~*Getting Healthy*~

As stated in my previous post, I started my 7 day detox on a Sunday. On the following Monday, one of my typical training days, I was weighed and re-measured. To my own surprise (I'm always skeptical) I LOST 10 lbs, 1.5 inches from my belly area, 1 inch from my hips, and .5 inch from my thighs.

I'm now starting week one of my new meal plan, it's a low-carb, low-fat, low-glycemic index diet. I am only supposed to have 1 serving of fruit a day. I don't know how I am going to make it without a lot of fruit but I am supposed to be cutting a lot of the sugars out so I have to try.

Stay tuned for more results. . .

~*Getting Healthy*~

After years of procrastination I finally decided I am going to start a workout regimen and stick to it. After having a gym membership that has gone to waste for 7 months I decided I needed more of a 'kick in the butt', so I hired a personal trainer.

I was given a 7 day Fruit and Vegetable Detox.
A detox is a strict diet for a short period of time that is supposed to have a very effective outcome for the body. With this detox for 7 days I can not have sugar, bread, caffeine, or meat of any kind. The list of vegetables and fruit I am given is all I can eat. I can only eat 3 servings of fruit a day, but ALL the veggies I want. The ending result of this detox is to rid the digestive system of harmful toxins from years of processed foods, alcohol, medicines, etc. In nearly all cases people who do a strict detox lose pounds of water weight, gain energy, and improve overall digestion. Doing a detox does have certain side-effects such as: Headaches, sore muscles, irritability, fatigue and being physically weak.

My Experience:
I began my detox on Sunday, December 5. It has been two days and I have experienced headaches, irritability, and fatigue. While this is not an easy experience, especially with all the temptations and cravings I am determined to see it through and see how well it works for me.


For additional information search Fruit and Vegetable Detox and visit: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_3_33/ai_104836632/

~Thankful~

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2010


My posting may be a little late but I hope everyone
had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Whether you have a big
family or a small one, be thankful of the Love you have.
I have learned a lot in the last few years, but one thing
I have learned is that I am truly thankful for my mother and sister,
the few real friends that I have; who have stuck by me
and helped me through various situations, and even
the seasonal people who have helped me know that I
can be stronger than I ever thought possible.

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words,but to live by them.

***Let Go of Worry***

Why let go?

No matter how much you may want to effect a change, there are some problems that can't be solved by any action on your part. You just have to wait and see how things turn out. Worrying about the matter won't help.

What does letting go mean?

Letting go means giving up your sense of control, and this can be difficult to do. Often people feel that if they worry enough, they might affect the outcome. But in those cases and times when control doesn't help and worry only hurts, it's worth the effort to give up both worry and control.

How can you let worry go?

Different people have different ways. Some find that meditation helps (which I have began doing). Some listen to music or sing a song. Try putting your worry in the palm of your hand and blowing it away. Close your eyes and imagine the worry putting on its coat and hat and walking slowly out of the room. The important thing for you is to say good-bye to useless worry.

Check out this amazing article I came across while doing some research, posted by Erika Johnsen "Let It Go"---> http://kortekum.blogspot.com/2010/06/let-it-go-by-t-d-jakes.html

~Music: One Republic~

My all time favorite song by them! Timberland just added a little 'umph' to it.
Apologize


My newest favorite from them!
Secrets

~*Real Talk*~

So the saying goes..."How people treat you is their karma, how you react is yours" if this is the case why is it when I don't react or retaliate I seem to get the shorter end of the stick? or am I missing something hmmm...

Once upon a time, I was the nicest person you would ever meet. I was kind of a pushover (yes, I will admit it). I never had enemies in high school, in fact I was cool with every "Clique" there was from the band "geeks" to the cheer squad to the jocks to the emo crew. After entering college my nice persona stayed in affect until about my 2nd semester when I got a 'back bone' and spoke my mind to people. When it came down to it people knew when I was serious about something, but aside from when I was serious I was still super nice and got along with everyone.

The Point:
I ultimately learned that majority of the people I went to college with were phony and full of it. There were a couple of people that I became so close with but I ultimately paid the price because while they were the ones doing wrong (cheating, using people, lying to people) in order to save their own asses they "threw me under the bus," why?...because I was closest to them or maybe because I was just the most vulnerable. I can never understand why people don't take responsibility for their own actions but yet they claim to be so real. If there is one thing I can't stand besides a liar is having someone lie on my name, but yet there is no point trying to offer my side of the story to the person they tell the lie to for experiences have proven they are still going to remain there being lied to, cheated on, and used. Going back to the quote "How people treat you is their karma, how you react is yours," in the multiple times I have been kicked and let down I have yet to put them on 'blast' by revealing all the evidence I hold and their secrets to the world. So my question remains I do nothing and don't retaliate, I pray and try to figure out why this has happened and yet it seems as thou I get the bad karma, or am I missing something? Am I taking it all as a bad thing when in actuality it is a good thing?

The Lesson:
One thing is for certain from all of this I have definitely learned don't give anyone multiple chances. If you screw me over once that is more than enough. "He that deceives me once, it is his fault; if twice, it is mine."([1659 N. R. Proverbs English, French, Dutch, Italian & Spanish 54])

My Promise to Myself:

To continue to be a better person. To move forward without looking back anymore. Accept that what has happened is what it is and cannot be changed. Let go of all the junk cluttering my mind and move on with positive thoughts. Have faith and know that sometimes life has greater expectations for me than I even have for myself.

***Good riddance and good night blog world. Thanks for being my diary!

"It's not wrong to be nice to everybody but learn to be true to only few. So you won't end up being betrayed by someone whom you've trusted."

***Dinner Time***

I recently had the chance to try Jamaican Curry Chicken, thanks to one of my friends. Ever since trying it I decided I wanted to try to make this yummy dish myself. Below is the recipe I used.

~Jamaican Curry Chicken~

Ingredients

- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 (3 pound) chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 large onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large potatoes
- peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1/4 cup Jamaican curry powder
- 4 Stems of Thyme





*Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
*Cook the chicken, onions, and garlic until the chicken
has browned; about 5 minutes.
*Stir in potatoes, salt, and curry powder; add enough water
to cover the chicken halfway.
*Cover, and simmer until tender, 30 to 40 minutes.

Once done, plate with your choice of rice (white rice is said to be best), and ENJOY!!!

~*Interesting Beauty Tip*~

Recently, a new beauty tip/technique caught my attention. My sister is a make-up junkie and is always searching for new tips and tricks for make-up users. Like me she has very oily skin, especially when the weather is hot or humid. She came across several reviews where people raved about using Phillips milk of magnesia, yes the laxative, to use as a barrier on the skin to stop the excess oil. My sister presented this tip to me so I decided to try it out, without make-up because I rarely wear any.
I started by cleansing my face with my Clinique face wash, next I apply my toner, then the moisturizer. Then I took a couple of drops of the milk of magnesia (in my hand) and applied to my face.

Results:
Later in the day I checked to see if my face was less oily. To my surprise my face was far less oily that it normally is. I will be trying this technique several more times to see if it actually works (for me) or if it is just another thing I can add to my list of FAILURES.

*Clinique Clear Skin System*

I know it's been a while since I last posted an updated on my skin care. Lately, I have been breaking out even more than I have in a long time. My face is as oily as it used to be before I started using the kit. I'm not really sure why it seems to not be working anymore, but I think I think overall this was not the product for me. I'll probably finish up what I have left and try something else next.

Until next time......

~*Real Talk*~

"Friendship is not friendship without trust, without it I walk alone."
- James P. Michels Jr.


It's been a while since my last post...just been super busy. I am in the process of posting a recipe I tried out, but taking a break from that I have been through a lot the last few weeks and need to vent a little. Basically, I'm trying to figure out how the hell can I possibly get myself in similar situations back to back. I am at a point in the situation where there is the potential of losing a dear friend someone I thought I could talk to about anything. My friend blindsided one of his 'friend's' with meeting someone new in his life when she didn't even want to meet them. Upon their introduction the new person tells the 'friend' "I've heard so much about you" when in turn my dear friend has revealed nothing bout this new person to the 'friend'. The 'friend' is confused about what could this person know about me (she has confided a lot to my dear friend). Now comes my situation I have been through a lot with my dear friend, but what I don't understand is if I mean as much as they say I mean to them, why have I yet to hear about this person or know anything/as much as everyone else does? Why didn't my dear friend tell me they were coming or that an introduction was wanted? Now when I really think on it, what has been told to this person about me, have convos I confided in my dear friend been revealed? Why is it such a big issue to talk to me, it wasn't hard before but now it is...why? Overall, I feel like I've been shitted on and my friendship meant absolutely nothing this whole time, but when I look back on all that we have done for one another and how alike we are I just think somethings not right, this can't be happening. The way I see it, why not just be upfront, trusting and honest with me I would have. My fear is the trust in my friendship may be broken because who knows what this person may know and from here on out when I confide something who is to say my dear friend won't go back and tell it without my knowledge.

Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions?

*Clinique Clear Skin System*

So I did a little research and went out and purchased this $42 acne solution system called Clinique Acne Solutions Clear Skin System. The system is a 3-step product including a cleanser, clarifying lotion, and an oil-free moisturizer. Since I have extremely oily skin I have kit #4 which is for combination to oily skin. Instead of a cream moisturizer the kit comes with a gel hydratant(that's the spelling on the tube) for better oil absorbency. The system is to be used twice daily first wash, then clarifying lotion(toner), then lastly the moisturizing gel; all this even at night.

One good thing about my skin is I don't really have acne aside from the occasional pimple. So far, I have been using the system for about 1 week. I can see a small difference in my skin especially when I wake up it isn't as oily, not like before as if I smeared Vaseline on my face. I've been told that you don't want dry skin so oil is good, I'm just trying to limit the extreme amount. Only time will tell...

I will continue to post updates. . .

~Damn Oily Skin~

Ever since I can remember one of my biggest and most annoying challenges has been with my oily skin. I think aside from my shoe fetish and hair obsession it is the next area I have invested the most money in as far as trying different products. Lately, my skin has gotten so bad with the oil that I wake up and look in the mirror and it looks like I smeared Vaseline all over my face (you know like how your mom used to put on your face when you were a kid during the winter on the way to school, smh).

I am on the search for different techniques and new products to maybe help in reducing the oiliness of my skin I've tried everything from Neutrogena Oil free Acne Wash, Queen Helene Apricot Scrub, Queen Helene Oatmeal and Honey Scrub, Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque, Clean & Clear Deep Action Cleanser, Olay Warming Deep Purifying Cleanser, Olay Dual Action Cleanser + Toner, etc. My newest trial products are the Noxzema Triple Clean Acne Blemish Pads(for when I need a quick clean or on-the-go) and Clean & Clear Advantage 3-in-1 Foaming Acne Wash.

Of the many products I have tried the absolute best would have to be the Neutrogena Oil free Acne Wash, Queen Helene Oatmeal and Honey Scrub, Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque(once a week mask), and Olay Dual Action Cleanser + Toner. The absolute worst is definitely the Olay Warming Deep Purifying Cleanser, it left an oily residue on my face after wash which defeats the whole purpose. The one thing I have noticed in my trials though is the decrease in acne I rarely have a breakout, but of course what would life be without the occasional pimple lol.

Well, I will keep you all posted on my progress in my search and any interesting masks/products I may find.

A Good Laugh

The internet is definitely one of the greatest inventions EVER created. While surfing one day I came across this Youtube page of this Jersey Shore couple that pranks one another. Their videos are definitely funny and I just had to post a prank from each, in my opinion these are their top pranks:

The Girlfriend: Toothbrush in the Toilet Prank

The Boyfriend: Girlfriend Wears Mustache Prank

~*Horoscopes*~

One thing that people may not know about me is that I luv to read my horoscope and I take what it states kinda serious. My sign and what it means will probably come in a later post for your enjoyment.

Anyways....... I am just in such shock and awe over my horoscope this weekend (4th of July Weekend). As I was reading them various things popped in my head that could be place with each.

My horoscopes:

July 1: Don't worry if your moods get the best of you now, because this is typical while the Moon is in your sign. Become more aware of your feelings while remembering that you don't have to respond unconsciously to whatever happens. You may not be able to control the current circumstances, but you manage your reactions. Taking a few deep breaths when you feel emotional could be sufficient to improve your day.

July 2: It's not easy for you to express what's in your heart today, but emotional Pisces Moon gives you the courage to take a chance. The response may not be what you expect, for others may feel threatened by your disclosure. Saying too much could reveal things they don't know. Remember, just because you feel something doesn't mean you need to share it. Pay close attention to your audience's reaction before you go too far.

July 3: You are tempted to begin a new project, but it's more constructive now to focus on what you have already started. Neverteless, it can be challenging to find the best pace to sustain your current efforts. You might do better if you change how fast you work throughout the day. Unfortunately, your varied rhythm might annoy others. Don't worry about public opinion; instead, just concentrate on being productive the best way you can.

July 4: Something is about to change, but you can't quiet put your finger on what it is today. Meanwhile, your emotions are raw and you are tired, Your're on edge because you cannot express what you feel. Instead of trying to describe your perspective now, keep in mind that actions speack louder than words. If necessary, you can always explain yourself later on.

The highlighted wording is what stood out to me and making me think a lot, maybe more than needed... who knows.

My question for you is: do YOU take your horoscopes seriously???

*Chris Brown Comeback*

The 2010 BET Awards aired Sunday night with loads of glitz and glamor and a huge surprising/unexpected tribute performance from Chris Brown. I have always respected Brown's craft (dancing, singing). When Michael Jackson passed I always felt that there was one and only ONE person fitting enough to do the tribute, yet of all the tributes that aired they never had him. WHY?.... Because he was going through a public domestic violence situation with his ex-girlfriend which halted his career. Aside from his personal issues...this Sunday proved to me and a lot of America (and w/e other countries that see this awards show) that Brown was and is the only person fit to do a tribute for MJ. Not to knock all the other people (artist), but he matched him perfectly, just like he did when he did the James Brown tribute.




James Brown Tribute (Christina Aguilera included)



Welcome Back Chris!!!

*Movies*

A couple days ago I went to see The Karate Kid in theaters. I must say it was an amazing remake. I always liked the original movie growing up, so it was god to see that for the most part the remake was pretty similar. Of course due to the time change and age differences in the main characters the story was changed. A major difference between the movies though is the fact that in the original Karate Kid the main character learns Karate while in the remake the main character learns Kung Fu, which is still a major question to me as to why they decided on going with that fighting style when the movie is named Karate kid...hmmm. I really like Jaden Smith as an actor, he is definitely a product of his family, his acting chop are outstanding and it is obvious that they will only become better as he gets older.

If you were thinking of going to see this film, don't think any longer just GO SEE IT, definitely worth the expensive cost of seeing a movie today!!!

***Discussion***

Today I got into a debate with one of my friends about who cheats more men or women. So, my friend (male) believes that women cheat more and are better at hiding their "dirt" so you would never know. Also, the women that complain about "all guys are cheaters" are the ones who get involved with the "bad guy." Women should take time to go for the "good guys" that will love them and not treat them badly.

My Opinion: I argued the fact that men DO cheat more than women. I do believe women cheat but it is far easier for a guy to cheat regardless of how good a woman is at "hiding" her "dirt." The one thing that I have heard time and time again is the fact that men can have sex with someone and not have any emotions attached. While in turn women are emotional beings by nature, not saying that all women can't sleep with someone without emotions coming into play, but a good amount can not deal with the burden or emotions of it. I believe if a woman cheats there is a reason behind it, again not to say this for every woman but for a good amount it is the case. As a woman I find that some of the major reasons include no longer feeling appreciated, becoming dissatisfied with the relationship, changes in the partner and self, and the most notably one following the age old saying "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" meaning being spiteful and cheating as a form of payback. Guys on the other hand, coming from people I have known and talked to, need no reason at all. Temptation is a mans worst enemy and typically if the opportunity presents itself men are going to take it, I do not believe in putting every guy in the same category, so I will say that I believe this theory to be true for some men(those that cheat).

As far as the statement about woman going for the "bad guys" I will agree to that, I myself have fallen victim to it. Although, most don't want to admit it the same is true for most guys, they tend to go to the women that are ultimately the "bad woman." Once that happens guys start placing all women in a "box"(explaining women as being all the same), which isn't true but then it becomes hard trying to open their eyes to that fact. Unfortunately I don't think anything can change this vicious cycle of nature :-(.

*Appointments*

So I just came from the doctor's office with my mom. Mind you she had an appointment for 4:00pm. They didn't call her until almost 5:00pm.

My Issue: What exactly is the point of making an appointment (doctor, salon, etc.) if they are just gonna call on you whenever they feel like it anyway...utter nonsense if you ask me. I don't know maybe I'm just too impatient.

*Question Time*

"Once A Cheater, Always A Cheater"

Do you believe the phrase "Once a cheater, always a cheater" to be a fact???

I have had this conversation on several occasions with several different people.

My opinion: I do believe the phrase to be fact but it depends on the person. I think this phrase is more prone to the younger generation of today, not to say that older married men/women don't cheat, but they have a lot more to lose (financial, family, respect, and Love).

When I say younger generation I mean on the scale of those couples that are dating from teens to about 30s. I have known several people on the younger scale that have cheated and after being caught or not caught (as you can see I have not stated confess) they continued to cheat as if they were not even in a relationship. I've never understood the fact of cheating on a constant basis and staying in the relationship, why not be true to the person (that you supposedly had to have loved/liked at some point for you to be with them) and true to yourself and just be single. Often times when the cheater is caught they have more regret and remorse for getting caught rather than actually hurting their partner.

Now for older couples or married couples statistics have actually shown that only about 20% of cheaters cheat again. That says that 80% go back to rebuilding their relationships. I believe that when it comes to married couples there is more to lose if the person cheats constantly. The cheater jeopardizes a family and the foundation that they and their partner have built. I've heard stories from couples that have been married for over 25 years and people have cheated in those marriages but they worked through it and the person that was cheated on LOVED their significant other enough to stand tall and work it out with the cheater and the cheater had remorse for their infidelity in hurting the one that they loved.

~♥~To The Wonderful PEOPLE In My Circle~♥~

I went back and found this poem that touched my heart. This was written for female friends, but I changed some words for my male friends, but you get the idea of the poem......and I didn't write this but I LOVE it!!!

To the Wonderful People In My Circle

When I was little,
I used to believe in the concept of one best friend,
and then I started to become a woman.
And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up,
God would show you the best in many friends.
One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man.
Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom.
Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.
One friend will say, "Let's cry together,"
another, "Let's fight together,"
another, "Let's walk away together."
One friend will meet your spiritual need,
another your shoe fetish,
another your love for movies,
another will be with you in your season of confusion,
another will be your clarifier,
another the wind beneath your wings.
But whatever their assignment in your life,
on whatever the occasion,
on whatever the day,
or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back,
or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself ...
those are your best friends.
It may all be wrapped up in one person,
but for many, it's wrapped up in several...
one from 7th grade,
one from high school,
several from the college years,
a couple from old jobs,
on some days your mother,
on some days your neighbor,
on others, your sisters,
and on some days, your daughters.

"Why aren't you with someone???"

I was recently asked a question that I actually often wonder about myself: "Why aren't you with someone." The simple answer "I don't know. I know I have my ways and I'm far too picky." My way of dealing with it is to just put it in God's hands and hope that he brings the right person to me in due time. I must admit on one hand I enjoy my single life, no answering and/or checking in to anyone. Then on the other hand of course we all want a little affection from time to time and I love that.
A friend sent me a poem and expressed how much they wanted me to read and feel the words that were written and to understand what the poem is truly saying. I did and I like it. So enjoy for yourself!

"Because "by TD Jakes

Just because no one has been fortunate enough to realize

what a gold mine you are,
Doesn't mean you shine any less.
Just because no one has been smart enough to figure out
that you can't be topped,
Doesn't stop you from being the best.
Just because no one has come along to share your life,
Doesn't mean that day isn't coming.
Just because no one has made this race
worthwhile,
Doesn't give you permission to stop
running.
Just because no one has realized how
much of an awesome woman you are,
Doesn't mean they can affect your
femininity.
Just because no one has shown up who
can love you on your level,
doesn't mean you have to sink to theirs'.
Just because you deserve the very
best there is,
Doesn't mean that life is always fair.
Just because God is still preparing your
king,
Doesn't mean that you're not already a
Queen.
Just because your situation doesn't
seem to be progressing right now,
Doesn't mean you need to change a
thing.
Keep shining, keep running, keep
hoping, and keep praying,
Keep being exactly what you are
already.
COMPLETE!!!

***Don't Waste My Time...***

Here's a poem that I just agree 100% with, at times it may be hard but it is something that needs to be done.

Don't spend major time with minor people.

If there are people in your life that continually
disappoint you, break promises, and stomp on your dreams,
too judgmental, have different values and don't have your
back during difficult times...that is not a friend.
To have a friend, be a friend. Sometimes in life as you grow,
your friends will either grow or go. Surround yourself with
people who reflect values, goals interests and lifestyle.
When I think of any of my successes, I am thankful to GOD
from whom all blessings flow, and to my family and friends that
enrich my life. Over the years my phone book has changed because
I changed for the better. At first you think you're going to be alone, but after a while new people show up in your life that make your life so much sweeter and easier to endure.
Remember what your elders used to say, "Birds of a feather flock together.
If you're an eagle, don't hang around chickens: Chickens Can't Fly!