ChatterBox Christie

Because We All Need a "Big Sister" Sometimes...

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:44:00 +0000

Well, my dear friends, it is that time of year again! Graduation!
And have I got the most AMAZING graduation gift you could ever give... MY BOOK!
(Yes, I am relentlessly shameless with the self-promotion, aren't I)

If you've got graduating girls (or guys) I've written a great guide on surviving the first year and beyond. Here's a little bit about it, an excerpt from it, and how to order it!

Your Big Sister's Guide to Surviving College

An insightful map to help girls navigate the journey through life as a college student. told in a "big sister to little sister" manner.

In 1997, I wrote a freshman year college survival guide for my little sister that I presented to her when she moved into her dorm room for the first time. This amateur, Kinko's produced spiral bound book contained advice on every aspect and scenario of what a young girl can expect in college and how to handle herself. My material was largely based on the experiences and sometimes the mistakes made by me and my friends.

In 2007, I resurrected the piece to bring it to all college-bound young ladies. I remember what i t was like having to learn the ‘hard way’ about life on campus and life in general. For many girls, going away to college is literally a crash course on becoming a woman and being completely responsible for yourself. My goal is to ‘soften the blow’ a bit and help young ladies learn life’s lessons armed with common sense and a little big sister wisdom.

ORDER AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY HERE
READ AN EXCERPT HERE

BUY ON AMAZON.com HERE

They Are My Kids... #MothersDay

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Sun, 13 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Source: etsy.com via Christie on Pinterest

Happy Mother's Day to All of You Fabulously Flawless Moms

Life Happens...

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Fri, 11 May 2012 02:21:00 +0000

On my wrist as an everyday reminder.

Life happens...
With or without our consent.
Unaffected by our schedule.
Regardless of our feelings.
It makes us laugh.
It makes us cry.
We will scream.
We will be silent.
Sometimes we gain.
Other times we lose.
We can choose to live by accepting every moment... good or bad... as a gift.
Or...
We can choose to die by wallowing in worry... self-loathing... and despair.
Either way...
Life happens.

(File this post under: "Things I write in my journal that I forget about and find when looking for something entirely different.")

The Avengers...Da Bomb...#thatisall

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Fri, 04 May 2012 04:20:00 +0000

All I remember seeing was an email subject line that read "Marvel's The Avengers Advanced Screening Invite." My fingers automatically hit reply, typed "YES, COUNT ME IN," then pressed send before I read another word. I didn't care what day, what time or where on God's green earth this movie was playing... come hell or high-water (or, in my case, Atlanta traffic) I would be there with bells and my "Marvel Girls Rule" T-shirt on!

Okay, so I skipped the bells…but everything else is accurate. So this past Tuesday night, I drove almost 50 miles from my home...one way... to watch The Avengers in IMAX-3D and it was more than worth it! An amazing thrill-ride from start to finish!

For my fellow Marvel-snobs, it will please you that the movie operates as if you already have prior knowledge of Shield. As usual, Hollywood takes its liberties so some of you purists may get your panties in a wad but I assure you, it's not nearly as bad as how they butchered X-Men. So if you are a bit rusty (or completely clueless), I highly recommended that you brush up on your knowledge of The Avengers from a comic book perspective as well as see the individual movies for each hero, especially Captain America and Thor. Most of the movie centers around them with the bulk of the attention on Thor.

The cast is awesome. Samuel L. Jackson makes a decent Nick Fury. I have fallen in love with Robert Downey Jr. all over again…well, not that I ever really fell out of love with him. He is (as always) brilliant as Tony Stark and completely steals the show. And if you know Tony, he wouldn't have it any other way. He serves up classic one-liners that if you are not into fantasy/sci-fi or not up on pop culture would go directly over your head. I was disappointed that they did not bring back Edward Norton as Bruce Banner but Mark Ruffalo did a good job of making me forget.

Ladies, you will most definitely enjoy this too. Aside from the succulently scrumptious eye-candy the film provides (I mean Robert Downey, Jr alone…my…lord…#smokinhot), Scarlett Johanson splendidly kicks much ass and does us Marvel Girls proud as Black Widow. I wish they would have included more of the skills for which she is named for. Sorry, my Marvel-snob is showing again. Maybe in the sequel?

There were many applaudable moments. The best, by far, is the final "performance" by The Hulk. When you see the movie, you'll understand. Dude took "Hulk Smash" to another level! Please come back and tell me if you had to fight the urge to give him a standing ovation.

Most would agree that Marvel has had it's share of hit-or-miss movie adaptations over the past few years. More misses than hits, in my humble opinion, but Stan Lee should be really proud. He and his Hollywood compadres put their foot up in this one... for real!

Now I'm not one to condone playing hookie from your job, but today would be a really good day to "come down with something." This is NOT a "wait for RedBox" movie! #justsayin

(PS> If you think this movie sucks then you obviously have never been taught the joys of mindless-ass-kicking-guilty-pleasure entertainment! That, and you were not hugged very much as a child.)

I'm Not a Runner...But I Played One at ZOOMA

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Tue, 01 May 2012 20:43:00 +0000

Okay…so…it wasn't the half-marathon I promised you or the half-marathon I promised myself. Life happened and derailed my training efforts. I contemplated staying the course…doing the half anyway…because I said I would…because I wanted to do something epic.
Being real with myself and knowing my physical limits is epic.
Changing my mind and changing directions is epic.
I ran the 5K.
I
RAN!
Me…ChatterBox Christie…who only runs when chased and even then will weigh the alternatives… RAN.
It doesn't get any more epic than that.

Nicole, Renee, "Aunt Kristi", Lorraine, and Me

I'll have to give it up to ZOOMA for making it easy for me. The race route at Lake Lanier was absolutely perfect! Plenty of shade and a nice breeze blowing off the water actually encouraged me to run more than I walked, despite the hills. I walked the uphills and ran the downhills and the straights…which means I ran about 75% of the race. With the mesmerizing scenery and dynamic "running playlist" that my online family helped me create, I hardly noticed how much I was actually running and ran for longer periods of time than planned. It was almost like second nature.

I loved how ZOOMA intertwined the 5K route with the Half-Marathon route. I was so happy to cross paths with my "Runner Girls," Lorraine, Renee, and Nicole. What a jolt of energetic inspiration that was! And thank God it was on a downhill/straight because I… like my boy, Forrest… was... ruh-ning… and they were my witnesses! Being on another running-roadtrip adventure with them is always epic!

My official time was 45 minutes, 59 seconds. My last 5K time (walking entirely) was 58 minutes and change. Needless to say... I am very proud of myself.

So the million dollar question is…will I run again?

The answer… Yes.
But hold on, don't get too excited…I need to explain some things first…
I am NOT a runner!
I do not love running.
I haven't even decided if I like it.
What I do like… actually love…is this experience.
To travel with my friends…to be active…to have fun…to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone (and my muffin top).
If the Half-Marathons they run have 5K's…even a 10K, will travel!

I haven't completely given up hope on the half, but right now, I'll just bask in the glow of my baby-steps. As for ZOOMA…if you come to Lake Lanier again, I'm runnin' ya!

Being on My "Shit List" is a Good Thing...

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 23:48:00 +0000

There is something that you want to do…need to do…that you know will change your life.
Change it forever. Change it for the better.
Something epic.
You can see it. You can almost feel it…taste it… but for whatever long list of reasons, it seems to be out of your reach.
Impossible.
Or is it?

The time is now.
To be your own superhero.
To save yourself.
To be yourself.
To live out loud.
To live your dream.
To make an impact.
To make a difference.
To be free.
If you are reading this right now…
If you are breathing…
It's not too late.
If you were waiting for that perfect condition, it has arrived.
The time is NOW!

I've got some epic shit to do and I know you do too.
There's a saying… "Leap, and the net will appear."

I'll hold your hand if you'll hold mine!

What is #DoEpicShit?
Weekly messages delivered directly to your inbox designed to help you on your journey to #DoEpicShit. The messages will be a combination of inspirational wisdom, thought provoking questions/exercises, insight from my own journey, and whatever else I feel moved to publish.

Get on "The Shit List" Here!

What's the advantage of being on your shit list?

Only those on the shit list, get the shit! I am only publishing to directly to your inbox. None of these messages will appear on my blog and will not be linked on my social sites.

Now, that doesn't mean that we can't share our shit.

You are free to share these messages with your friends, family, and online community. You can simply forward the messages to them or encourage them to sign up themselves.

If any messages move you to respond publicly (like on your blog or social networking sites) please be sure to use the #DoEpicShit hashtag in your post. This way I (and others) can find it and show my (our) support.

If you'd like to connect with me privately in response to a message, you need only to reply to the message like a regular email and it comes directly to my inbox :)

Are you ready? LET'S DO THE DAMN THING!

Note: If you are a current subscriber to Project #Flawless12, you DO NOT need to sign up. You're already on "The Shit List."

Women...Wine...Wonderful: Wine Sisterhood's Gathering 2012

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 02:41:00 +0000

I hate that it has taken me a month to write about my trip to Napa. Since I've been back, life circumstances have made it hard to write about anything but this…this experience is just nearly impossible to put into words.

Getting the invitation to attend the first annual Wine Sisterhood Gathering came at a time when I needed something "good."
I was literally spent.
At that time, #Flawless12 wasn't even an idea and I hadn't started working yet.
I was tired. Emotionally, physically, financially, and creatively drained.
I'd given every ounce of everything in me to someone or something else. I needed something to look forward to.
Something just for me.
A weekend all about celebrating and empowering women and completely centered around wine?
No shrink's prescription could be better!

If you follow me on any social networks, you undoubtedly got inundated with my status updates and pictures of the daily events of the trip. You probably hated me. It's okay because I would have hated me too. The wine (beginning at 10:30am), The food. The fun and friends. The wine. All of the hateration being thrown in my direction was definitely merited. I happily accepted it.

Aside from just being in beautiful Napa, California and experiencing the amazing wineries and restaurants we toured, basking in the ambiance of pure "sisterhood" was the best part.
Women of diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
Winemakers and wine-takers.
Budding Bloggers and Digital Divas.
Building lasting friendships through our similarities and our differences.
Wine being the tie that binds.
I truly love all of the new friends I've made.

This trip particularly holds a special place in my heart because I was able to strengthen the bond with friends I already had. Spending that time with some of my bestest blog-buddies, Aliza Sherman, Carol Cain, Danielle Smith, and Nirasha Janganath, was nothing short of precious. Being stretched across the entire country does not afford us the opportunity to see each other often…but when we do…it is a genuine homecoming. I am among family.

It was also extra special because this was probably among the last…if not THE last trip "The BlogRollers" will ever take together. Being there with Lorraine Robertson made me miss the "old days" where we were never without one another on trips like these. Joined at the hip…the bobsy-twins…it was good to be back even if it was just for a minute. I am so glad that we shared this experience together. Our Thelma and Louise moment that meant the world to me. We will always be #BlogRollers4Life

Leaving was literally painful. The wine I brought home and the memories dull the ache. I'm already saving up for next year :)

Happy Endings

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Last week, I experienced more than the lion's share of "things ending."
Two friends ended their seemingly happy relationships. One, was a good, mutual, and amicable parting. The other one was just effin' awful. (If you're in my circles on G+ I did a little rant about that one)
My Project #Flawless12 came to a bittersweet end.
I had to drag myself kicking and screaming away from Napa. I cried on the plane grieving over having to leave such a beautiful place and beautiful people that made me feel much needed love and peace.

That week of endings drudged up all the other personal and professional "endings" that I have dealt with.
Some, I'm still enduring as we speak. These are the worst.
The "never-ending" endings. The "Voldemort" endings.
We dare not speak its name so the ending just lingers and haunts and threatens to kill you.

It's screwing with my chi, yo!

I've decided to put into practice believing all endings are happy.
If something is ending, something else is beginning.
Easier said than done, of course.
What gets to me and, by extension, pisses me off is that I know full-well what's ending… I have not a flippin' clue what's going to happen beyond that point!
That's what hurts. It's not the ending.
It's the "What the hell am I supposed to do now?"

Then there is the subconsciously egotistical aspect of "I really don't want to end" and the "I don't want to be the one to end it" to consider.
Because once you say you're done with something…or with someone, you can't take it back.
Well…you can…but let's face it...nobody ever does.
(enter Voldemort)

So…how am I putting this into practice?
When something that has ended comes to mind, I think of what began after it.
Sometimes I can see it clear as day. Sometimes it takes a moment to figure out which door closed to open what window.
When I get it, I can make peace with it.
I practice recognizing and retaining only the blessings and lessons of the experience and letting the rest go. Remembering that everything happens for a reason.

As for the "Voldemorts" in my life…a daily struggle.
An inner tug-o-wars of epic proportion.
Fear can be so sexy when it wants to be.
Seducing you with all of the things you'll be missing out on if you let go.
I tell myself of all the things I am missing out on by not letting go.
The grip loosens and I'm just one more step closer to a happy ending.

Youer Than You

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 03:40:00 +0000

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seus! You complete me!

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net via Patti on Pinterest

Running for My Life (#Flawless12 - Day 24)

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:32:00 +0000

Today we are challenged to do (or plan to do) something that scares us.
To push past our fears...
Put on our big-girl pants...
Believe...
and do some epic shit.

The unknown outer rim of my comfort zone is both thrilling and terrifying. It's time to take a sledgehammer to my cement shoes and step outside of it.
After all, that is where real life begins.

Since I have a lot that I need to push through, I thought of one thing I could do that would help me deal with all of them at one time... basically kill about 13.1 birds with one stone.

Oh God...what am I about to do? (gulp) Um, y'all...

I'm running a Half-Marathon!
I am participating in the ZOOMA Women's Race Series Half-Marathon/5K in Atlanta this coming April!

I know...I know... I have said a thousand times that I'm no runner. I only run when chased and even then I'm gonna weigh my options.
Well...I'm kind of being chased right now!
Chased by my fears and the circumstances of my life that are threatening my very essence of being.

This is my year!
I started this year...my 39th year of life... challenging myself to be me...do me...no fear...no apologies.
To live my life out loud and not let anyone or anything make me feel that I don't deserve anything less that the best.

Running scares the shit out of me.
Staying stuck in the land of worry, fear, and shoulda-woulda-coulda scares me more.
So...I'm going to run for my life!
There are 13.1 miles in a half-marathon.
Each mile will represent a challenge...an obstacle...a fear...a circumstance that I need to push through and leave in the dust of the past so that I can continue my forward movement.
When each mile is done...so will I.

I'm kind of shaking as I type this.
The haters and naysayers in my own brain are sounding off.
Precisely why I need to do this.
I will do this.
I CAN do this!

They're Playing My Song (#Flawless12 Day 23)

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:02:00 +0000

I should know better than to create a prompt that has to do with music. Especially music that empowers me.
My anthems...my fight songs...
Songs that make me feel good about me.
Songs that remind me that I am human.
Songs that help me "do battle."
Songs that speak for me when I can't find the words. (Yes, that happens believe it or not)

I have an extensive list divided into categories and subcategories ready at a moments notice on my iPod whenever I need to hear them. Truthfully, I am resisting the urge to tell you about them all and what each one represents...complete with the lyrics so that you understand. That would be a really really long post.

If you've followed my previous blog you may have seen a few of my favorites. If you follow me on SoundTracking or have seen my posts on other social sites from SoundTracking, I've made my musical mantras known there as well.

My heart truly IS a stereo.

I do have one song that I have designated to be my "theme song." It does what all of my other anthems and fight songs do...rolled into one...

War's "Why Cant We Be Friends" Album Cover

"Smile Happy" by War
(Why Can't We Be Friends Album)

Would you believe it's an instrumental?
Yes, ChatterBox Christie's theme song has no words!
What it does for me...words are unnecessary,

This song "gets inside me" with its Afro-Latin beat that starts off quiet and subtle... soft like it's tapping me on the shoulder. It starts to build and swell...getting louder and the rhythm starts to fill me with love and light...inexplicable energy that makes me smile with every cell in my body.
It seriously does this every time I hear it.
I dance. I laugh. I cry tears of joy sometimes.
Whenever I need to get back to me...the heart of me...who I am and what I am...No apologies.
Whenever I need to feel like I can do anything...and no weapon formed against me shall prosper...
I just Smile...Happy

Marilyn and Me...Flawless Personified (Project #Flawless12 - Day 21)

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:21:00 +0000

Source: forum.baby-gaga.com via Christie on Pinterest

(Project #Flawless - Day 21: A quote by a famous person that defines you)

A Suit of Armor (Project #Flawless12 Day 20)

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:38:00 +0000

"saving the day" - a self-portrait via my instagram

This is my favorite shirt.
Just by looking at it, I'm sure you can guess why.
When I wear it, I seem to embody the persona behind the emblem.
It's funny that I subconsciously choose to wear this shirt when I have a lot to "conquer."
Like putting on a suit of armor.
A layer of protection against whatever I am about to face.
Sometimes I'm just happy it's clean and put it on just because it's my favorite shirt.
Little do I know of the unexpected obstacles that will be placed before me so a spiritual force whispers "wear this today."
I really love this shirt.
(This also happens to be one of my favorite photos too.)

Body Parts (Project #Flawless12 - Day 17)

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:18:00 +0000

"The girl with some-other-type-of-reptile tattoo"

The day I took this picture, I looked at myself.
Really looked at myself.
In the mirror.
Naked.
I hardly ever do that. Next to never.
For some reason...on this day... I saw a work of art.
I wanted to take a picture.
A lot of pictures.
So I did. I took them myself. This is one of them.
No, you can't see the rest... yet.
While putting the the photo enhancements on this picture, I got the idea to create Project #Flawless12
For all of these reasons and more...
This is my favorite picture of me.
(well...one of them anyway)

My Heart's a Stereo... (Project #Flawless12 - Day 14)

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:17:00 +0000

Today's prompt was to write a love letter to myself.

You would think that would be easy for me since I'm a writer and I've written romance novels (yes, I realize they haven't been published yet...baby steps, people...baby steps), but it really isn't.

channeling radio raheem via my instagram

In fact, it was awkward.

For obvious reasons, yes, but really even if I were supposed to be writing a love letter to someone else, I wouldn't.

I'd probably make a mix-tape instead.

So, the mix-tape to me would be...

"Stereo Hearts" by Gym Class Heros
"Adore" by Prince
"Halo" by Beyonce

"Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars

"Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel

"I Couldn't Love You More" by Sade

"My Life" by Pharrell and Robin Thicke

"Nothing Else" by Justin Timberlake

"Just Because" by Conya Doss

"Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5

"Love Song" by Adele

"Stellar" by Incubus

Everything You Need to Know About Me Can Be Found In One Place

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Today, I wrote an article for The Examiner about how the answer to "What Do Women Want" can be found on Pinterest. Well, it's true. If a woman in your life is social-media-savvy and has gotten a taste of Pinterest, her life is now an open book. I speak from experience. I have no need for a bio because everything you need or want to know about me can be found on my Pinterest profile.

What inspires me.
What makes me feel good about myself.
What makes me laugh.
My personal style.
What I think is cool.
Where I want to go.
How I feel about love.
My vices and addictions.
What I wish I could say out loud.

To know me is to love me... and now you know... everything.

Celebrating Black History Month with @MacysEvents and @RomareBearden #RomareATL

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:05:00 +0000

This past Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending the 100th birthday celebration of world-renown artist, visionary, and scholar, Romare Bearden at Macy's in Lenox Square mall. In honor of this amazing artist's life and legacy as well as honoring Black History Month, Macy's is partnering with The Romare Bearden Foundation to bring a series of in-store events in major U.S. cities showcasing select collections of Bearden's work.

Romare Bearden is most known for his fabulous textured collages but he holds a special place in my heart as he was also a costume and set designer for the Alvin Ailey Dance Company.

The in-store events at Macys' are stellar. Fabulous displays of Bearden's work, delicious food, and live entertainment. There are also many opportunities to win Macy's gift cards, gifts like Romare Bearden books and prints, and...ahem...a trip to Paris!

If you are able to attend an in-store event in a city near you, I highly recommend you go! Even if you miss the party, you can still see the exhibits at some locations. Here is the list of remaining event dates and you must RSVP to attend...

Herald Square, NYC, NY
Downtown Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
State Street, Chicago, IL
Lenox Square, Atlanta, GA
All above locations: Exhibit runs 2/9 – 2/12

Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles, CA
Exhibit runs 2/9 – 2/19

Center City, Philadelphia, PA
In-store Event: Wed. 2/15 at 6 p.m.

Exhibit runs 2/15 – 2/19

Houston Galleria, Houston, TX
In-store Event: Thurs. 2/16 at 6:30 p.m.
Exhibit runs 2/16 – 2/26

Union Square, San Francisco, CA
In-store Event: Thurs. 2/16 at 6 p.m.
Exhibit runs 2/16 – 2/19

Metro Center, Washington, D.C.
In-store Event: Thurs. 2/16 at 5:30 p.m.
Exhibit runs 2/16 – 2/19

Aventura, Miami, FL
In-store Event: Thurs. 2/16 at 6:30 p.m.
Exhibit runs 2/16 - 2/19

Extra special thanks to my good friends at Tyler New Media and Everywhere for inviting me to this spectacular event!

Doing It Right Wrong (Project #Flawless12 Days 8 and 9)

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:26:00 +0000

You're doing it wrong!
I cannot tell you how many times I've heard that!
The funny thing is...whatever it was I was supposedly doing wrong, always got the right result. Sooooo...if the end result is correct... then how the hell am I doing it wrong?

Day 8 of #Flawless12 is taking what be believe to be our worst feature and describing it as our best. Day 9 is describing something ordinary that you do in an extraordinary way. I will sum them both up in something I shared with the #Flawless12 Subscribers...

I am a "special" person.
I have a numeric dyslexia-type-thing...thank goodness for phones that save numbers.
I have a processing problem...meaning that I do not readily comprehend what I read right away...it takes me a minute.
I have diagnosed Adult ADHD...and my "H" is not hyperactivity, it's anxiety.
Along with all of that, I am a non-traditionalist to the bone!
I don't do ANYTHING like everyone else...like so-called normal people.
In fact, I can't!
It's not a choice.
I mean, who would choose to be difficult?
Traditional and ordinary methods of execution for the simplest of tasks can sometimes be very difficult...overwhelming...for me.
I HAVE to do things in a way that make sense for me.
Most of the time, they make no sense to other people.
I'm always told I'm doing it wrong...or that's not a good way...or "all you have to do is just ____"
But I always get the job done.
Shouldn't that be the only thing that matters?

This is the first time I've ever disclosed all of the above publicly...talk about flaunting my flaws, eh?

Project #Flawless - Day 7: Looking In the Mirror

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:48:00 +0000

I'm not going to lie to you...this one was hard for me to respond to.
I'm still not really responding to it. Not publicly, anyway.
It forced me to look in the mirror...something I have only recently put into practice.
Sure, I look in the mirror to wash my face, brush my teeth and stuff like that...but I don't usually look at myself, if you catch my drift.
It started back in the early "ugly duckling" days of my youth. (#seriousface)
It continued during the thirteen years I spent sliding from full-figured, to overweight, to obese.
It ended two years ago...but I'm still not completely comfortable with it.
But every time I get brave enough to take a peek...
I do like the hot chick I see ;)

Project #Flawless12 - Day 6: Windows to My Soul

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Someone I loved told me he loved my eyes.

Loved the shape of them.

He said he always knew what I was thinking just by how I looked at him.

He never minded when I cried…

and he remains the only one who never did.

Many years later…

Another Someone I loved told me he loved my eyes.

Loved the shape of them.

He knew what I was thinking too. He knew everything.

He still does.

Two very different people.

Two very different times in my life.

Both looked into the windows to my soul.

Both saw me... the real me… #nofilter

and they both liked who they saw.

Both introduced her to me.

I love them very much.

I miss them more than I love them.

It's a shame the eyes they love may never see them again.

They want to say "thank you."

Project #Flawless12 - Day 4: So, THIS is What "Christie" Means, eh?

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:15:00 +0000

definitions by Slango app for iPhone

Nuff said!

What does YOUR name mean?

Project #Flawless12 Day 3 - ChatterBox: The Movie

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0000

If my life was a movie it would be...

A Dramatic-Romantic-Comedy-Action-Musical.

An epic masterpiece brought to cinematic life via the collaborative efforts of John Hughes, Spike Lee, John Woo, and Quentin Tarantino. (I called James Cameron but he wasn't feeling the musical part.)
Written by Diablo Cody (Juno, United States of Tara) and Marc Cherry (The Golden Girls, Desperate Housewives)
Score and Soundtrack by Hans Zimmer, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Timbaland, Adele, Alanis Morissette, and Res
Choreography by Judith Jamison (Alvin Ailey) and Napoleon & Tabbitha (So You Think You Can Dance)

If you know movies...
If you know musicals...
If you know anything about any of the aforementioned artists and their work...
Then you know me...
And you have a clear picture of what kind of movie my life would make...

Effin' AWESOME!

Project #Flawless12 Day 2 - Making It Do What It Do

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:06:00 +0000

Day 2 of #Flawless12 is dedicated to giving ourselves a pat on the back...to say "Girl, ya done good so keep it up!" This is something I rarely, if ever, do. Hence why I thought this would be a perfect prompt for this challenge. I have done so many things...amazing things...and it seems I'm always waiting for someone else to tell me that it's amazing. I never take a step back and say "Damn, I did that...and damn, I'm good!" Well, now's my chance, right? Here goes...

You totally rock for having the courage to care enough about your personal, emotional, spiritual, and professional health and step away from all things digital for 30 days to realign yourself with what matters. Not many could have done it (and they've told you so). See, you are braver than you thought :)

Do you realize you have maintained your healthy weight for two whole years? Amazing! And you've done it without stressing or obsessing over it. Keep dancing, girl...just keep dancing!

I know getting a job was hard for you to come to grips with, but I am so proud of you for not settling or selling your soul for a paycheck. It's been an adjustment...but you are doing great now and you will continue to shine!

Your heart is in a million pieces right now...but somehow, you still find it in you to love. Do you understand how special that makes you?

You ARE a good mother. Nuff said.

#Flawless12 Day1: Me #nofilter

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:01:00 +0000

The courage to hold my phone above my head, smile, snap a picture (and I have an iPhone 3Gs so no two-way camera), and agree to accept the first picture taken no matter what. (I did crop it, though)

me #nofilter

To look at perfection in one of two ways... either it doesn't exist OR it is in the eye of the beholder.

Seeing the beauty and the lesson in a mistake...knowing that a set-back may very well be a set-up for something bigger...something better.

To walk through life without fear of being who I am meant to be...doing what it is in me to do...not letting anyone or anything stop my forward movement.

Laughing at myself...and with myself.

Knowing that a bad-hair-day is still a good day...especially with a cute hat.

Believing in infinite possibilities... it's never all or nothing...there's always a way.

This is Flawless defined by me.

What's your definition?

Would you like to participate in Project #Flawless12?

The Decision to be "Flawless" #Flawless12

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Christie) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:38:00 +0000

Deciding to do this challenge wasn't easy.
I had many many many talks with myself over this.
I had to convince myself that this was not vanity run amuck or selfish.
To be honest, I'm still not completely convinced. I've never done anything like this before.
Sure, I've done lots of introspection…examined my "guts."
But I realized that I rarely, if ever, let it move to the outside.
Why do I think it is such a crime to look at myself and say "You really are beautiful."
Now I understand why it is so difficult to hear it from the mouths of others.
Not only that, it also has had an impact on my "guts."
Feeling good on the outside and feeling good on the inside is a two way street.
They work in concert.
One can't be without the other...and it has absolutely NOTHING to do with being pretty.
Just a little something to marinate on...

Project #Flawless12 begins TOMORROW - February 1, 2012