Day 175 ~ Here's to Growing!

courtesy of Bing images

Unbelievable!  I mean, really.  Who would have thunk?  Today, is my 175th post.  Which means I have now been blogging for 25 weeks now.  WOW!!

Blogging has become a way of life for me. A positive way at life.  I remember there being a couple of days that I was so tired, that I had to force myself to write my entry.  Tonight, once again I find myself really tired when I started writing... however, only difference is that tonight writing/blogging has become such a part of me, that I would not be able to go to sleep if I didn't write it.  I didn't even hesitate a little.

I've seen some dark days... and then there have been those days that I found out something new about myself, and as a result I grew about an inch taller, [figuratively speaking of course.]

Earlier today, I noticed that I have become very understanding of others...  there are times, that just as I am speaking to someone- just as  the words are making it out of my mouth, I am hearing them and at the same time coming to the realization myself as to how much I have grown as a person. 

I honestly am anxious and excited, in a really good way, to see what else I will learn and how I will grow as a person.

Write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow. ~Lawrence Clark Powell 

Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.     ~ Benjamin Franklin

I am thankful for everyone and everything in my life.

Blessings to all!!

190 days / 27 weeks to go...

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.

Day 174 ~ My Do It Yourself Project

I have a feeling that this time next week I will be banging my head up against the wall wondering what I have gotten myself into!

courtesy of Bing images...

Honestly... It could not have been a better time for Calley to be sick... the fact that she is sleeping most of the day away has been a great help.  Especially since I have spent a better part of it working on my new blog.

In just a couple of days I will be launching my "new blog."  Although... I have to let you know that I am starting to get a little anxious.  However, knowing that this is good for me.  Plus, why should I worry?...  after all I have all of  you to keep me in check!  right?

There is no greater motivation than one that forces you to be accountable not only to yourself, but to others.  I always did do better going to the gym with a friend, rather than alone.  Not that I didn't go, I just had a better work out with a work out buddy.  I worked harder, and it was always more fun and enjoyable doing so with a friend.  So, now I have you as my life work out buddy.  

I am almost certain that some of you might think I am insane for not only starting a second blog, but to do it right before the holidays.  I could not agree with you more!  (ha ha I think I am crazy! ha ha) [just kidding, for those of you that do not know me,  I am not crazy, nor do I seriously think that about myself.] This is my lame attempt to humor(at my expense.)  still laughing, I don't know... but now I have the "giggles." 

Okay, seriously... that is the beauty of it all.  I need to face life head on... right at the holidays!  Test myself, better yet learn about myself.  I need to start thinking of what I want my "reality" to be.  How do I want to live my life?  What kind of life do I want to have?  Do I want to live a long healthy life?  Do I want to be mobile, active and have fun?  and Do I want to do so over weight?  Or continue to go up and down with my weight?  How do I want to see myself as I age?    

So, why not start at the holidays?  Why not now, instead of continuously putting it off... 

I feel that I am still young enough to do something about my life, the quality of it and improve upon my health.  I thank God that I am healthy and that I have not suffered any severe ailments.  

At the age of forty-four years old my father had been diagnosed with severe cancer, had a twenty-two plus pound tumor removed from him, and was near death,  WOW!  When I think about that... I am forty-eight (almost forty-nine ...yikes!) and I thank God that the times I have been in the hospital were for three different c-sections, when my babies were born.

Alright, enough said.  I am as ready as I will ever be for my new project.  Project me.  I have been working on the design end of my blog... so we'll see when it's all done what you think.  And if I experience anything near to what I have writing this blog, then I know it will be enlightening, empowering, educational, life cleansing, and above all I will keep it LIGHT and FUN!

It takes half your life before you discover life is a do-it-yourself project.  ~Napoleon Hill

One characteristic of winners is they always look upon themselves as a do it yourself project.  ~ Denis Waitley 

I am thankful for the times my family is together.

Blessings to all!!

191 days to go...

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.

Day 173 ~ Kissing Boo Boos

Calley and I

I was reminded today of the important role I hold as being a mother, or rather a "mommy" as I was often called today.

My sweet little girl had a rough night last night having been up most of it with a horrible "barking" like cough, accompanied by a bad sore throat... which only translates to my being up most of the night as well.  

There's nothing worse than witnessing your baby not feeling well, except not being able to do much about it other than to let the little "virus" run its course.  At least that is what her doctor told us after having spent nearly a couple of hours at his office.  Oh... and that Calley will get worse in the next three days before she will get better.  (big sad face)

The great part of all of this is that this is the first time this school year that Calley has gotten sick.  You see, last year, and the year before that, she had such severe allergies that she was once hospitalized... and she also develops asthma from her allergies.  Last year alone she missed 62 days of school!

This year Dean and I decided to keep Calley home... the result... she has not had any asthma flare ups thus far this school year!!  YAY!! 

I will leave this subject as is in hopes to not jinx the situation.

However, I will say that I did enjoy the slower pace today... too bad it was at the expense of Calley getting sick for me to enjoy her "slower" pace... she snuggled up to me all the while requiring many hugs and many kisses, especially on the "boo boos."  Funny how I can finally keep up with her when she is sick.

It is times like these that I really miss not having been there for my sons when they needed me most.

A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.

~  Agatha Christie

Grown don't mean nothing to a mother. A child is a child. They get bigger, older, but grown? What's that suppose to mean? In my heart it don't mean a thing.  ~ Toni Morrison 

I am thankful for the privilege of being a mommy.

Blessings to all!!

192 days to go...

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.

Day 172 ~ Committed to Myself

Today has been an overwhelming day ...  I really am too tired to try to watch my p's and q's, let alone not wanting to take the chance of my saying something that may upset anyone.

It doesn't just take discipline to respond to one of life's moves against us, but it also takes patience and courage.  It is bad enough that we are caught off-guard most of the time, but to also be expected to handle life's  head games without making a mistake once in a while is ludicrous.  

This is why tonight I am taking the time to think about today's events thoroughly in order to be able to make sense of it all in the most positive fashion.

Difficulties are opportunities to better things; they are stepping stones to greater experience. Perhaps someday you will be thankful for some temporary failure in a particular direction. When one door closes, another always opens.    ~ author unknown

I am thankful for the fact that I am committed to making a wonderful life for my family and myself.

Blessings to all!!

193 days to go...

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.

Day 171 ~ Are You Ready for My Help?

courtesy of Bing images

Sitting here looking back on my day wondering how and what I am going to share with you in tonight's post... well, let me share of the amazing AHA moment I have just experienced... 

you know of that happy family life that I continuously strive to have with my mother, sister and even my brother... 

two things... 

first off, I realized and agree, that I have been not only a great daughter but a good sister too.  I have made myself available time after time again, willing to help, assist and or support.  More importantly I have made effort to communicate better, understand, and above all do my best not to judge... however, strangely enough, somehow I feel that I have failed.  I failed because I am NOT helping.  I feel as if I am witnessing separate train wrecks about to happen, and I can not get the conductor to realize it.  I feel helpless to help, if that makes any sense. 

I also realized that I can not force myself, or my help onto someone else.  They have to want to be helped.  All I wanted to do is be able to really help my sister, brother as well, of course including my mother.  Each one of them are going through a bad time, and I feel as if my hands are tied.

how this affects me is that they are my blood, my family, and I do not like to see them hurt - it hurts me too.  I love them.  I miss them.  I even really wanted to spend time with my sister.  I am hurt and disappointed, however I more or less understand.  If they really wanted my help, I would be helping them.  right?

The finale to my AHA moment...  well, you know of that family I so desperately seek... I ALREADY HAVE IT!!  

As I rewound today's events, and looked on to my day, I realized that my husband's family, my family... yes my family... they were there for me and regardless of what may come out of my mouth, love me unconditionally! 

The love of a family is life's greatest blessing.    ~ author unknown

At the risk of sounding redundant, I am thankful for being a part of such a wonderful family.

Blessings to all!!

194 days to go...

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.

Day 170 ~ Turkey Encore Presentation

I must say that after over twenty-four years of cooking turkeys I have it down!  (wink, wink)  I really do.  Not a one of them has come out less than perfect!  Not  a dry one in the bunch! (knock on wood)

I have roasted, fried and smoked.  All methods have turned out a delicious turkey and, it is still up for debate as to which way is the best.  

Today I roasted turkey number two... poi-fect!  Turkey number two?!  Huh?  (you ask...)

Well...

Eight years ago on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Dean and I found ourselves without any left overs to enjoy on the famous "day after."  As many others do across our nation, we too enjoy the proverbial  "day after" Thanksgiving turkey sandwich with stuffing/dressing and cranberry sauce on it.  One word... Nummmmy!

In more recent years I have added my mom's (mother in law) turkey soup recipe to our tradition on the day after the "day after" (Saturday.)  I have never tasted anything as good as this turkey soup recipe, a family recipe none the less.

So, let me make this clear.  On Thanksgiving I assisted my mom (mother in law) in cooking our turkey dinner (and this year I volunteered to cook Dean's aunt's turkey for her,) by making the green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and onions with white sauce.  Then today Friday I cooked a little Thanksgiving dinner for us so that we can enjoy leftovers for the next few fays.

Did You Know that President Abraham Lincoln declared the final Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving?

Did You Know that in 1939, 1940, and 1941 Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed Thanksgiving the third Thursday in November to lengthen the holiday shopping season?

Did You Know that according to the Guinness Book of Records, the largest turkey recorded was 86 pounds? 

 

I am thankful for the continued love and support my family shows me.

Blessings to all!!

195 days to go...

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.

Day 169 ~ Being Thankful

It's after eleven at night and I am still full from today's Thanksgiving feast!  Wow!  How blessed are we?  

courtesy of Bing images

The turkey was perfect, the mashed potatoes smooth and moist, the green bean casserole was better than perfect, yams? well they were divine, and the gravy, well what can I say? ... it was just right!  and the pies...  out of this world!

How blessed are we?  VERY!

We had a wonderful time.. family and friends, great company... what more can one ask for?  Not a thing.

All well worth getting up at O dark thirty!   

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.    ~  Johannes A. Gaertner

I am thankful for a perfect Thanksgiving!

Blessings to all!!

196 days to go...

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.

Day 168 ~ Happy Thanksgiving Eve 2011!

It's finally here!  Thanksgiving eve 2011...  What will tomorrow bring?

Courtesy of Bing images

With all the preparation underway... the only thing left for me to do is wake up at six in the morning so I can tackle Tom (this is what I always call our thanksgiving turkeys) and put him in the oven by seven... and then off to the airport!  Alysia's flight gets in at 7:30 which after some thought is not a bad time to get in.  At least it is not at eleven or noon!  (wink, wink)

I really love Thanksgiving!  It is all about giving thanks and being grateful for all in your life.  No presents, no sales, and free turkeys!  I also love the fact that most of the supermarkets have some type of a incentive for a free turkey.. most of which is buy $75 to $100 worth of groceries and you get to walk out with your own Tom!  I really hope they never do away with this.

Well, I can honestly say I am ready for tomorrow.  Sure there are a couple of things that didn't get done, which happened to be on someone else's to-do list (and I won't mention any names but he sleeps next to me every night), even so I think Alysia will be comfortable and every one will enjoy dinner regardless.

Courtesy of Bing images

I know, I know... it's just that I like everything just perfect... down to the salt and pepper shakers on the table.  All the bedding is clean, towels and toilets too!  And the actual dinner is not even at my house!  Wait until you see how we set my mom's table tomorrow.  It is absolutely Thanksgiving!

So it is off to bed early.  I should be able to get a good night's sleep being that I stayed up most of last night thinking of what needed to be done today.  (laughing to myself- doesn't take much to amuse me!)

I wish you all a juicy Turkey, perfect mashed potatoes, the sweetest candied yams and the best green bean casserole ever!!  And I won't even bring up dessert.


May you enjoy your family as much as your meal, and may you also know when to keep your comments to yourself and when to chime in!  (that last one is more for me - somehow, my shoe sometimes finds itself in my mouth and for the stupidest reasons too!)

God Bless you all and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

He who thanks but with the lips
Thanks but in part;
The full, the true Thanksgiving
Comes from the heart.
~J.A. Shedd

God has two dwellings; one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart.   ~Izaak Walton 

I am thankful for the faith I find within me in when I need it the most.

Blessings to all!!

197 days to go...

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.

Day 167 ~ And The Madness Begins!

And...    we're off!!

So the countdown begins to Thanksgiving dinner... for some of us because we are cooking and others... well because they are looking forward to indulging our harvest creations.

With one day, seven hours and counting for my turkey to be delivered, (Yes... delivered.  I volunteered to cook Dean's aunt's turkey this year-  she has her hands full taking care of Dean's ailing grandmother,) the madness in the preparation has officially began.

courtesy of Bing images

From the moment I woke this morning I knew I had to tackle a heavy to-do list just so that everything around the house is nice, in preparation for our house-guest.  You see, I want everything just right!

One great thing about all of this is that I am getting quite a few things done around the house that I have wanted done for a while.  Today I spent my day laying a terracotta pathway to our home, touching up a couple of walls with paint, fixing a curtain rod, a couple loads of laundry, ironing... and on top of that, the car had a car wash and oil change and Calley had a play date! 

PHEW!  What a great day!!!

I wish I could say that I was preparing for the arrival of my sons for the holiday... wouldn't that be the most amazing holiday ever!  Or my sister or mother for that matter- especially since my sister has been saying she is coming for five months.  I was so looking forward to spending the holiday with her.  I am so sad and disappointed.  

As far as my mother is concerned... I am very disappointed that she does not want to spend more time with her family.  There's always something.

Well, I am happy and thankful to say that I will be having a friend come visit for the holiday.  Alysia is a great gal and a great friend.  I really can't believe that she has taken the time out of her busy schedule to plan her visit with us.  I am so blessed to have a friend like her.

So tomorrow comes day two of the madness.  Ai ya yai!  I don't even know how it will go... but I will give it my best shot!

You see tomorrow not only do I have a few more things to take care off on my to-do list, but then I have to help my mom (mother-in-law) with her to-do list, and then finally come back home and start cooking for the big feast the following day.

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

I am thankful that I am part of such an amazing family!

Blessings to all!!

198 days to go...

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.

Day 166 ~ What's In A Name (Naming My New Blog)

I am writing a little early today so that I may share some news with you.  I have decided on a start up date for my new blog, although as I am typing this I think I am absolutely crazy!!!

December 1, 2011.  You see I am CRAZY!  However... it will all make sense in a moment.  

This is what I have come up so far...  

My new blog will entail my turning my life over to being more healthy and living more healthy.  A lifestyle redesign.  In other words, not only will I talk the talk but I will walk the walk!

It is not a "diet" blog.  I have decided that there are things, food and drink included that I love about my life.  I love to eat well and I like to have my glasses of wine, martinis or just cocktails in general.  I want to be realistic about this so that I may be able to walk the walk comfortably, without it being a constant struggle or even getting grumpy (because I have to pass on one of my favs.)

What prompted this... well... some of you may have read my other blog, My wii FIt Plus 21 Day Challenge, It was a true learning experience.  Although I may have not reached my goal weight, and then gained some of it back, I really enjoyed the experience.  

However... it was a little (just a little) bit unrealistic, but could have been doable.  I only say that because my blog should have started a week earlier so that I may not have had to finish the last week while on vacation.  It was started on a whim, spontaneity at its best.  Honestly, I just was not able to work out like I was the two previous weeks and had to substitute aggressive work outs for long walks.  Oh that and the fact that my father in law Bob is an amazing cook!!  He cooks the best Persian food!!

But anyways... since then I have been thinking about what really needs to change in my life and what does not.  What is realistic and what is not.  

With that said... I like me!  (oh my I said it!)  I am not terribly fat, although I could use to at least loose ten pounds.  I would accept that.  After all I am not twenty anymore and do not find a need to been EXTREMELY skinny any more, but I DO want to look good and healthy!  Seriously, I am done trying to be Cosmopolitan or Vogue like... those models are UNREALISTICALLY skinny.  Completely unhealthy!

I already mentioned that I love food, and I do love to cook and try new recipes all the times.  And with the realities of life, being a mom, wife and daughter in law, I do not have the time to work out like I am used to.  I always used to spend at least three hours working out at the gym, comfortably.  Now I can probably do three to four days a week, an hour and a half at most. Realistically.

Now the crazy thing about this is that I am choosing to start this December 1st, right before the holidays.  Well as hellish as that may sound, I am doing it on purpose.  I need to learn to be healthy and enjoy the holidays from a healthy, enjoyable perspective.  Now do you understand my madness?

Courtesy of Bing images.

So my last dilemma to resolve before I start... A NAME!   My new blog needs a clever, snappy name.  One did come into mind right now...(Walk the Walk) ... but I thought it would be great to see if there are any suggestions out there.

Sooo... I am asking for ideas... If you can think of a cute name for my blog, please leave a comment.  If I choose the title you came up with... I wish I could give a trip to Hawaii (one day), but REALISTICALLY... what I will do is let everyone know, publishing your name, giving you the credit.  

Deadline to get your ideas in is Saturday, November 26th.  YES THIS SATURDAY!  I do need time to build and design my new blog.

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."    Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)

I am thankful that I am not too old to continue to learn new things each day!

Blessings to all!!

199 days to go...

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.

Day 165 ~ Learning the Game

The past few days ... phew! Seems like I just stepped out of a whirlwind, and the storm is not even over.

Courtesy of Bing images

I must say that tonight I feel very thankful for all that I have, for all who are in my life and for being able to be smart enough to realize that this is just a temporary bump in the road.

I know that there will continue to be struggles in life, but it is how we deal with those struggles that enriches our lives even more.  We all get knocked down once in a while, however its how we take the punches that makes us stronger and wiser for the next time.

I am not saying that all is better...  but it certainly is on its way.  

Do know that yes, there will be a next time... just make sure you have your punching gloves on and be prepared.  Remember to keep your eyes on your opponent and duck when necessary.  More importantly do not forget to laugh along the way and lean on your Dream Team when necessary.  They are there for that reason... to help you when you are down and support you when you are up.

Having said that... I would like to thank you all for the 7,000+ views my blog reached today.  It's an amazing feeling to share with all of you and more importantly are the things I have learned about myself on this journey.  Thank you for riding shotgun.

Gratitude brings more to be grateful about. so today I make the point of expressing gratitude for everything in my life.    ~ Louise L. Hay

A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love and encourages you with hope.    ~ author unknown

I am thankful for the fact that each day that goes by I am a stronger in my faith and I am surrounded by a wonderful, caring family.

Blessings to all!!

200 days to go...

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.

Day 164 ~ I Will Not Give Up...

When I started my journey, I never stated that I was an expert or that I was perfect, or that I was a perfect expert...  (lol) just kidding... an attempt at humor again... anyway...

courtesy of Bing images

The point I am trying to make, is that I am taking life one day at a time.  Most times my days may not turn out the way I set them out to, even so, I set out each day to do better than the day before. Learning as I go.

funny, one thing I remember my father saying to me when I was in my 20s  (one of the few good memories I have with him as an adult) ..."Carlita... (he called me that once in a while, when we were one on one)...  there isn't a handbook at life, or being a dad...  one tries to do the best we can..."

Well... I'm trying the best I can... at this thing called life...and writing my own manual as I go...on being a wife... at being a mother... a daughter... a sister... I will not give up... I will be strong,

I will not give up ... I will be strong.

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.    ~  1 Chronicles 4:10   (NIV)

I am thankful for finally recognizing the wonderful person that I am, and always have been. 

Blessings to all!!

201 days to go...

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.