Author's Note: The following is dedicated to women. It is Serena, Connecticut Women's Basketball, Tessa Embry, Billie Jean King and the 'Battle of the Sexes.' There are women everywhere who break barriers. As a woman in the workplace, I am appreciative of women who pave roads for equality and give dialogue to share. I dedicate this story to the Sisterhood. For those unfamiliar with Tessa Embry, please google search this remarkable young lady's stand. As I began with the story idea, the young teen captured essentially the same idea conveyed at the beginning of the message.

The songs Macho Man (Village People), Satisfaction (Eve), Batdance (Prince-Rest in Peace Prince Rogers Nelson) and Baddest Bitch/Chick (Trina) serve as musical inspirations for the universal theme that women are powerful forces; do not underestimate. On a personal note, I prefer the edited version of the Trina song Baddest Chick.


"You don't know me..."

The general conversation started days ago after the boss' annual physical checkup. On camera, the image was the newest appointee keeping stride with similar exercise regimens. Suzanne Gibbs was working inside the office with colleagues and heard snippets from a ZNN wellness segment and a fitness comparison between herself and the President of the United States. The newest addition to the Owens Administration was not pleased with remarks regarding her weight.

Suzanne shared a similar body mass index as the Commander in Chief. Those with a camera noticed a physically fit, shapely assistant to the President whether at a meeting or playing a basketball game. David Owens weighed no more than 190 lbs and stood over six feet, three inches. Physicians raved about him, yet the doctors still categorized Suzanne as 'obese?'

She continued pounding the frustration of it all at the keyboard, splitting glances between the desktop monitor and television screen overhead and rolling her eyes in disgust.

"Where am I obese?" Suzanne asked fellow coworkers Claudia and Linda. Carefully, they studied Suzanne who walked from her desk near the President's office to the central beverage station. In her hand was a cup with a 'Curious George' portrait on the front. Such a fitting gift from Tony DiNozzo, who described Suzanne's personality as an 'insatiable curiosity for discovering uncharted territories-just as George's adventures with the Man in the Yellow Hat; her friendships brought the same appeal.'

How the organization obtained her exact weight and body mass remained a mystery. The report neglected to mention the new aide was not a stranger to exercise. Four days a week for at least an hour or two a day, Suzanne exercised to maintain her healthy lifestyle. She was two inches shorter but 20 lbs heavier than the President. Her weight, however, was at the bust line. Suit jackets or shirts, when buttoned, accentuated her ample bosom but overall wiry figure. At her last checkup two months prior, Suzanne, at 6'1 and 210lbs, was in excellent health. In their short time of working together, both Claudia and Linda asked and noted several dieting quirks. Suzanne, or 'Q' to the Boss, ate cantaloupe with cottage cheese and chicken breasts salads with a vinaigrette dressing almost everyday. It was a surprise to see fried chicken, macaroni with cheese or even shredded cheese with her scrambled eggs at buffet-style meetings with the President. Despite the dietary splurge, it was an extra leafy vegetable serving. For a beverage, coffee with heavy sugar and milk and water. She had a sweet tooth and adored brownies; Suzanne nibbled on a snack during the afternoons while Claudia and Linda declined. It was why she could afford to eat sweets and to drink coffee with regular sugar and milk.

"It takes work to look like this..." Suzanne savored the afternoon coffee break in her favorite cup. She leaned momentarily and enjoyed the soft keyboard clicks after hours of television chatter and tedious paperwork. "This crap is exactly why women get distorted views about diet and exercise." Suzanne continued, calling the remarks sexist and completely unrealistic for healthy, active lifestyles.

Colleague Claudia Bailey used the main remote to decrease the volume. Meanwhile, another series of filework piled on the corner of her desk waiting to be alphabetized or signed by President Owens.

"You cannot get worked up over the report, Newlywed." Claudia reminded Suzanne. "Politics of the game..."