Be Anxious For Nothing

 

Hey Dolls!

I hope your 2012 is off to a great start!  Hopefully you're using this time to see your plans, goals and vision through.  This is not the time to sit on them and put them to the side.  Consistency is the key to successfully fulfilling your purpose.

As for me, my 2012 was off to somewhat of a rocky start.  First, I rang in the the new year alone.  That's not entirely a bad thing, but I was not feeling up to company or going anywhere so I just stayed home and began to reflect on things in my life.  I was also in a "blah" kinda mood, because my "visitor" came to haunt me. LOL! Then I went back to work after the holidays trying to re-adjust my working relationships with some people.  I had to sever ties with a former friend, and having to go back to face them was a little awkward, but it's all working itself out.  I've been a little anxious about it.

Also, I've been a little anxious about the common medical condition that I was diagnosed with last year.  Fibroids.  I've been dealing with them for a year and I found out that one of them has doubled in size and I have two others kinda lurking around.  There is talks of having surgery to remove them so I'm a little nervous about the whole thing.  I discuss my ordeal in my previous post about them.

Last but not least, I called myself becoming the proud owner of a new dog.  I picked her up and brought her home last weekend.  Her name is Cocoa and she's the most adorable boxer, EVER!  She and I spent a good 24 hours together until....I leave the house to go church and run a few errands.  I was only gone for a few hours and something told me to leave her inside the house.  I didn't go with my gut, and I let her stay in the backyard.  She's a house-broken dog, but I didn't know how she would react in her new environment when I'm gone, so I let her out; not thinking that she would sneak out and run.  Sure enough, I came back home and she totally disappeared.  Needless to say, I feel awful, I'm devastated, and I feel responsible for her escape.  I've taken proactive steps to find her and it's been almost a week and no word, no sign of her.  Several neighbors have spotted her here and there, but supposedly, she is running from anyone who tries to help her.  I'm starting to think that she's content being out in the streets. I actually spotted her the other night and I tried to call her back to me and she just took off into the wilderness. :(   What does that say about  me when my own dog abandons me?  It makes me sad when I think about it.

All and all it's been a pretty eventful two weeks for me.  I'm hoping it can only get better from now on.  The upside is school begins next week.  I'm very excited about grad school!  Paying for it is another thing, but it's all good.  I've got it covered.  I'm also very involved in my new workout regimen.  I've been very consistent this month in getting to the gym.  I'm already down 4 lbs since my last doctor's visit in December!  Yay!  I'm beasting in the gym.  My fast is going well.  I'm eating a modified Daniel fast diet.  It's been much easier this go round since I've changed my overall diet to conform to my health, anyway.  My blood pressure is under control since I've started being more active.  I'm no longer hypertensive.  It fluctuates between normal to pre-hypertensive, which is a good thing. 

I guess 2012 is not all that rocky considering the good news.  I'm praying for the best year and I know being anxious means I'm not trusting God to make it happen.  I'm still learning how to live, let live and let go.  That's hard sometimes, but it's necessary.  I just need to get deeper into the Word and spend more time with God.  I believe once He has my full attention things won't seem so insurmountable.  I'm speaking to myself, but I hope you all reflect on that scripture above.  Tomorrow will take care of itself, so there is no use in worrying.  Dolls, be anxious for nothing.  Think about the good that's happening to you, through you and around you and  notice that it totally outweighs the bad.  Trouble doesn't last always.  It's going to be an awesome year!  I claim that today and I pray I don't lose sight of that revelation.  Peace!

It Sucks Being A Girl....Sometimes!

Ahhhhh, the joys of womanhood!  Menstrual cycles, well woman exams, poking, prodding, probing, it's all fun and games until you have to face the dreaded day of meeting with your gyno!  Yup, I feel like I've been poked and prodded more than I can stand in these last few weeks.  Although I got the green light on all my test results, I still had the ultimate nightmare at the gyno today.  If childbirth is anything like this...I don't know if I'm ready for it!  LOL!!!  I was a little bit of a wussy, but I still took it all in like a champ.

I went to my followup appointment about my uterine fibroid condition.  My doctor wanted to give me a saline ultrasound to accurately locate the fibroids, check the size of them, and determine the next plan of action as to remove them or not.  I really didn't go in with any expectations.  I read that the procedure was simple and I'll experience a little discomfort, but nothing too bad.  Discomfort is an UNDERSTATEMENT!  I usually have a high tolerance for pain.  I got two tattoos:  one my back and my wrist!  But this was not cool!

Basically, I undressed from the waist down.  Put my feet in the stirrups (yea, that's sexy) and the doctor placed a speculum inside my vajayjay to open up my cervix and uterus.  Then she inserted a catheter into my uterus, which really wasn't too bad.  I felt a little cramping, but nothing I couldn't handle.  The discomfort came when she poured saline into my uterus.  The saline liquid was supposed to open up my uterus or make it contract for a better view of the fibroids.  The contractions felt like mild to moderate menstrual cramps.  I just closed my eyes and took long deep breaths through it.  Unfortunately, the saline kept leaking out of my uterus so she had to reposition the catheter a couple times to get it right -- which led to more cramping!  Ugh!!!!  It was horrible!  When it was over, I sitting in the biggest wet spot of saline and bodily fluids.  I know!  Gross, huh? But hey, it what it is.  But that wasn't the worst part of it.

Next up, biopsy!  She needed to do a endometrial biopsy to check the cells for any traces of cancer or other abnormalities.  Again, I didn't know what to expect with it, but she said it would feel similar to the catheter, but just a few pinches.  I would feel some discomfort.  So she inserts the speculum, swabs, all that jazz, and she tells the nurse "biopsy"!  Mind you, I'm nervous and EXTRA tense!  She kept telling me to relax my legs and open up, but I just couldn't get it together.  I don't know what kinda tool she used, because I knew she was trying to get it over with.  It just looked like a large metal thingy.  Hell, I can't tell you what it looked like!  Cool, calm and collected, I'm lying there feeling this pressure and then this massive cramping, and all of a sudden I must've jumped out of my skin for the mere 10 seconds she was probing my uterus!  It was like a 10 quick shots to my insides and when I tell you that sh*t hurt like HELL!!!  Imagine, for those of you with tattoos, the artist poking your uterus for 10 seconds with a tattoo needle!  Yea, that's how that felt!  OMG!!!!  It was longest countdown of my mutha-loving life!  I keel over just thinking about it.  Next thing I know, it was over.

Afterwards, all I could do was lie there, holding my belly, unable to move for about 10 minutes.  I never felt anything like it.  It  felt like severe cramps or labor contractions.  The kind that have you bent over ready to throw up or lying on the bathroom floor in the fetal position sobbing like a baby! Suprisingly, I didn't cry or cuss out my doctor through the procedure.  I was very tense, but I stayed calm thru it all, wincing in pain.  I pray this will be the first and last time I ever have to go through this.  The whole procedure took about 20 -25 minutes.  If you ever have to go through an endometrial biopsy, make sure you take an ibuprofen BEFORE your procedure.  I made the mistake of not taking anything until afterwards.  Within about an hour of taking some pain reliever, I felt better.  The cramps dissipated and I was back to normal.  You'll want to take the rest of your day to relax.  Also, expect spotting or bleeding a few days after your biospy.  It's perfectly normal to bleed for about a week.  However, if you notice anything unusual, such as, heavier than normal bleeding, odor, or abdominal pain contact your doctor immediately. 

There you have it!  FunkyHairChic's Misadventures At The Gyno!  I had to share this, because I'm sure someone is either facing or has faced this before.  I just wanted to give you my take on it.  Never again, Lord!  Never again!  I pray all comes back clean as a whistle!  Lord knows, something good has to come out of all of that!  LOL!  Whew....

Get It Right, Get It Tight!

 Source:  Sweet Pototo Pie

I've been starting off 2012 hitting the ground running with my "Healthier Me"  challenge.  I've been seriously on the path to more fit life and so far, it's going great!  I joined this awesome network of fitness pals to help keep me motivated as we embrace a healthier lifestyle.  I must say, it feels good not to be in this thing alone.  My social circle keeps me encouraged, driven, and positive.  I love that, because we feed off each other's energies. You should check out MyFitnessPal and get hooked up with a network of people to cheer you on as you get fit.  There is an app for iPhone and Android or simply go to MyFitnessPal and get signed up!  It's an awesome tool!

I've set a few goals for myself for the next six months to improve health wise.  Like I stated in an earlier post, action is required to see desired results.  I need results. First thing I did was get a gym membership.  I didn't join just any gym, though.  I joined a small, family owned gym that is about 5000 square feet with every possible machine at my disposal.  I have the luxury of working out any time of the day or night and being the only one at the gym.  No waiting for a machine, or packed peak hours.  Ahhh, bliss!!!  I visit the gym 3x per week for an hour each visit.  I plan my workouts ahead, but cardio is always included in some way.  I love to run.  I'll jog for .75 miles straight, but I'm pushing myself to run a mile non-stop.  I'm not there yet, but I will by the end of January!  Watch me wuuuurkkk!

Here are is my 6-month Plan:

• Run a non-stop mile (30 days)
• Run a non-stop 5k by March or April (90 days)
• Lose about 2-3" in my waistline
• Tone, define and sculpt my arms, legs, abs and posterior 
• Lower and control my BP
• Lose about 5-8 lbs

Right now, I'm skating on 152 lbs.  I'm 5'4" with a very athletic/muscular build.  My bottom half is pretty solid.  My most problematic area is my belly.  I want to get that under control.  My current measurements are:
Bust: 34"
Waist:  29"
Hips/Butt:  40.5"

The average person would look at my stats and thing I'm crazy for wanting to lose weight or lose inches, but I know what works for me and the results I want to see. I'm not unhealthy, but there is definitely room for improvement.  I've been tracking my progess with a food diary on MyFitnessPal to monitor what I'm eating, calorie intake and calories burned from rigorous activity.  It's been helpful to watch my progress.  I haven't lost any weight yet, but I know if I stay consistent and make fitness a habit, I'll be well on my way.  Wish me luck!

Do You Have Any Fitness Goals? If so, dish!

2012 Healthier Me Challenge!

My 2012 Healthier Me Challenge: 

Healthy hair starts with a healthier lifestyle!   Progress must begin from the inside out!

This year will be all about detoxing and acquiring better eating habits.  At the beginning of every new year, my church participates in the Daniel Fast.  Our fast this year will be for 28 days starting January 1st.  We all fast for different reasons, but ultimately in the end the purpose is God gets all the glory.  If you are believing for something good to happen in your life, sacrificing and leaning on God is the best way to see your faith put to work.  It's a journey and you have to see the bigger picture in order to truly see the change you want to see.  There are many things I'm praying for God to do in my life.   But whatever it is that you want God to move, change, or bring into your life, prayer, trust, faith and action must be in the equation.

"In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks.  I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled."
Daniel 10:2, 3
Fasting is an awesome experience that everyone should try.  It is definitely not for the faint at heart.  What are you willing to sacrifice to show honor to God?  What are some things that keep you from focusing on His purpose in your life?  Are you unhappy, unfulfilled, or are you craving for something more?  What are you expecting from God in 2012?  These are some questions to think about before embarking on this journey.  Setting aside your wants and focusing solely on what God wants from you is fasting.  It allows you to remove any and all distractions that keep you from spending those close, intimate moments with Him.  Are you waiting to hear from God about that promotion at work?  Fast and pray.  Do you need Him to intercede on a challenge you are facing right now?  Fast and pray.  Are you seeking something greater or something bigger like starting your own business, going back to school, or improving your finances?  Fast and pray.  How do I do that?  It first starts with what you are willing to sacrifice and being obedient to God's word.  That's totally up to you.  There is no right or wrong way of fasting.  How you do it is between you and God.

For me, it will start with my diet, among other things.  Our guilty pleasures are the first things that have to go; however, it may not be just food.  I'll be eliminating carbs, fried/processed foods, sweets, caffeine, alcohol, foods high in salt and sugar from my diet.  Greens, fruits, beans, protein based meats, nuts, and LOTS of water will be the name of the game for me.  I started drinking 64oz of water daily for the last week and I already can feel a big difference.   I'll be back in the kitchen cooking all my meals from scratch.   For the next 28 days, it's all about staying in prayer and fasting.  Trusting and believing that God is going to do exactly what He promises.  If you would like more information about fasting and would like to start on your own personal fasting journey, check out this website:  Daniel Fast.  There are awesome recipes to try that will keep you satisfied and feeling rejuvenated.


These two challenges support each other.  Healthier living leads to a happier, more fulfilling life.   We can't expect stellar results without putting forth the effort to be better from the inside out.  They go hand and hand!  I'm excited about this 2012 journey.  I'll be updating periodically with my works in progress and any goals achieved through both challenges.  I'm looking forward to the ride!  Let's go!!!

Under Construction Again!

It's finally my turn! 

For the last several years, I have found myself putting other people's needs ahead of my own.  I discovered this in different areas of my life.  I'm considered the nurturing, unselfish, no nonsense type who always wants to solve the problems of the world.   At times it felt overwhelming, almost like an inconvenience. However, inconvenient or not, I always looked at the bigger picture and the overall result of my being there. 

I am a school teacher and for years I coached high school cheerleading.  It was definitely a rewarding experience, but it certainly was a challenge.  I was constantly pulled in so many different directions by my team, their parents, teachers, administrators, you name it!  I heard the praises, the complaints, the compliments, and the "haters", it all came with being in that position.  They either loved me or hated me.  Coaching became my life and I made it my mission to make it the best program for those who participated.  I gave my entire self to it and in the process, I started to put my dreams and aspirations on the back burner.  I put off grad school, relationships, and traveling just to keep those girls above water.  It was hard work!

The great thing about my teaching and coaching experience is it has lead me to my ultimate life purpose.  It has prepared me to take on the responsibility of an advocate for young people and help them to find their way.  Looking back, I did not intend to put off grad school as long as I did.  Five years ago, I may have attended school for a degree I ultimately would not use, because I did not know my purpose.  I would have simply acquired a masters degree with no clue of how or when it would be put to use.  This is why I'm thankful for the journey.  God prepared me, He tested me, and showed me everything I needed to see to bring me to this place today.  I officially stepped down from coaching this past school year and now I'm devoting time towards myself!

No more stress, no more anxiety, no more dreams put on hold.  2012 is the year that is all about ME!  It will be the year that I officially let go!  Letting go of when my husband will come, letting go of excuses, letting go of the what ifs.  I'm getting back to my needs, improving my mind, body, and spirit.  Starting from the inside out, I'll be focusing on a healthier lifestyle altogether.  I want to be more mindful of what I put in my body, stay more active and go back to dance class, start running consistently, do well my first semester in grad school, save more money (discipline), and channel my energy to all things positive.  To sum it all up, I'm under construction AGAIN! It's a good feeling! 

Just Do It!

"In the same way, faith by itself, if is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:17

With 2011 winding down and 2012 fast approaching, many of us get into the habit of "resolving" what we will do differently in the new year.  We make all this effort to set a new goal, promise to accomplish that dream deferred or simply say enough is enough to a specific issue that we need to turn around for the better.  No offense to those who set new years resolutions, but I truly believe resolutions are doomed to fail.  I really do.  A resolution is simply an affirmation for yourself that has little to no follow through due to lack of action.  Sure, we are ready to start anew with a renewed mind, spirit, and vision in 2012, but how many of you actually have a plan in place to see it through?

Here are common resolutions that we tend to set when a new year approaches.  Getting in shape and losing weight.  What action plan do you have in place?  Saving more money.  What steps are you taking towards financial freedom?  Continuing your education.  Have you applied for the upcoming school year? If not, what's holding you back? A vision is meaningless without an action plan.  No action plan defeats the purpose of having a vision. Vision and action are mutually exclusive.

Most of us have all fallen short of our vision.  Life just happens sometimes and the plans we have in place may go a different direction.  Often times, God places the vision on our hearts and shows us what will be, but there may be a few snags and setbacks along the journey.  However, that does not mean to give up or make it a last priority.  It simply means to trust  that God knows the plans for you.  He has already written your story.  It is up to you to follow His lead.  The vision is just the beginning.  In order to make it a reality, action must follow.  In the course of action, remain steadfast through the journey.  It WILL be a challenge.  Nothing worth having will be easy.  You may be stretched beyond your limits, but just know, when God stretches you He is testing you.  It's only a test.  Continue to keep the faith, remain diligent in your works, you will come out on the other side clean and victorious!

Get out there and turn your vision into a reality.  The hardest thing is getting started.  Once you get the ball rolling, there is no telling what God will have in store for you!  What do you want to see happen in 2012?  What is your action plan?  Write it down, blog about it, pray about it, but most off all, JUST DO IT!  Wishing a you an action-packed year in 2012!  Let's get it!