Here I am again attempting to take a stab at a weekly feature on this blog. This inspiration stems from an online photo album I started on Facebook that is entitled “Hell to the Yeah!” Some of the quotes will be heart felt. Others will be cheeky and snarky in their delivery. Here and there (a lot, really) are empowering to women. Men will still be able to appreciate the sentiment, though. I mean, it’s not like I am forcing you to watch a chick flick or read my chick lit. If you have daughters, guys, you’re surely wishing for them to embody independent spirits, right?
Oopsies! I went off on a tangent. Here is week one of
Speaking Words of Wisdom
Javier Bardem played the character Felipe. Yeah, it makes it all much more sexy now, doesn’t it?
Armed Forces — Without the selflessness of men and women who choose to serve in America’s military branches, I wouldn’t have freedom as I know it.
Beachbody — Without the amazing group of people and programs made available through this company, I wouldn’t have managed to lose weight without a gimmick.
Coffee — Miracle elixir of the morning.
Doppelganger — I love the word. I’m not so sure I’d ever want to meet mine.
Estrogen — I enjoy being a girl! OK, not ALL the time, but I’m grateful menopause hasn’t hit me yet.
Food — Seems rather basic, huh? There’s always food on my table and in my son’s belly… and a bit too much in mine. It’s a love/hate relationship.
Girlfriends — Every woman needs close-knit female friends. Mine are diverse and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Hummus — It’s delicious and good for you! Think the kids won’t like chick-peas aka garbanzos? Have them try Hummus.
Idioms — I use them freely. They are fun and add color to conversation.
Jumping Jacks — Two years ago I couldn’t do them. Today I am able to thanks to losing weight and increasing my strength and mobility. YEA!
Kitties — I love my feline friends. They may be aloof and annoying at times, but I love ‘em.
Laughter — Yours or my own. It’s the world’s best medicine.
Mancub — He is my world and reason for getting up daily. He teaches me lessons daily.
Neanderthals — The jerks who haven’t evolved. Why am I grateful for them? It helps me teach my son what NOT to be.
Open minds — We need more of them in this world.
Patience — It is a virtue and not something I typically possess. However, when it counts the most it’s with me.
Quality — In this world of excess, I have learned that quality of time and product is the better partner.
Resilience — My parents blessed me with the ability to be resilient. Try to knock me down and I bounce right back. A proud family trait.
Sisters — I have four fabulous female role models. Each one has offered amazing lessons in my lifetime.
Technology — This blog brought to you by Apple.
Unconditional love — Best feeling in the world to give it and receive it.
Vernacular — OK, it’s an unusual thing to be grateful for, I guess. Welcome to the melting pot! Plus, I’m currently watching Swamp People on History Channel.
Water — Basic. Simple. Not available to everyone on this planet.
XX — chromosomes that make me a girl! This makes me think of a Seinfeld episode when Elaine declares to George and Jerry, “I don’t know how you walk around with those things. ”
Zippity Doo Dah! — Yes, I sing it when I’m happy. I sing it when I need to get happy. I sing it when I’m being sarcastic.
OKAY, you know me and I am a snarky, sarcastic chick. I find a little pleasure in playing devil’s advocate from time to time. However, on the whole I am happy. Content, if you will. While i do have dreams of building a better life by way of higher income that affords me my own house and vacations to destinations that aren’t family members addresses, on the whole I am HAPPY.
You might ask how that is possible when there are so many things happening in the world that are dreadful. Darkness is spreading. Hate is more and more evident. Sure. It is. But in my world, where I have control, I find reasons to negate all the horrendous events that are not in my control. Do you dig? I’m controlling my personal state of mind.
Gratitude is Attitude.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. For Americans it begins the holiday season. Our hearts are more open; pockets more empty. It also makes people make deliberate attempts to find things in their lives to be grateful for. My suggestion is not to let it just be a seasonal duty or chore. Do it daily. No need to write about it but if it helps you to do so, then do it. There is a bounty of social networking sights for you to share it on. The first one is your own family. Write a note on a Post-It to your husband or child for why you’re grateful. Share the positive. Make use of the front of your refrigerator. Dry erase boards are for more than grocery lists. Make your gratitude list.
Start a movement and make it begin under your own roof. A doctor I once worked with, Dr. William Grant, was notorious for handing a person a piece of paper with the alphabet written vertically in the margin whenever he’d hear someone complaining incessantly. He’d instruct them to start with A and work down to Z listing things that person is grateful for. Sure, X and Z often stump folks, but you get the general idea of the task. Some days we have to stop and smell the roses and appreciate that we can see and smell their aroma.
Not long ago I subscribed to a website called Reel Life Wisdom: Daily Quotes. Each day a quote from a movie is delivered to my mailbox. Every now and then one really hits home and I share it. Today is one of those days. Usually, sharing only involves my Facebook wall. Today’s quote, which started out being a status update on FB clicked with an experience I had last night with my family. A party was held in honor of my niece Aubrey’s birthday. It was a fabulous time spent laughing, eating, dancing. No one was consumed with anything beyond the moment. Seeing my son have such fun dancing with Just Dance 2 gave me such a feeling of pride and warmth that it will last me a lifetime.
“I want to go someplace where I can marvel at something.”
Eat Pray Love (2010)
Elizabeth Gilbert
In regards to the quote, sometimes you don’t have to look any further than your own family to find marvel and beauty. I’m fortunate enough to have had this epiphany early on in my life. A family that is extraordinarily diverse affords me constant wonder and excitement.
Every day I hear people lamenting on their misery for what they do not have. Sure, there are moments where I wish more money would beckon or my pants wouldn’t fit so tight. Yes, seeing the sights of a Hawaiian paradise would be phenomenal, but wanting those things does not define who I am or wish to be. It’s one thing to have goals and strive to achieve them. But spending your existence so focused on what you’re lacking will lead to nothing but disappointment and emptiness. If you’re able to explore as Elizabeth Gilbert did, then do it. Everyone should have such opportunity. Just don’t get such laser point vision on what you don’t have that you miss out on the fortuitous bounty that sits in your own backyard.
Take off the blinders and look around. I am so glad that I did.
This is the first of several interviews that will shine the spotlight on every day people who have managed to take control of their health. The people featured are those folks who’ve continuously motivated and inspired me to (and many others) to set and attain goals to lose weight and or get healthy. Such a quest doesn’t end when the scale reads a specific number set at the starting line. There’s a neverending effort to maintain and fight off demons.
Today’s blog guest star epitomizes the no excuses philosophy You see, Dawn is the mother of an amazing special needs child. Being able to plan is tricky as she never knows how a day will unfold. However, she has managed to keep on track to lose weight and get stronger. It is always a thrill to me when she posts, on my Facebook wall, that she went shopping and fit into an even smaller pair of jeans than two months ago. Sincerely, I let out a giggle and smile ear to ear because I KNOW that didn’t come easily for her. I am so honored that she was willing to share her journey so candidly.
OK, enough of my incessant babbling. I’ll let Dawn K. tell her own story of success:
• What made you set out on your health and fitness journey?
My 6 year old son has severe physical disabilities.One day I had to get up from the floor to go get something and sit back down with him.Then I had to go get something else, and I realized getting up from the floor was difficult and I was getting winded just getting up and moving around.The final straw was when I went up the stairs that day and realized I was out of breath at the top.It finally kicked in that my son NEEDED me to be strong and healthy to take care of him.And he also NEEDED me to be around for a long time.That was the day I decided something HAD to change.
• Did you set one major goal or several small goals?
One major goal.Lose 70 pounds and get as strong as possible.
• How are you achieving your goal? Specific plan (like Weight Watchers)? Or hybrid after much research/trial and error?
I realized I needed to do a “life change”.Time to start eating better and moving more.I grew up in a house that always had sweets, sugar drinks, fatty, and processed foods.I started cooking fresh veggies and lean proteins every day.I cut out a ton of carbohydrates and breads.I also stopped eating fast food all the time…no more pizza, Taco Bell, French fries, and sweet tea on a daily basis.I started eating less at each meal but more frequent, HEALTHY, snacks and meals.I started working out by walking short distances and then as I got stronger, I increased distance, intensity, and inclines.Eventually I began running and doing weights.I have also enjoyed Zumba along the way.I still enjoy the bad foods….just once in awhile.
• Do you pre-plan your workouts? How about your meals?
I do not pre plan my meals or workouts because I believe I would become obsessed with it.I do not want to obsess about food and working out.What I try to do is work out as much as I possibly can….some weeks its nothing, other weeks its almost every day. As far as meals, I just try to keep a general calorie total in my head each day of what I am eatingand do not beat myself up about a bad day.
Have your reached your primary weight loss/fitness goal? If so, how long has it taken?
I have lost 60 of the 70 pounds.I am actually very happy with where I am at and am taking my good old time with the last 10 because I FEEL stronger and am so much healthier now.I feel if I continue with my life style change then they will eventually come off.The key is not reverting back to my old bad habits.
• If you’ve been derailed along the way, how long did it occur and what got you back on track?
There have been a couple of months along the way that have been very difficult personally and I have not worked out and have gained a few pounds back.The key is, I get back on track and do the best I can.Again, I do not want to get to the point where I obsess because then I will not be healthy mentally or physically.What got me back on track was reminding myself of how far I have come and my commitment to my health for myself and my family.
• Did you announce your goals to friends and family?
I told my family and close friends.I posted my workouts on Daily Mile and shared them on Facebook, as well.Along the way people say I motivated them, which, in turn, motivated me.Having people notice you have lost weight has been awesome too!
• When you obtain a goal, do you reward yourself? If yes, what is the reward?
Well, losing so much weight I had to basically get a new wardrobe, so yes, I got a bunch of new clothes!J
• What’s your greatest source of motivation and inspiration?
My son is my number one inspiration and motivation.And now that I can put on jeans that haven’t fit in YEARS, that keeps me going!
• Do you work out solo or invite others to join you?
I am usually a solo work out kind of person.I don’t mind walking with friends, however, I HATE running with other people.Mostly because I am in my own zone when I am running.I like to do weights at the gym by myself so I don’t waste time.
• What are the most noticeable changes about yourself have you noted since making progress?
My self-confidence is so much better.I used to only wear huge tshirts and jeans EVERYSINGLEDAY.Yes, even in the scorching GA summers.Now, I wear SHORTS!JI can do things without feeling worn out or winded now.Being stronger is AWESOME!I have guns now (biceps! Hehe)!!Overall I am much happier and a lot of people have noticed.
• Stats: How much have you lost … you can state in pounds or sizes or both.
60 pounds (give or take a pound or two on any given day).Size 18 to a 10.
• Imagine you’ve been asked to create a video showing your progress. Now, pick a song for that video. What is it? Why did you choose that song?
From Chaos…..by 311.I love the lyric….”From Chaos comes clarity”.I took a life of Chaos and pain (due to having a sick child) and used that energy to push myself in a more positive direction.
• Any last words of advice to someone who is stuck or just starting out on their own journey?
The hardest part is getting into new habits and sticking with them, especially when you are out of shape and its extremely difficult.Stick with it.Be responsible.Find out your triggers.Change your life style.But most of all….don’t give up on it.It takes TIME but it WILL happen.
Had it not been for Facebook’s awesome “On this Day .…” reminders I never would have realized that one year ago today I created MARISSOLOGY on Facebook. A ‘like’ page for this blog and all its musings. It didn’t catch on like wildfire as I’d hoped, but to the 211 of those who clicked “LIKE” and continue to support the endeavor, I say THANKYOU!!! Tell your friends and feel free to comment and post your own successes and faux pas that life constantly hands us. My blog is dedicated to living life and admitting when we’ve stumbled or partying like it’s 1999 for the triumphs. What I’m saying is that it is NOT all about weight loss. I know it seemed for awhile that my journey to lose 100 pounds was all that my brain could spew out. You hung in there, though. You didn’t bail on me when I sounded like a broken record or infomercial for Beachbody.
I am going to admit something publicly. In a previous post I had kind of sort of hinted about my regret for locking myself away from the world as a form of salvation or protection. However, today I’m making a full confession. There is so much that I’ve missed out on by being anti-social these past years.
The positive spin on it all is that my appreciation for the recent experiences is insurmountable. Wow! It’s difficult to express just how good it feels to connect with others. What’s even better is the reconnecting that has resulted from me getting out and fluttering my proverbial wings.
Take, for instance, this past weekend. Kankakee held its annual Merchant Street Music Festival for two days. I didn’t go one day. Both days yours truly was in attendance for the spectator sport of people watching accompanied by phenomenal music. Moreover, I hung out with friends. The really wild thing is that the first night I met people down there which meant I had to mosey over there alone; walking through crowds. In the past this would have paralyzed me with fear. Not this weekend. Rather than find an excuse to bail out, I managed, within seconds of hitting the venue, to see a familiar face and strike up a conversation. This occurred throughout the evening. The old shrinking violet in a crowd Marissa is gone, me thinks.
The second night was a greater test of my social fluttering. I wore the ‘magical technicolor dress’. Like a dream it worked. It truly does something. Not only am I affected by it, but others seem to be mesmerized. Maybe it is the Grecian goddess cut of the neckline or the vibrant colors. Perhaps I carry myself a little more confidently as it accentuates my positives and hides all the negatives. Regardless of the cause for the magic, I struck up a conversation with someone I’d only seen twice since 17 years ago. He ended up talking to me for what my friends said “hours and hours.” It was really only about 120 minutes of laughing and catching up further in the blasted heat and humidity. When the heat was just too much for him and we parted ways, my friend couldn’t believe I didn’t get his phone number after all of that. I’m social and courageous, not brazen! Hey, in this modern world I’m still rather old fashioned. If he’s inclined to want to talk to me on the phone he’ll get my number, right? Besides, he knows where I work.
Anywho, this weekend brought astounding positive energy in the land of Marissa. When the new year rang in I declared that this year was destined to be phenomenal. It’s such a welcome relief that my prediction has yet to fail me.
Here’s a video that I shot of a little breakdancer. In between bands on the main stage, this little guy entertained the crowd. As a show of gratitude, people began throwing dollar bills at his itty bitty dancing feet.
You’ve read about my Team Beachbody journey as a weight loss participant, as well as, a coach. Some of you have been gracious enough to tell me I’ve been an inspiration and motivator in your own journey. That touches me deeply and propels me to keep on my path to be healthier than ever.
Losing weight is NOTEASY. Anyone who tells you differently is lying. It is a combination of hard work through exercise and food consumption control. End of story. And a support system is needed. If you think you can go it alone then you are lying to yourself. When I try to be my own wingman I fail miserably. It takes someone to kick me in the arse and insist that asking for advice and help is not only acceptable, it is appreciated. There are people out there who get a charge in their life by being able to offer assistance and be that pillar of strength when it seems you’ve been diminished to a giant puddle of useless goo.
I met such a person on Monday, June 13, 2011. Despite my efforts to push this person’s help away he refuses to give up on me. It’s not that other such people aren’t in my life. It’s just that this guy had never met me in person. Our relationship started through getting to know each other via a blog we both read. Eventually, it evolved to our emails being less trivial or the subject matter revolving around said blog. As time progressed, he would be instrumental in helping me kick myself in the butt to lose weight. But it is more than that. He managed to help me gain health both physically and mentally. Now, THAT is HUGE!! ha.
It was incredible to finally hang out with this person who seems to know me so well and to do so without pretense. See, he lives in Dallas and I’m here in America’s Armpit. His photography brought him to Chicago. Perfect weather in an amazing city created the ideal day. It felt like I was hanging out with someone I’ve known forever. I guess that is what defines amazing friendship. Being at ease. Nothing awkward.
An added bonus to the day was meeting one of Beachbody’s founding coaches, Melanie Bolen. She’s so down to earth. Plus, she gave me a Team Chicago Beachbody t-shirt!! I’ll wear it proudly, Melanie. Danke!
What have I learned from this experience? In the past, I found it difficult to put myself out there and meet new people and live through myself rather than vicariously through others. Hopping on the northbound train alone wasn’t painful at all. As I tell my friends when they are embarking on a new phase in life, once you take the first step the rest seems easy.
On a personal note to John: I don’t know if you realized when you took me on as a TBB coach that you’d also end up being a life-coach. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for seeing through the bitchy veneer. Even more so, thank you for forcing me to look in the mirror to see what you and others see.
One year ago today, March 27, my son woke up early to help me assess my fitness level. I was about to embark upon yet another quest to lose weight. He kept track of how many reps I could do on the first dvd of Power 90 with Tony Horton. He helped me snap before photos and took my bicep measurements. In addition, my eating habits would drastically undergo modification. Gone were the fast food meals and diet soda. Michi’s Ladder became my guidepost to healthier eating.
Fast forward a year. What has changed? Well, the quest isn’t so much about the number on the scale or the size stated on the tag of my pants. While those are great measures for how much weight I’m losing, they aren’t what this is about anymore.
In the course of a year I have learned a lot about myself. It hasn’t simply been about putting down the fork and pressing play on the myriad of workouts dvds I own. Through sharing experiences with others who’ve lost weight and kept it off, I’ve managed to dig deeper mentally and emotionally. While I have not pinpointed when in my life I became a food addict, I have recognized that it’s a monumental issue. Like a drug addict, I can have a relapse at any given moment.
I explained in my post of March 26, Get Serious, that I had abandoned listening to the wise voices that told me not to eat the chips or not to grab for the second piece of pizza. The justification of working out permitted me to eat whatever my addiction wanted to consume.
You see, it’s a constant struggle. Instead of having an angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other, I have a skinny girl on one side. She can eat anything she wants and never gains weight. She’s evil. On the other side is the struggling chubby girl who works out and eats to fuel her body … an ever shrinking chubby girl, mind you. She represents the hard work it takes to lose weight, build muscle and increase energy. Clearly, she’s the good voice.
Today, I recommit to that determination I had a year ago. I’m flicking that skinny bitch off my shoulder so she can no longer shout and ‘woohoo!’ in my ear like a drunken coed at a frat party.
There were months when I was so diligent. Forty-five pounds do not magically disappear. When I bagged up all the size 20–22 clothes, it wasn’t because I had high hopes they’d never fit me again. I did it because those clothes DIDNOTFIT. They were also reminders that I could go back to that. It’s not wise to keep the past ever present. Returning to that size is not an option. It’s so cathartic to physically load up the past and remove it. Gone! No return.
I want to thank all of you who’ve encouraged me along the way and shared your own stories of triumph. You’ve shown me that we’re all human and we stumble. No weight loss endeavor is not without a few trip ups. Set backs are inevitable, but getting over the hurdles is easier when you have help.
Let me know where you are and how you’re doing. Visit my Facebook Marissology page. My wall is open!! Remember you’re not alone nor should you think you have to do it alone.
Facebook is a time suck There! I said it! I admit it. But it keeps me off the stripper pole.
About 8 months ago someone sent me an invite to do a 10 second interview. I figured I had that much time to spare, right? How many questions could there be? Hundreds! Unless you’re John Moschitta, it’s unlikely you can answer numerous questions in under 10 seconds … with exception to that rapid fire questioning in Uncle Buck.
Wait … that clip is 25 seconds long, but isn’t it precious?
So, for my own amusement (and maybe your’s) I have extracted 20 gems from Q & A with Miss Riss –
1. What’s the sexiest thing the opposite sex can wear? Me
2. Nothing beats … ? A new pair of underpants
3. In 20 years I will be ...? Still answering these stupid assed questions
4. I don’t get mad, I get ...? Psycho
5. When they write my obituary, I hope they mention … ? I don’t care. I’ll be dead
6. What flavor are you glad they didn’t include in Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans? ASS
7. What kind of pet would you like to have? A kinkaju
8. When you get stressed what are you likely to toss out the window? The person who made me stressed
9. If you were pregnant you’d most likely crave …? Not being pregnant
10. Pardon my … ? Tig ol’bitties
11. Blonde, brunette or red head?? Yes, I’ve been all three. Ask me about the carpet and I’ll beat you with your own fist.
12. What would be your theme song? I’ll find the app quiz for it and get back to you
13. One in the hand is worth …? Two in the cash register
14. The O.C. or Dawson’s Creek? Eww how dare you sully my head with such garbage
15. Please tell my butler that for breakfast I shall require …? him to be hot, handsome, tall and ready.
16. If you owned a restaurant what would you call it? Slurping Tatas
17. What will JT bring back now that sexy is back? Parachute pants
18. I’ll wait until nobody is looking then I’ll … ? finally pick the underwear out of my crack
19. Do you play any instruments? I don’t suppose the skin flute counts, eh?
20. Quick! Write the last sentence of your autobiography: “And she and Thelma and Louise lived happily ever after in comfort … at last.”
This was written before many changes were made to Facebook.The 10 Second quiz was once posted on my wall sidebar. Now? I have no idea where it resides. Aren’t you glad I preserved some of these gems?
