It cost zero DOLLARS to be kind….

It cost zero DOLLARS to be kind….

But sometimes I feel like it cost me my sanity and what do you do when you’ve had enough? Unfortunately for me that usually means explode to the wrong people.

I will always be very appreciative when anyone has shown me even the smallest of kindness. The world is full of cruelty and sheep’s in wolves clothing. Everyone has an ulterior motive…even me. But I would never be unkind or vindictive to get what I want.

So that’s why it’s so hard for me to understand when people change up on me without cause. Like, was it something I did ? I think I’m a pretty amazing person, I make sure the rent gets paid on time, make sure everything is tidy and try to be respectful of the property of those around me. So why, why, why must some act like monsters?

You’re probably lost, as I realize I probably have gotten ahead of myself. You see, all is not going well in Jailand. Noooo, its not my marriage, H and I are fine (well as fine as we can be under the circumstances). But we have a light at the end of the tunnel so this period of (I don’t even know what to call it) is just temporary.

So just to catch you up what’s been going on…it would appear our angels in disguise are in fact the opposite. Maybe not demons, but money definitely makes their world go round.

First it was a set price for the rent bi-weekly. They then charged us an additional 50$ for a building key , fine. We were in a jam and still very appreciative of the fact they opened their home to us. Then they raised the rent an additional $150 due to the increased “electricity” bill. Okay, not sure how that’s possible being we are at work all day but ok. Then 2 days before its due reneging the original agreement demanding the entire amount! To top it off, now they want an additional $20 per week to clean the bathroom?

It wasn’t bad enough were still in the living room with only some curtains for privacy? That someone keeps going into our area and touching, opening and eating our things? But now to pay so much more for less than we were promised? No.

I know we look well off but we’re not. I buy my clothes in “Rainbow” just like you, most of my jewelry were gifts, we scrimp and save and use Groupon to have date nights. And sometimes eat Ramen noodles for a week when we have to.

So please don’t ever think I’m unappreciative by refusing to just agree to everything. We simply don’t have it for what we’re receiving, please don’t ever think because I’m less fortunate than you that I’m unworthy of kindness and deserve whispers behind semi closed doors.

And I’ve no one I’ve got to prove myself to except the woman in the mirror. I…we…me and Him (H) have proved time and again we are more than capable of picking up the pieces and building an even stronger foundation.

So here’s to us my love 🥂, and on to the next journey that awaits us.

And I apologize to anyone I might explode and have a crazy tantrum on (Sorry to the lady in McDonald’s and to my husband) you were both “mostly” innocent bystanders.

It’s the most fattening time of the year🍗🎄🎉…

It’s the most fattening time of the year🍗🎄🎉…

It’s the most fattening time of the year🍗🎄🎉…. If you’re like me, this time of year is filled with a packed social calendar and nonstop snacking. Well my social calendar is a little dry these days…but the same cannot be said of the snacking.

So how do I combat the endless supply of treats that come through my job during the 12 days of Christmas? I don’t, which explains why my pants are not fitting properly and probably the reason my stomach hurts so much. The only thing that is really helpful is that a majority of the treats are chocolate which I don’t partake in or particularly enjoy (unless it’s Reeses peanut butter cups😋) but that doesn’t stop me from eating an entire cheese platter when they send one down.

Case in point, I just took a call from someone who is the executive admin to the owner of the company. She would like me to send someone up to grab some goodies for us. It’s not even 9:am and the food fest has just begun, you really can’t go hungry at this job during this time of year but honestly there is only so much sweets and treats you can eat before you feel ill🤮.

I hear this is the “good stuff”!
Yesterday’s contribution…the salami and cheese were delicious. Now I have my eye on the pepper and onion relish😋.
If I have to pick a chocolate…it’s white chocolate, because it isn’t as “rich” as dark.

This is actually a good time to start thinking about my New Year’s resolutions that I never keep. At the top of that list is always “the gym” which I’m definitely going to be needing but can never manage to get to even though I’ve been paying my monthly membership for years.

I always have this thought that the new year will bring me all good things including being healthier…it’s easy for me to forget that I have to actually work for that good health not just stuff my face and hope to be healthier. I always see the gym as this painful thing but I think having my mouth stapled shut would be even more painful.

The treats are delicious and I understand this is the way our company is showing appreciation to the staff and believe me it is very much appreciated I’m just being a brat about it and since we won’t be seeing any cheddar💰 bonuses bring on the cheese🧀platters.

Tis the season…

Tis the season…

Thanksgiving is over…Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, you’re up!

This time of year can be stressful no matter what you’re beliefs are or how you celebrate. So let’s keep it light and fun, and remember it’s about family more than it’s about gifts.

If you’re like me, you like to receive gifts…and if your even more like me it means you like to give them more than to receive them (H if you happen to be reading this, I still want the air fryer lol), which often means I’m trying to figure how many kidney’s I’ll have to sell in order to get everyone something. Well at least the old me thought that way.

Since my children are mostly grown now, Christmas no longer has the urgency it once did. You know the one where you lie to keep up the facade of Santa being real and try to get everything on their wish list because after all Santa can give you everything as long as you are a good boy/girl! Thank God they never asked for a pony!

Gifts should really come more from the heart and less from the wallet. I know gifts cost money, but I think some of the coolest gifts I have ever given have been ones that I made. I used to be heavily into photography and it was always such a warmth in my heart to give someone a photo I have taken. Sometimes if I could I would buy a frame too or even make one.

Another way to keep cost down and still be in the Christmas giving spirit, is to have a Secret Santa drawing. This is a good way for all of the adults in the family (near or far) to exchange gifts. Agree on a price limit and set up a gift exchange on Elfster. I’m in charge of our family’s Secret Santa this year…wish me luck lol.

If you are going to visit someone’s home for the holidays you can always bring a “host gift” IMO it covers everyone in the house (except the kids). It can be good bottle of wine or homemade Dominican Ponche or Puerto Rican Coquito all are delicious inexpensive choices.

How do you celebrate the upcoming holidays? Please share with me sone of your traditions.

When going out with a group of friends, what’s the best way to handle the check?

When going out with a group of friends, what’s the best way to handle the check?

When going out with a group of friends, what’s the best way to handle the check?

Kelsy M. Bronx, New York

The best way is to discuss it before hand and not at the table.

There is nothing wrong with, if as a group you prefer to pay for own tabs. I feel that is probably the fairest way to do it. Just make sure you let your server know before ordering. It makes it easier on them.

There isn’t anything wrong with splitting the bill evenly either (as long as it was agreed upon before hand). But I will say, you shouldn’t have someone else pay for your steak and tequila when they had a garden salad and a glass of wine. So be mindful when splitting the check.

When I’m on a really tight budget, sometimes it’s hard for me to go out with a group as that bill can be unpredictable, a $400 tab can give a person a heart attack (FYI, it came out to about $80 pp including tip…but still). So what I wind up doing is letting everyone that I will be stopping by for a drink or two, but not staying. This way the group knows to not include me in anticipation of paying the bill. I get to see my friends, show support for the event and not kill my wallet.

Honestly, I think Brunch was the best social event ever created. I mean you go, pay a set price for an entree and UNLIMITED drinks 🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂 for a specific amount of time. Good for your wallet, good for your social life and friendships, probably bad for your liver so please drink responsibly and never drive.

What would you do differently and why? Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments below.

If you’d like my opinion on a certain situation or to have your questions answered you can submit your request to:

WWjai.do@yahoo.com

If a man gives a woman an expensive gift, is that a sign of commitment?

If a man gives a woman an expensive gift, is that a sign of commitment?

If a man gives a woman an expensive gift, is that a sign of commitment?

In my opinion no, not unless it’s an engagement ring (but also IMO an engagement ring doesn’t need to be expensive).

I believe a true sign of commitment would be if he listens to you, picked up on certain cues and took it upon himself to (insert whatever it is you have been sending him subliminal messages about) and gifted you with it.

I use the example of a gift because that is what the question refers to. But I feel like a true sign of commitment is listening to your partner and investing your time. Time is expensive and something you cannot get back.

Gifts come in many forms, not just monetary. If you communicate with your partner about a sensitive matter or something that has been on your mind or bothering you and he takes the time to rectify it or be more sensitive to your needs, consider that a gift.

If your partner takes the time to massage your feet after a long day at work, leave you little notes and tells you daily how beautiful you are, that’s a gift.

A gift can always be repurchased or money replaced, but not time. So if he took the extra time to get to know you and listened to you, I’d say that’s a good indication that he’s really into you.

What would you do differently and why? Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments below.

If you’d like my opinion on a certain situation or to have your questions answered you can submit your request to:

WWjai.do@yahoo.com

Do you think men should always pay for dates?

Do you think men should always pay for dates?

Do you think men should always pay for dates?

If he’s paying , I’m not saying no. However I do feel like there should be a nice balance to it.

Let’s begin with “The first Date”, traditionally men have done the asking, so I think it’s only fair they do the paying. I used to be completely comfortable with letting the man pay 100% of the time but as the times have changed and as I have gained experience, so have I.

These days (when I was dating) I’m more comfortable with at least leaving the tip or paying for my own drinks. Especially in the beginning stages of dating. I think it helps to squash any thoughts that I owe him something (which believe it or not some men still think). Sorry to burst your bubble buddy, it’s not happening and that just sets you on the fast track to the dead end zone.

But now that I am in a committed relationship I’m completely comfortable with letting him pay for everything😈 but usually don’t. I think we have a nice balance, If I get the movie tickets, he buys the snacks or vice versa or he got me this time and I get it the next.

He on the other hand is not all that comfortable with me paying for dates, but I see nothing wrong with it especially if it was my idea. We are a team. So let me pay when I can. I know you got me next time.

What would you do differently and why? Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments below.

If you’d like my opinion on a certain situation or to have your questions answered you can submit your request to:

WWjai.do@yahoo.com

After lending someone money, how do you ask for it back?

After lending someone money, how do you ask for it back?

After lending someone money, how do you ask for it back?

Hey, (friend) remember that money I lent you, I’m gonna need that back by (insert date).

For me, easier written than done. I hate asking for money that I lent, I think as a courtesy, the person should just remember to give it back. You didn’t forget to ask me if you could borrow it!

But If you do find yourself lending money to someone I think you should be very clear on when you need it back by and if it’s a significant amount of money, don’t be afraid to ask them to sign a promissory note. Protect yourself. At the end of the day, it’s your money and you deserve to be paid back.

Also, if you have lent money to someone in the past and they didn’t repay you, don’t give them a second chance to burn you. Saying no is always an option.

On occasion, someone will ask to borrow some money and if I have it I have no problem to lend it. But as a rule I won’t lend more than I can afford to lose forever…so don’t ask me for more than five dollars.

What would you do differently and why? Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments below.

If you’d like my opinion on a certain situation or to have your questions answered you can submit your request to:

WWjai.do@yahoo.com