Madame: The Journey of a Weight Loss*ista: June 2009

See, What Had Happened Was ...

A new pet peeve of mine, people who "like" their own activities on Facebook ... lol ... of course you like it, you wrote/did it!!! I'm running on E (empty, not extacy) right now ... Party planning (my Shadie is turning 31 tomorrow) ... fulfilling abundant demands as Q2 2009 comes to an end ... at work ... My eating was rather unacceptable today, not enough - and all the wrong choices at that. I was too ashamed and rushed to take pictures ... lol ... Let's see ... no breakfast, a snicker and diet coke for lunch from the vendy (no time for a real lunch), a single hamburger for dinner ... No veggies/fruits all day!!! And I can so feel (physically) the wackness of that choice already ... it's cool ... I'll bounce back tomorrow ... I got this ;)

My mom is 52 now, we spent her B-Day weekend at this vintage eatery, I passed the place twice because I thought it was abandoned ... lol ... but that was the point ... o_O ... Inside was an actual old train and train car seating ... so neat ... a bunch of antique appliances and ads ... excellent Italian food!

My Mom waiting on the train ... lol

Spaghetti Warehouse - Downtown Columbus, Ohio (Franklinton District)

NBC4 Studios - High St. & Broad St. "Center of the City"

Harley's in the parking lot ... I ♥ Harleys!

Yes, my mom changes hair frequently ... she got the lacefront bob going on right now ... but, she doesn't glue it down as instructed ... she cut the excess lace completely off ... and rocks it free lance ... lol ... I took her to get her nails done, and new purse shopping @ COACH ... Umm, no Hermès Birkin ... I'm only a thousandaire !!!

Speaking of money, don't mess with the wealthy's money ... Madoff got a hundid and fiddy years :/?!? ... I guess I should stop complaining about T.I.'s sentence, huh? I think more are to blame, but instead of including his cohorts, and greedy investors who thought reality was a hedge fund evermore increasing, despite economic climate changes ... he's taking the no snitch route ... GANGSTA! Keep ya head up bruh ...

I'm so sleepy ... it's still light out, but once I close the curtains ... I won't be able to tell the difference ... Tomorrow, I pledge better choices than today ... despite how busy I am. Being busy was my weak excuse today ... and I won't be using it again ... Peace ;) ~PC

Goodnight, Daylight ... Current view from my bedroom window ... zzzzz

Skank Robbers ... BET Awards ... 2009

Before Madea, there was "Martin's" Shenehneh & "In Living Color's" Wanda ... I'm sure it's not a real movie ... but there were a slew of laughable, head shaking moments at the BET Awards this year. BET is going to be hit with a lot of fines too! Between Drake/Weezy's performance, and Eddie LeVert being "him" ... this MJ tribute is bound to get some Fox News coverage ... lol ... Regular postings to resume tomorrow ... a girl needed a break ;) ~PC

SMH / One Eyebrow Raised Moments

Beyonce's interesting bathing suit, adult novelties sheer furry skirt singing "Ave Maria" o_O <---I didn't get it y'all. I like Bey, but I mean you can do that within the acceptability of your own concert, but you can't just sing a religous song, and then spring stuff like that on black folks at an awards show ... lol ... she did sound amazing. The bad part, is that there is a commercial that plays here and one part of a song she bridged on is playing during these sad shots of abused animals ... that need to be adopted ... hence one my FB "friends'" comments :/ ... Was it me, or did Bey just not fit in ... Like she was a part of the show for pity/charity??? ... lol

When the younger member of the O'Jays was digging in his ear during the acceptance award.

Mary Mary ft. T-Pain with that club song! (Oh wait, T-Pain wasn't a part of it)

Zoe Saldana feeling the need to tell everyone her older co-presenter was in the ladie's room!

Keyshia Cole's DOTs/Rainbow/Citi Trends/GreatGlam.com Outfit

Finding out that Nefe & Frankie are getting their own show! Bafoonery 2.0 (as a cheerleader for foolishness, at times, best believe, I'll be watching ... lol)

Finding out that Tiny & Toya are getting their own show Bafoonery 2.5 (Jamie said it was a baby momma show, and somebody was going to end up arrested the first episode ... lol) ... I fear that on the grounds of listening to them speak ... I'll lose braincells though ...

Tevin Campbell, where did they find this dude?

Don Cornelius, going on and on ... My mom said, he was probably still talking after they ushered him backstage ... lol

Favorite Moments

Hearing Janet Jackson speak.

Bel Biv Devoe's "Poison" performance

When TRAVIS BARKER appeared during the "Blame It" Remix ...

When Eddie LeVert (apparently the censors were sleep) talked of his on set experience and went on to say "People was dancing and sh*t"

Jay-Z's "Death of Autotune" Performance

Taraji & Tyrese's re-enactment of Baby Boy's "I HATE YOU JODY"

Lebron Winning "Athelete of the Year"

Jamie dancing in those black tight Michael-esque pants, with white socks showing, and moonwalking (for the most part) accross the entire stage.

Mme's GIVE-AWAY Winners!!! ...

Thanks for everyone's interest and participation ... Congrats to the winners of this round of give-aways! Many more to follow this summer :) ~PC

Results were selected via:

"Skinny B**ch" by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin
Winner Entry #16 ~ Asia

Heart Rate+Calorie Monitor Watch

Winner Entry #27 ~ Tina

http://tminustplus.blogspot.com/

Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred DVD
Winner Entry #21 ~ J. aka Ms. LMC www.luvinmycurves.com

*I'll be in touch with the winners shortly, for mailing information. Thanks again!

FASTING ... 6.23-25.09 ...

First off, I'm an advocate for eating (hence my recent overeating to undereating reflection)!!! ... lol ... but fasting, in appropriate faculties has many benefits. I undergo a fast for 3 days, during the first week of each NEW SEASON for personal, cultural, and spiritual reasons ... a small notion to exhibith my grattitude. Now that Summer is here, it's time to re-up ;) ...

Please note that this is NOT in attempt for weight loss.

Weight reduction is often times a fortunate side effect, but ultimately pales in insignificance to the restoration allowance your body and mind establishes during this physical and mental submission. I've seen people base their entire weight loss strategy on the premise of a "Lemonade Diet" aka "The Master Cleanse." ... "Well, Beyonce did it!". smh. Yes, it's a FAST, not a DIET or LIFESTYLE. If you can't live the rest of your life doing what you are doing, I'd encourage you not to pursue solely for WL. I say this only because, when we come off of these fasts, and reintroduce actual food back into our system, some (if not all) of the weight is inevitably restored. That's science. And many get upset, and resort back to fasting/starving to get rid of it again ... fueling a bad and long-term ineffective cycle. I know I'll be down a few pounds (I actually refuse to weigh myself during this time), but I am very acceptable to the fact that I'll be right back up ... once I break ...

I've also stopped binging the night before ... lol ... I used to cram in all that I could by midnight, to survive the next few days. But in all honestly, that defeats the BEAUTY of the fast, and doesn't reflect my ultimate will of sacrifice ... One of the hardest things to do is fast, professing ultimate vulnerability ...

No, I don't lock myself in the house and meditate all day ... lol ... I'll still go to work, and will attend Yoruban-Christian services with my baba (umm I'm multi-religious ... I know, it's frowned upon in COGIC - can't help that I was raised under both) ... So no food pics from me until Friday ... I'll just have water to take my MS meds ... and will also skip the gym ... reasonably, so ...

With Love,

~PC aka Hakeem(a) Sunflower <--- (for the Martin fans! ... lol ... that's what Shad calls me during these times ;P ...)

P.S. I won't be really posting during this time, I also strongly reduce if not omit tv, internet, and phone use ... but ... will be sure to post the winners of the give-aways early tomorrow AM ... avant sunrise :)

untitled

It gets easier to cope with not having my father here. I know he wouldn't want me to dwell on the unfortunate loss, rather the great times we shared as a family. Smiling down on my brothers and I ... he's always in my heart :). I didn't ride out in is honor today, because of the heat ... but plan on doing so on his b-day this fall ... love you Daddy! ~Sissy

Today's Summary

B: 1 1/2 Cp Kashi Go Lean Crunch, 1 Cp Silk Soy Milk, Strawberries & Kiwi

L: Carrot, Cauliflower, Broccoli Medley w/ Ranch

D: GF Grilled Pork Chop (lean), Salad w/ Ranch, Sm. Red Potato w/ 3 ICBINB Sprays, 1 Cp Strawberry Lemonade (Organic)

Calories/POINTS: 1,180/17

Fruits/Veggies Svgs: 6

Water: 86oz

Exercise: NONE / My Day of Rest!

Tagged: Your Blog is SUPER Award!!! ... ;)

I truly enjoy all of the blogs I read daily/follow, especially those bloggers who have definitely been of great support and inspiration to me, as I press on! We are all unique, in methods, goals, lifestyle, environment, culture, experiences ... etc ... etc ...

Thanks so much Ro "I Wanna Get Fit" for the Tag!!!

The below are my all-star picks. I know I'm missing many, but I was tagged by 2 other bloggers, for other awards and will FINALLY be forwarding on those as well soon ... so this is just the beginning!!! ... ;) ~PC

YOU'VE BEEN TAGGED!!!

if ya wanna ... lol ... go head and tag your blog SUPER, if it hasn't already been deemed so ... ;) !!!

The Rules:*Tape it up on your blog somewhere.*Pass it along to 5 fellow super bloggers, and comment on their blog to let them know how lucky they are today!*When you present your Super Blogger awards, link back to the super blogger who gave it to you.

Stacie: "No Weapon Formed Against Me Shall Prosper"

A phenomenal WL success story, she graciously shares her tips, advice and experience with those of us in the same pursuit!

Valecia: "the royal transformation"
A beautiful woman, who dabs into fashion, make-up, love, life, and her quest in better health.

Oct: "...Cya Girl!"
A fellow MSer, who chronicles her life & Low Carb life-style.

Ms. LMC: "Luvin' My Curves"

Founder of the Curvy Collective, bringing forth all that is fab in plus-sized fashion, addressing issues, and happenings within it's communtiy!

Allie: "Foolishness Personified"
A hilarious blend of stories and thoughts ... simply, addressing reality. On a personal WL journey herself.

*Honorable Mentions to my 2 new fav reads ... ;)

Blah*Blog*GirL: "Daze to Dirty"
I am possibly addicted to her posts, always interested in reading how she creatively articulates her journey ...

T-Rez: "Queen of My Domain"

Yes, it's quite possible that an AKA can admire a Delta ... but let's just keep that to ourselves, okay??? ... lol ... j/k ... On a journey to reach goal in 2010 ... her all the way real and fun approach to blogging ... keeps me tuned in!

Overeating to Undereating ... It's Still ABUSE

When I first took my stand to get healthy ... I went from one dangerous extreme, to the next. Doing what most off us think is logical. I eat too much now, so if I eat too less, I'll loose magnificently FAST! But, if I couldn't stick to a safe and healthy daily caloric intake of 1200-1900 to lose weight ... What in the world possessed me to think I could survive and succeed at only eating 500-750 calories a day - abruptly??? Something now that I look back on, and smdh. I was delusional, "crazy, deranged" ... better yet, unrealistic. But I did so, and it was the worst few weeks of my life, physically and mentally.

The best approach to this I am learning is balance. My body needs food/energy, to function ... why inhibit my body's miraculous natural self-healing, weight management, restoration, and survival capabilities ... by putting further strain on my weak muscles, high blood pressure, and
MS complications .... by restricting it, and pumping it with unregulated medications?

That's abuse.

Self-harm.

Simply put.

I'd argue that I had plenty of fat to survive off of! When in fact, my body's day-to-day functions require more than that of stored fat to operate, at it's prime potential. How about calcium, vitamin C, vitamin D, etc ... etc ... And when they aren't received appropriately, through proper nutrition ... it pulls from our vital organs and bones to compensate!

It sounds weird, but it's essential. YOU MUST EAT TO LOSE! But not just eat anything ... I didn't get fat by eating tons of fruits, veggies, grains, lean proteins, rather ... fast food, pizza, fried foods, candy, ice cream and everything else...

I understand, and completely relate to some of us just wanting the weight to go away by ANY MEANS. But I beg of you, do NOT jeopardize your long-term health, or SANITY but abusing your body ... in a different manner.

One thing I love about the success stories I host here on MTJ, and even those I'm inspired by is that ... they lost much weight over time, and did not resort to dangerous means. And guess what??? ... They're still successfully maintaining and/or losing more! I need a method that can realistically last a lifetime, and that phase I went through ... would have been just as detrimental as staying morbidly obese ... ~PC

* Dealing with a 16 year old family member, who I'd love to convey this too ... so I guess I'm testing it here ... I'll let you know how this convo goes ... soon ...

"We don't have to worry bout no groceries, we can fill up on love alone"

(list of what's pictured, at the bottom of post)

I normally agree with Anthony Hamilton's lyrics ... but umm, after awhile imma need some food!!! ... lol. I'm starting to find joy in seeking food choices that include organic, natural, and whole grain. Also, I'm officially scaling back on animal-based products. Now, I'm not going vegan by an means, but, already not being much of a meat-eater ... I think it will benefit me in the end to maintain my "sparingly" use.

I've been researching, and discovering that there are a plethora of products that can replace the good elements (including protein) we find in meat, including but not limited to nuts, beans ... even some fruits and veggies - all a tad bit easier on the digestive system too, I'd imagine :/. Tomorrow, he wants pork chops ... and I do too ... so like I said, this is no vegan declaration. In my quest for protein (especially for training purposes) via other items ... I bought the Biggest Loser Designer Whey Protein mix in Vanilla ... and will try it out tomorrow.

There is quite an influx in my veggie/fruit selection this week, hopefully to REPLACE my "less fat", yet sugary/fiberless/ processed foods, including the 100 calorie pack stuff ... lol. So glad our floor has a "fridgataor" now ... for quick access during those snack stretches at work!

Tomorrow ... I will be forwarding a tag to 5 people with a "Your Blog is Super" award I received from Ro over at "I Wanna Get Fit" ... and include some honorable mentions of course ;) ...

Also, the response has been great for the give-aways :) ... I'll be announcing the winners on this Tuesday morning! Remember, the cut-off time to enter is Monday @ 11:59pm! Thanks and I'll ttyat! ~PC

Today's Summary

B: 1 1/2 Cup of Cheerios, Skim Milk, 2 Tbsp of Sugar

L: Panera Caesar Salad (sans the chicken this time), Sm. Apple

D: 5 Sushi Rolls (crab, avocado, mayo, cucumber), Red Pear

Calories/Points: 1,250/19
Fruits/Veggies Svgs.: 5
Water: 88 oz

Exercise: 45 Minutes Treadmill (2.9-3.5mph), 25 Minutes Elliptical (level 8/20) Last Song Playing on the MP3: "Hot Boyz" by Missy Elliot feat. Eve, Q-Tip, Nas

Groceries

Strawberry & Kiwi Salad
Honeydew Melon
Pineapples
Watermelon
Pears
Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrot Medley
Snyder's Whole Grain Sun Chips
Designer Whey Protein (Vanilla)
Kashi Go Lean Crunch
Grapes (Green & Red)
Light Silk Soy Milk
Organic Strawberry Lemonade Drink
Dole 7 Lettuce Salad

Blame it on the A-A-A-A-A-A-ttitude ...???

I would seriously be okay with knowing that certain men did not prefer me, because I was too short, big ... NOT my attitude/confidence level. This man [(a fine specimen of decadent chocolate ... mid to late 30's) Y'all know I like my men older ... or maybe you didn't - and I should have kept that to myself] :P ... anyway ... Every time I find myself in the same vicinity as him, the last few months, he goes out of his way (literally) to speak to me and drum up some awkward small talk. When before - the 4 years working in the same building (and 2 on the same floor) I doubt he even knew my name! It's like did my size make me (ironically) invisible too him then?

Later on, my male bestie/at-work hubby Zack <---(long story ... lol), told me that he had asked him (probably b/c is in my lunch clique) about my engagement ring and if there was actually a man attached to it, or "in his way" as he quoted. I am automatically flattered and grinning like crazy, when he speaks or says "good morning beautiful" ... but then in my mind I'm like ... "Hold Up Wait a Minute!?!?!" ... where was all this admiration before, bruh??? ... I'm taken, but the audacity almost offends me ... I don't want to be mean ... but I just think it's out of pocket to care that I exist now ... then again ...

.::before I get snappy with ole dude - the next encounter::.

Shad has been saying that I have a different aura about me. A presence that's warm, welcoming and "unguarded". Maybe that's why NOW, he and others have taken notice? I suppressed myself before (extremely so after I crossed my 20's + the 250's) meek, rarely making eye contact with people, dark clothing all seasons, purposely in the background not loving me and not wanting anyone else to either ... Par example ... When I used to ride the bus to work downtown, this bus driver his name was "Austin" ... really nice guy, he'd always say "smile" communicating with me via the mirrors ... lol ... then he'd wink or put a thumbs up once he saw it ... lol ...

My twin brother does the same thing, my mom describes it as our defense mechanism. That guard. Paul, for other (paranoid due to his prior "extra-curricular activities") reasons, me, because of my appearance. So it might not ALWAYS be our size, it could just be a shift in attitude???

An attitude that I should have rightfully so exuded even in my heavier days ... but was never taught how to love what I deemed/ and was taught was an absolute disgrace ...

"He just can't handle all of this!"

Stop it. I recount quite a few plus-sized women, who immediately chop up someone not feeling them b/c of size alone. When in fact, it could actually be for a different trait ... and our weight is just a convenient (and easier to handle) excuse. Granted, there are men who simply don't like us fluffy girls ... but bump them!

I wouldn't even care if this was an isolated incident ... but it's been happening often during my transition - to warrant this post ... men at my mom's church - that I've known forev, a few Frats, that have been evermore cordial ... That all doesn't matter now of course ... and I thank God for the man that loved me when I was even at my heaviest and least confident phase ... but yeah ... :/ ... just thinking ... I've held my weight as a culprit for alot of misfortunes in the past ... possibly, wrongfully ... ~PC

{Jaz The Interlude} Mic Check. I'm Going In.

i'm walking into work this morning with a dozen krsipy kreme donuts for my co-workers and i. if i bring it in and we all eat them, i'm not just the fat chick eating donuts. i'm the fat chick eating them who brought them in for everybody else too as a diversion. a step up. but that wasn't the problem. this woman who is very slender and beautiful, i've secretly admired her business and style swag for years is heading to the front door at the same time as me. i tried to slow down my pace so she'd make it to the door and into the building without noticing me. but the logistics in that somehow got jacked up and i ended up about 5 feet behind her. cute pencil skirt, cami, fitted blazer, heels, tiffany & co. necklace and matching bracelet. THAT SHOULD BE ME! now, here this skinny woman is holding the door ajar for me as my fat ass is carting donuts waddling through the foyer. she was pleasant as can be, but this was a still a major low for me mentally. major. i want to thank you MADAME (i've known her for a little under a year), but for her belief in me to actually finish what I set out to do. you are a beautiful black woman whom I know is going to take this all to another altitude. with your goal approaching and all of the opportunities that have opened up to you because of your persistence, i know for sure i've found the best support "homie", friend and sistar. i also want to thank you for giving me a soapbox here on "madame: the journey" and allowing me to occasionally hi-jackeé your blog to vent and chronicle my new lifestyle by way of the web. i promise to keep it pg as I maneuver incognegro here. background. both of us were approached by a literary group to contribute to a weight loss journey project/book. i am sad to say that each participant has seen successes, big and small, except my "can't get right" self. even with the hawk's eye of a contract, writers, deadlines and a photo shoot this summer i have lost NOTHING in almost a year! i thought this would be a sure way to feel like i really needed to do this. but i'm done. i'm so through with living unhealthy. the politically correct way to say i'm just too damn FAT. i have been FAT all of my adult life. i'm 27. chicago born & raised. A BI-RACIAL BOMBSHELL. one day maybe. i have the same sad ass song. i've tried it all. way too many pills and plans to name right now and if i recall them all I might upset myself, thinking about my repeated failures and how much money all of it costs. i live life uncomfortable. not only mentally but physically too. my belly could have it's own area code. nothing fits and i'm just unhappy. there is no sugar coating it. crying on the inside, smiling on the out. but no more. this is "my time". today i'm repositioning myself to shed these unwanted and uneeded pounds. current weight = 231 pounds goal weight = 150 pounds. until next time, i thank you for your time.

{Jaz}

Mme's GIVE-AWAY #3: Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred DVD

New (in plastic). I did this program for a while, and truly enjoyed it. Picked up another copy today ... for someone else daring enough to try ... lol ~PC

Rules: *Respondents will be assigned a # starting with 1, in the order your email is received. Please include your first name, the item you are entering for to win, (and if applicable, a link to your blog/site) on the note.

*Via random.org's outcome, the winner will be selected, respectively.

madamethejourney@yahoo.com
Deadline: Monday, June 22, 2009 - 11:59PM

Mme's GIVE-AWAY #2: Skinny B**ch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin

I totally just noticed, the cover-art figure has her pinky up ... lol ...

#1 New York Times Bestseller: "A no-nonsense, tough-love guide for savvy girls who want to stop eating crap and start looking fabulous.

The authors (2 former models) are your new smart-mouthed girfriends who won't mince words and will finally tell you the truth about what you're feeding yourself. And they'll guide you on making intellegent and educated decisions about food. They may be b**ches, but they are skiny b**ches. And you'll be one too-after you get with the program and start eating right."

Rules: *Respondents will be assigned a # starting with 1, in the order your email is received. Please include your first name, the item you are entering for to win, (and if applicable, a link to your blog/site) on the note. ~PC

*Via random.org's outcome, the winner will be selected, respectively.

madamethejourney@yahoo.com

Deadline: Monday, June 22, 2009 - 11:59PM

Mme's GIVE-AWAY #1: Heart Rate+Calorie Monitor Watch ...

NEW! SportLine 7-Function ECG Heart Rate Watch

Similar to one of my essential tools in training, this multi-faceted gadget is ideal! Heart Rate Monitoring, allows me to knowledgeably delegate my activity and intensity levels for optimum fat burning! ~PC

*Via random.org's outcome, the winner will be selected, respectively.

madamethejourney@yahoo.com

Deadline: Monday, June 22, 2009 - 11:59PM

Baseball ... That's the Game with Homeruns Right??? or Field Goals??? ;P

I had such an exciting day! Went to a baseball game ... then shopping, got some health-inspired items ... oh, and 3 items for a give-away - I'll be disclosing details of each, in separate posts.

My company is big on team-building outside of the office, off of the phones, away from emails, and investments, and distributions, and contracts, and so on and so on. So, someone purchased Columbus Clipper's tickets for us all to "bond". I have never watched baseball a day in my life, and I actually had to friggin' "wikipedia" <--(verb-tense) ... the sport to get a heads up. It was fun, though ... HOT as heck once the sun appeared from the clouds in the 6th inning <---(I know what that means now) ... lol ... our home team even lost, but we still had fun ... ~PC

The Park

Lunch/Snack - Not Yours/Nachos ... Only ate 1/2

Beautiful clouds, view from hwy traffic ... they looked so low! Yes, that's a spider on my windshield ... I'm not evil like SOME PEOPLE and decided against turning on the wipers ... lol ... it naturally disappeared once we hit 75 :/

I intended on walking into FinishLine and buying some Shox. Then I thought about what my trainer told me ... stop picking fashion/cuteness, over fitness. Shox don't give me the support and balance I need, personally ... so after fighting with my bad conscience chilling on my left shoulder ... I got these ... and I am so glad I did ... by far the most comfortable running shoes I've ever had ... loveth them ... and they are still cute! ;P

Nike Air Pegasus - Running

Small George Foreman Grill $19.99 & Black & Decker Blender $29.99

Dinner: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, Sm. Apple ~ Panera

Up To Sz. 18: "CJ" by Cookie Johnson ~ Premium Jean Line

Cookie Johnson, wife of NBA great and business mogul Magic Johnson, has emerged with her OWN entrepreneurial venture. A bachelor's of science in merchandising and textiles, with added 7 years experience as a buyer, this is no ... "I have a husband with $, so I want to start clothing line" deal here!

Being frustrated with (standard) premium/up-scale jean options, that were not conducive to "Real Bodies" <--- (lol ... love that) ... she created this unique (and fab, might I add) line for women sizes 0 through 18! (Nordstrom's size chart 24-38)

Currently found in Nordstrom's Department Stores and online ... Thank goodness I just got paid today, or "C.J. 'n 'em" would have to wait (I told y'all he put me on a spending freeze ... ;) ~PC

Follow the Company on Twitter! : www.twitter.com/cjbycookie
Nordstrom's Women's: "CJ" by Cookie Johnson Catalogue

"Faith" Straight-Leg Stretch Jean ~ $141 - $161
Signature embroidery tops one of the back pockets of lean stretch jeans with a rhinestone-embellished button closure.

"Love" Boyfriend Jean ~ $196
Subtle distressing enhances faded, dark-rinse jeans with a casual, relaxed fit and cuffed hems.

"Grace" Boot Cut Jean ~ $141 - $189
Embroidered logo details one back pocket on classic boot-cut jeans with light stretch. A single rhinestone embellishes the button closure.

*Set to also be sold in select Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale's locations this Summer!!!

Is Obesity a Disablity??? Not According to the AMA ...

Denied. The American Medical Association decided Tuesday, to reject defining obesity as a disability.

The craziest part to me in all of this is that the act would give a patient a "right of privacy" or an essentially "don't relate my sickness to my weight" pass ... when conversing with their physician about resolve methods - after diagnosis. Litigation could ensue if a patient who was say ... 257/my starting weight became offended when a doctor asked about diet and physical activity, instead of just prescribing a medication to "fix" it.

It would also open the door for individuals to seek claim on governmental Social Security disability funds in lieu of working - if their weight prohibited them from being able to perform.

It would have however, placed many Americans under the Equal Employment Opportunity fair employment act - in yet another category, there's technically no "you're too big, you can't work here" ... discrimination statement. But this I suppose, would ensure that we weren't turned down for a job b/c of the perimeter of our waistline on basis, of it being a disability ... whilst, being legally protected and holding civil merit.

Disability Discrimination: Americans with Disabilities Act (U.S. EEOC Site)

Obesity over time, can become debilitating ... as can alcohol, drug abuse, etc ... but I find it difficult to see it as solely a disability. Specifically, if our weight (and associated ailments) is personally-neglected and controllable ... (duly noted, that SOME obese patients have medical issues that may lead to inability to lose weight - or weight gain). ~ PC

Sources (links)

Google News Listings of Topic

EmpowHer.com Article

AMA Obesity Archives

Tuesday...

Chello ... just my check-in for the day ... Kind of light on eating - I was just so busy. Seems to be the norm, of the start of my weeks ... ugghh ... *insert yawn here* A real post tomorrow, I promise ... lol ~PC

Today's Summary

B: Kashi Go Lean Crunch w/ Skim, 1/2 Cup of Grapes

L: McDonald's Grilled Chicken Snack Wrap w/ Ranch, NV Yogurt Granola Bar, Lg. Apple,

Progresso Healthy Selections SWern Style Veggie Soup <--0 POINTS/60cals, 1/2 Cup of Grapes

Calories/POINTS: 1,096/20

Water: 111oz

Fruits & Veggies: 4

Exercise: I completed 4 miles on the treadmill today in a little under an hour :) ... I think that's a record for me ... 100 reps of Seated Row, 50 Reps on Ab Machine. Last song playing on the Mp3: "Whoa" by Black Rob <--- throwback!!!

614!!! ... Sunday ;)

I just realized that today's date, was my area code. Forgive me for acting my color - any opportunity, I rep ... sorry!!! ... lol. Just a quick check-in for this lovely lundi. I hit the park and I cooked dinner. However, the exciting moment of the day was, Shad winning his tournament!!! IDK y'all ... if this police thing doesn't last ... I might me be marrying a Tiger Woods!!! Or, Tiger's mom's cousin's daughters' husband's brother??? :/ ... lol ... I LOVE YOU BABY ... and I'm so proud!!! ;p

Ummm ... my blog's been tagged, so I shalt be paying it forward this week ...
I'll be giving a tad bit more info on the book project I am a part of ... it's coming to an end this summer ... and I'm happy about the developments ... and potential!
Also, Jaz confirmed that she will be posting this week too ... lol ... so much for the end all be all of "MACs" ... PC's for life punk!!! ...
I'll also be addressing some of the questions I've received, as of late ...

C'est tout ... ttyat ... :) ~PC

Today's Summary

B: Cheerios w/ Skim & 2 Tbsp of Sugar, Sm. Apple

L & S: Turkey on 15 Grain w/ FF Mayo, NV Yogurt Granola Bar, 1/2 Cup of Grapes

D: Chicken Breast (Pan-Cooked w/ Olive Oil & Seasonings), 1 Cup of Collard Greens (Fresh, Then Slow-Cooked with Onions, Smoked Turkey, Seasonings), Md. Ear of White Corn

Total Calories/POINTS: 1,307/24 (2 Allowance PTS Used)
Water: 99oz
Fruits/Veggies: 4
Exercise: Brisk 30 Minute Walk in Park

Ab Circle Pro ™ ... "The TREADMILL, For Your Abs"

Video Link: Ab Circle Pro Commercial

... states the many ads and fitness model Jennifer Nicole Lee. I'd probably scare the heeby geebies out of my cat, swishing back and forth like that ... lol ... But, I liked how the knee rests also separate, for leg and glut focus. Looks interesting! ~PC

Ab Circle Pro™ (official site)

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Natural Super Foods Blog (public responses)

Ezine Article

Price: System, W/ Monitor & 3 Year Warranty = Appr. $250.00

Common Good:

Heavily targets abs, obliques, arms, inner thighs
Greatly increases Heart Rate
3 Resistance Levels, Tilt/Elevation ability
Lightweight/Easy to store
90 Day MONEY BACK Guarantee, and 3 Year Warranty option

Common Bad:

Weight Loss Claims in regard to "10lbs in 2 Weeks" - Results Not Typical <---as always ;)
Knee Rests are lightly cushioned and, cause direct PAIN to knees after extended use. :/
Handle Bars after assembly are unEVEN
Very Lightweight/FLIMSY, I suppose weight discretion is advised?

Saturday (Sarah-Dee) ...

That's how my mom has always pronounced "Saturday". I've told her time and time again that it has a "T", to no avail ... lol. I had a busy day. I was so flustered trying to shop, clean, write 2 resumes, hit the gym, and at least make a brief appearance to pass out cards (with $$$) to all my HS babies (co-worker's daughter, bff's sister, and 2 girls I used to coach in tennis) that invited us to their grad parties today.

After going to the grocery store, I had forgotten milk, and we don't have anymore. So Ky (the 4 1/2 year old) is going on and on about how much he likes cereal, and he can't eat it now because "my sissy forgot" - working my nerves, just because. So I irritatingly reply, "DOES UDF (United Dairy Farmer's) HAVE MILK???", since it was across the street from where we were turning at that moment, to go home. After no response, I look at Shad and he just cracks up laughing and sarcastically says ..."I think so, milk is dairy, right?"

So glad to be home and in bed at this moment, looking forward to my day at the park tomorrow morning. I think Sunday is the day I'll reserve for that ... no gym, no machines, just a brisk walk in (60 degree) beauty ... with the occasional mosquito, of course ... ;/ ... I'll holla ... ~PC

Today's Summary

B: 1 Cup Kashi Go Lean Crunch w/ Skim, Sm. Apple, 1/2 Cup Melon

L: Nature Valley Strawberry Yogurt Granola Bar

D: 1 Personal Pepperoni Pan Pizza Hut

S: Strawberries

Calories/POINTS: 1,205/24 (2 Allowance Points Used)

Water: 63oz

Exercise: 90 Minutes Treadmill (Range 3.0-4.1) Slow 15 Minutes on in-door track, 15 Minutes on Elliptical (Level 9 of 20), Free Weights 10lbs 100 reps of both Tri & Bi-ceps ... Last Song Playing on the Mp3: "Want You" by Lloyd ft. Lil Wayne

Lonely, so lonely (only one there, again.)