Day 376 ~ The "New" Look

So here it is!!  My new look...  my makeover... which I'm sure will evolve more as time goes.  I think I am no different than any other blogger that chooses to design their own look.

So... as explained I went from Taking Back My Life ~ Making It My Own {which are the first 366 (leap year) days of my chronicled blogging of my life ~ which has turned out to be a wonderful journey in itself!} TO ...

Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life. 

I hope you like the new look.  I've been working on it for a week now, so my eyes need to step away.

So I am keeping it short and sweet tonight and look forward to seeing what you all think of my work.

PS... Stay tuned to news of my new challenge tomorrow!

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Taking Back My Life ~ Making It My Own.  © 2012 U.S Copyright laws apply.   

Day 336 ~ When I Started Blogging...

Even though I am on "my home~stretch"... Taking Back My Life ~ Making It My Own will not be the last that you see of me!

336 days ago when I started blogging... I had a mindset that I was only going to this for one year.  Just like Julie did in Julie & Julia (my inspiration).  The only difference with Julie and me is that she was cooking to blog and I ... well I was healing to blog.  

336 days ago when I started blogging... I had no clue what I would do after the year was up.  Didn't even think that far ahead, other than wanting to be happy.  {with my family by my side}

336 days ago when I started blogging... I had so much pain, hurt, anger, and resentment inside me.  {One thing was clear, I did not want my daughter to follow in my footsteps.  The cycle needed to end.}

336 days ago when I started blogging... I had no idea that with time my pain, hurt, anger, and resentment would diminish.   

336 days ago when I started blogging... I never ever thought that I would accept all that caused  my pain, hurt, anger, and resentment.

336 days ago when I started blogging... I had no idea that it would end up playing a major role in my healing process.

336 days ago... I did not know that within time I would soon fall in love with blogging.  That I would see how much I missed writing and journaling.

336 days ago... I would have thought you were nuts if you would have told me that I would set up my own website and add three additional blogs to my repertoire.  [and another underworks!] 

 

336 days ago... I would have thought I was nuts to think that I would soon be unveiling my new website ----> on Mother's Day.  

Simply put... I just had no idea all this wonderfulness would be going on.  Not to say that I did not see some rough times... some say you have to relive bad times in order to heal from them. ... and If they haven't said that, then I am saying it!

You have to go through the rough times, to know the good!  ~ Carla Barilá Karam

Blessings,

29 days to go...  {SERIOUSLY?!}  

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Taking Back My Life ~ Making It My Own.  U.S Copyright laws apply.  © 2012 

Day 209 ~ 2011 Top Ten & A Look Ahead

My post this evening is a quick mention to 2011 and a preview of 2012.  I wanted to share with you some of what I have been up... what my plans are for my blog... and then finish off with my Top Ten most read posts.  Honestly, I saw a few other blogs do a Top Ten... granted their blogs are more informative than my real life drama (lol! humor? a little funny?) ... no seriously... Even though my blog is not an informative, "how to", sort of blog... there always is a  lesson learned to each of my posts... so I thought it would be cool to include it in mine.

I know that I have shared with you, on numerous posts, of what a difference blogging has made in my life, so much so that you are probably sick of hearing about it!  Too bad! (wink, wink)  Anyways, I love blogging and this, my (baby) blog, has 156 days to go.

I Realize that this is my blog and I can do what I want, however, if I want to be respectful of my goals, I must follow through as planned.  With that being said, I will be finishing this blog in 156 days as planned, as mentioned.  After all, this was meant for me to take back my life and make it into my own!  Therefore, this phase of my journey will end...

And a new one will begin! 

I am in the process of putting together a website for all my blogs.  A self hosted web site.  A collection of my writings... my work... my portfolio of my life.  Everything is still in the design, construction and  constant developing phases  I will however keep you in the loop as to its progress.  

This website will also be the home to my next blog.  My next blog will be an ongoing one, without expiration.  

There is no way that I am going to stop blogging any time soon!  Blogging is in my heart, my head,,, it my niche!  YES!!  My Niche!

SO here are my 2011 top ten most read posts.  

10.  Day 27  ~ An Angel Named Caylee

 9.  Day 49  ~  A Mother's Love

 8.  Day 70  ~  I Believe...

 7.  Day 63  ~  My Fight Continues!! ... Part Deux

 6.  Day 39  ~  What Is A Friend?

 5.  Day 33  ~  Thank You God for My Family!  For I am Truly Blessed.

 4.  Day 95  ~  I Will Never Forget!

 3.  Day 23  ~  "words" ...  Use Them Wisely

 2.  Day 124  ~  You Only Live Once...

Top most read post...

 1.  Day 28  ~  I Have a "Dream Team"!! & You're On It!

The power of your thoughts can open any door and you can set yourself free.  ~Lucy MacDonald

Blessings to all!!

156 days to go...

PS... Sons, I love and miss you.  To the moon and stars above and back.  You are my sunshines.

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied.  All accounts herein are written by Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life.  Some names may be changed to protect the innocent or protect me from the guilty.  (just kidding...wink, wink)

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 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.

Day 34 ~ Blogging... Good for the Mind, Body & Soul!

Tomorrow will be five weeks since I have been writing.  At the risk of sounding redundant, I never knew I would be feeling like this. 

Today was a good day.  I have not touched the subject of another blog... well guess what... for those of you that do not know... I have started another blog!

Crazy? No.  My second blog~ "My wii Fit Plus 21 Day Challenge",  is a short term blog, hence the title.  I will be writing it for only 23 days.  I am challenging myself to loose 15 pounds in 21 days, and it also includes health and cooking tips. The first day was an introduction and the 23rd day will be a conclusion statement.  

Before you shake your head, read it!  Then if you want, you can shake your head. ;)

My first blog... is good for my soul,  and my second one is good for my body.  Both of my blogs together, are great for my mind!

As a result... well let's just say that I am starting to feel pretty good... not just physically, but emotionally too!  So much so... that I am feeling proud of myself for the first time in my life!  

Courtesy of Bing images

With all that said... today I was told by mom Gene (my mother-in-law,) that she was proud of me.  Needless to say, she too is on my "Dream Team".  Earlier in the day, a very dear friend of mine, Diane, who is also on my "Dream Team" wrote to me and said "thanks for opening up and sharing so much of yourself to the world. You are an inspiration!"  I cried then (happy, proud tears) and once again I am crying now.  She's even going to get her wii out of the garage!   YES!!

It's not that I need recognition, after all I am doing this for myself and my family, but let me tell you it sure was awesome hearing!!  

Therefore, between both blogs... I am really standing tall today!  

Courtesy of Bing images

Thank you Jesus for the strength and knowledge you give me each day!!

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.   Colossians 3:17

Blessings to all!

331 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.