What The What?!

So, it isn't THAT dramatic, but it has been a while since I have checked in. While I am checking in on my weight loss journal weekly since daily has become mundane, I do find it necessary to just take a step back and collect my thoughts. It isn't until you put it down on paper that you really "see" or get a sense of what you really have going on in your own world.  Since sharing my story here under my "diary of a fatty" tab, I have felt more open and honest than ever. I hid behind my fat and flaws for so long that they became my crutch and wall. Now that I am losing weight and have shared my story in all its raw glory, it seems that I am able to move forward and be the change I want to see in the world. I know that sounds a little cliche, but honestly, it wasn't until I wrote my story down and read it and re-read it that I was in awe of how far I have come and how my fat held me back for so long.  I feel more vulnerable and open now that I have put it out there for any and everyone to read, but most of all, for the first time ever I DON'T CARE what anyone has to think of where I was, where I have been or where I am going. This is my journey and for the first time in a long time, NO ONE can or will be able to make me feel inferior without my consent. It took me a long time to believe that. This journey has really just begun and there is still so much in store. If you haven't read my fat girl journey diary yet, it is worth the read. Of course, I am biased.  

There are so many things coming up this month and moving forward.

I am so honored and proud to announce that I am now part of the Forward Circle program with True Results. True Results is the place I went to get my Lap-Band done. After going to several aftercare meetings and seeing the posters on the wall about the Forward Circle program, I finally asked about it on my last visit. I contemplated and thought about it and overall just wanted to be more active in the Lap-Band community. I got the paperwork and after two weeks I sent it over. Long story short, now I can be part of the sharing community. I will share my story and be there to help with any questions or concerns from people that are interested in the Lap-Band surgery and those that have just had the surgery. I am just 4 months out from my surgery, but by not giving up and asking questions and checking in, I have already succeeded in my weight loss journey. I found myself looking for answers and support, so now I can BE that support! YAY!  I am so excited about this!  I love giving back! If you or anyone you know is interested in the Lap-Band surgery and would like more information or wants the REAL truth being that I have been through this and I don't get paid to tell you to do this or not do this, please feel free to share my information. You have questions, I have answers or I can get answers. Period. 

This is the pin that I got in the mail the other day! 

In other news, I am taking my last two classes online to finish my degree. It is just the two year degree, but I want to say that I finished something! God willing, I will graduate this December. Once I get this done, then I can reassess and will know how I handled being a single working and crafting mother to a rambunctious almost 4 year old boy. At some point I will have to remember that I can't do it ALL at one time, but will get everything I want to get accomplished one step at a time. 

I have gotten the expanded version of the book Hope for the Weary Mom  by Stacey Thacker and Brooke McGlothlin.  I am going to delve in to this ebook that was sent to me, as the first time I read it there were several "ah-ha" moments and I felt like they were speaking straight to my heart and soul.  This book is so right on time and these women are phenomenal. Thank you ladies for allowing me to be one of the first to get my hands on this not yet released book! https://www.facebook.com/HopeForTheWearyMom

Being that holiday season is coming up, I have great crafting ideas in my head and I have begun to put them in to action. I need a vacation from my crafting addiction!!  Being that Justice is now in a daycare where the ladies really appreciate the things they are given, the craft ideas just seem to flow from my head to my hands and into reality. I can't wait to share the Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas crafts that I have in store for these teachers!  They are a blessing! 

I am still writing my monthly articles for Inner Child Magazine in the Family section. It is a honor and blessing to be a part of such a wonder family. I am able to share my journey with my son and somehow it all just works. Divine timing is all I can say. www.innerchildmagazine.com/family 

I am now a great aunt to the handsome Brayden. I am so glad that I am able to be a part of his life. 

Gosh, what else? Well, I am still pimping out Mary Kay. I don't do it like I should, so it isn't profitable for me and I am sure that my director could just strangle me sometimes, but I do still have stock that will soon be up for sell and ON SALE for the holiday season.  

I am walking in the Autism walk this year. If you care to donate to this cause, please click the link.  Thank you for your support. http://www.kintera.org/faf/donorreg/donorpledge.asp?ievent=1012946&supId=358415728&msource=bfschedule

I am walking in the Diabetes walk this year. If you care to donate to this cause, please click the link. Thank you for your support.  https://donations.diabetes.org/site/Donation2?idb=1473531116&df_id=10905&FR_ID=8405&PROXY_ID=8087313&PROXY_TYPE=20&10905.donation=form1