Dreamin'

If this is a dream please don't wake me up. I am so happy, content, at peace, and full of love and joy. For once in my life my happiness is not predicated on someone or something. My happiness comes from within. I believe more and more everyday that "Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." I am so very grateful for everything.

Shopping is fun!

I'm discovering lots of new things everyday --  shopping for clothes is actually kind of fun. I use to dread shopping and trying on clothes, but as of late I just grab my size off the rack and head to the fitting room. Last night, I tried on multiple outfits. Even left the dressing room a couple times and came back with new items to try on. Unheard of as a big girl. Heck, that would be way too much work.

I must add, I NO longer need to shop in the plus size section. I can shop juniors and misses. Actually, I start in juniors first, followed by misses, and then I still make my way back to the plus size section. What can I say? Old habits die hard. Surely, I can still fit some items from plus size, but it's no longer, mandatory. Heavy sigh. What a good feeling!

Healthy Cooking 101 is back!

Don't you wanna come?

Funny how things just work themselves out. The universe has opened the doors for me in so many ways lately. Thank you. Thank you. Those who have been following me for a while, remember my healthy cooking classes last summer? Well, I really hadn't considered teaching the classes anymore. I figured my life had taken a different course. Recently, one of my class participant/friend even asked me about hosting another class. I politely told her no.

Then, the other day, I was talking with a lady about furthering my career in public speaking. She was offering me tips and pointers, suggesting that I join Toastmasters International. She went on to tell me about a Laughing Yoga class she teaches at my favorite grocery store, Chuck's Produce & Street Market. I thought hmm...maybe I could speak there. Long story, short I contacted the marketing department at Chuck's and instead of  speaking I've been given the opportunity to host Healthy Cooking 101 classes at my favorite store in their beautiful, spacious kitchen. Yes, Healthy Cooking 101 is back!

My first two classes in September will feature lettuce wraps. I will talk about the versatility and ease of preparing them and YOU get to sample all the goodness. There is NO charge for the classes. Yeah, that's right NO charge. Just make sure you sign up at the front desk.

Asian Lettuce Wraps from my class last summer

Monday, September 12th from 6 - 7 pm
Asian Inspired Lettuce Wraps

Friday, September 16th from 6 - 7 pm Mediterranean Inspired Lettuce Wraps


The classes are free and open to the community. Please help me make my debut at Chuck's one to remember!  Click here to see the schedule and details Chuck's Produce & Street Market.

Chuck's Produce and Street Market
13215 SE Mill Plain Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98684

Rappers and Athletes

I envy how rappers and athletes can openly celebrate their victories. Ever listen to a rap song? They boast about themselves how they come from the bottom up. I think that's part of the reason I like to listen to rap. I mean, it would be nice to just say something like what Drake says without feeling self-conscious: "Everyone who doubted me is asking for forgiveness. If you ain't been a part of it at least you got to witness..." Oh and this is another favorite line of mine: "Started off local, but thanks to all the haters, I know G4 pilots on a first name basis." Wow! Talking about saying how you really feel. I love it! Maybe instead of motivational speaking, I should be a rapper. Ha ha.

After a killer lob, Serena Williams, pumps her fist in the air and screams, "C'mon!" Just pumping her self up and letting her opponent know she's juiced. Kobe Bryant goes to the hole and then celebrates with his teammate by bumping chests. I'm never offended by their actions because they are simply celebrating their success. What's so wrong with that? I say nothing. Heck, we all should celebrate our successes more often.

I have to be ME

Greeting September with a smile

Hello, September. I don't want to start you off on a negative note, but sometimes it's best to not hold things in. So forgive me for greeting you with negativity. Please be assured that there will be no more negativity on my part this month.

With that said, I'm on a mission to be the best person I can be. I'm fine tuning myself as I grow and learn. Again, I say this is a transformation from the inside out. By creating Farewell Fatso! I've put myself, my journey on public display. So I can expect from time-to-time to receive not so positive comments or feedback. That's just part of it. Lately, though there's been a monkey on my back and frankly I'm tired of carrying it around. I feel as if some folks really aren't rooting for me instead quite the opposite.

I have to be me. I'm a complex person with several layers. Sorry to offend, annoy, or make you feel less than for being me. Here's what I say to those not on my team: You don't have to be on my team. I'm going to make it with or without your approval or support. Please keep your negative thoughts and attitudes far away.  I was telling my dear friend about comments that have been made. Here's her touching response:


"...The rest of us get so much benefit from you that it doesn't matter. They just aren't ready to face themselves or the world. There's nothing you say that isn't worth hearing about repeatedly unless you're an ugly hater that doesn't want to face facts about yourself personally. DO NOT let that get to you.  I spent months watching, reading, hearing what you said and not being ready. But I am not a hater, besides I love the dickens out of you so I kept on. At any rate, my point is by doing so and with the blessing of you sharing...I am getting control of my life back. Baby steps all be it, but I'm coming back. I feel lots better. Not because I am thinner, but because I am just plain better and slowly getting more control back. I feel better that I control my food and it doesn't control me. I am slowly seeing me for who/what I really am and not all that negative talk all the time. What next? It could be anything. I could get out of this loveless relationship I'm in or maybe even find a way to bring love back to it. Who knows? But I do KNOW this....you my friend are so very responsible for much of this. I take credit for doing it myself. But IDK if I could have done it without you sharing your journey. It helped like flip a switch in my brain. I am not you by any means. But because of you I am a better me. I may not have articulated how I truly feel very well, but I think you might get it. So please girl, don't take it away from me because of some folks that haven't been saved can't handle the truth about themselves. I'm serious, and I can't imagine my life is the only life you've touched so deeply. Maybe our friendship has made your story hit home a little harder than if you were a stranger to me, IDK what ever it is.... You are amazing and you let me know I can be amazing too." xoxoxo ♥♥ 

There's lots of positive stuff going on in September and based on my already full calendar. I have a funny suspicion, dare I say, September may trump August. I'm so very excited about sharing my story with more and more people and inspiring folks to action.  September 2011 will be sensational!