Cool Kids



 

Were you one of the cool kids? You know what I'm talking about- on the homecoming court, cute, maybe a jock or a cheerleader? I wasn't. I was popular in my own way- but not in the traditional way. I was Dance Line Captain, in the dance club and drama club.... but I also lost a bid to be on the homecoming court and lost some other kind of school crown to a tomboy. True story.

 

So, when I see the cool, cute kids I always declare in my brain "So what! I'm cool/cute/_____(fill in the blank)___ in my own way!" That's the way to do it- right? Celebrate your assets and forget about the rest! Well, it doesn't always go that way. CONFESSION: I get a liTTle blog envy sometimes when I see cool/cute/____(fill in the blank___) blogs."

 

I really love A Beautiful Mess. I mean... REALLY love. It drives me nuts- just how cute they are, their pictures are amazing, their content is rich and they do cool things! And what really stinks- is they have COOL friends too. I mean- how do all the cool people know each other- why can't they share their coolness? That, my friends, is my inner teenager speaking.

 

Adult JoDee knows- I'm just way too busy to be one of the cool people! It must take a lot of work being a cool blogger. Blogging is hard work. I know they make it look easy- but they work hard and I give them a ton of credit! It's like feeding the beast. They feed it a lot! I am just too busy with work, family and training for a triathlon! I check in with you periodically- blab about what's going on in the world and let it be... until the next time. It works for me. The feedback I get leads me to believe you like it too.

 

Oh, and dressing so cool every day?!?It's their way of life! It's gotta be hard! I dress nice for 9-hours a day-- and then I guarantee you- if you see me out in public after work I am in my workout clothes, no makeup, dark circles under my eyes and usually giving the "mommy's-trying-not-to-look-crazy-look" to one of my kids who is acting up. They take turns. It's a Kenney Kids thing. 

 

I give these bloggers... and many more... a ton of credit for being so original.. and hence defining what many people think is cool. I am taking a note from their book... or blog so to speak... and carving my own path to coolness... it's called the "Sleep deprived, News Anchor, Mommy, Wife, triathlete Cool". Do you think I have a chance at being a trendsetter?  Either way- I'd like to thank you for checking in and reading. It really does mean a great deal to me!

 

 

Viral Video: Abercrombie & Fitch Backlash

The backlash continues from revelations that Abercrombie & Fitch will not make XL and XXL clothes for women and CEO  Mike Jeffries statement in an interview with Salon in 2006: "Candidly, we go after the cool kids, A lot of people don’t belong [in our clothes], and they can’t belong. Are we exclusionary? Absolutely." He affirmed that statement just last week in an interview with Business Insider when he said he “doesn't want larger people shopping in his store, he wants thin and beautiful people."

Now Los Angeles-based filmmaker Greg Karber has created this video to change the brand to "To make Abercrombie & Fitch the world’s number one brand of homeless apparel." While this viral video has garnered its fair share of complaints as well. In the video Karber criticizes Jeffries appearance and some say making fun of Jeffries is just as bad as Jeffries decision to exclude big girls.

Well- just Wednesday Jeffries responded to the backlash.

"While I believe this 7 year old, resurrected quote has been taken out of context, I sincerely regret that my choice of words was interpreted in a manner that has caused offense," 

"A&F is an aspirational brand that, like most specialty apparel brands, targets its marketing at a particular segment of customers. However, we care about the broader communities in which we operate and are strongly committed to diversity and inclusion."

"We hire good people who share these values," the statement continues. "We are completely opposed to any discrimination, bullying, derogatory characterizations or other anti-social behavior based on race, gender, body type or other individual characteristics."

What do you think? Do you like Karber's plan to change the brand? Do you think Karber is bullying Jeffries? Do you think Jeffries was right to say he only targets the 'cool kids'? Do you think he was wrong? Do you accept his response and think he didn't mean what he said? Oh... so many questions! Give me some answers. Weigh in.

Beyoncé Envy

Once there was this killer girl group called Destiny's Child. Remember them?


They broke on to the scene with songs that resonated with single girls in their 20s. Then a couple girls left in a feud and it was down to three.

That was also about the time Beyoncé started to step out in front. She was taking the lead in all the songs- front and center- the star. The writing was on the wall---- it was only a matter of time when Beyoncé would break away. It happened. She rocketed to mega stardom... Queen B. But what about her girls? Well, now we are finding out in a new article.


We all know Michelle Williams released her debut solo album  Heart to Yours which topped the US gospel album chart and became one of the best-selling gospel releases of 2002.

Thanks to a new song by Kelly Rowland called "Dirty Laundry" we are now learning she struggled. She struggled with envy over Beyoncé's success. She struggled with an abusive relationship that alienated her from her family and friends.

This song is pretty deep. WARNING: it contains very strong language. I will say this- I saw Michelle Williams at a theater production at Proctor's theater in Schenectady and she was AMAZING in person. And now... listening to Kelly Rowland's new song I see she has amazing talent too! All three of these women are so gifted it's unbelievable they all didn't rise to mega stardom. Perhaps it's Kelly's turn? Have a listen and tell me what you think. Were you upset over the break up of Destiny's Child? Do you think Rowland is primed for a resurgence? Weigh in.

Jennings Out

No big announcement? No news conference? It wasn't how many of us expected it to happen. A discrete letter sent out to the media after the evening news... at around 7:20 in the evening. The 20-year Mayor of Albany, Jerry Jennings has decided not to seek reelection.

Was it a surprise? Maybe to some... but I got the feeling he was calling it quits when we would have

our weekly chats. He comes to the station to host his weekly radio show and he's always been very friendly and talkative. Did he say he wasn't seeking reelection in those weekly chats? No- even though we would ask him- but still- it kinda felt like it was coming.

The 5 term Mayor has been a mainstay in a state- where we've seen politicians come and go. His laid back "Hey babe!" greeting, freshly showered and warm cologne scent and his ever present sun kissed skin will be missed when a new Mayor is elected. You gotta admit- this mayor has style.

Many will remember him as a passionate representative of the city of Albany.

The race is on now- to find his replacement.

Viral Video: Kanye Outburst

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian were heading to lunch the other day. Instead of looking where he was going- he had his head down to avoid eye contact with the paparazzi waiting to take pictures of them.... and he ran into a wrong way sign.

Kim quickly tried to come to his assistance but he held his head in agony. I'm sure it hurt like heck! Embarrasing for sure. People may have been inclined to feel bad for him--- if that was the end of the story. I guess after going into the business and away from the paparazzi--- he came back out to yell at them.

I can understand being embarrased. I can understand physical pain.. but Kanye? COME ON MAN! You are not doing your reputation any favors.

This is a time to be happy and excited because you have a new baby on the way. Why do you and Kim look so upset all the time? I'm really not sure what's going on here- but hopefully the arrival of their child will help them find happiness. I really do hope that for them.

**WARNING- colorful language used**

Inspires Me: Michelle

This weekend I had the honor of being there every step of the way for my friend as she accomplished a major goal. My girlfriend Michelle Cummings set out to change her life and get fit and healthy last year and she has been a rock star. I mean a true rock star and role model in her efforts. The fact that she tells me she still hasn't reached her goal makes me giddy with excitement to see what lies ahead for this lady.

Some time a couple months ago I suggested she train for a 5k. For me- it was a life changing experience. I learned that no goal is too big and that I am stronger than I may think. I wanted her to learn that valuable message as well. Her response was just like mine when it was first proposed to me. NO WAY! A whole 5k just seemed so HUGE.

Then- something happened. A day later- she said she would do it! She trained... much of it by herself. Hours and hours of work were put in! I remember that first day when she ran one minute and then walked 2 minutes. I knew she would succeed. She questioned it- but I just knew this woman would do it!  Week after week I saw her get stronger and more confident. She was becoming a runner!

Well, this weekend she did it and I was there to run with her in her first 5K! We ran the Vascular Birth Foundation 5K. It was a hard, very hilly course. She attacked those hills. She pushed her pace. She was amazing. She tells me I inspire her- but I want her to know.... She inspires me! I look at her and find strength to get up and put in the work because I know she is doing the same.  I am so honored to be her friend. 

Viral Video: Guys... Wonder What's It Like to Give Birth?

I have never seen this Dutch television show but when I saw a headline about guys experiencing the pain of childbirth- I HAAAAD to click on it.

Not gonna lie fellas-- -this one had me laughing so hard... I was crying. I couldn't help it. These two guys are funny to start with- but watching them go through this together was hilarious.

I loved how the guy even proclaimed that he wasn't sure he'd put his wife through this. Oh man-- this one is a MUST WATCH. Ha ha