Believe In Yourself

I recently was mentioned in two new bloggy & Facebook friends blogs that deal with their weight loss journey. Both are amazing inspirations to me. Sean is a weight loss genius. He once weighed 505 pounds. He now is down to 243. Amazing is all I have to say. His girlfriend Kenz has lost over 100 pounds as well. It is SO nice that they are so in love and sharing this weight-loss journey together.

The reason why I am writing this is because I will be posting a little more on my weight loss journey. I have gotten some followers from their blog shout-out who are inspired by my 188 pound weight loss (and still going!). Alot of them are just starting their journey. I really want to help them to stay motivated and to believe in themselves. Looking back to April of last year I knew I had to make a change. I looked to websites and TV shows for inspiration. If I can help anyone on their journey, this would make it all the more worth it. I only wish I found Sean's blog earlier. He actually made his blog into a diary and has tracked his weight loss for the past 680 days. Amazing. Sean you rock my friend. Kenz...you look beautiful and you guys are SO cute together.

Now for my regular readers, I hope you understand about my little blogshift. I will still post regular posts and memes, but I would like to add this aspect to my blog. Plus it will get me to blog more since ummm...I kinda...ummm take bloggy breaks alot every once and awhile. You will be very proud of me though. Below this post are three memes that I posted right in a row!

For my new readers. If this is your day one - remember day two will be easier. Hang tight. I PROMISE you, that if you stay strong and make it past the two week point, you will have it in the bag. The first two weeks are the hardest. After that, your body and mind will start to get on the same wavelength. Just believe in yourself and know you are worth it. I let alot of years slip by. I am 38 years old and am now starting to really enjoy my life. I'm happy for the first time in a long time.

Please leave any questions or suggestions you have in the comment box. I will post them in a new post and answer them all.

Stay strong and as Sean "the weight loss genius" says (my nickname for him) -- Make good choices!!! (I'm off to bed now..5am comes really quick. Especially considering I started this post right before midnight and it is now 12:16am!)

Rock & Roll Fridays Meme - Sting

I am SO on a roll with these Memes! My regular readers will be so proud of me! Should I be asleep by now? Sure!

Here is a new Meme that is starting this Friday. I'm cheating and putting it up tonight. Here is a synopis taken from the blog itself to describe how to play. If you would like to play along, please click the logo above.

Hi and welcome to Rock 'n Roll Fridays. We are like other memes in that we will ask you thirteen questions each and every Friday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick an singer, band, era or category and pick thirteen of their lyrics. Each of our questions will be based on the lyrics. Got it? Great! Let's begin this week's meme!

Today we picked Sting. The song titles from which we took the lyrics are in caps. Here's Rock 'n Roll Fridays!

1. DESERT ROSE: This desert flower, no sweet perfume ever tortured me more than this…
What is your favorite scent?
I have alot of favorite scents. But if I had to narrow it down I would have to say COFFEE. Big surprise.

2. EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE: Every move you make, every vow you break, every smile you fake, every claim you stake, I'll be watching you.
Ever stalked or researched an old flame?
I did google search someone once just to see what they were up to.

3. IF I EVER LOSE MY FAITH IN YOU: I never saw no miracle of science
that didn't go from a blessing to a curse…
What product did you buy that didn’t do what it claimed?
Some travel steamer from Bed Bath & Beyond. I returned it.

4. IF YOU NEED SOMEBODY SET THEM FREE: If you need somebody, call my name.
If you want someone, you can do the same…
Do you have a nickname or have you been called something other than your given name?
Larry calls me Honey all the time. My one nephew calls me Aunt Jo. Another one called me Aunt Jo-Jo when he was little. My best friend calls me Ma. My very dear friend Monica calls me Mamaluke. She's from Brooklyn. Hehehe

5. WE WORK THE BLACK SEAM: One day in a nuclear age they may understand our rage. They build machines that they can't control and bury the waste in a great big hole…
What do you do that is considered “Green”?
I recycle stuff at work because they have bins there.

6. MOON OVER BOURBON STREET: It was many years ago that I became what I am, I was trapped in this life like an innocent lamb…
What was the worst job you ever had?
That would have to be working part-time in a video store when I was 18. My Mom had passed away and I had two jobs to get by. Well, at the video store, I HATED to go & put back the videos in the "Adults Only" room. It used to smell in there. I don't even want to know why. *hurl*

7. I BURN FOR YOU… In peace we sleep entwined and your love flows through me. Though an ocean soothes my head, I burn for you…
What is the worst thing about sleeping with someone else in a bed?
Larry is 6'5". He has long legs.

8. FORTRESS AROUND YOUR HEART: And if I built this fortress around your heart,Encircled you in trenches and barbed wire, then let me build a bridge, for I cannot fill the chasm…
What object or piece of furniture have you built?
You must mistake me for Ethan Allan? LOL

9. ENGLISHMAN IN NEW YORK: I don't drink coffee I take tea my dear, I like my toast done on one side, and you can hear it in my accent when I talk, I'm an Englishman in New York…
Do you require special preparation for a food or drink in a restaurant?
I can't even begin to tell you. Let's just say that when one loses 188 pounds and they go out to eat...there are certain provisions that have to be made with food preparation. Bud & Sue can vouch for that. I modify everything. Poor servers.

10. FIELDS OF GOLD: I never made promises lightly, and there have been some that I've broken. But I swear in the days still left we'll walk in the fields of gold…
What was the last promise you made?
That I would take care of something for my co-worker who was out in another office today. I had my hands full because I was the only one in my department that was there today. Not bad for the end of my second week huh?

11. CONSIDER ME GONE: To search for perfection is all very well, but to look for Heaven is to live here in Hell. After today, consider me gone…
What was the worst way you ever broke up in a relationship?
I'm not really sure I ever ended anything badly.

12. THE RUSSIANS: How can I save my little boy from Oppenheimer's deadly toy, there is no monopoly in common sense on either side of the political fence…
What is your biggest fear of danger?
I'm always scared of a fire or a car accident. How morbid. Holy Moly! (ode to Bud)

13. BRAND NEW DAY: How many lonely, sleepless nights, how many lies, how many fights, and why would you want to put yourself through all that again?
Do you prefer being married or single?
I prefer being married to my husband. He's ok in my book. I'll keep him for awhile. Hehehe

Thursday Thunks Meme

1. We know how creative Berleen is with her terrific tee-shirts and such, so how about you? Do you draw anything or perhaps your name in the sand when you go to the beach?

No, but my husband Larry did! Look at how sweet he is. I was sitting looking at the ocean and he walked away for awhile. I get a text message with this picture...

2. Kimber doesn’t always leave her house. I wonder if she knows what is out her back door. What is out your back door?
If I only had a back door so I can answer this question.

3. Do you prefer the beach, a pool or a lake? Why?

Pool for swimming. Ocean for listening to and watching the waves come in. Oh yes and for walks. I prefer the pool for swimming because I don't like sand in certain places.

4. What is something recently that happened to you that you are REALLY excited about?
MY NEW JOB! I don't know if I mentioned that?? LOL Oh yes, and my weight loss.

5. I am fortunate that I come from a very close family. Are any of your great-grandparents still alive? If not did you ever meet them?
Unfortunately I never got an opportunity to even meet my grandparents. They were all deceased when I was born, as were my great-grandparents.

6. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group? Tell us about it.
I was asked to go back and speak to the new class at the University where I attended for my medical assistant certification. The Professor thought it would be good for the new class to hear a positive employment story. Alot are frightened they won't find work with this economy.

7. Have you ever bungee jumped? Would you ever bungee jump?
No and NO way.

8. How strong emotionally do you think you are?
Alot stronger than I used to be.

9. Kimber and Berleen still have NEVER met, yet they are best friends. What is the first thing you notice about people when you meet them?
Usually their eyes or their smile.

10. Who do you mess with the most?
My husband Larry. It's fun.

11. Who was the last person you talked to on a landline?
Larry..he talked to me on his drive into work. He works a horrendous graveyard shift.

12. I finally saw Avatar this week. What was the last movie you watched long after it came out and loved?
"Gone With The Wind". I saw it back in high school...but that is as far as one can get when you ask for one that was out long before you saw it. hehehe

13. What did you dream about last night?
Ok. You asked. I actually had a dream that Harley (my cat) threw up. I don't know why. I just did. Guess what? This evening he did throw up. So I am calling my dream.."Prelude To A Puke". Hey, you asked!

Wednesday Wickedness Meme: Mick Jagger

If you'd like to play along, please click on the logo above. Here is an explanation of how it works (taken from the blog itself)

Hi and welcome to Wednesday Wickedness. We are like other memes in that we will ask you ten questions each and every Wednesday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick a famous person and pick ten of their quotes. Each of our questions will be based on the quotes. Got it? Great! Let's begin this week's meme!

1. “A good thing never ends.” Have you ever had a good thing in your life that never ended?
My love for my family & friends

2. “I got nasty habits, I take tea at three.” Do you have an nasty habits?
I do not a thing to tarnish my cherub-like demeanor. *wink*

3. “I'd rather be dead than to be singing Satisfaction at 45.” He obviously changed his mind. What is something that you still do that you thought you' outgrow?
Acting like a goofball most of the time.

4. “Lose your dreams and lose your mind.” Have you lost any of your dreams as time went by?
I wasted alot of time before my weight loss. I let some dreams slip by. Now it is time to make some that are possible become a reality. One already has!

5. “I haven't had time to return to the scene because I never left it.” As you've grown older, what ways are you still act and think the way you did as when you were younger?
I say goofy. My husband says I'm nerdy. Yeah, whatever. LOL

6. “Patriotism is something that fades when the war starts.” How do you react to this quote?
"Give Peace A Chance"

7. “The past is a great place and I don't want to erase it or regret it, but I don't want to be its prisoner either.” Is there a person in your life who still treats you as the same person to when your were younger? Do you like it?
Both of my sisters still treat me like when I was younger. There is a big age difference between us. Since I understand where they are coming from, I don't mind it.

8. “It's all right letting yourself go, as long as you pull yourself back.” Have you let yourself go in any aspect of your life?
I did for many years! That's why I decided to make a "lifestyle change" and never look back. Life is too short and I wasted too many precious years.

10. “Anarchy is the only slight glimmer of hope.” How would you categorize your political point of view?
I don't like talking about politics because it gives me "adjeda". (heartburn) LOL

First Week A Success!

I made it through my first week and I love it!! I knew alot before going in the office due to my externship and volunteering at Hospice. This week I learned how to do special weekly and montly reports that I am taking over. It is funny because I really went to school to be a medical assistant. Back in January, I found out that Hospice would be the place of my externship. Everyone is assigned there. They have an agreement with the University I went to. I learned I would have to fulfill 100 hours there to qualify for my credentials. As soon as I walked in the building it felt like home to me. I can't explain it. I think God had different plans for me and was working in my life. Those 100 hours turned into almost 250. I loved going there so much. I worked in every department and out in the field with patients. I wanted "the whole" experience. Circa 7 months later, I am employed there! It was funny because the Thursday before I started, I went in and volunteered one last time. They all thought I was starting that day! Too funny.

I am very happy there. I work with a bunch of wonderful people who absolutely love what they do. I feel so blessed and thankful that I was given this opportunity. After graduation, I searched for 6 weeks for a medical assistant position. I am certified and all. But I have to honestly say I would have been settling if I was offered and accepted a position. Isn't it funny how God works things? If I hadn't gone to school, I would have never found Hospice. I loved it there and they really liked me. But, there was a hiring freeze. It got defrosted! Then a miracle happened: this position opened up. Long-time readers know that Hospice was and is my heart. God made it happen! What a blessing! I was so scared because I was one of almost a dozen candidates up for this position. Thank you, thank you, thank you is all I can say!

I have made so many changes since April 1st of 2009. I went from being an unhappy, severly overweight manager of a travel agency traveling 45 miles each way to a job that I dreaded going to. Getting laid off later in the year was the best thing that ever happened to me. Of course when it happened, I didn't see it that way! But even before that, I decided I needed to make a change --> for me! April 1st was the day I decided to change my life forever. I knew I had to lose weight in order to start my life over. I knew in the back of my mind that my boss was going to close the agency. I saw it coming. I knew I had to do something for me. For my health. I am happy to report that I am now 188 pounds lighter. I feel phenomenal. It is like I got my life back. I wake up with a spring in my step and I go to a job that I am passionate about. I am so blessed. I am so thankful. One day when I am ready I will post my before pictures. I'm just not ready to do that yet. The reason being is that I feel like I don't know that girl in the pictures. She was broken. She was tired.

Anyway, onto happier things...On the left is the picture on my work photo ID. My friend Terry (and former externship manager..now coworker!!) took this of me outside of our building. I go out there and read during lunch. It is SO peaceful and beautiful. I have to bring my camera into work so I can take better shots of the outside. Behind me is a beautiful pond with a fountain. There is also a courtyard with tables and chairs and has a gorgeous area with flowers. It is very peaceful.

I'm sorry I've been a stranger to the blogs. I am just getting adjusted to having a schedule again. I have to say..I love it! When the alarm goes off in the morning, I jump right out of bed. I don't hit snooze anymore. No more delaying for me! I got my life back and I'm holding onto it with everything I got!

Sunday Stealing & Saturday 9 - Oh My!

Both Sunday Stealing AND Saturday 9 are on this post.

45. Favorite color?
Dark purple and Black

46. Have you ever slapped someone?
Well, define slapped? LOL

47. Is your hair curly?
Wavy

48. What was the last CD you bought?
Larry normally gets all the CDs. I forget the last one I bought myself.

49. Do looks matter?
I suppose they do because there usually is some sort of attraction between two people.

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
No

51. Is your phone bill sky high?
I pay alot for our cell plan. I know it will go sky high once I get an iPhone.

52. Do you like your life right now?
YES!

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
No, I like silence.

54. Can you handle the truth?
Sure

55. Do you have good vision?
Now I do.

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
No

57. How often do you talk on the phone?
I talk daily to my two sisters.

58. The last person you held hands with?
That would be Larry

59. What are you wearing?
Clothes and a smile.

60. What is your favourite animal?


61. Where was your favorite picture taken at?
It was taken in my house before work. It is my "profile" pic now.

62. Can you hula hoop?
I haven't tried since I was young.

63. Do you have a job?
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?
A pair of shoes for work

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
Not that I can remember. LOL

1. When was the last time that you watched a sunrise? Who were you with?
Probably on my honeymoon. I was with Larry.

2. If President Obama promised he'd do one thing you asked, what would you ask him to do?
Can you PLEASE bring the troops home once and for all? Thanks!

3. What is one experience that has strengthened your character the most so far?
My weight loss

4. What is the first thing that you usually do after completing Saturday 9?
Post it and go read other people's blogs.

5. Tell us about someone either in your life or in the blogosphere that you think is extremely funny.
They both happen to be 'in my life' and in 'the blogospher'. Two of the funniest people I know and adore are Sue and Bud!

6. Where was the last bed that you slept in that was not your own?
A hotel in Amish Country that Larry and I went to a few years ago. Funny thing is that the town is called Intercourse PA. LOL!

7. Have you ever been too drunk to remember anything?
No

8. Have you ever licked something to clean it?
Ill that's gross.

9. Who, outside of family or a S/O, has influenced your life the most?
Elvis A. Presley

Good News - I'm EMPLOYED!!

Woo-Hoo!! I just wanted to let all my bloggy friends that all your good thoughts, prayers, crossed fingers & toes worked. I GOT A JOB!! It has been a tough 5 weeks since I finished school trying to find work.

OK..onto the good news. As you all know my externship during school was at Hospice. You all know that Hospice is my heart right? Well guess what...they hired me! What happened was a position opened up. They knew I wanted to work there and they really like me. One manager told my extern manager to call me in for an interview. I had my interview on Tuesday at 2pm. I left there at 3pm. They offered me the position at 5pm! I cannot even believe it. Miracles happen. I am going to have a more administrative position. I was out in the field and doing administrative work during my externship. But this is wonderful. I will have great benefits. I will be where my heart is.

I start on Monday!! Yay!!! ♥ Thank you all again for believing in me and supporting me during this journey. I will keep you posted!

Wednesday Wickedness And An Its About Time Hello!

1. "I don't really see the point in washing your hair. If you don't care if your hair's clean or not then why would you wash it?" How often do you wash your hair?
Daily

2. "I take way too long to get dressed, like way too long. But only for things like shows or if I have to do public appearances. Like, I’m ridiculous, I’ll keep getting changed and getting changed and then I’ll just put on the same thing I wore the day before." Do you take longer to dress for a special event?
On Friday, I went to a reallly great job interview. The practice manager was only going to be in the office from 12pm to 2:15pm. She called me at 12:30pm and said, "I know this is last minute but I would really love to interview you before the office is closed on vacation next week, can you come before I leave at 2:15pm?" --- I walked into her office at 1pm. It took me a 1/2 hour to get dressed into my "interview outfit" do my hair & makeup and drive to the place. So with enough passion behind it, no, it doesn't take me long to dress for a special event.

3. "My dad's a car dealer, but I grew up in London, so I always say I don't drive…I get driven. I got a driving lesson in Oregon, and then I bought a car in L.A. and I basically learned how to drive by people honking at me. I'm terrible at driving." Are you a good driver?
I believe I am. I drive all the time. I even drive Larry's car when we drive together. He hates driving.

4. "I don't spend any money. The only thing I've really bought is my car, which cost $1,500 and keeps exploding. It would be nice to buy a house for my parents, but at the same time my parents are so comfortable where they live; they would probably just feel like it was a burden. I wear the same clothes every day and the only thing I used to splurge on was DVDs." If you had his money, what would be the first thing you spent it on?
I'd probably buy this quote guy some clothes and a case of shampoo.

5. "I aspire to be Jack Nicholson. I love every single mannerism. I used to try and be him in virtually everything I did, I don't know why. I watched One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest when I was about 13, and I dressed like him. I tried to do his accent. I did everything like him. I think it's kind of stuck with me." Who is your favorite actor?
For his acting ability ~ Jack Lemmon. For everything else ~ Josh Holloway. (Holy Moly!)

6. "Someone stole my shoelaces once from my shoes. I still wear them and never put laces in them - they're like my trademark shoes now!" Have you ever changed your appearance because of a random happenstance?
Happenstance: (noun) a chance circumstance. Sorry, had to look that up. Gee, this guy seems like a real catch doesn't he? -- Well let's see the back anklestrap of my Croc broke off so I broke off the other one so they matched. Does that count?

7. "I never really considered myself attractive. I was always kind of gangly in school." Do you consider yourself attractive?
I don't even know how to answer this question. Oh yes, I'm just the bee's knees. LOL

8. "I definitely want to record an album, direct a film and start my own religion. I definitely wouldn’t have to pay taxes anymore.” If you started your own religion, what would it be like?
It would be some sort of cafeteria catholic religion. You get to pick and choose what you like.

9. "I do bear some similarities in the sense that I’m not good at romance. I also think I lack basic finesse when it comes to women. I give up too easily even if I’m very attracted to someone." Have you ever given up too easily in the game of love?
Nah, sometimes I think I gave too much instead of gave up too easily.

10. " I don’t want to disappoint girls who might think I’m very cool and smooth, which I’m not, I’m afraid. I’m still quite shy, although that seems to be something of an attraction for women." Are you, or have you ever been attracted to shy people?
I did more than be attracted to a shy person ---> I married him!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hello Everyone! I'm sorry that I haven't been on the blogs. I really meant to get back sooner. I was having a "down in the dumps" spell. It has been VERY hard to find work as a medical assistant near where I live. Everyone wants 2+ years experience. No one wants to give you a chance. It is terrible. The ophthalmologist's office called back and said that there is still a hiring freeze but as "soon as it is lifted, we will call you and if you are still available the job would be yours, you wouldn't have to interview again'. Sorta positive. But, when will the freeze get defrosted is my question.

The gynecologist office finally got back to me today and said it was "a difficult decision but Dr So and So would like to keep your resume on file". Sure. If you don't want me now, why would you want me later?

But on a more positive note...I went on an awesome job interview on Friday. I am hoping to God that I will get this position. It is for an oral surgeon's office being both a medical & surgical assistant. This was the interview that I got ready for and got there in the speed of light. Plus, I didn't wipe out at this one. LOL! The practice manager was so impressed with how fast I got there. She already did interviewing. I was her one and only interview on Friday. She was only going in the office for 2hrs or so to tidy up before the office went on vacation this week. The good news is she told me that I am one of their top considerations. PLEASE LORD!!!! Guys, I'm serious...I even broke out my rosary. I don't want to jinx it, but seriously I would love to work there. Please pray for me! Hopefully since I was her last interview I will be fresh in her mind and since she was so impressed with how fast I got there, maybe that will show how serious I am! I sent her a handwritten thank you card as well. *praying!*

I need this job now more than ever. I am one of the statistics right now. I am entitled to an unemployment extension since my original claim benefits exhausted two weeks ago. I would be entilted to my Tier 1 (EUC) extension. There are 6 extensions in New Jersey. Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4, Extended Benefits and High Extended benefits. I'm on my first one. Well that is if the Senate would stop playing bipartisan tag and vote YES for the extension. They fought over it since the beginning of the month and tried to get something passed before they went on a long July 4th break. With the Democratic Senator passing away, they were one vote short of passing it. Now they have to vote a new guy in to replace the deceased Senator. Then there may be a chance of passing it, but now well after July 14th. So, right now I'm without benefits coming in. I just finished school in June. It is hard to find a job that quick ~ especially when everyone wants experience and they slam the foot you are trying to get in the door!

Ok, I'll get off my soap box now. See, this is why I've been quiet. I'm starting to lose my cherub-like demeanor. I don't want you all to think ill of me. It is just very frustrating.