Believe in YOU

Our thoughts are very powerful. "What we think, we become."  I try to only think positive thoughts. I try to surround myself with positive, encouraging  people. By doing so, I stay, well, positive.

Y'all know I'm a huge professional tennis fan. I love the sport, and admire the fortitude it takes to play at that level. The mental, physical. Every day when the player's take the court it's just them against their opponent -- kinda like life, there's just YOU.

A couple of weeks ago, Andy Murray finally won a Grand Slam title. A month prior he won the Gold in singles at the Olympics. It's been a long time coming for him. He's been battling against the top ranked players for several years now with no title.

Yet, he continued to walk out on the court and give it his all. He's even had to change coaches a few times. That must be tough on the psyche. Then there's the naysayers (myself included) who counted him out, never believed he was going to win. I didn't even watch the final because I thought for sure he'd lose. When I saw the final score I was SHOCKED, but also so very happy for him. Actually, I found myself crying. What a beautiful thing -- to NEVER give up on yourself. To always believe in yourself. No matter what anyone else thinks. Wow. That's awesome. Congrats, Andy!

After Andy's victory, I thought about all the people who have supported me and my endeavors (I've had a lot of them). And then there were the folks who didn't quite support my ideas, couldn't really grasp the depth of my vision. That's cool. I'm thankful for them too because really at the end of the day It doesn't matter much what anyone else thinks. It's what I think. It's what I believe. Like Andy Murray, I've been counted out by some folks, but I believe in myself so I just keep playing to win.

Celebration!

One year ago, today I started teaching cooking classes at Chuck's Produce & Street Market. Last night, along with 28 food enthusiasts -- family included, I celebrated my one year anniversary and the release of my NEW cookbook Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box. To commemorate the special night I wore the same apron I wore the first class and created the same delicious Lettuce Wraps (recipe in cookbook).

 Thanks to the foodies who have come out time and time again to support me, my family -- for your love, and to the staff of Chuck's for allowing me to use your beautiful kitchen to share my love of good food with the community.

Photos by Cassie Hill (my darling little cousin)

Mirror Mirror

I've been obese my entire life so it's a little absurd for me to believe I can erase the years and years of unhealthy behaviors overnight. For goodness' sakes I use to weigh a mortifying 388 pounds.

Today, I'm 170 pounds lighter, healthier, and happier. But, it's been a while since I've recorded a lost in weight or inches. The good news is I haven't gained any weight or increased in inches either. So, it's safe to say I'm able to maintain, and the practices I've adopted in my life are sustainable.

I tell myself, maybe I'm suppose to be here in this space. Maybe this is what's comfortable for my body right now. And yes my thoughts are sort of contradictory, but like I've said before my blog is my diary and you just so happen to be privy to read it. Bear with me.

I have to remind myself, this is no yo-yo, fad diet. I'm not seeking a quick fix. I'm creating a healthy lifestyle for myself by eating a wide variety of fresh, whole food, discovering new things beyond food, exercising, and reaching out to the community along the way. I'm proud of myself. It's taken an awful lot of discipline and deep inward stares at myself to lose and keep the weight off.  I've taken a whole lot of negative and turned it into a whole lot of positive.

Yet and still, the other day when I caught my reflection in the mirror, it caused me to pause and ask myself "Are you  giving it your all?" Sure, I've been busy, busy, writing my latest cookbook. Sure, I've been busy facilitating community meetings, speaking at various events, and hosting cooking classes. But those things encompass my life. Shouldn't I be able to balance it all? Heavy sigh. I'd like to think -- yes.  I'm going to have to figure out a way to make them all fit together and still work towards my fitness and weight loss goals.

Because of my weight loss success, folks, ask me all the time, "What makes me stay with it?" It's simple, I look in the mirror. A journey of this sorts takes a consistent commitment. Evaluation of self -- onus. Discipline. Accountability. I've come this far by being honest with myself, about my goals, whether or not I'm giving 100 percent. If I find that I'm not giving 100 percent. I call myself out, confront myself. I'm a no non-sense type gal, who doesn't make a lot of excuses. So my latest glimpse in the mirror has me on a new mission. A mission to put all the pieces together.

Mirror mirror I seek balance. Balance so that I can do all the things that I enjoy: blogging, authoring cookbooks, hosting cooking classes, speaking to the community, all while I continue to work on my health and fitness goals.

A look at my transition over the years...

It's more than the physical weight I've lost. It's more about the inner strength and peace I've found.

Reward

After a chill Labor day weekend, I was all set to return to my workout routine. It's Tuesday so that means time to get my Row on -- Bike & Row with Ted. Walked in the studio and it was rather dead. It's usually buzzing with energy. Peeked in the classroom, empty.

At ten after 12 it was apparent I was the only one coming to class. So, Ted decided to reward my efforts with a one-on-one personal training session.Yes! Just what I needed a kick-butt strength and cardio workout. Ted and I shared stories and laughed as he challenged my strength, balance, and my favorite part -- stretched me out.

Like most days, I had a slew of things on my to-do-list, but I made my workout a priority and low and behold I was rewarded for my good behavior. Sometimes it's the thing(s) we don't necessarily want to do, but do anyway that yield the biggest reward(s).

BTW, I love working out at Northwest Personal Training they really are the BEST.

What's Happening: September

Bye-bye summer, hello fall. I love transitioning into the calmer, cooler months.  With the release of my NEW cookbook, Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box   September 2012, however, will be far from calm, it will be busy, busy, busy. Lots of cookbook promotion and community building happening this month.

This weekend
On a personal note, I'm super-excited to have my first ever BouDoir photo shoot -- I received it as a 40th birthday gift and for all my hard work ! I can't wait to get all dolled up! Make-up, nails, hair, and oh all the outfit changes. Super fun!
--
I'm looking forward to returning to Chuck's Produce & Street Market for my first cooking class since I went into full cookbook production late May. This is going to be an extra-special class. It marks my one year anniversary teaching cooking classes. To commemorate I will feature Lettuce Wraps (the very same recipe I began with) and I'll have copies of the new book for sale.

Tuesday, September 11th
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Outside of the Box: Asian and Mediterranean inspired lettuce wraps. Fresh, tasty, and easy to prepare.

• Classes are F-R-E-E
• Please call store to sign-up for class and reserve your seat
• Class size is limited to about 20

Chuck's Produce & Street Market
13215 SE Mill Plain Blvd.
Vancouver, 98684
360. 597.2700
--
Later in the week, I'll be at Tully's Coffee for a cookbook signing.

Friday, September 14th
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box-- Cookbook Signing
Step OUTSIDE of the prepared food box
Tully's Coffee
1801 SE 164th Ave.
Vancouver 98683
360.256.1114
--
Sunday, September 23rd
11:30 a.m - 1:30 p.m.
Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box-- Cookbook Signing
Di Tazza Gourmet Coffee & Cafe                                                                               
2100 Southeast 192nd Avenue
Vancouver 98683

360.210.7087

---
To end the month...

Wednesday, September 26
6- 7:30 p.m.
"5 or 50" Women's Sustainable Weight Loss & Lifestyle Group 
Cascade Park Community Library
600 NE 136th Ave
Vancouver, 98684
360.256.7782

September proves to be plenty of busy and fun! I hope to see you out and about. Here, there, and every where. If for any reason you aren't able to make any of these dates. No worries. My October calendar has double the dates including a return to Clark College bookstore and a snacking presentation and book signing at Cascade Park Community Library.