JNotes - Writer's Log

Before and After: How to Lose and How to Maintain

2013-03-24T21:13:00.000-04:00

Who knew that setting an actual goal when it came to fitness that it would make a difference in your life? Seven months later and 65 pounds later, I know that now.

What did it take? A lot of prayer to stay on the right track, exercising even when I did not have a companion to go with me or when I was feeling lazy or tired and sacrificing foods that were my favorites that were not the best foods to put in my mouth.

Who said I don’t eat? I eat a balanced diet. I eat a lot but I do not eat everything. It is crazy to know that food can be a killer of a person. So what is stopping a person from controlling their eating habits to keep oneself healthy and free from having to be forced to take medicines? We have all the power in us to decide that I do not need that extra cookie or I can let go of the extra-large soda and drink extra-large water instead.

Am I on a diet? A diet is any of the foods that you decide to put on your plate. If it is pork chops with potato au gratin every day, that is your diet. I have a lifestyle that I am maintaining and have been able to keep. It works for me and that is how I flow through the food business. It is all about portion control, limiting and knowing how to really read those nutritional labels. Habits can easily be broken and where there is the will, there is the way. In order to change your life you need to change your ways. I did that and hopefully will never go back. It is still a process that requires prayer, as when I started this whole thing.

Have I reached my goal? My first goal was to keep my body from getting sick which it was and I met that goal. MY next goal was to try to maintain a workout regime and I actually do workout at least five days a week; maybe even more sometimes. After I did that, I looked in my draw and saw that I had a shirt in it with tags that I had been keeping for about six years that I have been dying to wear but after gaining all my weight back the last time, it never fit. I met that goal just recently. Now, I want to maintain and maybe if possible, lose about another 10-15 pounds and I will be exactly where I need to be. I am in a good place already and very motivated so I think I can do it. If you think you can, you do.

The Benefits of Choosing Plan B

2013-03-13T23:15:00.001-04:00

Ever since my accident, I’ve been seeing things in a slightly different light.

For one, I have come to realize that in everything there is a lesson learned. Even when the situation leaves a person physically drained or to the point of tears, there is a reason why that particular occurrence came and altered our world. I realize now that there should always be a plan B. If I had considered plan B then, what happened could have been prevented. But what can one do after plan A fails? The important thing though is to get your groove back, no matter what.

I can honestly say that confusion hurled at me in every direction. My accident actually started pruning the branches of my sanity a little bit and tears would creep in overtaking the beauty of the smile that God gave me. All the almosts and could haves that could have happened that night pointed me opposite of the direction of the sun. But hey; my life was spared which is the important thing and I’m here another day to celebrate that fact alone.

I am thankful! Family and friends shared with me love that intoxicated my spirit; more helpful than I could have ever imagined. But it was one comment in particular that left me with a moment of thought. I was asked about traveling around the city and I explained that I no longer had a car, so would be taking public transportation or walking and the response was, “walking is good for you.” That statement alone created a lasting impression that has changed my life forever.

Not a rain cloud in the sky could have stopped me from deciding at that moment to walk. That was when I took the walking path of the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn and walked about four miles in. I had always wanted to walk over the bridge and finally, I accomplished it and got time to release all the energy that was baffling me and even got a storm of lyrics that came to my mind from my one-on-one walk with God. I can say that the initial walk helped me to stop showing my hurt over my experience like a display of trophies and instead grasp the Lord’s love and wear it like a royal crown. For what is the profit of crying when a smile can help brighten someone else’s day? Something learned.

Who knew that walking the Brooklyn Bridge would become my new obsession? In one week, I’ve walked it three times. The last time was a plan B.

See, I was supposed to go to the gym and had packed all my gym things before I'd left for work with the intention of going after work. When I was all set and ready, I realized that I forgot my lock for my locker. I am not one to carry around bags with me to each machine and settle them down wherever someone is not working out. Good thing I had an alternate plan.

I still needed to get my workout in. Ever since I started my fitness quest, working out has become a major part of my life and so I try to get some in every day if I am able. I decided to walk and again took the path of the Brooklyn Bridge like the two prior times but this time with the intention of making it to the front door of my house. After seven miles of walking at a nice, steady pace, I made it home safely and beat the rain. How great is that!

If I had followed through on plan A, it would have been good. I would have did 20 minutes on the treadmill, 20 minutes on the elliptical machine, 20 minutes on the stationary bike and then I would have walked on the treadmill for about 10, burning about 850 calories or so. But because the alternate plan had to be taken instead, I got to travel and inhale God’s fresh air, walk all-terrain over all the natural inclines the earth has to offer, capture some great images of the beautiful scenery that NYC has to offer and still burn over 600 calories from my 140 minutes of walking. Who could beat that?

Walking really is good for you and what many do not realize is that not only can it help to bring down that hard to loose belly but just thirty minutes a day of walking can improve your health status. Another thing that people do not realize is that you cannot tell me anything because my energy has increased so much that I am ready to act at every motivational item that is hammered at me. Maybe I’ll do it again soon because it was great.

At the mouth of death (A Poem)

2013-03-06T21:25:00.000-05:00

At the mouth of death

These intoxicating thoughts

Just hit you like a car cruising head-on

Straight into the crushing metals of a truck

All you feel is your percussions rapidly pump

Your eyes opened wide now and reality smashes into you

Maybe the jaws of death weren’t watering for you

And then you consider the head and the tale of the matter

Your mind hurled away and in every direction thoughts scatter

And through it the rain just keeps pouring down faster

So confused you don’t even know how to mix into the next moment’s batter

And you feel numb to the world like frost bit your fingers

while walking gloveless over the Brooklyn Bridge as free as a soul singer

You reached to your destination and are alive knowing you’ve been kept

So blessed and yet still feeling so numb that from life you seem absent

The grip of despair and doubt got a hold of your spirit trying to yank it away

You can let go of God’s unchanging hand or use faith as a weapon to scale his new day

For despite the metals of your heart crushed and left in mountains that pile on

God pulled you out so put on your armor and shield of faith that is stronger than iron

For even though gripped emotionally, you are here in the land of the living

Continue to love, heal, grow and in all you do, be thankful for your blessings

A Sunday Moment: Acknowledging your Blessings

2013-02-24T19:00:00.000-05:00

If you have doubts that God truly is who he is, come to a point in your life when you are just so confused by everything that occurred at that particular moment that the only thing you know that kept you is God.

You can cry about it and not let go of your situations or you can laugh at the amazing wonder of God who had his hand in seeing you through. If you can walk away from your tests and trials, hold your head up high and be thankful for it.

No reason to doubt in who you are when you are God's. The person God fearfully and wonderfully made you to be, he calls beautiful and also said that you should stand still and allow him to handle the rest.

If you awaken, smile knowing it could have been you like the many others who didn't awaken and did not make it to a new day in the land of the living. There are so many reasons to be thankful. Be sure to acknowledge your blessings because God's love continues to flow abundantly into your life and also you've been kept for a reason.

Never fail to remember or to move your hand from within his grasp, and thank God for it all.

Valentines Days: An Acrostic Poem

2013-02-12T20:41:00.002-05:00

In the writing mood after sitting through an engaging class of African Literature and discussing the work of Chinua Achebe, I was inspired. Love is in the air as Valentine's Day approaches and so, the theme is on love. I guess love is always a good topic as God is love. So why not? This is an Acrostic Poem entitled Valentines Days. Hope you will take the time to read it and if you do, I hope you enjoy it.

VALENTINES DAYS: An Acrostic Poem

Voice of love so warm and tender

Arms of joy wrapped round my slumber

Leaping into dream's cloud prance

Elevated by the REM dance

Nights so sweet in blinks you came

Twisted storms of rhythm framed

In between the fruited truth

Natural love flutters with you

Everything it soaks with love

Sent from heaven up above

Drifting til the bell rings awake

Alters midnight dreams to day

You appear even in the open

Smiles they broaden as a token

My Fitness Journey

2013-02-09T15:35:00.000-05:00

Do what is in your heart to do and you'll find maximum joy in it.

Think about it; if it is love and it is something that you love to do, what is holding you back? I used to love working out but stopped because of external factors that should not have mattered. I even got to the point that I did not want to work out or diet because of how I knew people viewed me or viewed my situation and then I gained and then I started getting sick and then I started praying and now, I’m back on my grind.

Don't be discouraged or fear the outcome for if it is in you, it is you and was meant to be part of you. I can honestly say that I truly have no regrets about where I came from to where I am. Who would over fifty pounds later? Sometimes it takes a person to actually analyze the situation at hand to know that it is time to make a true difference.

Be yourself and let your heart be the guide to the things that will set it free. And, don't ever stop. Even if you have a friend who said they would support, follow or go with you and they end up cancelling. This journey is yours alone and it is you who has to deal with the ailments associated with it. Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women? Scary to think that our weight and the sizes of our bellies can often be the determiner of it!

Whose body is it that you will be working out? Whose mouth is it that you are going to be putting the fatty foods that won’t benefit your life at all into? Who is it that will be feeling the incredible burn from the workout while it is being done? And when you look at that scale, whose weight are you going to be measuring; yours or your friend’s? Things like that are to be considered when deciding if it is worth going the stretch on your own.

A goal set is only achieved if you set your foot forward towards it at whatever pace is in you. Remember it takes an inch to go a mile.

The last time I tried this I lost 50 pounds in three months. Seems like a lot of weight to lose in such a short period of time. I had given up meat and worked out seven days a week. Drastic but true. And it was even quicker to gain back and add more weight to it. But you know what, it happened and that was then. Now, From August 1, 2012 to February 1, 2013, I lost a little over 50. It took longer because I didn’t go drastic though I did cut things from my diet, but only to proportion. I eat what I want when I want instead but stick to a 1200 calorie diet while doing so and also workout mostly every day.

The extra time enabled mind strengthening for my new lifestyle and heart deepening to actually love my new ways to be able to keep it as a constant. But, just because someone else does one thing does not mean that is the answer. What God has for you is for you and never forget that. Maybe you might have a different method that will sufficeth your life; so do it if you have it in your heart to. Remember, change is inevitable and it is better to make the change by decision than because a doctor told you to. I mean in all honesty, who truly wants a doctor telling them you can't eat this anymore or that you are borderline some kind of avoidable sickness? That’s why I did it and I have found success in it. All I can say is, God is good and still working on me daily to make me a better version of me.

If you have the heart to do something that is beneficial for your life whether it is giving up cigarettes, losing a few pounds or changing your eating habits and know you want to, there is nothing to it. You got this so get up and make moves. Any and all things are possible if you put your mind to it. Believe that.

Have a fitabulous weekend my loves. Enjoy and be blessed!

Reasons to Smile: A Poem and a Song

2013-02-06T18:06:00.001-05:00

Lately I have been holding a bit of doubt in my heart that I can admit was self-driven.

I often have visions of the way that I would have hoped life would be and the mere fact that it isn’t kills my spirit. One of those things was love even though God is love. The others were singing and music as a whole. It got so crazy to the point that I even stopped listening to music period, even though I love it more than food.

But then I realized that God has blessed me in so many ways. How could I deny myself the very things I love and how could I not acknowledge the good things that he has done for me and how could I not be thankful for the joy he allows me to feel internally? And then, these words came to my mind and I started writing them down and here they are; “Reasons to Smile: A Poem And A Song”. Hope you find it in your heart to read it and listen. I pray these words might bless your heart.

Reasons to Smile: A Poem and a Song

by Stephanie Jeannot

Waves of time I ride blind

with the eyes of God holding me down

even when no one is around

he is there and so I shout of his goodness aloud

for he has kept me in the land of the living

and transformed everything around my world

and life unfurls from the wings of my bosom

I’m a child of God and his good news must be heard

For with him all things are possible

what is the profit of crying when he carries the weight

let the joy he gives flow from inside out

and let go of your unnecessary doubts and replace it with faith

Pray about it and leave it there in God’s hands

influence a generation of conquerors with your new ways

and never let go of his unchanging hands

for his mercy which endureths forever shall never change

So be mindful that the Lord is there and cares for you

that in truth, God has your back and will never leave your side

steady your feet on the ground and know his truth

for if you’ve been down, there is a good reason to smile

Strike a Pose or Kiss in Vogue Nails

2013-02-03T03:55:00.000-05:00

The other day, I was invited to perform and sing with the band Nineteen South at the Caponi Runway Fashion Show that took place at the Hilton Hotel at JFK Airport in the borough of Queens found in New York City.

(One of the many beautiful
flowers of a bouquet
that was situated on my table
at the Brooklyn Times Building
where the Annual Accompong
Maroon Get-Together was held)

The Caponi Runway Fashion Show was beautiful with many designers and models fashioning styles that have yet to be seen and deservingly should be by the general public. It took place on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 5 PM. Knowing that I was going to be among models showing off the uniqueness of their petals by looking good and coming out with their chicest looks ever, I wanted to at least be on point in some way shape, size or form.

That day was a few days after a storm that had come into Brooklyn even though the temperature after about eight days of arctic chills was finally above the freezing mark and even a little warmer, but I hadn’t gotten the opportunity to do my nails. Luckily, I had stopped into my local Duane Reade the day before and came across one of my favorite brands for Nail enticing and more.

The brand Kiss seems to have some beautiful things to make your nails look salon finished. I have used their nail dresses before but most recently came across other of their nail applications; this time, actual press on nails.

So many designs to choose from (even French Manicure styled nails) and easy to put on without having to use glue. Simply take the nails out the packet, unpeel the sticker from the back, stick them on to your nails and go. How can I complain about something so quick and easy to do. I was more than pleased with it and definitely will be using them again.

Here are some pictures to give you a visual of what I am talking about!

The Nails. Easy to apply and with a nice look; a salon finish look.
You simply peel off the sticker and apply to your nail bed and go. No waiting for nails to dry.
A really great idea for nail fashion.

Just as easy to take off as it is to apply. I simply pushed from the tip of the nail and voila.
It came off.

No glue stains to worry about like some of the other press on nail brands
would leave as a souvenir on your natural nail bed.

And better yet, no rings of fire left as a memory on your nail bed from the technician
using those electric buffers used mostly in salons when applying tips.
Your nails look clean and as healthy and beautiful as they did even before the press on nail was applied.

I think I held the microphone in my hand a little differently this time not just to enhance the vocal enhancer with a big, popping ring that I often wear while singing, but to show my blinging nails. It felt almost as if I were “kissing” the audience with my hands looking completely done up and beautiful that day. For someone else, it may not have made a difference, but for me, it made me feel right in place with those beautiful Caponi Runway Fashion Show models doing what they showed those who had the opportunity to see, what in life they truly do best.

Disclaimer: I am not nor have I ever been employed by Duane Reade or the company who makes and/or distributes the Kiss brand. I was not nor have I ever been hired to write or distribute information based on their product. I am however a consumer with an opinion and a willingness to share quality product information based on my usage and experience.

A Series of Four Poems

2013-01-29T23:27:00.001-05:00

In the mood for some poetry after reading some Claude McKay works today in my Literary Theory class. And so I got into the mindset of writing and I came up with a few poems that just seemed to flow right out of my spirit. Hope you enjoy the poems; it's a series of four.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is another day and another opportunity meant to be in my destiny

Eventually I’ll get used to falling down because I know that I will rise again like the sun rises

Remembering and holding on only adds weight onto yesterday’s tomorrow

Enough crying about it and move on without the grief and the silly sorrows

Not enough time in the day to spend dwelling when you should be climbing up mountains

Change your mind about who you are and let the positivity flow right in

Everything will be alright if you believe that everyday God makes comes with new blessings.

Love

Life has no guarantees only maybes that can be shady if you are late being an opportunist

Only time can tell if when you ring the bell the door will open well into your goals and dreams

Visions of love come easy for some and can make you feel numb if not grasping it

Energy stills and the heart becomes filled with the love and the will to shine like sun beams

Beautiful

Boy at the drums is the sum of half of pi whip lashing to remember the beautiful image

Energy was so cool; my eyes were glued to his musically enticed hands on demand by the ears

All around the room were profiles but he was the only one my eyes saw in time and space

Unusual attitude; I wished in those few minutes to know his name and to know his cares

Towering man with broad shoulder stance and pulse pumping hands; its feel I can’t erase

Image just sweet with a style that completes this woman that I am; I just wanted him near

Far from perfect but wonderfully made I am, 24/7 in memory, the image of his face

Under sunlight and moon, wished to fly out this cocoon into the arms of that beautiful man there

Love like that which cupid’s arrow evolves hit me when his eyes dissolved into my time and space

Life has never been the same since and all I do is think about the possibilities that float in the air

Yesterday he smiled and I felt this warmth like fire inside; my spirit so moved by the groove of he who God fearfully made

Blessed

By the grace of God I am here with so many things to be thankful for

Looking all around at life that he allowed to blossom like an oak tree into the beauty I’ve become

Every day is a reason to stand up and praise him for his mercies; I’ve been kept one day more

Shout from the roof tops of the mercies of the Lord and sing of his majesty

Say a prayer for you and for me and dwell in his love that flows abundantly

Enter into each day with a positive mind and the joy that resides there internally

Dance into the moment and shine God’s love generously like God would to you and to me.

Poem: On the Brink of Knowing

2013-01-19T23:49:00.001-05:00

To be on the brink of knowing

Is to have a grip on the joys of reality

If joy resides there

And you find your share of monstrous melodies

And chemistries

Then you may vividly demonstrate positivity

That flows like a river into a bank

To be at the brink of uncertainty

Is almost like doing everything half-heartedly

If you live with a shade of doubt

And find your mind on distant thoughts

Even to fall short

Where the moon had its doors open to your dreams

That once had your faith as strong as a rock

To be in the grip of the Savior

Is to rely on the Lord’s mercies and favor

If you believe to be a simple part of something larger than you

And instead of losing the heart to fight, you kneel

And let your voice carry far in prayer

And the sunshine in the blue of the skies meet you there

As you use doubt as your stepping stool to reach for the stars

400 Calories in 20 Minutes? True or False

2013-01-15T23:17:00.001-05:00

Okay! I do not know how true this is because I literally just started working with my kettlebells last Friday and this is still one of my first couple of workouts using them.

Within a few minutes of the kettlebell swings, my air passages open up and I am breathing like I never breathed before; literally. I know my heart is truly thanking me for this one because it is pure oxygen sifting through my body with each and every swing.

After about ten minutes, I am sweating almost as if I just did a half hour of a hi/lo aerobics class. The burn is great; I mean, I have learned to love anything fitness and the circuits I have used thus far have been awesome. One was Kettlebell 3-in-1 for Absolute Beginners DVD and I also found a few kettlebell workouts on Youtube which were helpful. One of them that I liked a lot so far was Blender Beginner Kettlebell 30 Minute Workout. Here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pDMOIlPLFE

I visited several websites looking for answers about this new technique I'm doing and each one says within 20 minutes, you lose 400 calories. I am not saying it is true, but I am questioning the validity of this number. I did 45 minutes of a kettlebell circuit. Are you telling me that I have burned over 800 calories in that short span of time? Seems pretty high I must say.

I might be wrong and may be misled a little to think that it is possible because of how much sweating and heavy breathing you do, almost as if you were running on a treadmill. Nonetheless, I find kettlebell workouts to be wonderful and I am definitely going to be doing these circuits often. Cardio, core and strength training all in one. I love it!

Kiss My Nouveau Nail Dresses

2013-01-04T20:43:00.001-05:00

It takes a particular set of skills to be able to work on a person’s nails, whether the nails are on your hands or on your feet, and make them as spectacular as a client wants them to be.

That is why I usually refer to the experts. I can try to paint my own nails or to do my own manicure or pedicure and they will come out okay only with nail polish stains being left outside of the nail and on my skin and often not with the smooth finish that my nail tech can help me to have.

That was my hope for New Year’s Eve. I got so caught up in Pinterest’s many different nail designs I’ve seen that I went to the nail salon fueled with the desire to bedazzle these hands of mine. I did not ask for a rainbow of colors on my nails. I did not request an image of the new Barclay Center on each of my nails to make sure that I was representing BK to the fullest. No, I asked for a simple design. I showed her a few of them actually. Her response; my nails were too short. I got my nails nicely manicured, painted and with a design of her choice instead, but it was definitely not what my heart was set on.

Too short? Okay, I admit, I’m not into the fake nails thing. I have gotten my nails wrapped before but noticed after a while my natural nails are left with the rings of fire on them. So I prefer to keep my nails short and looking neat and most of the time, with clear nail polish as opposed to a color that will only chip in about two days.

But then, I remembered using a type of nail design that was simple to do at home and not a bad price considering that it allowed for more than one application. The product is called Kiss Nail Dress and it was perfect for my short nails.

New Nouveau Nail Dresses by Kiss

There are so many different designs to choose from that I was overwhelmed. Each package comes with 28 strips which is just about enough for two applications or maybe even three. It also comes with a nail buffer. The cost is about nine bucks which can be the cost of just one manicure with a design. This product allows for the more and you can’t beat that.

The best thing about it, all it required was about five minutes of my time to apply it and bam, my nails looked as if I just left the salon. What is so cool about these nail dresses is that they are stickers. You simply take the sticker off the page, place it on your nail bed and file it down to size. There is no nail polish to use or heat required. You stick them on, file them down and are ready to go with professional looking nails.

One of my goals of 2013 is to appreciate all the things that God has done for me. He gave me short nails that I simply adore enough to have adorned them with Kiss Nail Dresses and they look fabulous.

Disclaimer: I am not nor have I ever been employed by the company who makes and/or distributes the Kiss brand. I was not nor have I ever been hired to write or distribute information based on their product. I am however a consumer with an opinion with a willingness to share product information based on my usage and experience.

T Core Fitness Trainer

2013-01-02T12:45:00.000-05:00

Every now and then as we are watching television, an infomercial about a product will be shown on the screen that you think would be a great item for your home; you know the ones I talk of? They are always for just $9.99.

I decided to try one of those As Seen on TV exercise equipment I found in the store called the

T Core. Let me tell you; I did not think that my body could be this sore after using it for like ten minutes but it is.

It is easy to assemble with only three pieces that need to be screwed together. What I think is really great about the item is that you can adjust the resistance on your workouts for 40 lbs, 80 lbs, or 120 lbs. I tried the 40 lbs and 80 lbs resistance workouts.

The T Core has three positions for working out. You can sit it on your lap to do upper ab workout, sit it on your lap and sit in a upward crunch position for a lower ab workout or place it at your side and in a twisted position, work on your obliques.

I found it easy to use, adjust and do the movements. So easy to use that you might overdo it thinking you have superpowers and hurt yourself. But a great piece of equipment to have.

The T Core also came with an instructional DVD and a six minute workout that might be cool to do. I mean six minutes is such a small span of time to do a workout, so it is convenient. This is my second time trying it and I really like it. They suggest using it on a daily basis which I will attempt because it is a simple strength training workout and I like it.

Disclaimer: I am not nor have I ever been employed by the company who makes and/or distributes the T Core fitness device. I was not nor have I ever been hired to write or distribute information based on their product. I am however a consumer with an opinion with a willingness to share product information based on my usage and experience.

Musically Meaningful Recycling in Happy 2013

2013-01-01T08:59:00.000-05:00

What a clever and beautiful way to make use of old instruments and musical things!

I think I was in complete awe looking at this picture and seeing remains of an old piano, drumset, saxaphone, record player, albums and more. How many actual albums do we still own that are sitting and collecting dust that haven't been played or listened to in our own homes for a while? Who would have thought of such a nice way to recycle them and make it meaningful? Talk about recycle.

This amazing piece of artwork sits on one of the many walls of Skylight Gallery in the Restoration Center located at 1368 Fulton Street in Brooklyn, NY and was the exact image I needed to see to commence 2013.

Culture never dies. It continues on and regardless of who we are, we take a piece of our culture with us wherever we are and wherever we go. 2013 is a year that I can see with good things ready to happen. But in order to do that, room must be made for it to be able to fit into the busy lives that we lead. This image suggests that, letting out the old and letting in the new but keeping remnants of the old to make new and better images happen.

We do not have to carry around bad memories and take it into the future. No, we can let them go and allow new and better thoughts to fill our minds. We do not have to continue to collect clutter and allow it to overtake the beauty of your home. No, you can recycle them into something new. We do not have to hold on to heart aches and pains that do not serve us well. No, we can open up the gateways to God’s love and let him fill your heart with unconditional joys.

Hopefully, 2013 will be a prosperous and joyful year for you. 2013 is going to be a great year. Happy new year to you and yours!

'Tis the Season for Beautiful Window Displays

2012-12-03T23:14:00.003-05:00

Due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy, the gym I used to frequent at work got destroyed.

I used to be there every morning at 7:30 AM and then during lunch time. I have to admit, I feel a little lost without it as I try to maintain how far I’ve come and also continue to put a dent into where I currently am. I started back at Bally’s Fitness which is great but I find myself not in the mood to go, not wanting to get out of my comfort zone of afterwork laziness. And so, I have been trying to find ways to add more physical activities to my life for days that I know that I will not be making it to the gym. One of those things I added is walking more.

I try to walk a little more each day. On some days, I try to walk to the second or third closest train station instead of the one that is right there. I try to use the steps instead of riding the elevator all the time. Little things like that, even though they are little, do add to the lot.

I got up this morning with a thought in my mind that instead of riding the train to the stop I usually get off, to instead get off at the first stop in the city and walk the mile and a half trek to my destination. After 30 minutes of walking, I felt inspired. So inspired that my heart would not allow me to go into the first train station I saw to return home like normal, but instead, to walk. And what a great time to do it; the Christmas season.

Window shopping took on a new definition today. Especially with all the beautiful decorations that are around in celebration of Christmas that is ahead of us, you do more than just window shopping. You stop, gaze, smile and maybe snap a shot at the sights that practically make you shed a tear.

I started at the window displays at Macy's Herald Square which was absolutely gorgeous. If you can't find any reasons to smile in your day, go to 34th Street and 6th Avenue and I think a smile might naturally appear without even trying.

Then I walked over to Lord & Taylor. I did not expect to see such color and lights. My eyes were bedazzled.

But then, I realized how close Rockafeller Center was from there and decided to go take a look at this year’s holiday tree. It is one thing to watch the lighting of the tree or to see the tree during news commercial breaks on television, but the vision of it live is just amazing.

From there, the glitz and glamour of the fireworks across the street, made me want to go and look at the display at Sax Fifth Avenue. I had never stopped to look at their holiday display before so it was definitely an experience. And a good one because like all the rest of the windows I had seen, this one was beautiful also.

Now, what is going to Rockafeller to see the tree without going to St. Patrick's Cathedral. Since I was so close, I decided to pay a visit to the church. As usual, the church was filled with people and the Crèche was as beautiful as ever.

After seeing so many window displays, I realized one was missing. Which is what made me decided to keep walking from Fifth Avenue to make my way to see the window display at Bloomingdales on 59th and Lex.

On the way to Bloomie's, I stopped at Black Rock off Park Avenue and 51st Street. I love the arrangement they have inside. This display alone could get both young and old, feeling the joys of the holiday.

The smiles that appeared on my face throughout this entire adventure could not be contained and lasted all the way home. The entire walk was a 2 1/2 mile walk. I'm tired but also my hips and waist feel great. Even better, I captured some great images which I used to create the collages that are seen throughout this blogpost. Hope you enjoyed the images and I wish to you and yours, a very merry Christmas.

Workout Gospel Music Playlist

2012-11-19T23:46:00.000-05:00

So you want to workout and are looking for a good playlist to listen to while doing your exercises that will not only get you in the spirit to move but that will also give you that extra needed energy that you need to complete those workout tasks you have been inspired to do.

Here is an idea. Why not do your next workout routine to the sounds of a Gospel playlist? Here is a playlist that might interest you that I use sometimes when I am trying to get those pushups, tricep dips, burpees, squats, jumping jacks, jump roping and pumping my iron or whatever else might work for that day.

Warm-up to "Upon this Rock" by Mattie Moss Clark

1. View the City by Rizen

2. Dancin’ In the Son by Tonex

3. New Life by Evelyn Turrentine-Agee

4. Faithful to Believe by Byron Cage

5. Good to Me by Jai

6. Victory by Kim Burrell

7. If I Be Lifted Up by the Anointed Pace Sisters

8. Bye and Bye by Georgia Mass Choir

9. Now I Sing by Out of Eden

10. We’ve Come to Lift You Up by Chicago Mass Choir

11. Pressin’ On by James Hall and Worship & Praise

12. Done Did It by Kierra Sheard

13. It’s Possible by John P Kee

14. Expect Your Miracle by the Clark Sisters

15. It Just Get’s Sweeter by John P Kee

16. Jamming on the 100 Psalms by Lashun Pace

17. I’m Encouraged by Vanessa Bell Armstrong

18. My Soul Says Yes by Danny Eason

Cool-Down to “Blessings” by Karen Clark-Sheard

This list is quite a bit over an hour (maybe even two hours long), but perhaps you are doing a circuit and also some strength training and this song list might motivate you to keep on going until the music is over. For me, it has motivated to do rope jumping through the entire full length of a song, jump on a trampoline for two or three songs straight, do an extra seven pushups or even another set of squats. Sometimes, I even use this list to do some step aerobics and it works. Maybe this is a list that you might also enjoy.

Poem: A different Storyline

2012-11-14T01:07:00.000-05:00

Almost felt like content overload

clamoring over the clouds and producing rain over my earth

wanting to ride a different storyline

conceive a brand new twist and labor it to birth

repairing the damage with my own strength desire energy and clarity

I thought I’d never learn to drive fearing the whole idea of it

but sometimes you just have to take your own fair shot at success

and as the dust settles in from the old idea but a new way of doing things

I turned my worst physical state into my own circle of influence

maybe these swirl of colors from the parting clouds and the rainbow

were meant to prance into my happily ever after that was meant

yet I can only be content for how far I’ve come thirty pounds later

because even though I’ve made a dent in my pathway I have not met my goal yet

but I will

and I’m determined

Poem: If It Were Not For, Voting

2012-11-06T20:41:00.000-05:00

If it weren’t for our ancestors who had the guts to speak up

The starlit sky would not be ours for the taking

If it were not for the voice that we have been privileged to have

Wherever we choose to go wouldn’t be our decision for the making

If it were not for the arm full of books that we could read

Our applause breaking out would be ours without reasoning

If it were not for the epic events that made us who we are

We would not dwell in the serene atmosphere created from mistakes of learning

If it were not for the days when the stars lose their glitter

We would not find a reason to find full enjoyment in the sun

If it were not for the stressful weeks we experience at work

Our weekends would be nothing to cherish or to love

If it were not for us finding peace within our own selves

We’d find reason to care when haters mock our failings

And if it were not for the rhythm that we carry in our hearts

The tracks on which we are stretching to the next level would instead be derailing

If it were not for the things we see within visible range

We would not need a voice to have an opinion

And if it were not for hope for prosperity for tomorrow

We would not ever find ourselves on a mission

And had it not been for that mission we’d have no need to take action

Our eager hope would never open doors shut firmly with iron power

And if it were not for our ancestors who had the guts to speak up

The true reasons we had to vote in our hearts would never tower

Even alone if we walk down the trail to polling sites

And we come running through the center to cast our voices

And it brings peace to our minds to see different types of people

All surveying the room trying to find the right place to make our choices

If it were not for the tallying and the awaiting of the numbers

We wouldn’t keep that hope until the end when the winner is set

But if you didn’t vote or add your voice or make the choice

Who are you to complain if the things we hoped for this world are not met?

Let Your Body Get Lost In The Music

2012-11-03T22:23:00.000-04:00

I am used to going to the gym every morning at work but since Hurricane Sandy came and hit New York, Brooklynites did not really have easy access into Manhattan with the trains not running, unless they got on the free shuttle bus to Manhattan or drove with the HOV restriction; so I have been home trying different workouts and missing the equipment and the instructor led classes that I am used to incorporating into my life.

One of the classes I am used to taking is Zumba. I miss all the working out I was doing before the storm. I saw the line of cars waiting to get gas today from my local Hess station and it was approximately nine city blocks long.

I refuse to wait on that line or on the line with hundreds of people awaiting the free shuttle just to get into Manhattan, so I had to make use of what I have home. Yet still, I do not have the Zumba class there, though I do have Zumba for Nintendo Wii. Yet still, not the same.

Once a week, a group of motivated people gather in the group workout room to dance the hour away. After taking the class for a while, one gets used to both the dance routine and the music. I loved the songs from my instructor led Zumba class so much that I downloaded most of them on to my IPOD, added some more dance songs like the wobble and the electric slide and I had my own Zumba party at home. Felt great to shake my body and shake off some calories at the same time. Fun workout.

Here are a list of just a few songs that you might find interest in doing the fun workout of simply getting into the groove, moving your body to it and having a great time doing it.

1. Without You – David Guetta and Usher

2. Good Feeling – Flo Rida

3. Pump Me Up – Russel Cadogan

4. Turn up the Music – Chris Brown

5. We Found Love (Featuring Calvin Harris) - Rihanna

6. Rete – Kassav

7. Caramelo a Kila – Carolina la O

8. Zumba Te Suelta – Raggaeton Hip Hop

9. I Feel Good – James Brown

10. Abusadora – Oro Solido

11. I Love Salsa – N’Klabe

12. Never Stop – Brand New Heavies

13. Zumba He Zumba Ha - (feat. Soldat Jahman & Luis Guisao) – DJ Mam

14. Higher – Taio Cruz

15. Wobble – V.I.C.

16. Electric Slide – Marcia Griffiths

17. Dollar Wine – Colin Lucas

18. Moving to the Left – Paul and Peter Lewis

19. Everybody – Hilton Jr Dalzell

20. Buzz – Carimi

21. Zouk La Sé Sél Médikaman Nou Ni – Kassav

This list is about an hour and twenty minutes of music. In this time span of dancing, you burn about 500 calories. What a fun way to burn off that Margarita, the lunch you had this afternoon or the dinner portion of rice and beans you just had. But regardless, dancing is fun and if you love dancing, by the time your hips start swinging to the good sounds, you will forget that it was even with the intention of using it as an exercise, because it is fun.

Enjoy and let your body get lost in the music.

Picpoetry: The Tree That Grew In Brooklyn

2012-10-30T18:03:00.002-04:00

A tree grew in Brooklyn

with so much love all around to tickle the ivories

standing tall with all its strength and confidence

escalating to a higher level when the sun attention beamed.

In a flirtatious manner it would sway in the wind

and its unique beauty went echoing through the hills

gaining strength from surrender to the sparkles in the sky

and the ribbons of air that would scatter its leaves to fields.

Engaged in the moment when coming across its path

and burnished brown leaves from its arms fall short of your door

but when Sandy firmly squeezed it by its neck out of the ground

its breathless charm became no more.

With every ounce of strength, Sandy forced it to its defeat

the radiant tree that once grew in Brooklyn now journeying to heaven in the sky

and while falling claiming lives, breaking cars and trapping folks in homes

became the perfect time to hear Keely Smith singing her blues soliloquy.

For even though the storm is over and the rains and winds have passed away

up on the mound where the tree in Brooklyn grew is now just emptiness

and its sparkle loses glitter while the crowds draw near trying to own its history

for to walk away from Sandy's winds that made the tree fall, echoes miracles; blessed.

PicPoetry: Putting Clouds to Music

2012-10-23T23:29:00.000-04:00

Day three's photo challenge was to take a picture of clouds. I decided to attach a poem to it to define the image that I saw. And here it is, my picture and my poem entitled,

Putting Clouds to Music

Clouds were strewn across the sky

thicker than the stacked sounds

of an orchestra behind a blues singer,

whose voice pierces through

like windy rains of Battery Park,

to the ears of a lovely listener.

Even without the sun in the sky

the beauty of autumn's nature still appears

like the heart bursts of soulful pain

that the crooner marionettes

the rhythm of the falling leaves you can’t forget

that freshly starts when clouds bring rain to rainbows.

Day 2: A Different Song For A Different Caricature

2012-10-22T22:53:00.002-04:00

Day two’s photo challenge focuses on what you wore today.

So sweet are the stanzas of the climactic poetry of the morning star that comes to brighten the moon tailored sky with its beautiful song of radiance and life. We often flourish under pressure when we realize, it’s Monday morning and time to get ourselves together for whatever it is we have to do.

The questions arise; what will I wear? Do I have everything I need? How much time do I have? Will he, she, or they be okay? What am I going to cook tonight? Where did I put my keys and my metrocard? Are all the burners on the stove off? Do I have any bills due today? Can I leave my car parked where it is right now?

How hard can it be to exist in the present moment of the first day of the week back to work or school when we are still in the quiet mood that lax zone allowed. That very star is what helps us to alter our moods, attitudes and styles to respond to the call of our duties.

When I was a kid, I used to be very impressed by labels. If the clothing on my back did not have a brand name signed across it, most likely, I would not want to wear it. I was also impressed seeing my beautiful mother walking with all her gracefulness and royal essence with her sharp suits and high heels. I always had it in my mind that I would one day run to catch a portion of her fever.

I have to admit, I am not an everyday suit person but I like them a lot and often find the desire to wear them for work. Dresses are nice also. I love shoes as well and you might catch me in a pair of beautiful heels every now and then, but not everday. My feet can't handle them all the time.

I have to say I reinvented myself a bit this year. I started 2012 with a bit of a challenge. All of a sudden, all the clothes that fit me in a span of a month were no longer my size. To stand on the field of remembrance and attach to it feelings is to feel a surge of disappointment at seeing yourself so gone from who you are and so much more of who you are not, that the green lawns of Prospect Park couldn’t even wrinkle a smile on your face. I was still an amazing woman, but not where I wanted to be in life.

The adrenaline rush of change came bubbling over. Life became a different song for a different day. I started bending all my thoughts towards tailoring my life and the experience accommodated to my needs. And now the same things that no longer fit me are now a little big on me. I have to say that I am appreciating the differences.

What did I wear today? A suit jacket and a dress; and it felt good to see and feel that it is a little big on me now. 26 pounds later! Makes a difference I think. It made even more of a difference that I wore it with my Uggs.

Aah! Pure comfort. :)

Photography Challenge Day 1: Self-Portrait

2012-10-21T20:12:00.002-04:00

I came across a photography challenge while browsing through Pinterest which I think is pretty cool because I love using the camera to capture different things and thought, that would be a different angle to writing from; and so, here is the first challenge: a self-portrait!

I know. I am a little behind in this challenge because I’ve seen many people participating in it months ago, but never too late to try something different. Pinterest actually has loads of things on their site that have caught my interest and put me into a place where I have been trying lots of different things from exercises, food choices, beauty tips and more.

The saying goes that if you are not willing to change, nothing will ever change.

I have been having a hard time keeping my hair together ever since I began working out on a regular basis. I am usually the one at the salon every weekend getting my hair done up for the week ahead, but then once I set foot into the gym on Monday morning, the beauty of the hair I just got done starts to change. The once pretty silkiness becomes dry and then I wonder why I even got my hair done.

Lately it has been unmanageable and in not so good condition, even after putting good treatments in it that I used to apply to my hair before.

This week was no different. I was set to get my hair done and it was a draw between getting my usual wash and set style or to get my hair braided. I was so tempted to keep it the same but considering that nothing ever changes unless I change it, I decided to change it.

Not so bad I have to say. My hair won’t sweat out after my first workout of the work week. And I have a different look which is a good thing. A little change goes a long way. Here is the picture!

A Story Mile To Climb Scrapers

2012-10-18T23:51:00.000-04:00

Events often influence our lives, like mine was when I needed a new dress for an upcoming show and I saw the dress size that actually fit me was larger than I ever thought I could ever expand to. If size was like money in the wallet, I would have been a rich woman with how big I had let myself go without even realizing it.

Should I have allowed it to be an accepted way? I guess on the lighter side of the situation, I was never ashamed of the person I was. I learned how to find some sort of comfort in myself whether I had the world on my shoulders or a not so heavy load. Life is life and we ought to roll with the punches if we are meant to see the rainbows that stand before us with our own eyes.

We plant seeds that will flower as results in our lives, so best to remove the weeds of anger, avarice, envy and doubt, that peace and abundance may manifest for all.
– Dorothy Day

In life, we have a plethora of options. There is no one-sized fits all solution. Everybody is different and what is for one person may not be for the other. I decided to turn my focus to what matters most which was my own welfare. In order for a person to stand as tall as a tree with all their individuality growing out of the uniqueness of their branches, they must use true common sense which in fact is not always common.

“The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself” - Mark Caine

It was a good time for me to embrace change and give my health the proper weight it deserved. I had already decided to change my lifestyle for one that exemplifies more of God and then I heard news of a fitness challenge that had commenced. That is the day I decided to join the gym and to also participate in the challenge with a few friends that had the common interest of doing something beneficial for themselves. Together we formed a team.

We were challenged to complete many different tasks individually and also in a group setting. One of the challenges was to walk up 13 flights of steps to the top of the building. They say the sky is the limit but I was not looking forward to climbing the heights of it because I thought it would be hard. But whenever we put ourselves to the test, it is a new height that we’ve gained. So I left it up to chance and in a short while, my team did it and we added climbing flights to the accomplished tasks list.

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman

Maybe the challenge has left me with some kind of newness, always feeling like it is a good time for me to workout. It could have actually been walking 10.5 miles from lower Manhattan to Kensington, Brooklyn or quite possibly, it could have truly been climbing the steps that made the difference.

Now that was just 13 flights of stairs, I can‘t imagine how those challenged today in the story by story climb must have felt after climbing the 42 flights of 1411 Broadway located in Midtown, NY on the corner of W. 39^th Street and Broadway.

My challenge was for a good cause because it was to help me to achieve balance in my own life, but the climbers challenge was for a great cause which was to raise money to stop domestic violence. Hundreds were gathered ready to climb from one cliff edge to another and make it all the way to the roof on Thursday evening, October 12^th, 2012.

The website indicates that each participant was to raise $100 in order to be a part of the fundraising event. I also heard announced that One Equity Partners Challenge which included Ernst & Young and KBMG, offered to donate $5000 towards domestic violence for anyone who beat their team in the race.

The climb was from 7 PM and all runners and walkers were to be done by 9 PM. It was like any of the other fundraising walks but only this one was a walk or run up steps; climbing to end domestic violence.

I have to say that I am left very inspired about taking the stairs as opposed to getting on to the elevator to get to where I have to be after finding out that the climbers would be making their way up 42 stories. Though I am an elevator person and may or may not ever walk up 42 flights of stairs, cheers to them for being part of such a worthy charity event. They truly will make me consider using the steps instead of the elevator every now and then. Getting me out of my lazy and stubborn ways is truly a challenge in its own self. 23 pounds lighter than I was 2 1/2 months ago, I can honestly say that I am learning to overcome it more and more now though which is a wonderful thing. Find out more about this charity event and the organization that puts it all together at http://storybystory.inmotiononline.org/about-story-by-story

Poem: Past Sweet Confusion

2012-10-14T18:57:00.003-04:00

In the midst of the rustling of the trees

Newness falls into my green grass on the other side to be

Seizing new opportunities that brings a need to be twice as bold

Powerless against the currents that come to define the folds

Inspired to dance to the final drop of sand emptying from the hour glass

Rhythm never grows tired when I feel it deep down in my craft

Even past the limits of the melody that flows beyond the red door

Dance to bluebirds in the spring like these things I love that make me more

The cluttered mind just seems to move past sweet confusion

Oh so far away from witnesses a cool crisp wind of change comes conclusions

Breezing through the morning feeling more motivated to unfold

Even more do I see the light of this unique craft of God’s mold

My world, my life and who I truly am is a story not yet told

Elevated and ready to seize new opportunities and the future hold

Mere words as desires to believe in something as this

Out into the sun where heights of heaven can be kissed

Today is where it all begins, the revelation of beauty

Iron out the truths to let the doubts be freed from me

Visions of cruising through the whole sky keep me alive

Along the lines of destiny and balance makes things alright

Time never felt so right to keep focus on heaven’s masterpiece