When He Doesn't Show Up: Realizing Your Worth After Being Flaked On

"Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option." ~ Mark Twain

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏽‍♀️ Not for nothing without putting my business out there, I recently met this guy, Wilfred on May 06, 2026, near Citi Field and we exchanged numbers. We were supposed to meet on May 17, 2026 at Starbucks in Union Square and I was the only one who showed up. I should have responded in text by saying: "It was nice knowing you! Thanks for the ghosting experience - at least I know not to hold my breath next time. Best of luck out there!" or my other response would have been: "Thanks for standing me up! 🚩 Just a heads up, if the shoe was on the other foot and I did this to you, my phone would be blowing up with angry texts right now. 🙄" or the third response would have been: "Thanks for standing me up today. If you're an adult, you need to communicate plan changes earlier in the day. I deserve better than the silent treatment, especially when I could have been home spending time with my son. I know you've read my WhatsApp messages. If you don't like my communication style, feel free to permanently delete my number and never contact me again." Then Wilfred decides to hit me up the next day without apologizing for what happened the day before, and his sad excuse was he fell asleep which is bullshit (fuck you and your excuses). He also said, "Nice lips to kiss." I told him he missed his opportunity yesterday when I should have told him: "Reading my messages but choosing not to reply is a pretty weak excuse for standing me up yesterday. Don't act like you forgot what happened. If you want to make things right, step up and take accountability instead of playing games." Wilfred apologized by saying: "I'm so sorry" and I personally feel that he could have something along the lines of "I am so sorry I left you hanging last night" or "I know your time is valuable, and it was incredibly disrespectful of me to waste it." Instead of simply saying "We can go out" which sounds so fucking lame and yet generic at the same time. If he truly wants to take me out or whatever the fuck than he would or should say "I'd love to make it up to you by taking you out to dinner this weekend. Let me know what day and restaurant work best for you." and follow up by saying "I'm actively working on my time management, and I promise I will communicate much better in the future so this doesn't happen again." which is respectable if you think about it. If you're unable to meet, articulate that you're unable to make it earlier in the day so I'm not left hanging (just saying). I have included a picture of Wilfred and screenshots of our conversation we've had (I used this template on Instagram to set up the dialogue).

"A second chance doesn't mean anything if you didn't learn from your first." ~ Anurag Prakash Ray

I honestly would give Wilfred a second chance, however, I don't know or rather I doubt I should trust him going forward and if this happened once, I am 100% certain this may occur again and again from him to the point I'd have to treat him like a child when I shouldn't fucking have to! If he cannot respect people's time and energy, he should absolutely remain single for the rest of his life because I feel people will feel that he isn't worthy of love and attention if he can't be mature enough to communicate with me or anyone else for that matter. We've only met once, he mentions he wants me and he can't stop thinking about me. He must tell other women this same story just to gas their heads up with lies and excuses just to get them in bed with him. I'm not buying into this narrative because I'm not incompetent. To say the least, I have to prioritize my health, making sure my son is taken care of first, and overall, I have to make sure everything at home is taken care of before I allow someone else into my life whether to make it better or worse case scenario, topsy-turvy. Topsy-turvy is something I can live without at this point in my life. Well, I highly doubt I will be seeing Wilfred any time soon. Nonetheless, if he genuinely wants me to give someone like him a second chance, and I will respond with this: I'm open to seeing if things can work, but I need to protect my peace and time. If you genuinely want this to work out, I need you to tell me three concrete reasons why I should give you a second chance. Going forward, what exact steps will you take to hold yourself accountable and ensure you don't stand me up when we make plans?

Here is a picture of Wilfred and the screenshots of our conversation the day after he stood me up on May 17, 2026! 🤔 I would give him a second chance but to what's extent without feeling like I have wasted my time and energy by giving him a second chance. I don't feel attracted to him and I'm already disappointed with his first impression of not showing up as he should. Well, it's his own loss for not showing up! 🤷🏽‍♀️ I would've added several screenshots of the conversation but didn't want people to get confused with what was being said [for those who are curious]. Part of me wants to give him a second chance just to see if he keeps his word and maybe I should string him along just to play games with him as he's doing with me!

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Unfiltered Motherhood: The Solo Journey

"A mother's love is everything. It is what brings a child into this world. It is what molds their entire being. When a mother sees her child in danger, she is literally capable of anything. Mothers have lifted cars off of their children and destroyed entire dynasties. A mother's love is the strongest energy known to man." ~ Jamie McGuire

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏽‍♀️ Happy Mother's Day to all moms out there. Since today is Mother's Day and since our experiences are different. I don't want people to have this impression and say that I'm "complaining" about something that is supposed to be beautiful and only if my experiences were different. I don't have any pregnancy pictures or a sonogram from my pregnancy. Believe me, I've attempted to ask for a sonogram but was told there wasn't any and I'm not certain if it is because I wanted to put my son up for adoption sixteen years ago. I don't know how much therapy can repair my pregnancy experience and I wish my pregnancy wasn't so traumatic. I was angry at myself mostly because I felt like I hadn't done enough to protect myself and I wish I had gotten my tubal ligation done years ago. I wouldn't be surprised if I had a gynecologist encouraging me to "wait" before I knew that sperm donor, Donald, even existed. I have always known that I've never wanted children for personal reasons, not everyone wants children for personal reasons, not everyone is fit to be parents (whether due to mental illness such as bipolar; schizophrenia; borderline personality disorder; just to name a few), and there are people should not bother to have children because of their shitty ass personality, specifically guys because most of you are so quick to run off into the sunset so you can live your best life while the mother of your child is sacrificing her body, her peace, her sleep, her social life, her love life, and her career for a pay cut while you're out there selfishly living your best life knowingly you've fucking destroyed her life and her body, for what? What the fuck are you getting out of this? That child will grow up feeling like they're inadequate, wondering what they have done wrong and feeling like there's something wrong with them when you're the problem that these children exist. Cut the excuses because life is too short for your sad excuses. I have my own reasons why I've never had that maternal desire to be a mom and one of those reasons is I don't need people doing the most traumatic things to my child leaving scars which would lead to sex/prostitution, drugs, and alcohol. When I got pregnant, I wanted to put my son up for adoption because I wasn't ready for motherhood and my son's father gave me an excuse that he wanted to distance himself because of my decision, but I decided to keep my son. 

"Mothers - especially single mothers - are heroic in their efforts to raise our nation's children, but men must also take responsibility for their children and recognize the impact they have on their families' well-being." ~ Evan Bayh

Being a single mom is no joke because there are many nights that are uneasy and there are moments that I'd love to do something nice for myself, such as going on date nights whether going on a date with someone or treating myself out to a movie and dinner. The idea of getting dressed up, saying "Fuck it!" and treat myself out to dinner and a movie or a Broadway show and a movie. Something nice. The sad reality, a lot of us or a handful of single moms don't have it easy because there is no support system to help and it's all work, work, work. When do we get to feel soft, loved, feminine, and the idea of feeling human! As single moms, we are humans too, we bleed the same, we deserve to feel happy, safe, loved, feminine and human. Yet, we're left feeling sad, frustrated, underappreciated and depleted. I don't want to say bitter because we are the ones hustling for that weekly income to ensure the rent is paid in full for the month; there's food in the refrigerator, the kids have clean clothes, and making sure the bills are paid in full for the moment. Meanwhile, the "fathers" are out there selfishly living their best lives, however, don't get angry when your own children you abandoned want nothing more to do with you because you were never there from birth until present day. I'm not going to sugarcoat anything to make you feel comfortable, nonetheless I will say it anyway. How do you sleep at night knowing you are supposed to go 50/50 on co-parenting? At the end of the day, you are a piece of shit as a "father figure." Make it make sense! If you're not looking to be celebrating Father's Day, please do yourselves a solid favor for everyone around you, either learn to take no as a final answer without question, your second option is to get yourself a vasectomy because that child you helped create did not ask to be born and they had not received that memo that they weren't supposed to even exist. Now that child is feeling a certain type of way about you! Your third option is to use protection as a form of contraception and condoms exist for two reasons. This is why pregnancy rate is the way it is and be mindful of STDs. Don't start complaining that you dislike wearing condoms because there are dishonest women out there who will cry wolf that you raped them while those who have genuinely experienced rape will unfortunately go unreported. I wouldn't be surprised if people start victim shaming the woman for getting raped. Once you become a dad, there is no return policy on newborns and there is no turning back either.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Beyond the Camera: What I've Been Up To

"Sometimes the best thing to do is to take a step back and get a little bit of a different perspective and re-evaluate things." ~ Unknown

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏽‍♀️ It's been a while since I've written a blog about photography and things have been all over the place in recent months, specifically since November 2025, working two jobs but it's a conversation for another time and place. I had or still have my project on hold on wanting to self-publish a book on Blurb Books. I've originally began this as a class project for the spring semester of 2013, although I had already passed the class and it will mean the world to me if I complete this photography project. The first book will be in black and white, and the second book will be in color, but both will have the same concept of them being street photography. There may be a third book, but it'll mostly be a family themed book but let's see what happens with my first two projects and I'm feeling pretty hopeful but optimistic about finishing my first project. Once I finally am in a better position to have my Minolta X-370 repaired, it should be a green light, and I am very much looking forward to going on my photography walks as a form of self-care and therapy. As a single mom, I need time alone (though it's encouraged), and I can't be a mom 24/7/365 because there will be moments I need solitude to actively pursue my own hobbies and pour back into myself so I can be a better person to myself, a better friend, a better mom, a better cousin, and the list goes on. I need to do something that makes me happy for once since I'm temporarily stuck at a retail job that isn't doing me any type of justice but in some way, there's some form of gratification when it comes to assisting customers before I'm told to go back to what I was doing before being approached by customers with general questions. I guess you can say I'm more of a Janitor at my retail job and wait until the day I quit, I'll be celebrating but don't expect me to tell people at the bar that they're getting free drinks as Oprah Winfrey told her audience that they're getting a car. I have a full-time job that's better because I work forty hours per week and the hours are very much consistent in comparison to the eight hours a week at my retail job which is below part-time hours if you ask me!

"Following your genuine intellectual curiosity is better than following whatever makes money." ~ Naval Ravikant

I am hoping for this full-time job will be my ticket way out and not worry about how I'll make ends meet, however, I'm fully aware it may not be enough to fully pay or keep up with the monthly cost of living here in New York City. Anyway, I find photography to be very therapeutic and yes, granted not everyone finds photography to be therapeutic since we're all into different hobbies that we find therapy and joy in. I would love to get into photography but lack professional experience and I'm not fully sure if I'll need a college degree to show that I've completed my studies in photography. I don't want to say yes that you need a college degree just to work as a photographer. I don't know if it makes sense to think that way! Well, if I do decide to go back to LaGuardia Community College. For now, I still have a student loan from TCI and I'm looking to focus on that before I worry about anything else (such as any vacations or anything to do with socialization with my peers). I don't need people adding more to my plate when I'm already dealing with my own dilemma of having to pay down the maintenance that accumulated over the past year that haven't been kept up with after my mom had been in and out of North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset for falling.

"If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit." ~ Banksy

Aside from what's been going on, I've gone for a recent mammogram, and they've found an abnormality in my left breast. Overall, I feel fine and I know feeling "fine" may not mean anything. I don't want to miss work all because of an appointment at Queens Hospital, and I'm aware that my health is way more important than a paycheck. I currently work at Parks Department and it's a seasonal job for six months. I'm aware that I need to prioritize my health over any job, any relationship, or any friendship. I'm not saying they're all bad, but I feel they could and should take the back burner so to speak. It's something I'll leave as is without having to overly explain myself to people who barely have more than two brain cells.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Life as of Late: March Edition

 "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life." ~ Steve Jobs

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏽‍♀️ I'm not sure if this counts as for anything or if it makes sense, life has been a roller coaster ride as of late and I am making the best of this experience without putting my business out there completely, However, this involves my mother, Shiu and for the past year, she's been mismanaging her own health and I suppose the ancestors and the universe had other plans for her but by  all means, I suppose this is a blessing in disguise. I had plans of doing spiritual work on sending her out to Las Vegas, Nevada and have her spend whatever time she has with my sister, Gwen. With everything going on in my personal life, everything including all relationships/love life, as well as friendships and just know that I'm taking care of things before I focus/shift my attention, time and energy to enjoy the simplest things in life such as photography. I will mention this, I genuinely miss going on photography walks and yeah, I'll have people saying that I need to take care of my son, Stephan who is on the mild autism spectrum but is functional and verbal (thankfully). I'm sure there'll be people who will say that I need to prioritize my son and I feel sooner or later he will be doing for himself. Meaning, he'll have to go out and earn an income; I'm sure he'll want to go out with his peers or even go on dates, simple things as the things I've just mentioned without my presence being known. Essentially become independent in his own birth right and that's what I want for my son but not to sound negative or anything, I'm not always going to be around, but I'll be around spiritually to guide or teach when needed and protect. Let's not get this twisted, where did I say anything about something so negative regarding something natural and sacred. I feel that death should be feared by many since have zero control over what happens to us at the end of our lives!

"If you don't love yourself, nobody will. Not only that, you won't be good at loving anyone else. Loving starts with the self." ~ Wayne Dyer

I'm hoping to say this once and I'm fully aware that there are guys out there who would want love to be with me, I'm only going to assume one thing that most heterosexual "men" want to get me in bed with them and yeah, sex is normal if you weren't sexually abused by your own stepfather or have any guy approaching you just for having a vagina or getting raped and getting pregnant by the father of your child! With everything that I've experienced in my life, I can live the rest of my life without sex but there'll be natural moments that I need to release that sexual tension as needed when that desire feels natural to me, and I'm not looking to pick a random person off the streets to have sex with. However, I don't have anyone in mind since I have my personal reasons. I'm in no rush for a relationship and I do want to take my time because I don't want to feel like I'm "trying too hard" to enter a relationship and end up unhappy and miserable. I'm taking my time because I want to, I'm doing this for me, and I want to take care of myself first before I consider going on dates, etc. without coming off as selfish. Life is too short to live life with the wrong people, but you live, and you learn, right? I'll let everyone know now, I know I'm not ready to settle down just yet but let's revisit this conversation in about ten years or so, and I want to have my own adventures to put my curiosity at ease or rather quiet down my curiosity of the world. It'll be a bunch of 35mm film to last for about three weeks or so. At this point, I want to view these trips as self-care retreats and think of it this way, it'll feel like a spiritual retreat for the mind, body and soul. Away from people, the hustle and bustle of life here in New York City, it'll be good for the mind and I'm sure life would be a bit more enjoyable for me to be around people. There are moments that I want to enjoy time alone and there are moments I don't mind being around people. There's that balance if you know how to evenly balance each one out and I feel there are people for some reason have an issue with solitude in their own life, it may not make sense to me at the very moment. Maybe it's reason unknown to me as to why people are afraid to be in solitude (especially for both psychological and spiritual reasons) and I may not fully understand their reasons just as much as I enjoy being single! I fully enjoy spending time in solitude and as well as being around people. I enjoy spending time alone because being around people for any long periods of time is and can be draining to me, no questions asked.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

My Postal Ligation Surgery Story

"The absence of doll babies in my toy chest didn't serious influence my later decision not to become a mother; rather, I disdained Hasbro's Baby Alive wetting doll because I was already the kind of girl who would grow up to be childless by choice." ~ Lionel Shriver

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namaste. It's been a month since I've had my tubal ligation done and I have absolutely no regrets in getting my tubes tied. I have my personal reasons as to why I got my tubes tied and it feels right to me. I will be completely honest with you; I've never had that maternal desire for motherhood, and I regret not getting my tubes tied ages ago. Had I gotten my tubes tied a long time ago, I would have had more time to focus on my studies, get my career going, pay off any existing debt, and travel the world, guilt free of course. Where I'm at in life as we speak, I'm not ready to settle down because I want to have my own adventures before I feel ready to settle down and I feel very tempted in getting married just to get the fuck away from my mother! [Anything is better than having to continue living under the same roof as my mother. I honestly cannot stand my own mother, if you've witness how she is with me, you'd see through her bullshit!] I'm looking to stay out of jail for as long as I can and I'm willing to couch surf. I'm getting off track by talking about my mother and I do want to change my own situation for the positive so I wouldn't end up in jail for something I shouldn't have done if you catch my drift. When I have my finances together (sooner than later), I'll take a trip to Original Botanica for some candles to use either for my mother or myself and I'll most likely use the candles for myself. Anyway, a month into having my tubal ligation done, I have zero regrets and I'm very happy that I've gotten my tubes tied. As mentioned before, I regret not getting my tubes tied because I've never wanted children and had I gotten my tubes tied, I wouldn't be where I'm at as we speak if I'd gotten my tubes tied.

"I'm a childless woman, yet I felt no maternal urges whatsoever. The prospect of years of broken nights and nappy changes holds no appeal for me." ~ Kiki Dee

When I had gotten my tubes tied a month ago, I honestly didn't feel any pain or discomfort post procedure. Truth be told, there'd been moments when I've expressed interest in wanting to get my tubes tied and my gynecologist would say I'm "too young to have" my tubes tied. Nope, I know my situation; I know where I'm at in life and by the time I am ready to settle down, I will most likely be in my 50s or 60s [whenever]. I have a 5mm incision, well three 5mm incisions and hope the scars will be less and less noticeable as time goes on. Before the procedure, they give you these wipes to "clean" yourself the day before and the day of your appointment. With each wipe, first wipe is for one arm; second wipe your other arm; third wipe is for your torso; fourth is for one leg; fifth is for the other leg; and the sixth is for your back. The nurse will give you a form to sign and bring in the next day. You'll be informed not to eat or drink anything from midnight until after your procedure. On the day of my procedure, I brought in the forms, the receptionist didn't ask for the forms the morning of the procedure. Don't ask why. After my procedure, it felt like I'd done a bunch of sit-ups and that's how it felt. Other than that, I've had a positive experience. A day or two later, I ended up breaking out from whatever they used to clean me up with. My torso and upper thighs areas that were affected by whatever they used on me to clean me. A week later I went to have it checked it out cuz I'm thinking to myself the first several days (same week of procedure before going a week later), I'm like "Is this normal to be itchy?" From what I understand is that it must have been whatever they've used. When I had my official post op appointment, I've mentioned it to the doctor who did the operation was saying I have sensitive skin because I was pretty nervous as to why I was feeling itchy. That would explain a lot. As of late, the itchiness is slowly going away, and I'd have to invest in some moisturizers for areas where the doctor had cleaned me up. When I woke up, my throat was a bit sore since there was as a tube down my throat and felt bloated for several days but it'll go away with time. It's not going to last forever.

"I'm completely happy not having children. I mean, everybody does not have to live in the same way. And as somebody said, "Everybody with a womb doesn't have to have a child any more than everybody with vocal cords has to be an opera singer." ~ Gloria Steinem

Menstrual cycle wise, I haven't had my menstrual cycle since mid-April, and long story short, I had my Depo-Provera shot in February (it's a birth control shot good for every three months). I had a near month long menstrual cycle from late March into mid-April and this was not a pleasant experience. In May, I was going to speak to my gynecologist regarding getting my tubes tied and she was the one to mention tubal ligation (I was shocked). I honestly don't know why I was given the Depo-Provera shot a month before my tubal ligation surgery, and it makes no sense to be given the Depo-Provera shot! Since the surgery, I've been spotting since having my tubes tied and I'm assuming it's normal to spot post-surgery. When I do get my menstrual cycle, I hope my periods aren't as bad as it sounds with cramps. I've had a history of irregular menstrual cycles and so far, I'm enjoying not experiencing my monthly visitor. Who knows if the reason why I'm currently not having my menstrual cycle is most likely due to the Depo shot I had in May or I may be in the very early stages of menopause. I had asked my gynecologist regarding menopause, she was saying most women experience menopause roughly around 51 years of age, often time younger than 51 and I'm only 41! Before I forget to mention, I had mentioned to my mom in regards of getting my tubes tied a month ago, she thought it was a good idea and she made a fucked up snarky comment about me sleeping around! [Dude, what in the actual fuck?] You know what, at least I'm able to get more dick instead of making snarky comments. It's like seriously? Shut the fuck up for once in her life and I don't need her obnoxious snarky commentary nonsense. She needs one of two things, she either needs to get laid or her second option is to invest in smoking marijuana and she's not going to die from an overdose (no matter how hard she attempts of overdosing on marijuana). This is why I don't want to be at home because of my mother's fucking obnoxious behavior.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Single Mom Chronicles

"[Motherhood] really forces you to address the issues that you claim to believe in and if you can't stand up to those principles when you're raising a child, forget it." ~ Diane Keaton

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namaste. I wish you a day of relaxation, pampering, blissful joy and happiness today, tomorrow, and every day after. You deserve it for being an amazing mother every single day! Happy Mother's Day. As a single mom, it's been an okay journey, although, I do feel that my ship has sailed away when I had gotten pregnant to do better for myself and have a decent career as a photographer full-time. I personally feel that once when you become a mom, you lose your identity and your career suffers as a direct result of motherhood standing in the way when you have bigger fish to fry! I've always held down part-time jobs since graduating high school in 2001 and especially when I would check off full-time whenever I would apply for employment. Perhaps I was looking in all of the wrong places! There have been moments I regret not getting my tubes tied before I even knew my son's father existed or I would have encouraged him to get a vasectomy done while I would have done the whole tubal ligation done to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Ladies, if you aren't yet moms but one day plan on being a mom, if you lack health insurance, please apply for health insurance and find yourself a very good gynecologist to have the birth control conversation with to protect yourself! It's best to be safe than sorry. If you're in a predicament of not receiving child support but it depends on which borough of New York City you're in. Since I live in Queens, there's the Queens County Family Court.

Important Contacts:

• Main Clerk's Office: (718) 298-2000
• Queens Family Court Email: queensfamilycourt@nycourts.gov
• NYS Child Support Helpline: 1 (888) 208-4485 (available 24/7 for automated info)

Helpful Legal and Support Resources:

• Family Legal Care: Offers free legal information and advice regarding court procedures. Call (212) 343-1122 on Monday - Friday (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 2:00PM - 5PM).
• Volunteer Attorney Program (VAP): Provides free online/phone legal consultations for unrepresented litigants. Schedule by calling (347) 401-9460 (Tuesday - Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM).

Be mindful the days and times may change depending on the time frame you're reading this. You can check online or you can call the number provided or send an email and if you're unsure on what to say, go to Google, type in something like: "Email inquiry regarding child support written agreement without case example" or you could word it as "Email inquiry regarding child support written agreement and visitation without case example". Here are three forms you can view at your own leisure! New York State Child Support Direct Deposit Enrollment Form, Stipulation for Child Support, and General Form 17 Petition-Custody, Visitation. I hope these help!

"I'm a childless woman, yet I felt no maternal urges whatsoever. The prospect of years of broken nights and nappy changes holds no appeal for me." ~ Kiki Dee

I've watching or rather hearing other women talking about their tubal ligation experiences so I'd know what to expect when I finally get my tubes tied. Here is a video titled: Tubal Ligation Surgery Process. Children aren't for everyone and not everyone wants children. I have my personal reasons why I've never wanted children and wanted to be child free. However, I don't heavily expect people to fully understand my personal reasons, and I have seven main reasons but I've why a long time ago in my regular personal journals about maybe twenty years ago (give or take). Here are some of my reasons that I'd rather defy society and their lame expectations: 1) No biological desire because not everyone deserves to become parents. 2) Lifestyle and Freedom because raising children requires a strict routine and I find parenthood to be way too restrictive for my own personal liking (yet I don't expect you all to understand or comprehend). 3) Financial Constraints: due to the high cost of raising a child in this economy. 4) Mental and Physical Health: I value my sleep schedule of when I'd want to go to bed and not worry about when I'd be woken up out a dead slumber just because the child couldn't sleep or had a nightmare or whatever the fuck and disrespecting my sleep. I know it sounds selfish, but what difference does it matter? 5) Trauma and Family History: I'm or was not looking to pass down the generational trauma or repeat harmful parenting patterns. For example, there were moments when my mother would tell me this story on how if I were born a boy, she would have named me Stephen Anthony like I wasn't good enough for her just because I happen to be born the wrong gender but never once told my sister, Gwen, this story. I've always felt my mother was being extremely selfish. I didn't want my own children to experience bodily harm such as sexual abuse by someone they know because I was sexually abused by my stepfather when I was about nine years of age. I was raped at age 26 by my son's father in 2009 and I also suffer from irregular menstrual cycles to make matters worse. There were moments when my stepfather would make me feel like it was my fault for my biological father's absence in my own life but never said anything negative about it in front of my sister. 6) Career and Creative Ambitions: I wanted to go back to college, earn my associate's degree from LaGuardia Community College before deciding on what other college of choice to attend and earn my bachelor's degree. I also wanted to make sure I've found success in my career before I felt ready to settle down. Everyone is different and I hope you don't think I'm speaking negatively which I'm not. I feel that when you become a mom, your whole life is basically over and you lose your identity of who you are as an individual. But when your children move out and you have to reclaim your own identity. 7) Dislike of Parenting Lifestyle: I'm not a fan of the reality of raising children, such as diaper changes, handling tantrums, etc. I may have unintentionally left out the concept of being a single parent raising a child on your own if the other parent is a chosen deadbeat. It's understandable if the other parent has tragically or naturally transitioned to the spiritual realm. May it from violence or an illness.

"The absence of doll babies in my toy chest didn't seriously influence my later decision not to become a mother; rather, I disdained Hasbro's Baby Alive wetting doll because I was already the kind of girl who would grow up to be childless by choice." ~Lionel Shriver

Some people may not be fans of the concepts of tubal ligation for personal reasons while other find it necessary and liberating to have their tubes tied. I truly don't expect people to understand why I feel the need to trade places with women who suffer from infertility so they can live the life I take for granted when it comes to motherhood and I don't expect people to understand why I feel the way I do about wanting to trade places with women who suffer from infertility issues or unable to carry full-term. It makes me feel bad. Life is wicked because you have people who don't feel the maternal desire to be parents and they end up having children. Yet, while there are people who struggle with fertility are spending so much of their money on fertility help and still struggle to conceive a child. It's wild to me and it makes me feel bad. Like I said before, I like children but from afar!

This is from my perspective as a single mom!

Blessed be,

Jennifer

March is Developmental Disabilities Month

"Recognizing and respecting difference in others and treating everyone like you want them to treat you, will help make our world a better place for everyone. Care... be your best. You don't have to be handicapped to be different. Everyone is different!" ~ Kim Peek

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏾‍♀️ As many of you may or may not be aware of, March is Developmental Disabilities Month, and I may write a little something in October as well since Americans observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month. In this particular blog, we'll focus more on resources on services, however, I'm not sure what services are currently available in other states outside of New York City and I'll include places where people with disabilities can receive evaluations. I hope these resources help those who don't know where to go or have a social worker to help them along the way in life and it's going to be a journey in applying for programs such as OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities). Here is a video on what OPWDD has to offer what services they have to offer: OPWDD Services and best of luck on your journey. If you're a New York City resident, and looking to be a part of OPWDD, I believe you'll need a current evaluation from Queens Center for Progress, an I.E.P (Individualized Education Program) from high school just in case but I highly doubt they'll need it (don't quote me on it but do your research anyway to keep yourself covered). It's a process, and best to stay on top of things so things will go smoothly. If you reside in another state such as Florida, and feel free to research what's available in a city near you! You have until you are 21 to pass all of your RCT's (Regents Competency Tests) and not many people are aware of this knowledge but it's good to know anyway.

"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing." ~ Muhammad Ali

It's not easy living life with a disability, especially an intellectual disability and speech impediment but it does not mean I'm incompetent or that you have the legal right to treat me any less different than anyone else, especially if I've never done anything to you. As the saying goes, treat others the way you want to be treated because at some point in your own life you'll get your own karma coming your way sooner or later. For people such as myself, life is not living life with an intellectual disability such as a learning disability and a speech impediment. I have a hard time pronouncing peninsula and vanilla. I've had people say they "haven't noticed a speech impediment" whenever I text them, however, I'm not sure if they're being polite by saying they haven't (allegedly) noticed a speech impediment as to not to hurt my feelings and causing me to feel even more self-conscious when I speak and I don't need to feel any more self-conscious than I already am when I speak. It can be quite frustrating at times but it's not easy either and who says it has to be easy? As mentioned before, it's not easy living life with an intellectual disability and speech impediment. It takes me longer to learn something new and all I ask for is for patience when dealing with me! I'm just as human as anyone else and no, I'm not trying to gain sympathy from people just because of my disabilities and I'm simply saying it hasn't always been easy but at times this can be frustrating at times.

"When it comes to diversity and with disabilities, we always need to find a way to express who we are in our own ways." ~ Jamie Brewer, actress

If you're seeking employment opportunities, there's Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES - VR) and General Human Outreach, I'm not sure what other supportive employment programs are currently available outside of and within OPWDD because I am in the process of getting my son, Stephan into the OPWDD program and I'm hoping to receive services through GHO for Family Support Services. My son is on the (autistic) spectrum but is functional, meaning he is able to do the basic things such as brushing his teeth, taking care of his bathroom needs (taking bathroom breaks and freshening up, meaning taking showers), feeding himself, communicating (he's verbal), etc. Other than that, I'm not sure what other supportive employment programs are available, and I hope to find more information through my son's case manager through Tri-County Care or through a social worker or possibility through his teachers at his high school. Once when I have more information, I will be sure to pass that information onto you once when they become available!

"The most interesting people you'll find are the ones that don't fit into your average cardboard box. They'll make what they need, they'll make their own boxes." ~ Dr. Temple Grandin, professor with autism

Last but not least, there's CIDNY and OPWDD Housing Option and Resources at your earliest convenience. The video is informative in my opinion, and I hope you find the video to be useful yet helpful. Since life here in New York City is expensive as it is, especially if you wish to have a place to call your own and the rent is scary expensive as it is, especially if you wish to have a place to call your own and my personal goal is to eventually have a place to call my own. However, my budget currently does not allow me to live on my own because I do not earn enough to live on my own and I'm certain there are resources for low-income families. Anything is better than having to live with my mother! When I have additional information on affordable housing, I will be sure to include that information on here so you'd be up to date and have this type of knowledge for yourselves.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Winter Skincare Routines for Every Age

 "All the makeup in the world won't make a difference without great skincare." ~ Khloe Kardashian

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏽‍♀️ As I'm sitting here at Starbucks on Valentine's Day around my way with a Venti sized Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino Blended Beverage with Vanilla Sweet Cream (may I add) and I'm pretty sure I'm giving that Carrie Bradshaw vibe so far. Since this is Valentine's Day, I treated myself to a Siren Logo Plastic Hot Cup - 16 fl oz since I want to be all fancy and will eventually treat myself to a gel manicure around Mother's Day weekend. Heck, this is way better than being home and for now I'm going to focus on writing this blog before heading home and this may be a three-part self-care over the course of three future blogs within the next three years, no rush. This blog is going to be interesting to write since there's going to be so much to research, but this blog is solely based on personal experiences. I have no particular skincare routine where it's very simple and direct or rather straightforward, whichever term you wish to use on your own accord at this point. In a future blog, I may do a self-care date idea for couples since I've recently entered, officially twenty-five days ago and I do want to give it time to bloom before I take notes and observe what works best for us. Keep in mind, with any skincare products I mention may or may not be best appropriate for many and my best advice is to give it a try for at least a full ninety days. I will advise to write about your three-month skincare routine of what works best for you, and you can give three different skincare routine over the course of nine months, three full months per cleanse products. Once when you find your new skincare product, heck, go for it and what have you got to lose? This may be a follow up to 'What Beauty Secrets?' and I honestly was going to redo that blog over but I'm glad I hadn't done so at this point! I have several secrets as to not looking a day over 25 is drink enough water; limit your alcohol intake to socially and same goes with drugs (cocaine, heroin, etc); ladies, limit how much you use makeup; of course, watch your diet and if you have the time and energy, exercise. Keep in mind I am in my early 40s and I don't look a day over 25! At the end of the day, it's all in how you take care of yourself and make yourself a first priority. If you're not in the best of health, how can you take care of your family and how can you make the bills in time if you aren't in the best of health? Your best bet is to check out this video: ULTIMATE Skincare Routine for GLASS Skin and I don't wash my face twice a day. I wash my face once a day before bed time! I'm just saying and do what's best for you. My best advice is to speak with a dermatologist on which cleanser is best for you.

-Clean & Clear-

"I like my skin best when it's clean and glowy, and that comes from sleep, hydration, and happiness." ~ Tracee Ellis Ross

Let's begin with Clean & Clear Relaxing Deep Cleaning Face Wash, 8 Fluid ounce. At some point I've used this product, and I don't have much negative experience. I do use it before going to bed and especially after coming home from work, a date or a night out with friends. Mostly when you've arrived home from wherever (work, date, wherever) and your face will thank you for it. Try it for three months before moving onto your next skincare product. I liked how it made my face feel, however, it's been a mission searching for Clean & Clear in regular retail stores such as CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Walgreens. Seems like the only places I can get Clean & Clear is from Amazon and on a good day, I'll find it at any of these stores. If not, I'll order it from Amazon when time permits in doing so, budget wise for when I can but no rush at the moment. Once when it's in my budget, I'll order some Clean & Clear from Amazon and will redo this portion of the blog. You can also look around at various different Stop & Shop grocery stores for Clean & Clear facial products. It's always good to pamper yourself at the end of the day.

-Noxzema-

"I am most particular about moving all my makeup and keeping my skin clean before I go to bed. No matter how tired I am or how hectic my day has been, I always make it a point to take it off." ~ Deepika Padukone

I often use Noxzema, it's been a hot minute since I've gotten to use Noxzema for a good half hour to forty-five minutes. When I have a zit or two or any unsightly blemishes on my face, I take a dab of Noxzema and place the dab on each of the blemishes and leave it on overnight. Normally, by morning, it's gone and often times I still have the blemishes on my face. It takes several days for it to go away and I figured I'd add Noxzema to this list of self-care products I normally use. However, I use Noxzema when I shave my legs, down there, and armpits. A majority of the time when I've finished shaving my legs, I use Johnson's baby oil or Well Beginnings Baby Oil afterwards, well, mostly when I come out of the shower. I buy whichever baby oil is on sale, such as buy one and second is free, that type of deal and especially when you're on a budget!!! Not to sound frugal or anything of that nature. I don't always use baby oil on my legs or unless it's summer time and have plans to go to Fort Totten Pool or the beach. I have zero complaints on using Noxzema and haven't had any issues in using Noxzema.

-Differin-

"I try to do simple but effective things to keep my skin looking healthy and flawless. I drink tons and tons of water. Also, I believe in eating right. You are what you eat." ~ Anushka Sharma

Next up is Differin Cleanse Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Cleanser and Differin Gel Adapalene Gel 0.1%. I personally like how it makes my face feel at the end of the day. I often use Differin Restorative Night Moisturizer when needed and I need to moisturize more often just to upkeep my youthfulness. There's more to skincare routine and good genetics, it's all in how you take care of yourself. It's simple small beauty hacks. Whenever I have blemishes on my face, it drives me up the wall, and it drives me crazy! Since I have Differin Adapalene Gel, I use it before bed and it helps with time, don't expect immediate result. Be consistent when using Differin each night since this particular product is a bit on the expensive side, use it sparingly in order for it to last longer. When using the Differin Adapalene Gel, follow it up with the moisturizer, and it's up to you if you want to rinse it off or leave it on. I personally leave it on, and I don't bother rinsing it off in the end. Of course, the moisturizer leaves my face feeling soft and I love it! Result may vary per person. If you have any issues with acne, speak with a dermatologist regarding which skincare product you should try.

-Sephora-

"Looking good is about having a good base. It's about taking care of your skin." ~ Halle Berry

Once when I've finished using Differin Cleanse Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Cleanser and Differin Restorative Night Moisturizer, I intend on going to Sephora and try their vegan facial products. Yet, I'm pretty sure these items are overpriced and in due time, I'll give it a try when time permits, especially when it's in my budget to shop at Sephora for their vegan facial products. If you have any suggestions in regards of which facial cleanser I should try next, feel free to drop a comment and a like below. I'm open to trying something different and as long as it doesn't break the bank just to look good. I've found a list of vegan skincare cleanser for those who are vegan, and it does not have to be limited to Sephora but it's a suggestion from me to you on this Valentine's Day! I'm totally open to trying different facial cleansers and seeing how my experience is once when I find the right facial cleansers as long it's not "tested on animals" than I should be alright.

-In Conclusion-

In conclusion to this blog, it's a little Valentine's Day self-care tip from me to you. As stated previously, this may or may not be my only self-care blog for those curious enough to know what my skincare routine is and if you're curious enough to try any of my skincare routine, it's fine by me. Not everyone is going to have the time or the energy to be as committed to their skincare routine whether if you're a busy parent or just overall busy with everyday life. It's important to make time for yourself but I'm not going to convince you and it's entirely up to you. As long as you're able to find time to spend time alone, away from people and even it means treating yourself to a nail salon or out to dinner, but it does not have to be fancy nor expensive. If it's in your budget, go for it and don't be afraid to treat yourself well! If you want to have nice youthful skin, drink lots of water; be mindful of your diet; and exercise on the daily. If your time is limited, do what you have to do and even if this means waking up two hours earlier than usual in the morning to squeeze in some exercise, whether if it's cardio or yoga or whatever tickles your fancy at the moment. Make sure you get a good night's rest which also helps and always be sure to laugh throughout your day, even if you're having a bad day. Happy self-care and don't forget to take care of yourself!

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Toast To the New Year

"New year - a new chapter, new verse, or the same old story? Ultimately we write it. The choice is ours." ~ Alex Morritt

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namaste. Wow, this year is already come and now we're entering a new year. I do want to keep my New Year's Resolutions [refer to Let's Make The New Year Magical blog] but keep it for the upcoming year and will continue to focus on my health and working on being happy, even if it means being single. Yet, I really need to be less critical of myself in a negative way and learn to love myself first so I can positively radiate light from the inside out, every angle possible. Go on dates, regardless of what my mother says and no, I haven't sat down in conversation with her asking her what her thoughts would be in regards of me having a genuine love life because I feel I deserve it. What is my mother going to do to me? What, is she going to call the police on me just because I feel that I deserve a love life? Don't expect me to bring any guy home because what the chances of my mother stealing my future boyfriend just because she doesn't want to get up off her lazy ass and find her own boyfriend and go on dates that are age appropriate? Not the point, I'd have to stop punishing the next guy just because of my son's father put me through and don't get me wrong, I was 26 years old when I got pregnant out of rape, and I was going to put my son up for adoption because I felt I wasn't ready for motherhood since I had other plans I wanted to accomplish before settling down, getting married with a slight possibility of motherhood (depending on where I was at in life at the time), baby daddy's excuse on why he wasn't around was because I wanted to put my son up for adoption! I do want to go on dates, finally be happy for as long as possible with the person I'm with because I deserve it.

"Celebrate endings - for they precede new beginnings." ~ Jonathan Lockwood Huie

I'm going to continue with my fitness journey for as long as possible. Once when I've paid down my three charge cards, which should be by the end of January and once when I've got my finances in order, I'm going to focus on saving up to get my root canal done and have a crown, so I join Planet Fitness in the upcoming months once when I've taken care of the dental work that needs to be done. I already have days I want to go (Tuesday afternoon after work; Wednesday; Thursday afternoon after work; and Friday) since there are Free Fitness Training, for those interested in a Day pass at Planet Fitness, check out the link provided, and I'll do what I can to include Mondays at home once when I fire up my laptop for a full body workout, but it's not guaranteed since my mother is retired since August of 2019. 😒 [She doesn't have much of an active social life since most of her friends had relocated to other states outside of New York City, her day consists of either going to the store to get what she needs in the morning or when she has a doctor's appointment but other than that, when she doesn't need anything from the store, she stays home and watches television all day. I have made suggestions to her in regards of programs currently available at the Queens Public Library and as well as making suggestions of her going to Alley Pond Park for walks when Mother Nature is good to us, the impression I've gotten from her is a lack of interest and motivation. Even if she does go for walks, maybe, just maybe she'll find herself a love interest or age-appropriate friends in her own age group. However, I don't know what her problem is, perhaps she believes she's too good to keep herself occupied but she allegedly claims she's "afraid" she'll "fall off the bus" and I call bullshit]. Once when I've paid off my three charge cards and have the funds for a root canal and crown, I'll go for a gym membership in Fresh Meadows since it's not far from where I currently live. I'm going to continue with yoga for my own mental health so I'm not feeling overwhelmed when there is no need to feel that way. I need to do better in regards of health and happiness. I have this mentality and the need to make others happy first before I even make myself happy. I have that survival mentality that I've had for so long that I don't know how to let go of that survival mentality. Again, I should incorporate other workouts such as VICTORIA'S SECRET FULL BODY WORKOUT | 20 MINUTES on the mat. I also want to add WEEK 1 - 2024 WINTER WORKOUT CHALLENGE and among other fitness challenges from this particular YouTube channel. When I get to 150 pounds (halfway point), I want to get a lotus tattoo on my left wrist with Just Breathe or Breathe tatted underneath of a lotus tattoo. There is a spiritual reason why I've chosen a lotus tattoo, but I don't feel it's appropriate for this blog, well, look at the world we currently live in, we live in a world of ugly and there's always that one beautiful soul that outshines that others don't have or lack that "shine" and resilience that some people have. That's my reason why I want to get a tattoo of a lotus. My goal is when I get to my goal weight of 125 pounds, my intention is to buy at least two or three outfits from Trash & Vaudeville and here's an article in regards of Trash & Vaudeville: Jimmy Webb, Trash and Vaudeville's Beloved Punk, Dies at 62. I intend on doing a better job in taking care of myself through dieting; exercise; and getting enough rest when needed so I can remain healthy and happy. If I don't take care of myself now, how can I take care of my fourteen-year-old son if I am not in the best of health? Furthermore, I do feel it's imperative to take care of yourself first before you take on additional responsibilities of caring for others (I don't give a fuck how old you are)!

"I hope that in this new year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're doing something." ~ Neil Gaiman

To end this blog, I want to do more, little by little and I want to split my time between work; home; and motherhood so I can do age-appropriate things with people in my own age group. There are moments I feel overwhelmed, and I don't know how to communicate I feel in a vocal kind of way. Communication is something I need to work on so I can say how I feel and mean it. Yet, it's so much easier for me to write about it on paper than it is for me to speak about it on paper than it is for me to speak about what I'm feeling, and I'll keep those feelings to myself until I write in my regular handwritten journal. I don't expect people to understand but it's all good. There are things I truly want to focus on, such as focusing more on my health; love life or rather have a love interest but something along those lines as well as having an active social life with age-appropriate people; focus more on myself so I don't lose myself in the process; as well as focusing on saving for a place to call my own and even if this means working two or three jobs just to save up for a place to call my own. Even saving up for a school bus, renovate the school bus so I can travel and go cross country, I'm sure by the time I'm financially established enough to buy a school bus, it should roughly be around when my son graduates from high school. I'm not going to go too crazy in listing many articles and/or videos from YouTube land. Here you go to view at your own leisure: Skoolie Life What to Consider Before Living in A School Bus; Skoolie vs RV; I'll be Surprised If You're Not Impressed with This Charter Bus Conversion; and College Student's Bus Conversion Is Nicer than most Apartments. I feel living off grid can benefit me on many levels, especially in an economical way. Who knows how long I'll be living on a school bus; it could be short term (roughly up to four to five years) or long term (indefinitely). I like the idea of living on a school bus is the idea of not having to owe rent to landlord each month. There are other things I want to work on, one of them is time management. I still need to speak up but in more of a diplomatic way without having to explain myself at all whatsoever when it should be self-explanatory for those with common sense and logic.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

16 Reasons You Should be Talking About Fitness Challenge

"If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health." ~ Hipporates

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namaste. I've been working out for the last eleven months since I'm looking to lose weight and I'm at that point that I'm becoming discouraged since I feel like I haven't seen anything different. If need be, I'm looking to join Planet Fitness but my indentions are there as to why I want to work out and I'd say the same for Tiger Schulmann's Martial Arts. I have my reasons why I want to take up martial arts and I feel like I'm getting more for the buck so to speak. Another thing is if I were to take up martial arts but I'm not sure it's not all that necessary to do yoga as well and I figured it'll be the best health investment I can make one can make for themselves. For those who are on a budget and live in the New York City area, there is a Shape Up NYC, a lot of these programs are free to try, especially for the curious. This blog took me a while to write because I wanted to make sure I have what I wanted to say sound interesting and also make mention of what videos worked for me before feeling like I want to take it to the next step up, such as joining a Planet Fitness or a Tiger Schulmann's Martial Arts or Renzo Gracie Academy since I have a curiosity towards Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. My main goal is to make sure my bank account is plentiful should something arise, such as unemployment or whatever the situation may come up. My goal is to go at my own pace, so I'm not so easily discouraged and purely frustrated. Of course, there'll be days where I'll become very discouraged and frustrated, disappointed but I'm determined to get my personal goal because I'm doing this for me, myself, and I since this feels natural. What I mean I want my fitness journey to feel as natural as possible is that this feeling should come from within and nothing else. I have my reasons on why I work out is because I am doing for me; I want to feel good about myself. I'm doing this for me, myself; and I; I want to stop the negative cycle of body image issues and passivity embrace my body so I can be a better version of myself before I become a better version to other people.

-Weight Loss Journey-

"Exercise to stimulate, not to annihilate. The world wasn't formed in a day, and neither were we. Set small goals and build upon them." ~ Lee Haney

As most of you already know, I've been focused on getting in shape and for the first time in over five plus years my weight has gone from 201.4 pounds down to 196.6 pounds since January of this year! I'm currently taking Jardiance for my diabetes and when I'm at my goal weight of 125 pounds, I no longer plan on taking Jardiance since there are side effects involved. However, let's see where life takes me in the upcoming months. As much walking I have done this past year, I'm surprised and a bit disappointed I haven't lost more! I don't eat a whole lot of sweets or carbs; I eat enough carbs, but I don't overdo it and I just eat a small portion of carbs. Very rare I crave sweets but when I do consume sweets, I eat sweets in a mindful way. Talk of dieting should be for a separate blog and this is more of a fitness bog than anything. I've found several fitness videos that made me feel sore for several days which is what I'm looking for as a result and I enjoy feeling sore when working out. I'm doing this for me, no one else and I want to feel good. Reasons why I work out is because of sleep (I have mild sleep apnea), I want to improve my self-esteem; reduce risk of surgery (if need be), I hope to increase my metabolic rate; increase my metabolic rate, increase my range of motion, increase functional strength; I'm looking to improve balance and coordination, I've taken notice that exercise helps with my depression, I want to control my weight and since I'm in my early 40's, it's a challenge to drop my pregnancy weight and keep it off, another goal is to reduce aches and pains, lose hidden body fat; I want to improve my energy level and for longer; I'm also looking to strengthen my back and core muscles so I'm not preventing any discomfort of back pain; I want to change my body shape; I want to feel good about myself in my own skin, a.k.a. feeling confident in my own skin; Boost my flexibility through yoga/stretching; and I want to live as long as I can because I want to accomplish more in life. I still have places in the world I so want to visit but let's start with Japan first! If you wish to keep track of your fitness journey, here is a Six-Month Body Measurement Tracking Chart you can print out for your own records! I recently purchased Booty Bands for Working Out, Fabric Resistance Bands for Working Out Women Thigh Bands for Workout Bands Resistance for Women Resistance Bands for Leg Bands for Working Out Woman Glute Bands for Women from Amazon and I love it! I have another resistance band but for upper body fitness routine. My main weight loss goal is to get my weight down to 125 pounds and will go at my own pace, I'm in no rush to lose a lot of weight but only to gain that weight back on! All that effort, for what? I'm doing this for me. Main areas I'd love to focus on are abs (oh my gosh, have you seen Janet Jackson's abs when she did the All for You tour, and Angela Bassett's arms, here's an article from Entertainment Weekly, An ode to Angela Bassett's arms - and the power they possess. As most of you may be unaware, respectfully speaking, I'm a fan of Janet Jackson (and would love. love, love to see Janet Jackson on her next tour) whether or not she's been blacklisted from whatever an event may be since that whole Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show featuring Justin Timberlake. I'm sorry, I've lost all respect for Justin Timberlake more so now than nine years ago. Justin Timberlake [as I feel] should be the one to be blacklisted from music and movies, not Janet Jackson. Not the case, I need to focus on myself, health wise for the most part.

-Information-

"There is a moment when you get older when your metabolism slows down and you don't feel like working out anymore, so you don't want to keep yourself fit anymore, but that's your decision. Why should you be judged for it?" Janet Jackson

If you wish to learn more about yoga and here are five pieces of information you can view at your own leisure. Three of them are YouTube videos in regard to yoga with an article of yoga and the other are articles of yoga. I wish you the best of luck on your fitness journey and be sure to set realistic fitness goals for yourself. Go at your own pace and that's the best way to go about. For those who are on the fence in regards on whether to begin your yoga experience and here are some videos I've watched for you to view or read at your own leisure! From the times I've done yoga [at home], it's very relaxing and I enjoy doing yoga. Here is: What Happens to Your Brain and Body When You Do Yoga Regularly. I want to also include these videos and articles for you to check out at your own time. Yoga and its connection to mental health | Nikolai Blinow | TedxSalveReginaU; The Health Benefits of Yoga - How Yoga Helps You Stay Healthy | Sadhguru; 8 Lesser-Known Benefits of Yoga; 20 Wall Pilates Benefits: You'll Wish You Knew About These Sooner! and Wall Pilates is the new low-impact exercise everyone's trying - but is it worth your time? At the end of the day, your own research is entirely up to you and I'm not going to force anyone to do yoga. Yet, it is very relaxing at the end of the day, and I have my own reasons why I'd want to do more yoga in the evening before bed! It's good to have Ignite by SPRI Resistance Cord and Tone It Up Exercise Sliders N' Sculpt Discs for Toning, Set of 2, Teal. Here are two additional workouts to go with the Resistance band and sliders discs: 12 min RESISTANCE BAND ARM WORKOUT | Upper Body | All Standing and CORE STRENGTH AND BALANCE SLIDER SCULPT WORKOUT. There are additional videos to go with these items on YouTube to view at your own leisure!

-Videos I've Tried Out in 2023-

"Number one, like yourself. Number two, you have to eat healthy. And number three, you've got to squeeze your buns. That's my formula." ~ Richard Simmons

Last but not least! Here are some of these YouTube channels I follow during my free time while my mother is out running her errands: fitbymik; getfitbyivana; MADFit; Mary Braun; and Mr. London. I do what I can while I have the apartment to myself while my mom is running her errands and it's not much time, so I squeeze what I can into a half hour to forty-five minutes, often an hour if I'm fortunate enough without taking breaks!

1. 5 min WARM UP ROUTINE Before Your Workout | Low Impact | Wrist Friendly
2. 25 min STANDING DUMBBELL WORKOUT | Full Body | Lower and Upper Body Routine | No Repeats
3. 5 min COOL DOWN STRETCH ROUTINE | After Workout | Muscle Recovery
4. 10 min TRICEPS WORKOUT with Dumbbells | No Pushups
   
5. 10 min STANDING ARM WORKOUT | With Dumbbells | Biceps, Triceps and Shoulders | Zero Pushups
6. 12 min STANDING ARM WORKOUT | With Dumbbells | No Pushups 
7. 15 min STANDING ARM WORKOUT | With Dumbbells | Upper Body
8. 15 min STANDING ARMS AND ABS WORKOUT | With Dumbbells | Upper Body | No Repeats
9. 20 min STANDING ARM WORKOUT | With Dumbbells | No Pushups
10. STANDING TONED ARMS & BACK In Just 10 Mins/Days ~ Lose Back + Arm Fat Faster (Weights vs. No Weights) 
11. 10 Min ABS + SMALL WAIST | All Standing - No Jumping, No Repeat, Warm Up + Cool Down, At Home
    
12. 10 Minute Flat Abs Workout for Insane Results!
    
13. 10 min BRA BULGE & BACK FAT WORKOUT | Chest, Back & Arms
14. 5 min GROW YOUR BOOTY WORKOUT // No Squats No Equipment
    
15. 10 MIN LEG/BOOTY/THIGH WORKOUT (No Equipment Killer Legs)
16. 30 MIN PILATES FOR WEIGHT LOSS | best calories burn,
17. 20 MIN ABS & BOOTY - on the floor, no squats/lunges, you will feel it in your abs if done properly!
    

Back Fat Blaster!!! // Upper Body Workout with Weights
BACK & BRA BULGE 5 Min. Workout | Lose Back Fat in 2 WEEKS!! (No Equipment / Upper Body Burn).

Best of luck to those achieving your own personal fitness goals! 😘

-Lower Body Workout-

"The clock is ticking. Are you becoming the person you want to be?" ~ Greg Plitt

This is for those who want to focus on lower body as well if you wish to check some of these videos out to further your fitness goals.

1. 10 MIN TONED INNER THIGH WORKOUT - effectively target the inner part of your legs (dumbbell only) This is my go-to inner thigh exercise routine!
   
2. 10 min | 10 Days | 10 Exercises to GROW BUBBLE BUTT - Intense Booty Challenge
3. 10 Min Slim Inner + Outer Thighs | All Standing Workout, No Jumping, No Repeat, No Equipment 
4. 20 min LOWER BODY WORKOUT | With Dumbbells (And without) | Low Impact | Legs and Booty
5. BOOTY & LEG BUILDING KETTLEBELL WORKOUT
6. IF YOU HAVE CELLULITE... (WATCH THIS!)

-Upper Body Workout-

"Setting goals is the first step into turning the invisible into the visible." ~ Tony Robbins

More for your goals! Whatever your personal goals are, continue your hard work and you will see results. Keep in mind, weight loss will not happen overnight but with time and be patient because you will see results. Even if you may not see your desired results right away, I'm sure others will take notice of your weight loss. I'm proud of you for making it this far with your fitness goals and keep pushing forward. Make realistic goals for yourselves.

1. LADIES, STOP DOING ABS !? [DO THIS FIRST]
2. FUPA SHRED In 30 Days | New Year Workout Challenge! (2023)
3. 2 in 1 FLAT STOMACH AND ROUND BOOTY Workout | (30 Min)
4. 7 DAY CHALLENGE - 10 MIN WORKOUT TO LOSE BELLY FAT | AB WORKOUT TO LOSE INCHES!
5. 10 MIN LOVE HANDLES AND LOWER BELLY FAT WORKOUT Standing Only | No Equipment!
6. 10 min STANDING ABS WORKOUT | One Dumbbell | Low Impact | Beginner Friendly 
7. 10 min RESISTANCE BAND ARM WORKOUT | Tone Your Upper Body

 -Full Body Workout-

"Don't wait until you've reached your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take toward reaching the goal." ~ Unknown

I'm going to end it here before I end up adding more videos for you to do. If you're looking for a workout challenge, check out fitbymlk since she has some decent workout challenges and feel free to check them out at your own leisure! Keep at it and challenge yourselves because it will pay off in the end, keep pushing yourself. Be mindful on your diet as well.

1. WEEK 1 - WINTER WORKOUT CHALLENGE
2. WEEK 2 - WINTER WORKOUT CHALLENGE
3. WEEK 3 - WINTER WORKOUT CHALLENGE
4. WEEK 4 - WINTER WORKOUT CHALLENGE
5. WEEK 5 - WINTER WORKOUT CHALLENGE
6. WEEK 6 - WINTER WORKOUT CHALLENGE
7. WEEK 7 - WINTER WORKOUT CHALLENGE
8. WEEK 8 - WINTER WORKOUT CHALLENGE

Extremely Powerful Fat Burn Frequency || 295.8 Hz || Weight Loss Binaural Beats, Burn Fat Cells.

Best of luck on your fitness journey and never lose sight of why you began this journey!

 

 Blessed be,

Jennifer