Day 176 ~ Continuing to Discover...

Created by ME 

Very exciting day today.  Today is the first day of my long, healthy, happy life.  Today if the first day of my new blog... My LifeStyle Re-Design!

After months of anticipation, on my part, I did it.  I am doing it.  I started a second, actually third, blog.

This is not just about dieting... it is about that and much more.  We all know we can not just diet and expect weight to come off.  We also have to exercise.  Not only that, but when you finish dieting, what happens?  The weight generally creeps back on.

I am not exempt from this happening... as soon as you reach your goal, you get happy... and slowly but surely, you go back to your old weighs.  (wink, wink)

Well this will be interesting, especially knowing that I will be continuing this blog for another one hundred eighty-nine days.  I do hope to keep them both interesting, informative and FUN!

I do know one thing for sure... writing this blog has been very rewarding.  As blogged many times before, I love blogging.  I have discovered a new me and am loving it!  

"Whether serving in your hometown or on the other side of the world, use your talents and energy to make a better world.  Whenever life leads you, pursue the path of service and you will find fulfillment beyond measure."  ~ Laura Bush 

Blessings to all!!

189 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 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 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 158 ~ The Road Ahead

There is so much more to what we see on the internet.  It is amazing how a few little words or lack of one or two characters will throw everything off.

I just noticed the time, after literally spending the last eight straight hours trying to put some darn buttons on my page... I'm still having trouble!  WOW!  I tell you I take my hat off to all those web page programmers.

Even with all that, I am getting really excited for what is waiting for me in the near future.  I am putting everything into perspective, as well as all my ducks in a row.  I am just going to move full steam ahead.

On a personal note, I am really happy that I have all this going on because it really has not given me much time to dwell on my sons, and the rest of life's trials.  I am keeping a positive look, barely giving a second thought to  negative issues, and forging forward.

There is something that my father in law Ferris had stated a while back, that for some reason keeps popping in my head as of late...

You have to keep at things, in order to give them a chance to work out.  You can't just quit at the first sign of trouble.

I am thankful for the fact that my father in law really loves and cares for his family. 

Blessings to all!!

207 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 157 ~ Giving Life Thought

cbk

It's been about four days now that I have been putting in extra time on the design elements on this blog and then if I have any extra time (ha, ha) I've been putting some thought into my next blog.  

When I was writing My wii Fit Plus 21 Day Challenge ! I found it a bit challenging writing my ...Challenge blog in the morning and ...Life blog at night.  Not that I could not handle writing both blogs... I did it for the three weeks.  It was that it didn't leave much time for the rest of my life.  There was housework, meal planning and cooking, as well as my first priority - my family, to take care of.

Let me make something perfectly clear... I had a blast doing it and none of my responsibilities were neglected.  Although... as I look back on it I should have given it a little more planning especially since I was on a family vacation the last week of my ...Challenge.  

You know how they say that hine sight is always 20-20 ... what would I do differently? hmmm...

I know that my next blog needs to be written frequently each week for it to be effective, however I need to put my family first and do this comfortably... and realistically...  keeping it fun!

Tonight's quote is a special one.  Today, Dean's great aunt, Auntie Mary (who is Dean's grandfather's sister) told me that when she found out she had been denied membership to a sorority back when she was attending Texas College of Mines (UTEP) she had gone to her father for consoling...

Great Grandfather Feris Karam said in Arabic to his daughter, "Don't surround yourself with people who will take the laughter out of your soul and clip your wings where you can't fly alone." 

 I am thankful for all of our family ancestors for whom without we would not be here, or let alone know what we do. 

Blessings to all!!

208 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 156 ~ Accepting What Is Me

A while back, Day 71,  I spoke of starting an additional blog.  That I needed structure and to feel healthy.  

Life Happens to Everyone.
CBK graphic designs - (me)

Well as you can see, I mentioned that eighty-five days ago!  In my defense, there has been a lot of "LIFE" going on.  In addition to a lack of motivation!  I can't lie to you, I have to call it as it is.  

What's changed now, you ask.  Well, my life is more of the same (which will always be an issue in one way or another) ---  However, since I wrote that back in August I would have to say that I have grown.  Not to mention, do I dare say it?! ... I am starting to like myself.

I like who I am... I am coming into terms with my past... I like what I am doing... and more importantly I like what I am about.

With that said... yes I will be starting a new blog about health and life style adjustments.  I have come to the realization that I could use to loose a few pounds, but I must be realistic.  I am taking into consideration of how my life is, how I love (LOVE) food and how I love to cook it just as much, who can forget the occasional glass of "vino" or "spirits" and the time I have to exercise... and this all has to be easy enough to maintain for the rest of my life.

My first blog on weight loss was a short term challenge, with the motivation of loosing weight in time for my 30th high school reunion.  The motivation behind my next blog is a change that will take me through the rest of my life healthy and comfortably.

You see, I came to a conclusion.. a revelation... the light turned on!   "HALLELUJAH!"

CBK

I am not obese, just about twenty pounds (more or less) overweight.  Yes I am getting older and no longer in my thirties, let alone my twenties.  I wouldn't say I am ugly, but as I said I am getting older.  

So... do I need to be SKINNY minny?  No I don't! ... Do I need or rather want to look good and be healthy?  Yes I do!  ... Do I love food and everything about it?  YES!  Does it have to be one extreme or the other?  No. 

Ok... so, do you see what I have to work with?  I accept what I have to work with... now to get creative.

I CAN DO IT!

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love    ~  Ephesians 3:16-17

Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.   ~ Plato

If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.    ~  Thomas Edison

I am thankful for the new inner strength I discover each day. 

Blessings to all!!

209 days to go...

PS... I hope you like the changes you see to my blog... designed by little ol' me. (big smile!)

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 84 ~ Tomorrow I Will Do Better

courtesy of Bing images

Can you say exhausted?  There are a few things that are great about being busy... first, you don't have time to think about things- you have to act now, and think later!   Then.. time goes by fast!  Granted, you never want to wish time away.  Just trust me - time does just fine on its own.  Finally, you often loose weight because half the time you forget to eat.  (wink, wink!)

Well... now there's something old to consider... life.  Regardless of what is going on at the moment... hence being there for my mother in law... I still have to take care of my own life.

Prior to Nana's passing, I had plans.  Learning more and more about the type of woman Nana was, I am compelled on moving forward in her name. 

I need to get back on track, move forward in order to accomplish what I want and expect from myself.  

courtesy of Bing images

First thing is first.  I will continue to write my blog and continue to heal.  My other project...~ I will be doing is a Lifestyle Change which is meant to do a redesign of my diet and exercise routine so that I may lead a healthy lifestyle.  My LifeStyle Change Redesign will also include a blog.  I had planned to start this the first of September and would last through March.

My wii Fit Plus 21-day Challenge was just that... a challenge.  In the 21 days I was able to loose just under nine pounds.  Six pounds shy of my goal.  Even so... I felt great, although it was a crazy challenge.  Especially when I had set out to work out twenty-one days in a row without a break- which I did complete!!  (big smile!)

As I think about what is yet to come... I stop right there.  I am not going to over analyze anything, especially when I'm so tired.  I am just going to finish this post up, relax and finish my tea, thank the Lord for my day, and have faith that tomorrow... well, I will do at least one thing to make it a better day than today.

       “Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow.”    ~    Mary Anne Radmacher

 “What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow: Our life is the creation of our mind.”       Buddha

 “Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in, forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day, you shall begin it well and serenely...”        Ralph Waldo Emerson

 Blessings to all! 

281 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.