Do or Die

Ok, I'm tired and fed up with this whole weight loss thing. I was so close to being out of the 200's (I was 3lbs away) and I messed it up with eating my moms cooking for Easter, stupid yeast rolls! Then it roller coaster from there. Next thing you know, I was eating everything is site. Ohhh meee! If I could have just stuck with the plan and stay focus I would be in the 190's, but ohhh nooo, I just had to be greedy and had the mentality of "one BIG plate is not going to hurt, I'm treating myself." Ok people, I'm going to go hard core with the diet. Summer is almost here and I want to be fierce and ready. I have been fat too long (every summer since 2005). I haven't been in a size 9/10-11/12 since Jesus rose from the dead, lol...

I have always been the chunky one in my family. Both my sister are slim. They don't ever stress about food, dieting, etc...they just eat right. Sometimes I wish I had their built, but this is what God gave me and I have to have discpline.

I did challenge one of my Facebook friends on the weight lost. She too is trying to lose the weight by June 5. I told her I was game and that I'll whip her butt. So now that I have competition, I should be well motivated!

I have 3 goal outfits that I can't wait to fit in. Yes, I will post pics when I reach my goal in these outfits too. I'm trying to figure out that if I lose a steady 3lbs a week then that will be a total of 21 pounds by June 5th. That will have me at 188 wearing a size 13/14 which is cool. I definitely want to be in that comfortable 11/12 by my birthday August 6th and before I start school. I don't need the stress of school and weight lost, too much, too much!

My hard core weight loss routinue will be:

1. No more treating myself with food

2. No more taking a break from eating healthy

3. No more making excuses of "I only live once" motto.

4. No sugary drinks or foods.

I want to be healthy and strong. I have 3 kids who keep me busy + a husband. I want to be and look fierce and hott. I want ppl to say, 'oh my, it doesn't look like you have kids, etc...' I don't ever want to have that "Mom" look regardless of my age.

That's why I love Kimore Lee Simmons. She stays on top of her game and she has children. We are about the same age too. She is such an inspriation.

I started yesterday so here I go. I will keep you all posted on the progress...that will be another motivational tool too. So here it goes!

Piracy

COMAST NEWS
"A Somali teenager arrived to face what are believed to be the first piracy charges in the United States in more than a century, smiling but saying nothing as he was led into a federal building under heavy guard.

Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse, the sole surviving Somali pirate from the hostage-taking of an American ship captain, was to appear in a courtroom Tuesday on what were expected to be piracy and hostage-taking charges.

Handcuffed with a chain wrapped around his waist and about a dozen federal agents surrounding him, the slight teen seemed poised as he passed through the glare of dozens of news cameras in a drenching rainstorm. His left hand was heavily bandaged from the wound he suffered during the skirmish on the cargo ship, the Maersk Alabama."

This is so hurtful and has been bothering me since I found out that the authorities caught and will trial this teenage Somalian pirate. On one hand I was happy that they caught him, but in the same breath I was grieving. I know how we Americans can be and get when foreigners mess with our stuff or people. I know justice will be serve, but let's be real....it's the behind the scenes things that we the public won't see done to this boy. Yes, he has family and love ones, let's keep that in mind. Yes, it was wrong for what he and his boys do/doing/did. So I just hope it will be a reasonable punishment for him, especially this being the first piracy charge in America. I don't even want him in the jail where the others are. We got knuckle heads in our prison system and when these American jail birds find out he will be among them, ohhhhh lorddddd, this poor kid is probably going to get jumped, shanked, raped, beaten and all other crazy stuff done to him for messing with our stuff. Come on! I'm sure you all heard what jail birds do to men who rape children, they get it worst. I pray he makes it out alive and get to see his family again.

But on the flip side of my compassion...my father told me several months ago that when they (mom and dad) went on the cruise, they got word that one of the other cruise ships was discovered by pirates and that cruise ship had to get on the good foot so the pirates wouldn't catch up to them! NOW, that's scary! Imagine you are enjoying your vacation with your spouse and children and some pirates try and pull over your cruise line....mannnn, I would be scared and pissed off. You mean to tell me that I saved up family vacation money to get pulled over by pirates, tied up, and forsaken?! If I cursed, now would be the time you would be reading curse words, lol.

So as you see, I do want justice to be served, but in the same breath, I don't want us Americans (more so the jailbirds and psycho authorites) to kill him or torture him (I know they do that in other countries), but I hope we are better then that. (I'm not naive, I know that goes on here too.)

Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse, and the people that will be around him while he is in the US will be in my prayers.

Quality Time With Spouse

Ahhh, there is nothing like spending quiet moments with my husband. Kids are gone at grandma's. House is clean, laundry put away (I wish it would stay away), and I'm looking and smelling good, mmm....I find it sweet after all these years he is still pulling on me wanting a kiss. One of my fav quiet time with the hubby is when we go out to eat, rent a movie, come home to cuddle on the couch with our lounging clothes on. If the phone rings then "forget about it" (say that with an Italian accent, lol).
Smelling his cologne on his chest can be intoxicating and sometimes I may even fall asleep. It's soothing to me when my hubby's warm hands rub my back. It feels as though all the cares of the world doesn't even matter anymore.

It's the priceless moments in the relationship that matter. Not the flowers, mini shopping spree, I love you cards, ie...but it's the little things like him texting you an I love you message, I just called to say hi, supporting your dream/goal, or listening to you vent about your day/family/friends (even though he may tune you out, lol).

There have been times I took my hubby for granted. I had my 'wake up' call when he went to SC to his cousin's wedding. Simple things around the house almost didn't get done. Taking out the trash was one of them...when I heard them coming down the street, my youngest child and I were straggling down the steps in the rain trying to pull the heavy trash can. I admit, I did wait til the last minute. Mind you I wasn't dressed either. I know the garbage men were laughing at me when I was rushing out trying to catch them with night clothes still on. Other little things too, like car tires and getting the oil change..... Trust me, I'm as independant as they come, but I guess my hubby spoiled me in certain areas.

Yeah, I confess. Sometimes I do play 'damsel in distress' with him for the extra attention, lol, and it works too. Love it!

Not The Meaning Of Easter

As I was searching for an illustration for the Easter blog entry, this is what I mostly found. Pictures of decorated eggs, bunnies, chocolate candy, baby chicks, more colored eggs and I'm just as puzzled as puzzled can be. What happened? This is not the meaning of Easter and if I wasn't a Christian, I would believe that there is an Easter bunny hopping around giving out goodies. I know it's all fun and games, but come on! It's kinda scary. Can you imagine Christ sitting at the right hand of the Father, after Jesus has rose from the dead, then all the sudden, this Bunny comes in and try to steals the real meaning of Easter. Almost like the 'The Grinch who stole Christmas'. Has anyone ever stole your thunder? Didn't feel good, did it? Well same there. I had to repent, as a Christian, I too had gotten caught up in the hype commercialized Easter. I was focusing on getting baskets, treats, candies, toys, egg hunt and the whole nine. Matter of fact, I was starting to get frustrated that I couldn't afford some of the things for my children. That's when I felt God pulling on my heart reminding me that's not Easter.

After three days and three nights, Jesus rose from the dead. It is because of Christ, we now can conquer and have power over sickness and death. We have power over the enemy. What a gift! It doesn't stop there, His name has power. Have you ever had a bad dream or sensed a demonic presence in your room or whatever...say the name 'Jesus' with authority and sure enough it is gone. In the bible it says 'demons flee at the name Jesus. That's what's up.

When Jesus was resurrected from the dead, that granted us access for our health, spirit, situations, marriage, family, job, finance etc... to be resurrected as well. Just BELIEVE. He will do it.

I'm not saying that I did away with the easter baskets, eggs, candy, etc...but I'm not focusing on that. My focus is back on Christ and what He resurrected in my life. As you all know, for me, it was my marriage and health. Again, God can do it, but you have to be willing to do your part. Who said it was going to be easy? But trust me, it was well worth it. I am now enjoying my harvest.

Happy Easter!

Make Time For Yourself

Laundry, dishes, cleaning, lecturing children, wiping butts, spanking butts, and cooking dinner for family are some of the few things we do as mothers. We are caregivers who are forever giving out to our families, friends, and even other peoples children. Moms, before we take on the never ending load of caring for our families, we must first take care of ourselves. Yes, I know we heard it over, and over, simple, but yet some of us struggle with it. Something as simple like a hot bubble bath with candles, buying that sweet perfume that you have been wanting, or getting those chic pair of shoes you just gotta have. Whatever it is, make time to do it. How can you care for others when you are not taking care of yourself? Not just physically, but even mentally. Mothers and even mothers to be, you need to start having "Mommy Time." When you care for yourself it shows and people respect that. Matter of fact, most people treat you according to how you look. Yeah, I know it's not right, but that's how society is. Don't look tired and worn out. Try and look neat and fresh at all times even if you are wearing the same pair of jeans or sweats over and over. Make sure you smell good too.

Moms, don't lose yourself or your fashion in motherhood (I did, but I'm back on track). It's so easy to get lost in little Johnny's soccer, Susan's piano lessons, PTO meetings, homework, school projects, drama, tap, ballet, swimming, planning birthday parties, husband's and household needs! It's so easy to throw on the same ole sweats that you wear just about everyday...and your hair is probably all slicked back in a ponytail. Why? You are probably being pulled left and right from family, so it's convenient, fast, quick and easy. NOT! Whatever or however you do it, be CUTE. I admire ladies who have children and their hair is on point, make up fresh (if they are wearing any), clothes are sharp, sassy pair of shoes and more importantly they have a good attitude. I love it! They encourage me to keep it up. I try to be that Hott Momma and I think I'm doing pretty good (however, I do have my off days, lol).

Don't fall into the rut of things. Do you! Let the family know that you are having 'mommy time or me time.' You'll rediscover yourself all over again.

Whatever it is that you like to do or been wanting to do, start planning and make it happen!