This Week & Next Week

Happy Monday! I know people tend to hate Mondays but I usually work from home so I actually look forward to it! It definitely puts my normally Suzy Sunshine disposition to the test when I have to come in though lol And today is one of those days! Work has been hectic and so has life and I did not make it to the gym at all this weekend! Crazy!

Saturday was AKA chapter meeting and it was a beast! I may have mentioned I was nominated as the new Fundraising Chairman and I have absolutely no experience and have really never had a desire to get involved with fundraising. I really don't like dealing with money or such hands on planning. I am always willing to support someone's effort but this has really put me to the test! So Saturday I had to hand out the Alvin Ailey tickets to over 100 people. Madness! Lord knows you can't make everyone happy that's for sure!

I suggested another event A Day at the Races so that ticket are selling so fast my head is literally spinning! Its very stressful but that is no excuse. I still should have found a way to work out!

Anyway that poster/sign above made me take a long deep breath this morning.

I mean I am still in the midst of dealing with a lot of things including  my Junior League committee for the Internship program. I gots a lot on me! I missed Weight Watchers but I know I am up a bit b/c I have still been eating (and drinking likka) and not working out.

I was saying to my Soror who got frustrated with the scale when it didn't move after two really good weeks that she may just be the type that it takes a week or two to "catch up" with what she is doing. My body is the opposite! I know by the end of the week what the deal is! No joking!

On the positive side if I act right so does my body but when I been slacking no good can come of it. I had to pull out my back up jeans this weekend! :-/ They are a pair of jeans I bought when I began regaining weight and I was basically in between sizes. Its weird how it took me like 50 pounds to buy new stuff but now every 5 -7 pounds makes a huge difference in what I can wear! So I am stuck shopping for my upcoming sorority conference since my suits from 2010 still don't fit! Boo!

I had my eye on a suit I saw 2 weeks ago so I will get it and I have two others that are a little big but will do the trick.

So today I am at work and I did good. I had an Atkins shake for breakfast, I am having (as I type) a mixed green salad with a scoop of chicken salad (about 1/2 a cup) and having lots and lots of water. I am going to workout when I get home which will be late because I am trying to deal with more fundraising stuff and that's ok I am grateful to have a treadmill at home to make it all happen!

In other news life is good! In fact I was nominated to run for Member at Large in my new chapter (its been 2 years not sure when it won't be considered new any more lol) but anyhoo I didn't win but the Soror who did is a great person and she will do a great job! Member at Large is kinda the conflict resolution person so I think that will be a good fit for me one day!

In other sorority news I am looking forward to hanging with my Sorors to learn, network, and have lots of fun in Providence! But until then I got work to do that includes eating clean and working out at least 30 minutes a day! I am taking gym clothes and plan to workout while I am away. I have a great hotel location and they usually offer a free workout during our conferences worst case I will be in the hotel's gym.

So we shall see what the difference between this week and next week will bring!  

Till then! :-)

Seeing Jesus

Well its been super busy! But what's new right? :-) Its finally spring and the weather is changing and life seems to be flying by! I went to Weight Watcher last week Saturday not knowing what to expect because I did not get a chance to workout like I wanted to because as is always the case life gets in the way.

I always talk about balance and that was a week where other priorities took precedent and so the work outs were lacking. And guess what? I LOST 2 FREAKING POUNDS!!!!! I was and I am soooooooooooo happy about that! That's showing me I can still make good choices and I can trust myself to reign it in when need be.

Its been an emotional time which is my challenge because I have used food as an emotional crutch or as an escape for soooo long that actually dealing with my emotions has been a learning process. So let's recap I had a huge fight with someone I considered a friend for over a decade and it just really hit me hard that someone I cared for and helped would have such bad feelings about me. The level of the anger she expressed showed me not only did she not love me (as she claimed) as a friend she really doesn't even like me as a person. It was that bad. I am a very black and white person and its funny I just read a comment that someone left for me about an old post Overdosing on Positivity and I replied back that my new mindset was to be able to let people go. So this is a situation I am fully ok with letting go but that doesn't make it easy emotionally.

The other thing that came up was my Line sister's cancer came back. If you've read for awhile you know I did the Columbia Iron Girl Triathlon in her honor with Team in Training to raise money for  Leukemia & Lymphoma. Well as scary as it is to be diagnosed with cancer once before 30 its doubly scary to have it come back. She's undergoing treatment and I went to see her and I can't lie it was hard. The oncology unit is not somewhere anyone wants to be. The illness, the feeling of death, ughh its hard. But she's been very positive and I am praying so hard for her and I know things will turn out well. In fact she took me to see Jesus!

Johns Hopkins University has the huge statue of Jesus and someone told my Linesister about it so we went on a mission to see Jesus! AND HE WAS AWESOME! (If you know her you can hear her voice  as you read that lol)

It was a little eerie but I did touch the hem of his garment! They also have a book there that people can write their prayers. Again a little eerie to read but they were so heartfelt.

It put my journey into perspective life is too short I won't spend it stressing over every half a pound. I say that because the week before I went up .4 pounds and I was sooo..hurt, angry, and just upset! Now I know that's less than half a pound and I was trying to do the right thing and go to weigh in before I went away and I felt like see that's the thanks I get! But I mean seriously I had to get a grip and say Cylia you are healthy, you are strong, you are in a position to lose weight.

There are people who are battling serious issues not that obesity is not serious but it just helped me to realign my thoughts so when I weighed in last Saturday and I was down two pounds I nearly cried real human tears (lol) of joy! I've been so stressed out. Work has been busy, AKA busy, Junior League is busy, and I had another death in the family.

My favorite Aunt's husband so he's my Uncle passed away. :-( I saw him on my last trip to Jamaica and it was expected but of course that doesn't make the news any less sad. Death is funny not ha ha funny but ironic. See I've been holding this thought in as I've been having more and more of theses funerals to go to, but the Pastor spoke about it at the funeral so some how I feel ok to say it...death makes you think about your own mortality. Seems selfish but its true.

The Pastor made the point that death is a time to reflect and refocus and put one's self on the right path. I am a spiritual person. I do believe in Jesus the Christ and I do think there is a God and what all His magnificence entails I don't know for sure but I do think that we are all here to do some good in the world and ultimately that's the true measure of one's life.

I was having that conversation with my sorority sister about the fight I had with my friend and telling her that's really what bothers me most about the situation; I felt like I had done some good but it was not appreciated. Its just one of those things though like beauty I guess friendship is in the eye of the beholder...so I'll blog about it but not over eat about it and call it a day.

Well back to the bizz at hand! Oh wait a quick detour! I heard from Beres Fan! Weirdest thing I was talking with a Soror about him saying we just needed something different I had no beef and wish him well. I was telling her we had a lil fight but I'll call him on his birthday to give him a ring he left with me. He told me to trash it but I know he loves that ring so I kept it. Not even a hour later he called. I mean I was still in her car talking about him when my phone rang. Weird! But I always say thoughts have wings...

We talked, played catch up, I told him I still had his ring and he thanked me and told me even if we don't work out as a couple he thinks I am a great person and wants us to be friends. I never fully recapped but the reading I had said that cue the Twilight Zone music. He asked about us going riding again since the weather was getting nice and instinctively I told him speaking to him doesn't mean I want to see him. (Ouch!)

Yeah I know. But he's a man he took it on the chin and has been in touch ever since.

I know he's not the one so I am ok with not catching feelings again. I don't think he's a bad person. So we'll see maybe we'll do some bike riding in the summer. No pressure.

Anyway so I weighed in at the gym's Makeover Challenge I was down 3.2 pounds! I was a little late weighing in but I am sure I am near the top of the list! Its TOM so I am not running back in there anytime soon but I need to get on track with their weigh ins so I can see my name on the board!

This week most of my exercise consistent of walking in airports. And I am not saying that lightly I walked a good mile in Miami! I skipped all the people movers and just walked! Go me! I am debating going to my trainer's gym tonight and we'll see I would like to at least get on the treadmill Friday night. Saturday I am going to go to a flea market with a friend and get rid of some more of my old clothing and shoes! Good way to de-clutter and make some cash at the same time! So that's at 9am so I may have to do a later afternoon workout. Sunday looking to do some spinning and weights! I am at 31 pounds out of my 37 lost by my 37th birthday! Not bad, not bad that's 8 pounds since January. I'll take it!


Well anyhoo here are some pics of my crazy few weeks! I'll be back soon with more good news :-) PS I did not win the mega million next time!

In Providence RI for a day trip to judge the Regional Conference Awards books

With baby sis on her birthday in TAO-Las Vegas

A speaker at the "Cool Women, Hot Jobs" Career Fair! Awesome future attorneys in the room!

The Theta Omega Omega Chapter Afternoon Tea!

Junior League of Baltimore's Leadership Training quick pic with my friend and former color group leader (in Greek terms Dean of Pledgees) Karen! Awesome!

Pic from from Jamaica!

Vegas baby!

Long distance Tea pic I just love that I have a waist lol

My Motivation

My Motivation

 

Well its Day 3 of the 8 week Extreme Brickover Challenge and I am doing great!!! Granted its only 3 days but I’m still gonna sangggg about it! :-)

Last night was a test! I went to work early but left late and those of you that have been around know I live in Maryland and work in DC and it is a hell of a commute. I was trying to employ the same mental tactic that I did on Tuesday morning! Well its more of a mantra but basically I keep saying get up and workout before your mind figures out what you are doing! So I was trying to drive fast to Chizel It and say get to the gym before your mind figures out what you are doing lol

I often talk about the mind…its tricky… it can be your greatest assets or your greatest liability. I often start my mornings out with positive quotes and some people think I am jumping up out of bed singing with the bird!

No ma’am! I am trying to pump myself up! Now I like the fact that when I do post something on Facebook or on twitter other people feel me but truth be told I do that for me!

The mind will tell you to sleep in when your pants are too tight to wear! The mind will say go have that double scoop of ice cream when you are busting out of a dress you just got a few months ago! The mind will tell you to skip the gym after you had Micky Ds and the very least you could do it burn off a few of those extra calories! That’s what the mind will do IF you don’t beat it into submission! Yeah I said it!

My WW leader often tells us stories about the little devil and the little angel that sits on her shoulder and will whisper in her ear. Same concept. She talked about that last week in fact; she was telling us about being up late on the computer and her husband came home with a bag of trail mix he bought by the dock in Baltimore (lol yeah I know!) She said it has nuts, (ok), raisins (alright), banana chip (welllll…ok I guess), then there’s M&Ms and peanut butter cups!! Ok so not the normal healthy trail mix one would think.

So Joann tells us she knew she didn’t have no business eating at 11pm at night and certainly not eating that but the little devil whispered in her ear “Psstt Joann…. You can have some of that…It has nuts!”

Then the angel came by and said “No no don’t you eat that!”

Lil Devil “Its healthy just eat around the chocolate!”  

Next thing she knew she ate the WHOLE bag and wasn’t even hungry! And had he husband looking at her sideways because she ate ALL of HIS snack! LOL

I been there! I still visit from time to time and that’s ok because I am not looking to be perfect! But I realized I need something more than that $100 to motivate me properly to stay on track for 8 weeks and it came to me!

When I was in Vegas I saw this and fell in loveeee! (see below) The picture doesn’t do it justice but trust me… Ok forget me trust Tiffany’s its beautiful! So if I win any of top 3 prizes its going in an account to buy this!!! The Return to Tiffany Diamond Heart Tag & Charm

Last night I took my tired butt to Chizel it and did Couch to 5 k, Zumba (a few minutes anyhow), the elliptical, and then lifted weight, AND THEN went back on the treadmill! I did 84 minutes on A HUMP DAY! YEAHHHHH BUDDY! Well they say diamonds are a girl’s best friend so I need my BFF!

Tonight-Couch to 5 K, Chizel It class, & some Sorors are doing Hot Yoga I plan to join them

Friday- Couch to 5 K

Saturday is a travel day I really don’t know if I can get anything in but I will be in a hotel maybe I can slip into the gym on lunch? We’ll see

Sunday- Spinning & Body Pump

Have a great weekend!

I'm tired!

Whew its only Tuesday and I am tired! To be fair its been a crazy busy time for me work wise, school/teaching wise, AKA, Junior League wise and oh yeah my ever busy life-wise as well lol oh and did I mention I started my own company? yeah well I did! I'll post more about that another time! :-)

Well last week I went to Vegas with my sister and some friends to celebrate her 30th Birthday! If you have ever been to Vegas I really don't need to go into details because well you know "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!" LOL Needless to say it was a rip roaring adventure with a lot of likka and very little sleep! Not a good combination with my recent condition! Oh yes I been MIA so I have not updated you guys! Well....sadly... I am now anemic :-(  I have been borderline since forever and in all honestly I don't take my vitamins and when I was low last year I was told to start taking iron supplements and I did not. Not to get all into the girlie issues but T.O.M has been horrible too so while I had that checked out and I am fine, it was just the perfect storm coupled with a family history of it (in fact every woman in my family over 30 is anemic) so now I am too. So what can I do? Well I guess I could take my vitamins lol but I have not been too "compliant" as my Doctor would say and I am really feeling it now. I think its the anemia plus Vegas though but I am getting on the right track because the alternative is a iron infusion! :-/ Last week it was sounding like a good plan since I hate pills but when I did some research YOU CAN DIE! I HAVE TOO MUCH TO DO TO DIE! So I am popping pills and I found a liquid supplement my co-worker suggested.  While I tend to be very busy I never feel tired. I do have abnormally high levels of B12 but I aint feeling the normal energy lately so I am gonna do the right thing! And just so I am not a liar I will take a pill now!


Anyway do like I say not like I do stay on top of your vitamins!

Anyway what else is new!? All in all life is good. I am super busy coordinating a women's internship program, I had some AKA awards stuff, started my own company on Leap year Day to symbolize the leap of faith I am taking, then trip to Vegas, and in the midst of it all I LOST 1.4 pounds after VEGAS! I am elated!

FACE! (lol OK fans of the show The New Adventures of Old Christine get that inside joke!)

Anyhoo I was happy I went to Weight Watchers and went on the scale not expecting great news but a swift kick in the pants to get me back on track! I mean its Vegas but lo and behold! I lost and it ws a good loss!

Saturday I went to my second gym and as I walked in they were advertising this new competition called Extreme Brickover an 8 week Biggest Loser type competition! So I signed up! I was just talking to my personal trainer Charles about doing something because as the New Years people fall off those of us still striving need a Spring pick me up and he was going to work on something but it seemed like kismet when I walked into my gym so I signed up. It was only $39.00 and I got tshirt, journal, mug, and got all my measurements done and most of all I'll have some accountability for the next 8 weeks~! I am excited. And to be clear I WANT TO WIN! Each gym gets three top winners. In my head I have already spent the $100 for 1st place!

Workout wise I went swimming Saturday nice change of pace haven't been in a pool since Iron in 2010! Yikes! Sunday I decided to join a Soror on the workout board who is doing Couch to 5 K  which is a cool running plan that I have never been able to complete despite the fact that I have done a few 5ks, a half marathon, and even a triathlon! LOL So its more of a way to keep me motivated and getting 30 minutes of exercise daily. In fact I got up this morning at 5am and did it at home since today is terrible Tuesday where I work then teach till 9:30pm! I am tired but I did it!

On to today's title.... Saturday my Weight Watcher Leader Joann hit a cord with me because I was really looking back at Jan 2009 to June/July 2010 time frame  and reflecting on the good things like the Fitness Magazine feature and asking myself why can't I re-lose all of this weight. Now I am no skinny mini so its not like I went down to my "proper" height weight category and now I am struggling in new territory as a skinny girl but it dawned on me... I'm tired.

I was tired of counting points and calories, tired of packing gym bags, tired of drinking water, tired of exercising, tired of the journey basically. Another thing I realized is that life long goal of weight loss? Guess what I did it! FACE! LOL

And I have a habit, I wont call it a bad habit but to quote Walt Disney "I don't like to repeat successes, I like to go on to other things."

People always ask me about doing another half marathon or the Iron Girl triathlon and I always ask why? I did it already! Check! Like why would I go back to college for another Poli Sci degree or to law school for another JD? I guess people do but I don't see the point. I know most people have a competitive spirit or they want to increase their PR (Personal Record) well that's fair that's just not me.

My goal is always to finish..oh and not be the last person lol so once I've done that I am done!

SO it hit me is that why the weight loss or recycled weight loss is a challenge because my head isn't in the game anymore because I been there and done that? I mean seriously have to told myself... Self you did it got the tshirt and the international magazine article (and accolades) so we good!

So of course I am tired; my mind isn't in the game. I have said it all along this is mental just like any other goal. But my WW leader made the point that she gets tired too and she's been at this 36 years! Ok so I am 36 years old so like my whole life she has been doing this? Counting points, exericisng, making good choices, preplanned meals, going to meetings, etc., etc., etc.,!? Ok so do I dare complain?! LOL

She summed it up in saying I hate to hear used "It is what it is!" Set realistic goals and make a lifetime committment to better choices! Period. And she is right!

Now I am only human so while it did re-enegize me to think of this as just something I must do. So I can be waery but must not faint... I know me...

That same attitude of been there done that is impacting my ability to lose the weight again. And to be honest that is a personality thing so I am trying to wrap my mind around how to fool my ego into getting into this game. And by George I think I've go it! I think this competition is the way! Here's why! Its a NEW weight loss challenge and its got cash and bragging right attached to it! LOL

The journal

Yup I'm that easy! Money and fame what can I say!? the last winner lost.... 38.4 pounds... damn I just read that lol so I got work to do! LOL

But I am off to a good start!
Saturday I swam for 30 minutes
Sunday I did the elliptical and the Couch to 5k (1hr)
Monday I did 30 minutes of the Couch to 5K, 30 mins spinning, 1 hour at the Chizel It class with my trainer (2 hours)
Tuesday/Today I did the Couch to 5 k workout (30 minutes) and its midday and I feel good!

I did peek on the scale this morning and I was down a few pounds but I am waiting until Monday for the official weigh in at the club and I may have to go Friday to Weight Watchers since I am going away all day Saturday! But fingers crossed it stays the same or goes lower! My goal is still 37 by my 37th birthday and as of this morning I am at 31 of 37 down!

Food wise I am Eating Clean! Eating clean is like Pilates though it works because it is... HARD  a challenge! But planning is key and I did a good bit of shopping for fresh fruits and veggies and lean protein like fish, turkey bacon, chicken, etc. this weekend and I took 2 bags to work with me full of food so I have no excuses! I am also using Atkins protein shakes because I am not a big breakfast person and so far so good! I am tracking everything everywhere my journal, Weigth Watchers.com, and My Fitness Pal! No excuses!

I'll check in soon!  Cheer me on! I want that top prize!!!! :-)

The 21 Day Detox Diet!

Well based on peer pressure from my personal trainer I finally decided to try this 21 Day Detox Diet he wrote about in his book "I'm Too Cute to Sweat"

The basics of the diet are you eat nothing but fruits and vegetables for 7 days take a day or two off and get back on for a total of 21 days so in total 3 weeks.

I have a Soror who posted about "detoxing" so I asked her for her version of a detox and she told me so I merged the two into the following:

Strictly fruits and veggies and fish- Feel free to boil, steam, or bake and use a juicer!
The goal is to:

1) Do at least 5-6 days on 1-2 days off! If this is your first detox like this do what works best for you

2) Remove all bad carbs from the diet-candy, soda, cake, chips, etc. for the entire 21 Days-use your days off for other things like nuts, milk products, etc. (or not)

3) Start everyday with a glass of warm water with lemon in the morning and end each night with a glass of the same.

Carrots, raspberries, and pineapple!

Well I can say I have spent more days off than on lol I really did not realize how many processed/carb snacks I rely on! Between protein bars, crackers, popcorn, etc it adds up so quickly! Its crazy! So the one thing I will say is this diet has helped me to refocus on my Weight Watcher Healthy Eating guidelines that do say you should take in between 5-9 fruits and vegges per day. As I was posting in my AKAs workout group I have not had an apple since like...last year! CRAZY! SHAMEFUL! Boasting about exercise and eating loads of crap! No wonder I can shake these regained 25-30 pounds!

But this isn't a pity party of a self bashing sessions its a great wake up call. I am down 3 pounds even though my detox has not been perfect but I can say I do feel lighter and feel better.

Let's get to the nitty gritty detoxing is gonna cost ya! As you all know I made up my mind to spend my money on things that will help me on this journey. So I don't see cost when it comes to my health.  My personal trainer twice a week, my 2 gym memberships (sometimes 3), my new $120 sneakers every 6-8 months, my Massage Envy membership..to me are all a part of the price to do business because for years (and to be honest now) I find plenty of money for my Sorority, Junior League, to travel, to eat out and party, and eat out and party some more so I dare not say a word about spending money to help me live my best life ever in regards to my healthy lifestyle. Be that as it may it will add to your grocery bill thats the bottom line.

FRESH FRUITS & VEGGIES

I do seek lower cost options when I can such as hitting up the local produce market instead of going to Giant or Safeway. I spent over $40.00 a week and a half ago and that is a lot for me but look at what I got! I typically spend less than $10.00 and leave with 4 bags so I did leave with like 8 bags. I bought apples, bananas, beets, carrots, celery, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, what Jamaicans call cho cho but also know choyate squash its like a water dense potato, oranges, grapes, kale, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and garlic. Whew! It was a big haul!

I also bought a juicer! This morning I finally jumped into the juicing portion and it was good! First off I bought a cheaper but decent juicer . Its a Black & Decker and it was abut $30 at Walmart! I was willing to spring for a $100 one but turns out I found this deal and it works fine.

Some pros and cons and general observations about juicing.

It can be messy! * You  need time to actually do it * You need to know what fruits & veggies work best. Carrots great, Raspberries not so much! (See below) LOL

I did get a lot of recommendations from people of combinations I should try but this morning I was in a  rush and I promised myself I was going to do this blog update. I made a carrot, pineapple, and raspberry mix. I used fresh carrots, canned crushed pineapple, and fresh raspberries. The pineapple and raspberries didn't seem to work too well. I felt like most of it ended up be trash. See pic!  

Cool lol

Would I recommend juicing? Sure! I am glad I didn't spend $200 for the machine because this $30 one works just fine! I am guessing the more expensiv machines may juice more difficult fruits better? But I think for my use this works. Its easy to clean up and pull apart and get to work. One warning! If you have acid reflux skip juicing. I get a touch of it from time to time and as I was drinking this morning on the way to work I felt it acting up. Maybe the canned pineapples were the problem. Here are some other recipes if you get a juicer and try them out let me know how you like it and share any tips you uncover! Juicer #1 & Zesty Cook

One product tip! Buying fruit in this quantity can be a challenge especially if you are going to a produce market or a farmers market. On the upside the food is a lot fresher the down side is the lack of preservatives means the fruits and veggies can go bad a lot quicker. So I use these Debbie Meyer Green bags to help keep all my produce fresh longer! I know I'll buy anything on an infomercial but really these work! I am sure I got these at Target but worst case you can get them online as well. It really does extend the life of your produce!

Good investment!

Ok end of my sales pitch! :-)

Aside from that all is well. I was off from the gym for a little over a week but went to my Personal Trainer yesterday. I was late so I only got in 45 minutes BUT I'll take it. It was a good workout. Ideally I'll go tonight to do something. My teaching gig at one schools is on break till next week so I have time to get to the gym vs getting home at almost 10pm! But we'll see!

In other news it was busy weekend. I went on a 3 mile walk in Columbia have not been to that park since Iron Girl! It was so much prettier than I remembered lol  I then had a Junior League of Baltimore meeting. It was not the traditional GMM instead it was a fireside chat at the incoming President's home! I had such a good time! It was nice to hear about her vision for the League and to meet some new members and reconnect with others and have some good food! On Sunday I went to my sorority's Founders' Day where our International President spoke and afterwards it was my line's AKAversary dinner! Talk about a weekend filled with some awesome women! I feel sooo blessed to be counted in the number!

I went to The MAC Store and had my face did and I am usually always rushing so I drop a few hundred and roll out but this time I said I am staying I waited an hour and a nice young lady Ashley did my makeup! Today I dug up the other times I have had it done professionally and I was surprised at the difference! Forgive the choppy side by side by side lol comparison but you get the point!

It inspired me to keep pushing I opted for grapes instead of chips today :-) Have a good week!



Upper left 2008, lower left 2009, right side 2012



A Vision Board Party!

Welllllll I blog about everything so makes sense to mention my upcoming event! I am hosting a Vision Board party! Its kind of a "soft launch" to my new business venture From Theory to Practice Consulting, LLC.

Its an exciting time! I have always talked about vision boards and I have shared many of mine on this blog and people began to ask me about them and how to create one! I would email pictures of mine, give advice, share books I've read, and I always talked about the good results I have experienced. Then as fate would have it last spring (out of the blue) I was offered an adjunct professor position at a local college and the class was about professional and personal development. When the Dean called me the Thursday before the class started the following Tuesday (!) she said "I know you are an attorney but looking over your resume it seems to me that you know a lot about developing personally and professionally and that's exactly what the students need."

I wasn't sold because up until that point I have only taught writing classes and when I sent my resume to that college (over a year ago and never even heard a don't call us we'll call you reply!)  I inquired about English, American Government, or Legal courses. But the idea of helping (mostly) first generation college students from the local community appealed to me so I accepted the position.

The book was already selected and the syllabus was set and part of the course work involved doing a collage. Well a light bulb when off in my mind and I told myself a collage aint nothing but a vision board!!! So as part of the tweaking I did to the class I talked about vision boards and the students ate it up! Most had never heard of vision boards but the concept was so appealing they threw themselves into it and it was so inspiring to watch them share their dreams, passion, and positive attitudes about their futures.

Fast forward to the holidays a soror of mine suggested I have a vision board party! I thought that sounded like a good idea especially with the new year coming! New Year, New Vision! Well time got away from me and next thing I knew it was after January 1st and I put a feeler out there on facebook about hosting a vision board party and I received a number of emails saying they would like to attend! A few days later another Soror texted me and said she saw a flyer in her gym for a Vision Board Party and the host was charging $150.00! I couldn't believe it! I don't knock any one's hustle BUT that's crazy! But the more research I did the more I found this is a viable business and I said well let's see.

I toyed around with the idea of starting a business because an online group I have been a member of for over 10 years had more than a few business owners! Everything from spa services for young girls, to shoes, to grant writing, and coaching for small business owners! I thought that was neat! But truth be told I couldn't think of anything that I like to do that I would charge for! LOL I explained if I did a business it it would have to be something I am passionate about and that list is small- traveling, teaching, goal setting, vision boards, and conflict resolution. Full stop!

Nothing fancy or earth shattering like their ideas but I got to thinking the things I am good at that other people struggle with. I am often criticized for my "lists" but in looking at my track record if I set a goal on one of my "lists" I hunt it down and make it happen by any means necessary and not everyone can do that. People get stuck. I specialize in results (LOL) to quote Toni Childs from Girlfriends!

People pay people to help them get results! Heck I pay a personal trainer to help me shape up, a house keeper to clean my home, a mechanic to fix my baby Justice, a chef/restaurant to give me good food, etc, etc, etc.,  I pay people GOOD MONEY help me to do things I want to get done but can't do alone or don't have the skills to do on my own. Same concept here!

So with that the idea of  From Theory to Practice Consulting, LLC was born!

My plan is to provide assistance on the journey toward living your best life ever! Hope Oprah doesn't sue me for that lol but the idea is to help people with life skills by providing coaching with identifying and achieving personal and professional goals. Another aspect of my consulting will be to provide conflict management and  resolution services and training. Although they seem disconnected living your best life is about learning and growing and I think both go hand in hand. Conflict is everywhere but learning how to resolve (at best) and manage conflict leads you to the same place as setting and achieving goals... The way I see it both provide win/win outcomes for everyone involved whether its getting a new job that helps you provide a better life for your family, losing weight to increase your self esteem and improve your health, or learning how to have better relationships by employing communication techniques such as active listening in your everyday interactions...they all lead you to the same place which is living your best life!

Well that's my pitch! :-) I will report back about Saturday! I am so excited! I have a little over 20 people who have pre-paid and 5 who contacted me later and I will add them! My goal was 15 so I am happy! Things just fell into place so effortlessly! Even the venue an art studio which is the PERFECT space for this activity! The artist just offered to co-host because she had it on her To Do List! How awesome is that?! Law of Attraction at work people!!!

Anyway I will promise to report back about my workouts *gulp* that I have not planned *blush* but I will get something in. Its been over a week and nada I been going home and sleeping mostly but I pinky swear I will get something in this weekend without fail!

On another positive note I have been so inspired by the new business that I finally did a new vision board! Check me out! :-)

2012 An Amazing Year!

Happy Valentine's Day

Well its already February 14, 2012! This makes me think of my Only One Pound Poem! I am down a bit but nothing to write home about and truth me told my weight keeps going up and down the same 5 pounds anyway so I can't keep track of when I am ahead or behind lol At this point my 37 by 37 goal is...well let me check humph I am 38 pounds away from my goal lol Oh snap how'd that happen?! Well I am 19 weeks away from my birthday so that's 1.9 pounds a week needed to make goal. Doable.

Well that brings me to my current situation! I am going on a crash diet! Yeahh yeahh I know crash diets are bad but I feel like I need to jolt my system! I will also start juicing since the machine is still just sitting there in my kitchen still unopened but here's the diet!

Only things you can drink – water and no more than one cup of decaf coffee or tea a day

One glass of warm water and freshly squeezed lemon first thing in the morning and last thing before you go to bed.

Restricted diet – only fresh fruits and raw vegetables. Fish cooked only in Olive oil with mild seasoning. I’ve added gluten free pasta and rice just to give me some variety.
...
No dairy (cheese, milk, butter, nada) and only egg whites.

The person who shared this with me said she dropped 3 inches of my waist that week. I'm game! I will start Monday!

I haven't worked out since sometime last week. I am in a funky mood Beres Fan and I called it quits. :-( In a way I am sad but on the other hand gotta "Bless and release" what isn't meant to be, to be open for what is. After the holidays I should not have re-opened the door. But you live and learn or something like that!

I had already planned an evening out with friends because I won free tickets to a comedy show tonight. I am looking forward to that but I swear whats a girl to do? Well I'll tell you what I am doing I emailed that Matchmaker I talked about (from last June who now has a show in the works with Oprah! Can't I pick 'em! Dang I hope his prices are the same lol) and I have resorted to consulting an online psychic a friend referred me to. Yup that's where we are with this lol Don't judge me! I know that is judgement worthy but its Valentine's Day so leave me be!

I will be honest I dunno when I am going to the gym again. I'mma keep it real! I made an executive decision to not do the boot camp the traffic afterwards is too heavy for me to deal with. Plus it just added unnecessary stress in terms of the commute. So I have plans tonight, tomorrow, and Thursday. Friday is the night before my big Vision Board party so I'll be taking care of last minutes things for that. I will probably workout Saturday morning with my trainer to put me in the right mood. Attitude is everything so I know exercise  is key!

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the death of Whitney Huston! So sad sooo very sad. I was not a huge Whitney fan I did see her once and I am glad I had that experience but man addiction is no joke. Of course everyone is saying let's not speculate but untimely we all watched her. I have a friend who said her client got offended when she compared her addiction to food to his addiction to drugs. But I disagree! There is a comparison to be made! I mean I can't tell anyone how to feel about their addiction but in a lot of ways a food addiction is worst because you have to eat! You don't have to smoke crack or drink likka to live but you do need to eat to survive! I told her studies showed that the same chemical reaction in the brain that is triggered from drugs happens in others with chocolate.  http://www.brainhealthandpuzzles.com/brain_effects_chocolate.html That being said I need to get back on my Weight Watchers grind. I know for me weight loss is a multi faceted approach and the meeting help me a lot.  So Saturday I'll face the scale before the gym!

Anyhoo Happy Valentine's Day and try not to eat too much chocolate! :-)