kimberlytoday.com

2012-07-20T17:18:00.001-07:00

Mothers’ Body Image Affects Children, Too

Mothers, especially new moms, take heed. With all the press about “too-thin” models being idolized by youth and adults alike as their ideal, it’s even more important to discuss how parents can help in general, and how moms influence their daughters in particular. Kids repeat the behavior that has been modeled by their parents, picking up both good and bad habits. Parents teach by example whether they “mean to” or not, so take heed parents! Your opportunity to teach healthy living habits begins @ birth.

2012-07-20T16:47:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, It's time to resurrect my blog now that Blackberry has "Blogger". I promise to share only tips, tricks and stories of things I have tried that have added to my health, well-being, and fitness level...and that have NOT added to my weight LOL. Can't complain though, I weigh less than I did in high school (because I don't have as much muscle mass as I did back when I was a competitive swimmer). Thanks for subscribing and stay tuned!

2011-12-28T13:36:00.000-08:00

What Would Be Different If…

Published December 24, 2011 | By michelleleath

I told you that there is nothing “wrong” with you…

You refused to be defined by a label, and you no longer referred to yourself a “bulimic,” “anorexic”, “compulsive overeater”, or “food addict,” but instead identified yourself as a human being just as precious, whole, complete and deserving as anyone else…

You had permission to be who you are…

You had permission to want what you want…

You had permission to enjoy any food you like without consequence…

You felt safe to speak the truth that is deep within your heart, the secret dreams and desires you think nobody else would support or accept…

You knew that these dreams and desires were totally OK. Not just OK, but divinely inspired…

You discovered that none of the things other people or experiences have led you to believe about your self were true… none of them…

You realized your behavior with food is not a problem that needs to be fixed but a gift, a teacher, an invitation, a hidden strength…

You were no longer afraid…

Your shame was lifted…

You remembered deep in your being that there truly is nothing “wrong” with you…

What would be different?

You would have remembered the truth, and you would be free.

It’s good to be free.

2011-12-21T09:23:00.000-08:00

Personal Trainers Trending for 2012: Coaches help Clients Achieve Goals Faster, Studies Show

courtesy of FOX NEWS

It’s no secret the U.S. has an obesity problem, but 2012 may be the year Americans really become proactive to combat and reduce our growing waistlines, according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

Weight loss will be top a top priority for many in 2012 (as it is most years), but ACE expects that shedding extra pounds won’t just be about diet and exercise in the new year—it will include lifestyle coaching, more involved personal trainers and enhanced gym offerings.

According to ACE’s Top Fitness Trends for 2012 report, personal trainers will not only tell clients how much weight to lift and how often, but also be able to provide tips to improve their lifestyle outside of the gym. What’s more, fitness facilities will start to hire nutritionists, physical therapists and psychologists to offer wellness, nutrition and stress-management classes and advice to patrons in the new year.

People are also going to look for ways to lose weight beyond the gym walls, according to ACE, with more parks, schools and recreation centers offering physical activity programs.

Americans can also expect local leaders to continue to take a more active role to address the health issues in their communities by offering program in schools and targeting at risk families. Two such programs are Joining Forces, which provides fitness resources for families of military personnel and First Lady Michelle Obama’s Lets Move! campaign, which is designed to get young people and their families exercising. Expect more of those types of programs in the new year.

Employers are going to increase their efforts of maintaining a healthy workforce to help reduce health insurance costs in 2012. ACE reports more employers will turn to local gyms and health clubs to run their wellness programs. For employees, this could mean discounts and reduced membership fees at local fitness facilities.

Technology and social networks have penetrated pretty much every aspect of people’s lives so it’s not surprising its finding its way into the health and fitness world. The new year will also usher in a slew of social media and mobile apps designed to create more interactive and online-based workout programs and classes. People will have full workouts at their fingertips on smartphone and tablet devises. Because of the influx of apps, personal trainers will have a new arsenal of tools at their disposal to provide one-on-one or group training anytime, anywhere, whether it’s in New York City or Istanbul.

Tried and tested workout programs will also maintain their popularity in 2012. According to ACE, Zumba, boot-camp style workouts, interval training and TRX Suspension Training, which uses ropes and webbing to let you work against gravity and your own weight, will continue to be popular. Balance and core training designed to improve your balance, stability and torso will gain in popularity during the new year.

2011-12-08T13:48:00.001-08:00

Here is some great information I came across...

From Deepak Chopra:

Your back pain (and what it’s trying to tell you)

Category: Health

At one time or another the misery of lower back pain is felt by everyone, which is no surprise. Our upright spine is as unique to being human as having an opposable thumb. But where anyone can see that using our hands involves every aspect of life, we don’t say the same about our backs. But it’s just as true. You can read a great deal standing behind someone, reading victory or defeat, success and failure, pride or shame, and every degree of self-esteem. More hidden are the stresses that shape the back. On the day that you feel that first twinge of back pain, an entire personal history has already unfolded.

Can we use that history to treat lower back pain?

The factors to consider are as varied as each person is, but the most salient include:

Physical stress to the lower back
Sedentary jobs
Lack of exercise
Untended psychological issues
Depression, anxiety
Sudden changes in physical routine
Bad sleep
Coping mechanisms, how you deal with stress
Aging
Old traumas such as car accidents and sports injuries
Unknown predispositions

That’s a lot to consider. As you can see, saying “My back went out” or “I must have hurt my back” falls short of an adequate explanation. Everything on the list needs to be considered as a contributing factor. It’s important to distinguish between acute pain and chronic pain. Acute pain is intense and lasts from a few days to several weeks. Acute back pain is generally due to sprains or strains and usually gets better in a few weeks. Chronic pain lasts longer than 3 months. Chronic back pain is more complicated in terms of its causes and its treatment.

We can start with a very general picture. Medicine knows a lot already about this chronic problem. About 1 in 6 Americans suffered from back pain continually for every day of the last month; a quarter of the population reports that they have had back pain in the last 3 months. Back pain is the number two reason people visit their doctor (number one is colds and flu).

And back pain is on the rise. The percentage of people getting care for spine problems increased from 10.8% of the US population in 1997 to 13.5% in 2006. The healthcare costs of back pain are up, too—way up. Expenditures for opioid medications for spinal problems increased an incredible 660% during that same period of time, and health expenditures for spine problems rose from about $19 billion to $35 billion, an increase of 82%.

These dramatic increases go hand-in-hand with the rise in back pain surgery. Almost one million spinal surgeries are performed in the US each year. About a quarter of them are spinal fusions, costing an average of $60,000 each. Most of these surgeries, besides being notoriously unpredictable in their success rate, are unnecessary, and a great many of the unsuccessful ones require reoperation. Surgery often leaves patients in pain, unable to return to work and dependent on opiate medications. We need to realize, on the positive side, that most back pain will respond to conservative treatment that leaves the patient able to return to work and free of the need for opiates.

The complex architecture of the human spine makes us susceptible to accidental sprains and strains of the back muscles and ligaments. These passing incidents are by far the most common cause of lower back pain. Sprains occur when ligaments are overstretched or torn from their attachments. Strains happen when muscles are ripped or torn. The injury generally happens when you fall, lift something improperly, carry a heavy object, or make a sudden movement. Just having poor posture can cause sprains and strains, too. Other, nonspinal causes of back pain include fibromyalgia and depression (often accompanied by anxiety). Fibromyalgia is thought to be an inflammation of the connective tissue (including the muscles) of the body. Depression and anxiety often manifest with physical symptoms.

The good news is that most of the factors that put you at risk for back pain can be changed or modified: look carefully at stress, depression and anxiety, heavy backpacks, poor posture, being overweight, not getting enough exercise, smoking, unhealthy diet, certain medications, and job hazards. Risk factors you can’t do as much about may include aging, family history of back pain, and having had a previous back injury. Still, there are people with healthy backs who have such risk factors but overcome them.

In about 85% of back pain patients, no clear cause is ever identified. In order to diagnose back pain, a number of imaging technologies are now regularly employed—X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans are the most common. But it is still very difficult to find out why someone is experiencing chronic back pain. Quite frequently imaging tests reveal abnormalities of the spine, such as spondylolisthesis and herniated discs, and it’s tempting to immediately ascribe back pain to these abnormalities. But bear in mind that these conditions are often found in people who have no symptoms of back pain at all. These abnormalities might have absolutely nothing to do with the pain you feel.

The majority of back pain heals without any significant medical intervention. Only a very small minority of back conditions require surgery. Worse still, about a third of spinal surgeries fail to relieve back pain, often requiring reoperation. This happens so often there’s even an acronym for it: failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS).

Fusion surgery is an increasingly popular type of back operation in which two or more vertebrae are fused together. Fusion surgery may be useful for slipped vertebrae or some types of fractures. But it is often prescribed for herniated discs, degenerated discs, or nerve problems. One large-scale study of almost 1,500 people with back pain found that after 2 years, only a quarter of people who had fusion surgery had returned to work, while two thirds of people who hadn’t had the surgery were back on the job. There was also a 41% increase in the use of opiate painkillers by the surgery patients compared with those who hadn’t had surgery.

Other studies have found that people who have fusion surgery for degenerative disc disease have worseoutcomes than people with the same condition who choose not to have surgery. In spite of these startling numbers, fusion surgery for degenerated discs is the fastest-growing type of spinal operation. Spinal surgery should be reserved for cases where spinal nerves are compressed and are causing the loss of bladder or bowel control, or creating weakness or numbness in the legs. Only under these conditions, or when someone has chronic, debilitating back pain and has given all conservative, nonsurgical methods a fair trial, is it time to consider back surgery.

There are many nonsurgical measures for treating back pain, and they are generally most effective if used in combination with one another. If you have acute back pain, the first line of defense is “fire and ice”—hot pads and cold packs for easing pain and inflammation. After a few days of rest, you should start to become more physically active and gradually begin to do gentle exercise. Consult with a physical therapist to determine when you’re ready for stretching and strengthening exercises. NSAID medications or spinal injections of steroids or anesthetics can provide enough pain relief to allow physical therapy. Massage helps stimulate circulation to the back tissues and aids flexibility. Chronic back pain may be helped by psychological therapy as well.

Alternative therapies can be helpful. Many people swear by acupuncture and chiropractic manipulation. Trigger-point therapy treats muscle pain by injecting anesthetics or steroids into painful areas of muscle. If you want to prevent lower back pain, the single most important measure you can take is to stretch and strengthen your core muscles through regular exercise. Yoga and Pilates are ideal for this. Aerobic exercise is helpful because it strengthens your cardiovascular system, increasing circulation to the tissues of your back. Be aware of your posture: avoid slouching, which places a great deal of strain on your back.

Being overweight strains your back as well, so lose weight if you need to. If you smoke, quit—smoking literally starves your vertebral discs of oxygen and nutrition. Eat high-nutrition, whole foods to keep your bones and back tissues healthy. Finally, find ways to relax if you’re stressed out, because tension alone can create back pain.

We have a national disposition to rely on drugs and surgery that is not abating. Our lifestyles are not going to become less sedentary; our lack of exercise and reluctance to treat stress are endemic. So lower back pain waits in the wings to test if each of us can take advantage of the knowledge that exists about this problem, and then to turn it into practice in our only day-to-day habits.

2011-12-05T15:58:00.001-08:00

On the Way to a Better Back...

2011-12-05T15:27:00.001-08:00

On the way to a better back:

I found out today I have major issues with my 51 year-old back. And I about had major issues with my newly found doctor after she flatly refused to honor my uneducated request for an MRI to confirm what I already know. I have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, which has led to the herniation of four discs, which has led to spinal stenosis and nearly three inches of lost height over the last few years. So now what?

I was all set to "order" (or should I say, insist) that I have the MRI when she calmly said that it was a direct route to surgery which we were (are) trying to avoid. Thus my well-educated primary care physician recommended physical therapy and rest as the first line of treatment which should span over the course of the next 6 weeks. Really? I can't just get on the fast track with some injection or simple surgery so I can get on with my oh-so-busy, too-busy-to-take-care-of-myself life? Hello?? Oh yea, that's the old pattern. Isn't now the time for new, better patterns of self-care? Hasn't it become apparent time and time again that there are no quick fixes -- for anything? So slow-down Miss Kim, as my grandmother would say, and take heed to the Doc's advice. Call the insurance company - ( that I am lucky to have health insurance is another topic for another day ) and set this plan in motion. Six weeks of physical therapy is a gift on the road to a better back!

Smiling

2011-12-04T11:41:00.000-08:00

Ditch Your Inner Critic11/14/2011

4 Comments

DITCH YOUR INNER CRITIC

Five Practical Ways to Stop Beating Yourself Up So your Inner Superstar is Free to Shine

By Amy Ahlers

“If only I were thin enough, rich enough, better-looking...THEN I could stop being so hard on myself.” Have you ever had that thought? If only your circumstances were different you could then magically shift your internal dialogue into an empowering, nurturing, loving one, right? After more than a decade of coaching people from every walk of life, I finally got it: we are hard on ourselvesdespite our external circumstances.

We beat ourselves up for both the big things and for the tiniest imperfections. And all this punishment isn’t helping us become more successful or to feel more fulfilled or even to get more done.

And who can blame us for being so hard on ourselves? Women have a lot on their plates: careers, romance, kids, health . . . the list goes on and on. We’re supposed to bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, have incredible sex with our partners (never letting him forget he’s a man — that is, assuming he is a man), get the laundry and housework done, have healthy, accomplished kids, and a tight butt and perky boobs to boot. And it’s no easier for men. The demands of modern life make us feel like we’re supposed to enjoy being pulled in a million directions at the same time. And that we’re supposed to be as flexible as Gumby on muscle relaxers. But we’re only human.

What would happen if we gave ourselves a break?

First, it is vital that you identify the critical, catty, judgmental voice in your head as your very own Inner Critic. And I’ve got news for you: Your Inner Critic is a Big Fat Liar! She/he tells you Big Fat Lies to try to maintain the status quo and keep you in your comfort zones - even if your comfort zones aren’t all that comfortable.

If you want to take control of your happiness, it’s time to take Your Inner Critic out of the driver’s seat.

Try the five tips below to ditch Your Inner Critic:

Tip One: Identify Your Inner Critic’s Top 10 List of places, situations, and environments where she/he likes to show up and criticize. Is it at work? Social events? In bed? Whenever you look in the mirror? Once you know what circumstances are likely to trigger Your Inner Critic, you can be better prepared to deal with that voice.

Tip Two : Draw, doodle or sketch a picture of Your Inner Critic. Is he pudgy with big glasses? Perfectly pressed in pink? A slob with a cigarette in one hand and a martini in the other? Don’t worry if you think you can’t draw. No one will ever see this but you, so go for it! Having a mental image of the voice that tortures you – particularly a funny image – can instantly take away some of Your Inner Critic’s power.

Tip Three: Get to know Your Inner Critic on a deeper level. Notice what makes him louder, and notice what diminishes her power. What happens if you just yell “Shut up!”? What if you just look her calmly in the eye and reassure her that everything is going to be all right? Maybe he needs a compliment every now and then? After all, Inner Critics need love too.

Tip Four: What are Your Inner Critic’s favorite Big Fat Lies about you? What does he/she say to you over and over? Is it, “You’re a Failure,” “You’re Unlovable,” or “You’re Not Enough?” Your Inner Critic will collect evidence to make the case that you’re not good enough, even twisting things around when necessary. Your Inner Critic will do everything possible to back up those favorite punishing, disappointing, sad stories about you and your worth, so it’s up to you to remember the good stuff about you, no matter how convincing she/he seems.

Tip Five: Do this powerfully simple three step process to see through Your Inner Critic’s Big Fat Lies:

·      Step One: Ask yourself, “What is my Inner Mean Girl/Inner Critic saying?” Give voice to the Big Fat Lies you are believing. Speak them – get them out of the darkness and into the light so they can be healed. Don’t hold back here . . . rant! Let it out!

·      Step Two: Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and ask yourself, “What does my Inner Wisdom know?” Sink into the land of your Inner Wisdom’s Truth. This is the place that feels grounded. It feels like home. Really let the Truth wash all over you and disintegrate the Big Fat Lies. Ahhh . . . that feels better!

·       Step Three: Lock in your Inner Wisdom’s Truth by repeating it (aloud if possible) accompanied by a physical gesture that reinforces the message. My Inner Wisdom has me lightly touch my heart; I have one client who waves his hand as though he were testifying in church and another who touches her belly. This gesture becomes your touchstone, reminding you to step into Truth and feel better.

Shifting your focus to your Inner Wisdom will always bring you in line with your Truth and Compassion, and you will always feel better. As you practice this process more and more, you’ll find your Inner Superstar coming to life.

Here’s the Truth: You are a Superstar.

And I know, because my Inner Wisdom told me so.

Based on the book Big Fat Lies Women Tell Themselves: Ditch Your Inner Critic and Wake Up Your Inner Superstar © 2011 by Amy Ahlers. Printed with permission of New World Library, Novato, CA. www.newworldlibrary.com

Kids, Fear, Self-esteem and Money

2011-11-30T10:50:00.001-08:00

HOW ARE THESE CONCEPTS RELATED?

A child's ideas and feelings about money form as early as 4 years old. If the parents show fear of not having enough, kids will pattern this idea. It's important to teach kids to prioritize and learn the difference between wants and needs without fear.

I believe we live in a fear-based society, especially when it comes to money. Not only that, but I feel money is so tied-in to self-esteem in this country. Maybe its like that in other parts of the world, I don't know. But in the grand ole USA, if you don't have money, you are looked upon as "not good enough". There is a major disconnect between education, jobs, and "making a living". College kids cannot get jobs to begin to combat the huge debt most college graduates have. Unless the student has completed an internship to gain the key ingredient employers look for - EXPERIENCE - , they become part the the educated masses all looking for a job...or a way to earn income.

There needs to be an intern step in between college and the workforce or at least there should be more opportunities for students to gain experience prior to graduating.

So, back to money, fear and self-esteem. Its up to parents to counter this fear by (1) treating money as neutral, neither good nor bad, and (2) separating money from self-worth and (3) using as many examples as they can find to illustrate this. Set up achievable, short-term goals for children that set them up for success. Then build on each one!

Splurges are necessary to keep us on track. Here's my 3 ingredient baked cheese dip. Lots of fat but lots of flavor, and easy for a crowd.

2011-11-25T17:25:00.001-08:00

Eating healthy for weight control: Is it really all about willpower?

2011-11-25T17:16:00.001-08:00

From the coaching couch...

Question:

“Why is it that some people give in to food cravings and some people don’t? Is it just a test of willpower?”

Answer:

IMHO, No. Willpower isn’t the magic bullet. If we could all “will” our way to health, we would all be height/weight proportionate and have the correct Body Mass Index. Obesity wouldn’t be the number one health concern of our time. We are all human and very capable of putting extreme expectations on ourselves and others. While we are busy expecting certain results from our efforts, most often we get back something different. Not bad, just different. And instead of adjusting our expectations, we see failure to achieve. But was the goal measurable and attainable? Was it even reasonable? Most of us set ourselves up for failure by setting the bar too high in the beginning. It’s important to start off slow and treat ourselves well along the way. If your body is craving something, listen and learn. Your body is telling you something important. Read on….

WHAT IS A CRAVING?
Nobody can give you wiser advice than yourself.
- Cicero
Deconstructing Cravings The body is an amazing source of intelligence. It is always there for you, pumping blood, never skipping a heartbeat and digesting whatever food you put in it. Is this reliable, intelligent bio-computer making a mistake by craving ice cream or a hamburger or chocolate? Are cravings due to lack of will-power or discipline?

A craving is not a weakness. Actually, a craving is a critical piece of information that tells you what your body needs.

The important thing is to understand why you crave what you crave. Perhaps your diet is too strict, devoid of essential nutrients. Perhaps you are living a lifestyle that is too boring or stressful. Your body tries to correct the imbalance by sending you a message: a craving. A craving for something sweet could mean you need more protein, more exercise, more water, or more love (sweetness) in your life. The key to stopping the sugar craving is to understand what your body really needs.
Your body knows best and is always trying to create balance. However, products like refined foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and drugs, which have little or no nutritional value, are confusing to the body. They throw it off balance and can create serious cravings, as your body tries to get what it needs to restore internal harmony. The more your food is whole and healthy, the easier it is for your body to stay in balance, giving you a happier, healthier life.
No book or theory can tell you what to eat, only awareness of your body and its needs. Of all the relationships in our life, the one with our body is most essential, and it takes communication, love, and time to cultivate. As you learn to decipher and respond to your body's cravings, you will create a deep lasting level of health and balance.
The next time you have a craving, treat it as a loving message from your body instead of as a weakness.

ANSWERING YOUR CRAVINGS
"Does being healthy mean I have to give up ice cream and potato chips forever?"
So many people come to me fearing they will have to be deprived of their favorite foods or demonstrate extraordinary willpower to "beat" their cravings. Not true! In fact, when we hear "don't", the little kid in all of us wants to rebel. Sound familiar? This is why diets don't work. Tuning in to your cravings is NOT about depriving you of the pleasure you seek from food, it's about gaining a better understanding of our bodies so we can answer our cravings properly. What I'd like to suggest is that a craving is not the enemy to be defeated, but instead more like a misunderstood friend. The lesson is to look at your eating patterns and behaviors for the underlying cause of your cravings. This may require a radical shift in perspective because many people view cravings as a weakness where in reality they are important messages meant to assist you in maintaining balance. When you are experiencing cravings, deconstruct them by asking yourself, What am I feeling? Why is it that my body is asking for (insert craving)?
Try these steps to respond to your body:
* First have a glass of water and wait ten minutes. Sometimes we have a craving when we are actually just thirsty.
* Eat a healthier version of what you crave. For example, if you crave sweets, try eating more fruit and sweet vegetables such as yams, squash, & beets.
* What is out of balance in you life? Is there something you need to express, something being repressed? What happened in your life just before you had this craving?
* When you eat the food you are craving, enjoy it, taste it, savor it; notice its affects. Then you can be more aware and free to decide if you really want it next time.

2010-05-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

It's getting closer all the time....

My empty nest syndrome is in full swing, complete with crying jags, hysterical laughter, sadness and grief, but most of all, glory. My twins think I've lost it. Of course I can't find anything anyway so what difference does it make!

Madly In Love with ME Day!

2010-02-14T12:30:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day all!

I was anticipating a sad and lonely Vday, and then realized there are TONs of women like me out there with no mate. So, thanks to some amazing women (including myself!) and Spirit for a "change in heart", I am enjoying this day of Love and choose a new focus. ME.

Yesterday, I attended a seminar called, "Madly in love with ME!" I found it on the internet when searching for something to do for myself on Vday. I was thinking, "Where are the "how-to's" on how to love yourself?" Seriously. I had no idea where to start. Then, I remembered the movie. "The Secret" when Bob Proctor says " I'm so in love with me I wanna kiss myself!" Wow. I decided to learn how I could feel that way and then discoved Christine Arylo and Amy Ahlers.

I had heard about this "self-love" phenomenon through my therapist. She helped me see that I couldn't possible know how to fall in love with myself, since that behavior had never been modeled for me. I only knew how to fall (and I mean FALL) in love with men. Certainly not with myself. Me? Be worthy of attention and love? And what exactly does "self-love" mean? Doesn't it mean acting selfish and narcistic? No! It simply means taking care of "self" before others. The airlines advise passengers to apply their own [oxygen] masks first; then assist children or other persons in need. We must take care of ourselves first, for that is the essence of self love. So, the reverse is true, really. It's selfish NOT to take care of ourselves first, for we then become a burden to others and incapable of contributing to the world. How selfish is that?

So on this day of celebration and love, let's all remember that in order to completely love another, we must first, love ourselves. Start your "love affair" with you today!

Have a Peaceful Holiday Season

2010-02-04T19:28:00.000-08:00

Cannabis Club HHC | Medical Marijuana Dispensaries In Oakland & San Jose

2010-02-04T19:13:00.000-08:00

Cannabis Club HHC Medical Marijuana Dispensaries In Oakland & San Jose

What You Don't Know is Hurting You

2010-02-04T18:11:00.000-08:00

Wow. How the digital age has changed the world. As I watch Oprah today (as I have since 86) I realized that I have actually been influenced by her more than any other person to date. Yes, Oprah! I feel like I have grown up through years of watching her shows, in search of some moral compass by which to guide my life. In the midst of the chaos, whatever it was, there was always Oprah to make sense of it all. I learned from her and she made me FEEL something in a way no one ever has including my parents. I can honestly say that she has without a doubt had the greatest influence on me, body, mind and spirit of anyone else in my life. Period.

OPRAH BRAVO!!!!!!!!

And Bravo to Oprah for her amazing show today! It was all about diabetes and the horrors of this country’s misunderstandings regarding nutrition. As some of us grew through our youth, we ate fried everything, sweet everything, and everything else we could get our hands on---especially if it was “homemade”. Translation, made with LOVE. You can eat your way to feeling love, we all discovered. I was especially touched by the church ladies. One woman actually shared the same name as my grandmother. (I once brought her to the Oprah show when she was 93). As I sit here today watching the show with my son, I am touched by her memory.

My cousin died of diabetes two years ago and when I turned 40 I raised 5K for the American Diabetes Association. And so today’s show theme resonates deeply with me. Here’s my take on the obesity epidemic: It is so sad. I believe it’s because of sheer ignorance about what is good for us and our general lack of ability to feel our real feelings, that we are becoming a fatter nation. Inability to feel, I have found, is usually some manifestation of a deep emotional wound. Finding and healing this wound is the key, I think, to managing serious pain-numbing manifestations like food, alcohol, and tobacco,

I believe many, perhaps an alarming number of us, are food addicts, because of this thought: out of the three, it’s the one that FEELS closest to love. “I love pizza”. Most people don’t say that about tobacco and alcohol. I think Oprah and her team of experts hit the nail square on the head with today’s show. I am inspired and motivated to make this my blog topic today. For more information, go to www.Oprah.com

Oh Happy Day!

2010-02-04T14:43:00.000-08:00

Just Like Her

2010-02-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

Today I am finally taking down my Christmas tree. Good thing its fake. This was the first year ever, I have not had a "real" tree, and guess what...it was SO MUCH EASIER. Funny, I remember my mom saying the same thing to which my sister and I would reply, "NO. Its not Christmas without a real tree. The smell is so good." And so it went. We had the real tree-every year. And the turkey. And thoughtful, well-chosen gifts, even though we never made a list. We even made a gingerbread house, lots of cookies and went to see Santa as a whole family (except for my dad).

And then, my mom would routinely call me sometime in January (or maybe Feb.!) to tell me how every year she decorates alone and then, she puts it all away for next year--ALONE. I could hear the emotion in her tone and she struggled to get her words out. Perhaps, I was always gone back to school, or to my own home or had my hands full with my kids. Or, just maybe, (just maybe?), I was a newly independent, strong-willed, stubborn, determined, excited and focused young woman, so busy with building my new life that I forgot to help my mom. Just like my daughter is/does now. I never really paid attention to the pattern, not realizing it until today. By myself, just me and the tree. And GOD.

So now, how eerie, it's me, alone, just like her. But I am really not alone, I know that. As I sit here now, it feels good to remember. Everyday I hear her voice in my words. And each day I look in the mirror, I am beginning to see her face more and more. I complain about my wrinkles, sagging skin and sunspots, just like she did. I talk a lot, just like she did. And I laugh out loud, really loud, just like she did.

More than I know, I am just like her. And I am so proud of that.

2010-02-04T13:17:00.000-08:00

The Grammy Awards

2010-02-01T17:17:00.000-08:00

It was worth staying up for this year! Never have I seen the women so powerful, from Beyonce, to Pink, to teenage Taylor Swift. Some of the best, most respected rock 'n rollers showed up,too,including Bon Jovi (my fav), Stevie Nicks, Celine Dion, Smokey Robinson and lots more. The tribute to Michael Jackson was almost perfect except...I don't think 3-D glasses are a common household item. His children gave a sweet tribute to their daddy at the end of the tribute which included Michael's singing along with other powerhouse voices. Even with the other superstar singers, Michael's voice could be heard above them all. I will forever miss Michael Jackson--gone way too soon :(

Real estate outlook today and short sales...

2010-02-01T16:55:00.000-08:00

The real estate market here in Northern California has finally started to pick up a bit. Many homes are receiving multiple offers, going above asking price. I recently wrote an offer for a client $15,000 over asking because I knew it would take that to secure and acceptance. Guess what-it worked, and my client got the house of his dreams. No more "low-balling" on desirable properties as they are going quickly to the highest bidder! Keep in mind however, the appraisal must come in at the sales price or the deal could collapse midstream.

One buyer I had was qualified for a $400,000 home and we put an offer in on a condo that was a "short sale"; that's when the property's market value is less than what is owed. The asking price was $398,000 and we offered $400,000, with no credits. It was a clean, strong offer. The seller accepted it, and off it went to the bank. The person in charge, the "asset manager" from the bank, took several months to even review the file and when it did finally come back, the bank wanted $425,000. My clients couldn't go any higher so the deal fell apart. I got them immediately into another property that was not a "short sale", and as of this writing the other condo is still on the market after nearly 6 months.

My advice to buyers: avoid the "short sale" if your time frame to move is less than 90 days. Traditional sales can typically be closed in 30 days. FHA loans can take a little longer, but nothing compared to trying to purchase a "short sale" property. If you do fall in love with a property that is selling short, my advice is "what a great time to practice patience"! And most importantly, make sure you are represented by an experienced buyers agent. Don't try this alone!

Kim
-keeping it REAL.

2010-01-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2010

Tomorrow my twins will turn 18. I can't believe we all made it this far! Cory, my oldest, is happily graduated from college and gainfully employed; Anna is on her way to UC Davis on a full scholarship; and Troy has successfully launched "Troy's Boat Service", becoming a very good diesel mechanic/sea captain.

Seems like such a short time ago when I brought them home to tons of pink and blue flower arrangements, plastic diapers, warm blankets, and plenty of open arms. At three kids, my family was complete.

Three husbands, a dozen homes, two dogs and 18 years later, we (Cory, Anna, Troy and me!), are better than ever. My #1 son custom delivered himself last night to my house as a surprise for the weekend's festivities. The kids, their friends and I are celebrating @ IFLY,first jump for them, second for me! We are lucky to have such a facility in the Bay Area.

Regarding the real estate market, it's definitely picking up here in Alameda. Lots of new listings and multiple offers are starting to surface. By far, if you are even THINKING about buying a home for primary or investment purchases, now it the time! Plus, you don't have to be buying or selling real estate to work with me, just email me any questions and I will send you an answer stat!

Cheers! I am truly...

"...not your average Realtor!"

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA AND TROY! WE DID IT!!!

Go Mgive!! God Bless Haiti!

2010-01-14T09:28:00.000-08:00

My heart goes out to the folks in Haiti. Bravo to www.Mgive.com for enabling the text campaign, generating more than 1M yesterday. And kudos to ALL the cell phone companies for participating. I say, "globalize and mobilize" with the power of electronic communications. Social networking meets cause-related marketing. WOW.

2009-05-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

May 9, 2009
From my blackberry…Mother’s Day Musings

As I get some sun outside in my backyard, I am grateful for this moment to muse on Mother’s Day which is tomorrow. This has been a very revealing week for me and my two children still living with me. My twins, age 17 are boy/girl. We had a bit of a “blow up” and, of course, I had to deal with them both separately, which makes it twice as hard. Maybe I should write a book about raising my son and the twins. Am I really less than a year away from them turning 18?

My life keeps unfolding, evoking a wild variety of many emotions…some familiar and some not so much. Some feelings are scary and some wonderful beyond my wildest dreams. My kids have changed my life—shaping and molding the woman I am today, more than all my other experiences combined.

My daughter, 17, was born curious, determined, strong and fearless. Little did I know she had the makings of a national gymnastics champion. Ironically, last year on Mother’s Day, she won the USA-Gymnastics Women’s Western National Championship---first place All Around title-- with the highest score in her category in the entire nation. At that moment I thought, that’s my daughter, remembering that I stayed in bed for 14 weeks to allow her to develop into the world’s most beautiful baby girl. Being her mother is a gift beyond my wildest dreams and I strive to embrace that privilege with a commitment to being the best mom I can be.

My twin boy developed safely and comfortably in my belly, relishing in the exquisite company of his sister. He was born a bit smaller than she, but his strong will and indelible spirit quickly conveyed his brilliance. Along with his creativity and problem solving mastery, he is the most lovable, brilliant kid a mom could have. He has started his own business and continues to amaze me with his talents. Recently, we had a problem with our boat and were quoted $4000 to fix it. If I had not been strapped for cash, I would have paid it. Since I didn’t, it sat in a boat yard for over a year. My son decided to move it home to see if he could understand more about the problem. He discovered one incorrect diagnosis after another, and using the internet, fixed the boat all by himself. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that was going to happen. He doesn't say a lot these days (I learned this is normal behavior for teenagers). But when my son speaks, his ideas are conclusive and well thought out. Watching him grow from a 4lb baby boy into such a remarkable young man has been the privilege of a lifetime. I get excited, smile and fill up with love when I think of his face. In his eyes, I can see the face of God.

My oldest son graduates from college with a BS in electrical engineering 2 weeks from now. Words cannot possibly convey my depth of feeling for him. I don't know anyone more genuinely optimistic and loving than he is. And so very smart and level headed--so mature and kind. He is truly a gift to this world. Just ask his cute girlfriend! His birth changed me forever, from a carefree woman of 27 to someone capable of feeling exhilaration, grief, happiness, and sorrow beyond my wildest dreams. I recall our first four years together, when it was just the two of us, before my twins were born. My mom and I showered him with attention, celebrating each new accomplishment. He gave us joy we could touch and feel through our entire bodies—more than either of us could articulate at the time.

As a mother of three, I have experienced and become a part of a higher dimension. My children are a direct reflection of me, complete with all my talents and character defects. It’s often painful for me to "handle" but then I remember it is through these experiences that I become my best self. And, I am not alone. My mother and grandmother’s teachings guide my actions daily as if we are riding this train together. Or maybe we are riding bicycles fast through one of the most beautiful places in the world, with boundless energy and perfect health. That image feeds my sole.

This Mother's Day I'd like to pay tribute to the two women who have influenced me as a mother more than anyone else. They made me who I am now--a very, very proud and happy mother of three. Thanks to God for entrusting me with their care and well being. I am counting all my blessings this Mothers Day with a truly grateful heart.

Kimberlytoday.com