More About This "Contest"

Have you ever wanted something so badly that you would do almost anything to get it?

2 1/2 years ago, I was desperate.

My life then was about just surviving day to day.  Weekly chemotherapy treatments for my oldest daughter had me spinning.  Wondering what the next MRI scan would tell us.  While - at the same time, trying to keep some sense of normalcy for the craziness at home.

Worry--Guilt--Anger--Sadness--Fear

Comfort food made Bailey and I feel better.  Plus it was EASY to just go through the drive-thru on the way home from the hospital....And not-to-mention, it was "our thing"....A kind of celebration, for making it through another blast of chemo.  As long as Bailey was feeling good...I figured, why not feel good together...?

But - It was one comment made by Bailey that would go on to change everything....

The chemo bag hung over us, like a looming, dark cloud.....

We were both scarfing down the room service Chili-Cheese Fries that were delivered and watching cartoons...When Bailey looked over at me and said....

"Mommy....When I die....I want you with me."

Good grief.  I choked on my mouthful of fries....Almost unable to breathe or move.

How does someone respond to that...?  At THAT moment....I realized that I was facing TWO death sentences in that hospital room.

What was I doing to myself...?  To Bailey?

The plate of fries, that was resting on my ballooned stomach was mocking me.

I doubt that Bailey had any intention of believing I would die before her....Or the cause of that death being from obesity...She was just making a simple statement of wanting her mommy by her side, every step of the way....

But it was THAT MOMENT. THAT DAY.  That I woke up!

That next Sunday happen to be a WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE that our church began... I stepped on the scale....

Fast Forward to today....

Low-Carb/Atkins has changed my life....And brought me 117 pounds lighter!  Waking up - meant I TOOK CONTROL. I TOOK ACTION.  The 'something' I wanted so badly began to happen....It transformed me!

My excuses...Became completely worthless.  

I took on what it truly means to THRIVE....I feel it now....More than I ever have before.

Readers....I am asking a favor....

Atkins has this wonderful contest that I entered....Which means, if I win....My story will be spotlighted - for millions to see!!  I get excited just thinking about it!

What if....Someone - who faced all odds.....Who had EVERY excuse in the book.....Someone who is living with a life-long, progressive disorder SWEPT this contest!?  For ME...It's much more about winning prizes....But a CHANCE to show the world that NO MATTER what a person faces, ANYTHING is possible!

That's where YOU come in....

Please click this link (HERE) PAGE 10 (it changes)

You will NOT be spammed - or asked to sign up for anything.

If I win...I promise to do Neurofibromatosis....And all those who are dealing with this disorder proud!

Please share...and vote daily (Until August 18th)

Thank you SO much!

Readers....I NEED Your Help!

Maybe some of you are tired of hearing about my weight loss journey....But it has seriously been a HUGE part of my life over the last 2 1/2 years.  

Losing weight has re-focused me.  It gave me CONTROL over something.  It has put me back on the path of having the THRIVING attitude I needed!

Saying that.....I entered a contest.  I NEVER --EVER enter THESE kinds of contests.....Mostly because it puts me in the spotlight ....And I really don't feel comfortable there.  My tumors aside...I'm a pretty quiet--keep-to-myself type of person....Crowds and attention aren't MY thing...BUT....I WANT THIS!

I have been doing low-carb (Atkins specifically), joined an AWESOME Kickboxing class....And kicked things up at the local gym.....This has literally made me HALF the woman I used to be!  Shedding over 120 pounds...And making me healthier than I have ever been!

I've changed my life.....And this is where YOUR HELP can do something AMAZING......

If you CLICK HERE You will be taken to a website where I submitted a short version of my journey....There are hundreds of others who have also participated in this contest.....So I need all the help I can get!!!  I am on PAGE EIGHT Right now :)

All you have to do is click the above link...And VOTE for my story....THAT'S it!!!  I promise you will not be spammed...Or asked to join any list....Just click and VOTE!!

Thank You SOOOO MUCH to those who have continued to support me!!  This wouldn't be possible without you!!

Why Am I Doing This?

I'm not going to name names....But a person close to my heart asked me a question the other day that got me to thinking....Actually....It got me MORE than thinking....It sort of ruffled my feathers a little bit.  Now if this person is reading this post...I mean no disrespect and I LOVE you tons...And maybe possibly, this was EXACTLY what I needed.

This person asked me "So...Why all of a sudden are you exercising and losing weight...Why the new obsession...?  I thought you looked fine the way you were."

This took me by surprise because:

1.  Nothing is "all of a sudden" about me trying to lose weight.  I have been struggling with my weight since Junior High...and have Yo-Yo'd around the scale since forever.

2.  If I were to continue on the path I WAS on....I'd either be dead....or seriously and dangerously obese.

3.  I may have "looked fine"...But I wasn't.  I was miserable.  I was tired.  I was just getting through the days and was extremely depressed.

So after the conversation with my friend....I got into my car and the song 'Girl on Fire' by Alicia Keys came on the radio....I found myself singing to it and feeling unbeatable.

All the WHY's of my journey surrounded me.

1.  My "new" Hobby--Obsession has helped me feel worthy.  I NEVER felt like I COULD feel good about myself.  The tumors/freckles/birthmarks all held me back...whispering lies like how it wouldn't matter if I lost weight...The tumors would always be there, reflecting back at me from the mirror chanting that I would ALWAYS -- NO MATER WHAT...Be ugly.

SCREW THAT!

2.  I may have "looked okay"....But seriously....Excusable Fatness?  I'm sorry....NO WAY.  I'm no fitness expert....But there is no planet in our universe that would say it was okay for my 5'1" frame to carry over 240 pounds.
DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT-- was my ONLY OPTION.

The wall I was facing - Being that 240 pound woman was CRAZY.  And it scared the crap out of me.  But I'm doing it.  I've DONE IT!  Day-By-Day.

3.  I am in no way the most confident person in the world.  Heck I can barely carry on a conversation with someone....BUT...What I feel INSIDE...WOW.  It's a type of rush that can only be understood by people who have done it.

4.  FAT is no longer my best friend.  Seriously.  I counted on my fat for everything.  Now....It's up to my MIND..MY SPIRIT...and MY HEART...and I have to say, it's a MUCH better relationship!

5.  Once I got rid of the excuses was when my journey REALLY took off.  When results began - I knew I had to go all the way.  The only thing keeping me from being better...Was ME.

Knowing I can keep up in a kickboxing class...or Run 3 miles in a half hour pushes me forward and helps me never want to look back.

WHY am I doing this?

Because DOING THIS is BETTER than NOT DOING IT!

THRIVE ON!

"To The Fatty Running On The Track This Afternoon"

This was taken from a Facebook user....And while it COULD be a made up story...I wanted to address it anyway.

First of all...Who do you think you are?  You may be lapping this person, but WOW....I think you totally have WAY too much time on your hands....

To first off address the person as "Fatty"...You show NO COMPASSION--In fact you are nothing but a school-yard bully....who twists and turns your way out of trouble, by manipulation!

Judgmental--Sterotypical--And just plain mean.

I bet that "FATTY" isn't looking up at YOU, because they see YOU looking and judging them and making up some stupid scenario  - while your perfect body whizzes around the track effortlessly.

I am one of those people who was ashamed to go to the gym, because I was "too big".....I thought people would stare and whisper about the "Lard-Ass" who couldn't last more than 10 minutes on the elliptical machine....AND YOU...just proved me right.  Shame on YOU.

But you know what....?   People like you, haven't stopped me.  Go ahead and make your assumptions about late night snacks and beer guzzling (none of which I take part in...)   Because YOU don't really matter.  I have dealt with ignorance my entire life....And you....Are just another bug, to be flicked off my shoulder.

YOU'RE RIGHT ABOUT ONE THING....

I'VE GOT THIS.  

But...NOT because of YOU

THRIVE ON!