PGA Store are stale as hell but every time I try and dress him, he just fish eyes me and I feel sad. 😂 I did hit a homerun when I got him an appointment to be custom fitted for a custom putter though. He loves that putter and I looooved that steep credit card charge (I'm pretty cheap) but it brings a smile to my face every time he golfs 4 days a week. {sarcasm} no really, I do love his bragging rights when he pulls out that little sweetie.

Maybe I am alone with this but I think we want to be taken care of. Is that not feminist of me? I hope so because I am not one. I need a partner in life. It is a tall order to deal with me and I gotta tell ya, my husband is a SAINT. I have been in a handful of relationships and I think I know a few things... You do learn from your mistakes and I know what I will never tolerate. Like picking up that phone when there is a meal on the table, may put you in the doghouse.

Alright, I may edit this once my homeslice gets back from Panama and we get to talking about what makes her tick. Until then, buon appetito!

Love you all and always!

Your friend(s)

Jen and Steph

We ain't that far from the "Shallow" now...

You guys, I am irked by this charade being put on by Gaga and B. Coop! The world has been up in arms about these two and why they're not porking! He has a girlfriend!  Now we are just going to yell from our computers to break up with your kids mother to fulfill some on-screen romance desire? How disrespectful is that? I feel bad for Irina Shayk. I mean, not really that bad because she is a tall, thin, gorgeous model but the constant bullshit this girl is going through is nauseating!

I like Gaga and I really like Bradley Cooper (SWOON). I mean... if I was in that situation, you'd need the jaws of life to pry me off him, but I am not and I find it very off putting. We live in this generation where monogamy is "old fashion" and people should just go out and fuck. I don't get it!  I feel so sad for young girls coming up in this era. I've been cheated on and it sucks. I've also cheated on a few ex's. I am no angel and I do not judge but with people at your fingertips, we have lost that charm of till death do us part. No one wants to be unhappy and life is short, yada, yada, yada... I get it. But what happened to vows and respect?

The song is called 'Shallow' and man oh man, is it ever. You have Gaga's fanbase hollering that she is way better than his girlfriend and that he should be with someone prettier. Shallow much? Listen, I am pretty tall and I have a 35" inseam. Have you seen Irina's legs? They don't stop! But yet, a 5'2 (forgive me) lunatic is better? She is kinda nuts, but that is my favorite quality about her. Engaged twice and never walked the plank. Something is up with that. Regardless, this is not a thing we should promote! And he is no better. I don't see him out there defending his relationship. Quit staring at one another like you can't wait to get home and bang. It's rather uncomfortable to watch. I get that the chemistry is obvious, I am not blind, but if this is how they feel about each other than just do it already but be mindful of your significant other.

I, for one, would beat the shit out of my man if he acted like this. He is embarrassing. If this drives people to buy their movie and soundtrack, fine but have some tact.

I didn't even love the movie. Stop it! See the version with Streisand and then talk to me. These two are just way better eye candy. Last I checked, no one was chubbing up over Kris Kristofferson. One look at Bradley Cooper and yes... I feel that shit. But the older version blows this one out of the water. I had to see it though because the hype around it. It was far from Oscar worthy. His performance warranted a nod, sure. He was great in it but they made the hoopla about Gaga. She wasn't that great! Her final scene was good. She actually cried because she lost a dear friend days prior or something like that and her pain shows in it. That's all.

Everyone just needs to chill the fuck out. Award season is over and maybe this nonsense will go away. One can only hope. Seriously, if I have to see these two canoodling at a piano one more time, I am chucking my coffee mug at the television.

Rant over.

I love you all and always!

Your friend,

Jen