Is being a cheerleader for an NFL team all it really seems??

If you are an NFL football fanatic like myself, you tune in every Thurs, Sun and Mon to watch these guys play and you root and cheer for you favorite team! There are the players, the fans, the mascot and then there are the beautiful cheerleaders representing the team! These ladies put in work to cheer the players on and hype up the crowd. These ladies represent the glam side of the NFL, or do they??
After watching Bryant Gumbel Real Sports on HBO, I was taken aback at how NFL cheerleaders are really treated. I have always thought they had the best thing going..... Cheering for an NFL team, making appearances, doing fundraisers, etc. They always seem happy and in control. But control seems to be the last thing they had.
In order to be an NFL cheerleader there are certain requirements you must meet. Sure...every job has "rules" just as this one does. The ladies were required to maintain appearances. Hair had to be a certain way. Make up guidelines had to be followed. Even a guideline to how often the women were required to change their tampon!! Yes.....Blank stare!!
 You have to audition or "try out" for the team. Once selected you sign a contract and you are officially a cheerleader for said team. But is it really all that it seems.  Several ladies have stepped up and filed lawsuits against different teams regarding the low pay they have received.  In most cases the pay averaged $125.00 per home game.  So if you average around 10 home games in a season then you can maybe say before taxes they make $1200 bucks. Keep in mind this is NOT including required workouts, special appearances, photo shoots, practices, etc.  In some cases the ladies are required to provide their own pantyhose and makeup. They are also responsible for paying for salon visits and any other beauty regimens. In some cases the ladies were spending more than they were

making just to be a cheerleader.  One cheerleader even stated that she could make more serving hot dogs and beverages in the concession stands verses being on the field cheering for the team! Even the mascots for teams average $30k- $60k a year.... so why is it that these glamorous women are making such low wages? Is it because in fact that's all they are....... just glamorous specimens? In one lawsuit against the Raiders, it was concluded that the Raiders were exempt from paying its cheerleaders minimum wage, since they are considered “seasonal amusement". Really??!!??  So therefore they are not even worthy of being paid minimum wage!!??!!  What do you think? Should these women be paid more?? Should women rights activist get involved?? Below are a few articles that give a more detailed look into the lawsuits and why these cheerleaders feel they should be paid more!!

Tell me what you think! Be sure to comment below :)



http://money.cnn.com/2014/04/28/news/cheerleader-wage-lawsuits/index.html
http://time.com/44069/cheerleaders-rebel-over-low-wages/

Why do we care so much about what others think.....

As I scroll through social media and other various newsfeeds ...... It made me pause and ask the question..... Why do we care about what others think? Does it really matter? If you like your wild, naturally curly hair , why do we  care what the girlfriend who encourages you to "straighten it out" or "slap a perm in it!!" says. If you are successful and happy at your job/career, why so we feel the need to entertain that person who is telling you to do something else or why you work there. If you in a relationship and you are happy, why even be concerned with the people who are on the outside trying to dictate how YOUR relationship should be. I have seen peop,e change decisions, and even life journey based on what someone else suggest what they need to do regarding their life. What I think they don't realize is, the decisions you make and what you do is what you have to live with. Not that other person. I'm so to a point in my life where I appreciate advice, but in the end it's my choice what into with my life. So don't be mad at me for doing what I want to do and not what you think I should do. Why be upset over comments from other people who are just mad over decisions you made for your life. People are going to comment and talk all the time. Don't let that affect you! One thing I just read before writing this blog was how Tamera Mowry was so upset at how people showed so much hatred over her marrying a white man. If she knew this prior would it have affected her decision? It shouldn't but you never know. The point is, she loves him, she is married and happy and I hope she gets to the point where she doesn't care what anyone thinks!
There are three words I'm going to sum up this blog post with.... " Live YOUR Life!!!"
Thanks for reading.....
 
     

Are Side Chicks Really Winning??

"Side Chick"....... aka the other woman, mistress....female who is neither the man's wife, girlfriend or significant other who is having relations with the man while he is in a relationship. Just from the definition alone, it seems the side chick has already lost. But there are definitely some females who believe that side chicks are winning and are more prominent in a man's life than even his  wife or girlfriend.  Yeah.....these chicks have some major balls now! My question is....what is it about this man that makes you feel that you would be content with second place just because you are so desperate for a man. Are self-esteem levels so low that you think having a piece of a man is better than having no man at all? These are things that I question when it comes to side chicks. And believe me.....I know a few. They make the side chick life seem so glamorous yet they always seem to be depressed and broken.  That is.....until their "lover" finds a few minutes on lunch to spend with them, to buy them a meal and make plans on when they can hook up for sex.  Are side chicks really winning???
Now don't get me wrong....there are some side chicks that are profiting big with gifts and trips.....but please believe.....if you are an "average" side chick messing with an "average" man......you not getting much. Yeah, you may think that necklace is a nice gift and he is showing that he cares, but trust and believe.....that main chick just got something that will put your little chain to shame.  And while you bragging about the lovely evening you had out on the town, he is planning a trip to Hawaii with his main.  Are side chicks really winning???
I also have to question..... what happens when the side chick starts to catch feelings. Its inevitable. Unless this is what you do for a living.  Do you screen shot text and send them to the main? Do you send suggestive anonymous emails to alert your lovers main chick to his little indiscretions.  Or do you walk away with the little self esteem and pride you have left and begin to make yourself a PRIORITY instead of an OPTION.
But then again....look on the bright side.  Side chicks sometimes (but not often) are able to win the heart and love of their part time lover and even marry them (as we saw on Love & Hip Hop).... but that was a total train wreck because even as the now so called "wife" ..... she was still in the shadows as the side chick. I really felt bad for her..........NOT!!!! LMAO!!!! Oh well.....If all else fails.....get a tattoo so you know its real!!!! Sorry.......Side Chicks are NOT winning!!!!

Side Note: If you think being a side chick is the route you want to
take then here are some tips on How to Be A Side Chick. You may find these helpful! #KnowYourRole Just click on the link below:
http://m.wikihow.com/Be-a-Side-Chick

IS VALENTINE'S DAY JUST FOR THE WOMEN?

Valentine's Day.......the day set aside to celebrate love!! Although we should celebrate love throughout the year, people make a special effort to show their loved ones, significant others, crushes, etc..... how they really feel.  With all the stores displaying the flowers, candy, and other romantic items for this day, does it make you feel that Valentine's is a day to only celebrate the women? I have had female friends tell me that they were not getting their significant other anything for Valentine's Day and suggested that Valentine's is day is specifically for women. My first thought was ...really?? Because I had been pondering over a gift for my significant other and now was thinking Yesssssss!..... I'm off the hook now! I asked my significant other if he thought that Valentine's is just for women. His reply was that he doesn't think men will get upset if they don't receive anything.  In my opinion, I've always viewed Valentine's as a day that is all about expressing love and since men are often the ones who don't express their emotions often, this day is set aside to display all that love stuff and not have to be subjected to ridicule by the guys! The commercials even display countless women being surprised by jewelry and other gifts so is it really our day ladies?

My thoughts.....do what you feel in your heart to do. Rather its buying a gift, cooking a special meal, going out for a fun night......its whatever you choose to do. Just make sure that special someone knows how you feel. Not only today......but everyday!!! Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!!!** Don't forget to comment and tell me your thoughts......Is this really a holiday for women or no??**

Those OTHER friend pictures! Say what!!!????!!!!

I believe I have discussed the whole relationship and having "friends" thing before.... But recently a different type situation was brought to my attention and I felt the need to blog about it. I want to see what my readers think.  The scenario: Jacob has a girlfriend.  She has a lot of male friends. He is ok with it, but he is NOT ok with the fact that her male friends send her pictures. Not just regular, I'm at the mall/ I have on my team jersey/ I'm with the family type pictures.  I'm talking about sexy, shirt off, questionable pose type pictures.  If it were reversed, probably at the same magnitude of a female sending a dude a as/body shot and not showing her face at all.  What Jacob did not like was the face that she defended her friend and said she sees nothing wrong with the pic.  Not only does she see nothing wrong, she saves the pictures on her phone and laptop.

  Now, my question to Jacob.....Are you sure they are just FRIENDS. He can only go by what she says. He has never met or talked to the guy.  In all honestly I feel the issue is his girlfriend not seeing anything wrong with the pictures.  If Jacob sent a girl "friend" of his "questionable" pictures, she thinks it would be wrong because he is in a relationship. But its ok for her to RECEIVE pictures because her friend is not in one. Helloooo!!!!YOU are in a relationship so why is it ok to receive as long as you not returning the favor of sending sexy pictures. Excuses Excuses!!
While I was discussing this with a friend she revealed that her boyfriend has pictures of his friends (some are booty shots where the females show no face). She feels that is they are a true friend and just a friend why the need to send ass shots and if he wants to respect her why does he even accept them and put his so called "friends" in their place from the jump. My reply....Because she been sending pics and he likes them. And she is not going to stop because she knows he likes them and has no respect for his relationship. 

I just know that with me .....I have male friends......I am in a relationship..... some of my male friends are in relationships....And I would not even start the drama of sending them sexy pics of me. I send regular everyday type pics.  But the sexy pics are for my man.....point blank period. And I already know that my male friends would question why I was sending them ass pics because we not even like that. Im sure most men love a good ass picture every now and then but in my opinion those pics should not come from your FRIENDS who you talk to all the time and you consider them to be just a friend.

 If you single cool......but stop disrespecting your woman/man and your relationship by allowing others outside to disrespect your relationship.  Its not the other persons fault.  Its the one who is in the relationship that's allowing it to happen.
But that's just my opinion!! Now I want to hear yours!!!! Comment and share your thoughts!!!!

Defining Our Inner Demons.....

Defining Our Inner Demons.....

Watching Scandal the other night, I was inclined to question......... What "demons" do I struggle with. The scene between James and Daniel (Sally Langston's husband) was intense as Daniel asked James not to  publish the article about him being gay because it would hurt his wife's campaign. He told James that he was NOT gay and he struggled with temptations. He was a Christian and he don't do things like that and publishing that article would hurt his family. So basically,  struggling with his temptations for sleeping with men was Daniel's demon. There are people that struggle with demons everyday. Rather it be food, sex addition,  insecurities, anger, jealousy, drug addition, feelings of inferiority, etc. Anything that has a hold on you and you feel like you have to struggle  to deal with it, can be considered your inner demon.
The first thing is to recognize and admit to your demon(s) . Yes, some of us have more than one!  If you don't know what they are then you will never deal with them. Once you recognize and admit to them , then you have to confront them head on. You confront your demons by letting them know you recognize them and then finding way to combat them.

Find ways to be stronger than your inner demons

So...... say you think you are perfect, and feel you have no issues or inner demons. That's an issue in itself because no one is perfect. You thinking you are perfect may as well be your inner demon.  We all deal with something.....Even if its something  as simple as procrastination. What you should not  do is allow or continue to allow inner demons to have control over our lives.  Still wondering if you have inner demons .....take this simple test.  If you end up answering yes to 4 or more questions.... then its time to start to figure what it is in your life that is holding you back..
These demons give us excuses to be complacent or hold ourselves back. Or even affect our lives to a point where we can't move forward, be happy, have healthy relationships, or even enjoy life! To face our inner  demons is to face our own weaknesses and insecurities.

TAKE THE TEST

 

1.Do you feel you are merely existing, not really enjoying life to its fullest?

2.Do you feel powerless to change your course as if controlled by a strong negative force from within?

3.Do you crave wealth but feel something is stopping you from attaining it?

4.Do negative thoughts often seem to block out positive, happy images?

5.Do you feel you are a good person who deserves a far better fate than what you have experienced thus far?

6.Do you sometimes feel isolated, that no one really cares?

 

Next blog I would like to talk about ways to fight your inner demons once you recognize what they are.......

So tell me............... what are your inner demons?

Thanks for reading and commenting............

Frenemies...... How many of us have them?

Frenemies ..... A term we hear that is used to describe a so called friend who in fact can also be classified as your enemy. I think it can be based on the saying 

"Sometimes your best friends can be your worst enemies "

         

In my opinion, this saying is true. Time, situations, and circumstances can turn someone who you thought was your best friend into a person you feel you have never known. We are human, and because of this we have feelings, emotions, and needs, wants, issues, etc that sometimes can get in the way of carrying out our duties to be a friend. Sometimes you confide in your friends for clarity, understanding, advice, or just to vent. We all do. We don't always agree or take the advice, but sometimes it's just nice to see your friends' views or opinions. But what happens when you don't agree or take the advice. Should there be jokes and ridicules about your situation. Or even go as far as Facebook and Instagram post from friends mocking the situation. Would you still consider that person your friend. And why would they go to such extremes to go Kevin Hart on you and Laugh at your Pain. Is it because they are drowning in their own misery and find comfort in knowing that they can laugh at your situation in order to feel better about themselves. Are they jealous? Is it that they are so unhappy themselves, it pleases them to know there is a bump in your road called life. Have their past experiences caused them to be so bitter and disconsolate that to even be optimistic or positive makes them cringe. Has this ever happened to you. And if so, how did it make you feel? Would you still confide in that friend again? Have you ever been a frenemy and didn't realize it? What are some of your "frenemy" stories? 

Everybody goes through  things at some point in life, and your friends should be there...if nothing more than to lend an ear. If your situation becomes a joke to your friends, then consider re-evaluating your friendships. You may learn that the one you call a friend is in reality..... a frenemy! 

So how do you spot these fake friends....... 

Check out the tips on the link below 

http://allwomenstalk.com/10-ways-to-spot-a-frenemy/8/