Showing posts with label woman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label woman. Show all posts

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Bloglovin'


I usually don't like to toot my own horn, but "TOOT, TOOT!" ideeli.com tapped me for their blog on my personal style advice and giveaway pick of the week. I was honored and it's totally hilarious since I don't feel like a style expert at all. I'm still crafting my own, unique style on a daily basis. Trust me, it's work! I mean, I adore bags and most of all, SHOES like the next woman. But when you're grindin' and and struggling to live within your financial means, sometimes, your style may get lost due to less closet updates in your wardrobe...ahm, barely buying new clothing and accessory items.
Well, I don't want to babel, so I'll let you enjoy this glimpse into my "ideel" style picks.
Happy Reading! I have to get back to The GRIND as always.
XOXO,
Miss Joi

Sunday, June 07, 2009

Lost In Translation: The Grind Needs a New Swagger

Hey There!

I've realized in my old age that I've always been a woman who never really wants to ask anyone for help. I'm not sure if it's good old fashioned pride, shame, guilt, or just feeling like a freeloading friend; but asking someone for help is like pulling teeth when it comes to me.
Sitting in an office on one of the few sunny, 80 degree days that have come our way this spring, I had a mini epiphany. I'm here struggling to redesign my blog and think of fresh story ideas when I can just say one simple word to family, friends, readers, etc; HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Grind (yes, I typed it) has lost its touch. its swagger. its mojo. The look is dry, the content is dry, the entire thing just bores me now. That's sad because I created the damn thing. With all of these other bloggers (ahm, dare I say it...my competition) covering fashion, entertainment, lifestyle and just plain 'ol down and dirty gossip; I had a thought. What keeps readers coming back for more? What keeps them following? The topics? The design? The writer? The images? Is it the continuity of posts monthly, weekly, daily, sometimes twice a day or more? Is it a combination of the latter mixed with a little bit of luck?
Well, people, I look at several blogs daily and I've hit a brick wall as to how The Grind can evolve into something magnificent. Hell, I'm working on soaring from Good to Great (circa Friday, June 5th) so my blog should defiantly be on the same page.
This is my sincere way of extending an olive branch. Help me help myself. In the back, far back of my mind, I've considered shutting down The Grind. But that wouldn't be the best decision since I'm grinding daily like everyone else, especially to remove myself from the 'Rat Race'. I ask you...
  • What design features would you like to see on The Grind (widgets, gadgets, anything you can share?) We're talking about layout and design people.
  • What content would you like to read about on The Grind. Keep in mind that these are events that happen in my life, so I need to keep it in the theme. Am I open enough? Or do I need to open up more to keep you interested? Let's keep it clean please. I'd prefer not to write about where and when the last time that I used my vibrator (he, he). No one wants to read about that stuff...and yes, I have a vibrator, don't you?
  • What topics of my life should I touch on? Anything that you want to know that you don't know about me?
  • Do I need to post more frequently? or less frequently?
  • How can I get the blog out there to gain more readers?
  • I'm open to any suggestions

As always, your feed back is greatly appreciated! Please leave your ideas in the "comment" section below, you can email me at jwheat2@gmail.com, or you can even Tweet your ideas to me, just remember to put @missjoi before your reply (140 character, please).

Thanks in advance and I look forward to reading your ideas.

XOXO,

Miss Joi

Monday, April 06, 2009

When It Rains, It Pours…

I checked my blog recently and suddenly realized that I’d let an entire month pass by without posting another exciting, interesting, or even mind boggling story. Actually, that’s not a stretch for me since I let the entire year of 2007 fly by without writing even a line on THE GRIND. Hey, what can I say? 2007 was a huge transitional year for me where I always used the famous excuse, “It must be writer’s block.” Hence, here we are; 2009 and no post(s) for March. I assure you, I let my problems in life get me down so low that it paralyzed my drive to write. It happens sometimes and that same parlayed feeling came over me in 2007. But I’ve turned a new leaf and as each day passes, I work on making myself a better person, a better writer/blogger, and even a better woman. Therefore, I will gradually ease into loading more stories in a faster and more efficient time span.

Over the past few years, I’ve received a tremendous amount of feedback since the blog was born circa 2005. Some advice good, some bad, some very ugly; but I take it all in and soak it up like a giant sponge. Even if it’s bad, at least someone is talking about the blog and/or me. Many will say, “Joi, I read your blog. It’s funny and entertaining.” Others will say, “I’ve been reading your blog and it’s so real.” And then some will even say, “I read your blog; I wish that I had your life. I want to whisk away to LA on a minute's notice.” I smile with every comment and give myself an imaginary pat on the back, if I can help or teach one person from my sick, twisted, and inspiring journey in life then that’s what matters to me.

But let me explain something, perception is everything, sometimes. It can even seems like reality in some cases. Yes, I did whisk away to LA to visit Bruce Wayne (on business and on extremely short notice).Yes, I did have the most exciting, most memorable trip to Barcelona and Ibiza this past summer. Yes, I am very blessed and have had the most amazing opportunities thrown my way (or I created them myself). However, maybe I’m not real enough on this blog I call, THE GRIND. Maybe I have not shown you that I work hard, long hours most days and get little sleep other days. Maybe I have not been raw enough. Maybe I have not explained to you that I just dished out $100 to a plumber so that he could fix a serious 4 month or more leak from my bathroom toilet knowing that same $100 was definitely my grocery money. Hey, I’m a writer by choice, intern by day, waitress/bartender by night. I’m sure you can understand my need to count and pinch every penny in my sad bank account, especially in these times.

I remember one day last week, returning phone calls and speaking with several of my friends, and even my mother. I felt like I was talking to the same person with a different name. Everyone sounded as if life had gotten the best of them. Their spirits were broken. All of them had confided in me and I noticed that they (my friends) were just as bad off as I am, especially in these times. It hurt me more that I’m not in a position to help them. Hell, I can barely help myself. I came to the realization that just when you think that you’ve got it bad, someone is always in a worse situation than you. I always thought that was a joke, until I witnessed it for myself on that day. I aim to stay in a positive mind set while continuing to grow through it all. My cousin, Miss Lawyergirl said to me that she’s tired of hearing all of the positive mumbo-jumbo. She proclaims herself as a realist; someone who has the disposition to face the facts and to deal with them pratically. Hey, I’m a realist too. It’s essential to be one, especially in these times. But don’t we all agree that optimism is much sexier then cynicism?

“To complain is always nonacceptance of what is. It invariably carries an unconscious negative charge. When you complain, you make yourself into a victim. When you speak out, you are in power. So change the situation by taking action or by speaking out if necessary or possible; leave the situation or accept it. All else is madness.” –Eckhart Tolle, best-selling author of the book, The Power of Now.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Prototype

This Saturday morning, I’d awaken to a man telling me over Blackberry Instant Messenger that I am a “Prototype for why niggas act like niggas sometimes.”

Well, to say the least it certainly helped me to pop out of my bed feeling perplexed. How do you respond to a statement like that; a statement so rash, so abrasive, and so untactful? All that I could think of was how I did not want to start my morning filled with the drama of responding to a man that sounded like he had his morning coffee with a side of bitter & broken ego. Then again, I never heard the words come out of his mouth; therefore, I was not sure if I should be offended or a bit intrigued by this shady IM message. Well, I went with offended and confused. It fits me better (wink, wink). But I definitely wanted to know where this comment stemmed from since the original IM exchange was about his friend’s inquires about me; not his own issues with what type of woman I am in his eyes. Needless to say, it came out of no where based on the initial topic of conversation.

Before I continue along with the story, let me be fair and give you some background information. I don’t want to paint this man out to be a jerk aka asshole, just because he felt the need to say that I am a “Prototype” for anything. He was just merely expressing his feelings. I’ve already come to the conclusion (before this post was written), that he just isn’t the man for me in an intimate capacity, and that’s totally fine. Don’t worry, I’m not going to cry or slit my wrist due to a situation that ends unhappy or as a cliff hanger. I learn more about myself from all of it.

I’ll keep the backgrounder short and sweet. This man and I had only established a business rapport with one another until we had an early morning breakfast almost two months ago. It was cool. We ate, we talked, we bonded which led to an exchange of numbers, emails, and IM names. At breakfast, he confessed that he was attracted to me and I grew fond of him after several interactions of witty banter and interesting discussions via phone and IM messages. He was sweet, laid-back, smart and real. His aura gave off the most honest energy but it was positive. In a nut shell, he asked me out and we confirmed a day. Unfortunately, I cancelled due to an impromptu business trip to LA to meet with Bruce Wayne (see Picture Perfect; My LA Trip post from January 27th). After my return to NYC, we still continued to talk daily but I didn’t commit to go out with him again. Yes, it was unconscious but I take full responsibility for not being aggressive with rescheduling another outing. Hey, I was still happy with just talking to him and learning about one another. The daily talks began to slow down and when I would check in on him, something seemed off. In the end, he expressed to me that he will loose interest in a woman if “the situation just stands still”. I told him that I completely understand and could respect his honesty and his decision. In my mind, the witty chatter was over and we would go back to the business rapport that was there in the beginning. There was certainly no love lost.

So, as you can see our personal relationship ended on a considerate note. I hope now you can understand where my confusion came from: 1.) I did not expect for him to contact me again (on a personal level) 2.) Why would he say such a hasty statement about me?
Well, we talked over the phone later on so that he could further explain himself to clear things up. It was basically the same thing that he’s told me before. He lost interest, I was giving him the run-around, he’s not the type of man who does a mouse and cat chase with women, and he basically couldn’t understand the point of us since I didn’t give him more time. However, he did sincerely apologize for saying or typing that I was the “Prototype for why niggas act like niggas sometimes.” Hey, people say what they mean, so I feel that's how he really thinks of me, as the “Prototype.” The chick that plays it cool, doesn’t act as expected and doesn’t baby the male ego as she should; the woman who’s untraditional and won’t conform easily. As a result, she is the excuse of why men act out. Please, give me a break!

I stressed to him that the comment was offensive, untactful and inappropriate. But of course, there’s no love lost. I was never angry with his decision. Hell, he chose his choice and he should stand by it; not call me out because I didn’t stroke his ego enough while massaging his dick. Yes, the language is dirty this time around but you get my point, right?

I also told him that I’m in a stage of my life where I am the woman who does NOT want a “fuck buddy” or a “boyfriend”. I’m still figuring it all out. So, should I be punished for my indecisiveness and called a “Prototype for why niggas act like niggas sometimes?” Yes, we’re adults here and I know that there really is no happy medium between a “fuck buddy” and “boyfriend”. But I will not be rushed into any situation or called names. Our conversation ended awkwardly as he had to run to meet his friends for lunch and at the same time, I was still speechless from the drama that had occurred. It was still sinking in. We said our good byes and hung up the phone with no real conclusion. But I want to you all to know that I’m one of a kind and not a “Prototype” for niggas who don’t act accordingly or anything else. Men decide to act like niggas sometimes, because THEY CHOSE to act that way. The responsibility is on them, not due to any other woman, or me, or me as a “Prototype” and vice versa. You are responsible for your own actions.

So, I guess I will end this one with several questions to him (the one that called me a “Prototype”) and everyone else who has read this post;
“What happened to just getting to know each other (without all of the sex and intimate pressure)?” “What happened to establishing a friendship and/or a relationship with substance?” “What are we rushing for?”

Please leave your thoughts in the comment section. I’d love to hear ‘em. Thanks for your support!

Miss Joi aka “The Ultimate and One-of-a-kind Prototype”

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

No Man Hater Here

A friend defined my blog in three words: “man hater site”. I was slightly offended. Hell, that’s just as bad as someone calling me a BBW-Bitter Black Woman, and I not one of those. Yet, I giggle as I repeat his quote back to myself. I believe that he certainly meant it as enduring since he tried to clean it up after I told him what I am about to tell you.

Let’s clear this up now, just in case you’re confused as well. This blog is not, by any means, not a man hater site. It was created as a tool to show my personal side as far as writing that ranges from my journey headed for entrepreneurship to eating at my favorite Thai food restaurant, Spice (199 8th Ave, btw 19th & 20th st).

I love men, in all flavors. I love everything about them; they way they smell, the way they think, the way they cause me to obsess and write about them. I’ve learned a vast amount of knowledge about myself and life’s experiences through the men that have touched my spirit (good or bad). I’m thankful for those experiences. I will never regret the ride. Therefore, when publish a post talking about any man, it is written to show what I’ve gained from the person and/or situation, not to slander someone’s reputation. That’s also the reason for code names instead of the real thing. Keeping the subject in mind and respecting the privacy of others.

Thank you all for the support and feedback!
Always,

Miss “I’m not a man hater” Joi

Friday, May 09, 2008

The Unattainable

As I sit back and reflect on that night at the bar of feeling like Carrie Bradshaw observing “Mr. Big” mingling with a couple of females, I just smirk in relief. “Well, at least I didn’t fuck him.”

There he was; gorgeous, laughing, smiling, and having the time of his life. The chemistry was totally there. I’d only been observing Mr. CB, my girlfriend and her friend at the bar for 5 minutes or less. But it seemed that Mr. CB grew smitten my girlfriend’s friend in a matter of seconds. By the end of my shift, I was on the phone venting to a friend about the entire situation. Why did Mr. CB have to come on my turf to pick up new prospects?

I must define the history between me and Mr. CB before I continue the story.

He and I went out on a couple of dates. Honestly, they were all fabulous. We get along. He fit the typical profile of what I enjoy about men. He’s charming, sensible, honest, successful, older (in his 40’s), handsome, educated, and extremely unattainable. Did I mention, extremely unattainable? Mr. CB is divorced and after he revealed this to me, I sensed that he was definitely enjoying his newly found single life. Believe me; I witnessed him enjoying the “single life” every time he brought a different woman into the bar where I work. But that never bothered me and I never judged him. I was intrigued. Unfortunately, Mr. CB’s exit was surprisingly abrupt. I thought I’d played all of my cards right with this one. He performed the typical stop calling and texting with no explanation move. So, I mentioned his rude, cowardly disappearing act. He was truthful and told me that his feelings were with another woman whom he had a relationship with some years ago. They were trying to decide if they should give it another try. He was compassionate with his explanation. “Joi, you are a gem and I don’t want to ruin that.” I rolled my eyes. I informed Mr. CB that he could have just told me that information instead of disappearing without as much of a good-bye to saver ties, respectfully. I told him that we can be just friends. “Well, Actually I don’t have many platonic female friends,” Mr. CB confessed. I looked at him with a raised eyebrow and thought to myself, “I really should be deleting your number after that statement.”

One day, my thoughts were consumed with him. As a result, I decided to check on him and send a friendly text to his cell phone. He never responded. I sent another text message a few weeks later. No response. So when he managed to walk into the bar where I work it felt as if I’d seen a ghost. It was even scarier because I’d just sent him the second text message the night before.

I’ll admit it. I’m still very fond of Mr. CB. However, I’ve managed to keep my distance since it was he who initiated the distance between us. Now that Mr. CB and I do not talk as much compared to when we first met, I find myself thinking about him. I want him even more. Therefore, when I witnessed him conversing with my girlfriend’s friend from the other side of the bar, I was not happy and had decided that he was hitting a little too close to home. His eyes managed to meet mine. I gave him the look of death. Given the chance, my stare probably would have burned a hole through his navy blue sweater. The decent woman in me wanted to believe that he was just talking and entertaining miscellaneous women while he waited for his friends. The territorial woman in me was convinced that he was definitely flirting with my girlfriend’s friend and that they had exchanged phone numbers, business cards, or something to keep in contact with each other. I was disappointed, annoyed, upset.

Upset with myself that I had been fascinated by yet another unattainable man. Upset that he was another unattainable man who would not return my text messages, probably did not want anything exclusive with me, and managed to fall off the face of the earth with no regard of my feelings. Why do I always like the guys who seem so far from my reach? They’re just so aloof and emotionally detached. They were all similar in that way and I certainly attached myself to them-physically and/or emotionally; Mr. Vegas, Mr. Promoter, Mr. Roc-A-Wear, Mr. C, and now, Mr. CB. It’s almost as if I’m dating the same man over and over and over again but with a different name. Actually, the only thing that these men had in common; other then the fact that they could never be hooked into a healthy relationship; was yours truly, me. I really can not blame these men as I choose to deal with them, so I blame myself.


I’ve never enjoyed anything that came to me easily, especially men. But what’s the point of the chase if you’ll never be able to win the prize in the end?