Faithful Balancing Act

I was just learning how to balance everything in my life - then I was thrown another ball to juggle.

I certainly wasn't perfect in coordinating my family and home, writing, fitness and health, and everything else. Who is?  We're all learning the fine art of balance.  And it is a constantly changing craft.

I had been looking for a part-time job to help with all of the bills, since the writing isn't covering it all quite yet.  Of course I'm making money freelancing, with more coming in than before but not enough for right now.  And the novel won't be making me any dollars until it's published and out there for everyone to read.  So we need other income in addition to that plus my husband's job.

I've applied to many places, but hadn't had any luck until recently.  In this economy, each position has so many applicants that chances aren't as good as before...but I prayed and trusted God to bring me to the right job for me, that would use my unique talents and abilities and work with my other activities.

It turns out that He was just lining up the perfect job for me.  I now work about 20 hours a week in a bookstore.  Now, what's more perfect for a writer than working in a bookstore?  I get to talk books with customers and help them find what they need.  Now I realize why no other job application worked out - God knows what He is doing!

The trick is learning to balance it all with the new job thrown into the mix.  The first couple of weeks were tiring, since I worked extra hours during training to get familiar with everything at the store.  It was worth it, to learn what needed to be learned...plus the additional money sure helps.  But now the schedule is evening out, and I'm finding  a way to get everything balanced again.  Retail hours mean the schedule changes somewhat each week, but I'm being creative at getting the writing, workouts, etc. done along the new job.  It's a challenge, but one that is making me stronger each day.

All I know is if I continue to trust God and let Him lead me, I will get to where I'm supposed to be.  I can do this with His help.  And I'm thankful each and every day for what He is doing in my life.

Balance?  It's getting there.  The main thing to remember:  if you don't put God and faith first, you will never achieve it.  Faith is the key to balance - and peace!

Extreme Weight Loss - Mehrbod Sets Records, Good and Bad

Due to the All Star Game, I got to watch Extreme Weight Loss in its entirety tonight.  I am, however, going through So You Think You Can Dance withdrawals...

But I'm glad I got to watch this one right away.  Mehrbod is quite an inspiration.

Mehrbod and his family are from Iran, where they often didn't have enough to eat. To compensate, he learned to stuff himself with food whenever it was around, since he literally didn't know where his next meal was coming from.  By the time he was in the United States and didn't have to worry about starving anymore, the pattern had become ingrained and he gained weight - a lot of it.

Though Mehrbod began his EWL year at 434 pounds, he had been at 498.  He lost 64 pounds on his own before Chris Powell came into his life, so part of his transformation had already taken place.  He was inspired by his girlfriend Mona, who loved him at almost 500 pounds and stayed by his side no matter what.  He was hoping they would get married, but since he had to ask her parents first he wanted to lose the rest of the weight so they would feel he would be able to take care of himself and her. 

Mehrbod lost 137 pounds in the first phase and kept going strong through the second phase.  He even got to ski again, something he hadn't been able to do for 12 years due to his weight.  Chris enlisted Olympic champion Picabo Street to get Mehrbod moving on the slopes again, and he did a fantastic job.  You could tell he was enjoying the freedom to do things that his body had held him back from. (As someone who was just learning to ski before I gained weight, I could relate to the feeling - even though I'm not quite in skiing shape yet!)  On top of that, he no longer needed to use the sleep apnea machine that kept him steadily breathing every night.  What a relief it had to be, not to worry if he was going to wake up in the morning or not. 

Unfortunately, Phase Three did not go smoothly for him.  He gathered the courage to speak to Mona's parents about marriage, but they were not receptive because they didn't like his career choice.  They hated his DJing work, and wanted their daughter to marry a doctor or a lawyer.  When he set up a meeting with Mona to talk, she stood him up.  (In her defense...I have a feeling she was highly influenced by her parents and probably forbidden to even think about marrying Mehrbod.)  This sent him into a downward spiral, eating all of his old comfort foods constantly.  Once again, I could relate...to having people tell you that you need to be what THEY want you to be or else you're not good enough.  I still deal with that from some people!

Chris thought all was still going well - because Mehrbod rigged his scale to show continued weight loss when he did his video chats with Chris.  He thought he could get back on track before the next big weigh-in, but that didn't happen.  Instead, he had to confess what he did to Chris.  And he had gained more than 60 pounds back in that short amount of time.  Chris was livid...wondering if he could ever trust Mehrbod again and if he could really reach his goals.  Mehrbod had set a weight loss record in Phase One, but he also set a weight GAIN record in Phase Three. 

As it turns out, Mehrbod was able to get back on track in a big way.  By the end of the year, he had reached his goal weight of 230.  He looked amazing and happy.  Plus, he and Mona are back together again.  No word on an engagement, or how her parents feel about this...but it seemed like they worked through whatever was keeping them apart.  And Mehrbod set a 3rd record - for the biggest weight loss in Phase Four!

What can we learn from Mehrbod?  Don't let setbacks set you back forever, find a way to work out your problems without turning to food, and NEVER let other people tell you you're not good enough or shouldn't be yourself.  I'm rooting for him to do what he wants to do with his life...and can't wait to see what his next goal is!

Musical Inspiration

Does music inspire you?

I know it really inspires me...to dance, to dream, to get moving, to have faith.

For this reason I started posting an Inspiring Song of the Day a few weeks ago on my Facebook page. The music ranges from Christian and Gospel to Country, Broadway, Pop, and even Alternative Rock.  I draw both happiness and strength from all types of music.

Some of these songs are ones that you probably know, while others could be new to you.  I love sharing music, especially if it's something that not a lot of people know about, but should because it's just that good.  Sometimes the hidden treasures are the best!

So...what songs inspire you?  Feel free to leave a comment here, or on Facebook once you "like" my page.  And I hope you enjoy the music I post there as well!

An Inspiring Evening With Author Taylor Stevens

Two weeks ago, I was blessed to be part of a very special evening. 

It's always special when you get to meet a best-selling author.  But this time it was even better.

I first met Taylor Stevens through my friend Kim, who was able to get some of us galleys of Taylor's first book, The Informationist, to read and review.  The story and characters were so amazing that none of us could put it down until we finished reading the entire thing.

Since then I've also read the next two novels in the series, The Innocent and The Doll.  Each time Vanessa "Michael" Munroe winds up with an assignment, I learn more about what makes her tick and why she does what she does.  And each of her assignments is so fascinating, you want to read MORE.

In The Doll, Michael is kidnapped into taking an assignment, leading her into the world of human trafficking.  You can read my review at my Goodreads page.  But I would also like to tell you more about what made the evening of June 18th so important to me.

I had met Taylor at another gathering in the Cleveland area back in the fall.  It was a wonderful experience, other than the fact the coffeehouse where it was held completely acted like they had no idea we were coming and we were placed in what basically amounted to a storage room.  Taylor was a trouper and made it special despite the lack of welcome at this establishment.  (And the coffeehouse is no longer in business...why am I not surprised?)

This time, Taylor was speaking at the Strongsville library and she arranged (with the help of a wonderful librarian!) for her Cleveland friends to have dinner with her beforehand.  We met at a Friday's and had wonderful service. We all got to talk with Taylor over dinner, where we learned more about her, the next two books on the way...and her love of bacon.  ;o)  Hearing someone speak - up close and personal - about her passion for writing and her literary goals is such an inspiration; I know it motivated me even more to accomplish my own goals.  It was also fascinating to talk with the librarians who were there, and to learn more about how libraries order e-books and hard copies.  All of it is important information if you want to be a published author and get your work out there!  (The only thing missing was Kim...she couldn't be there and we really missed her!)

In addition, Taylor's talk at the library further pushed me to get my novels published.  She grew up in a cult and was not formally educated past 6th grade...but Taylor is an extremely intelligent lady who learned on her own and through others after she got out of that atmosphere.  It's proof that you can get past whatever circumstances you have dealt with or are currently dealing with - the past is only one part of your story. 

Late last week I received a message from Taylor that I had won one of the items she autographed for a giveaway, and yesterday I was able to pick it up at the library.  It's a giant poster of The Doll.  This, to me, is further comfirmation from God that He wants me to write and get my stories out there.  I'm in the midst of organizing my office, and now I have a huge reminder to write, write, write!  In the middle of all of the stress and madness of life  - He made sure I got the message.

So please check out my review and Taylor's books.  You will love them.  And keep her in mind whenever you wonder if you can live your dreams.  Taylor Stevens is proof that you CAN beat the odds!

Workouts, Dancing, Writing - Oh My!

It's been a couple of weeks since I posted here.  So far it's been a really busy summer...

So I thought I'd just check in and let you know some of what's going on.  Someone had the bright idea to air both Extreme Weight Loss and So You Think You Can Dance on Tuesday nights, thereby driving me crazy. ;o)   So I still have to catch up on the this past episode of EWL because I watched SYTYCD.  I did see some of Ryan's story during commercials, but not enough to write a recap. 

I was moved, however, by SYTYCD - which I always am.  There's nothing like dance to awaken the soul, and so far this season I'm very impressed by the Top 20.  I can't wait to see what next week brings!

As for myself, I've been working out, writing, editing, and attending other authors' speaking events.  I will post more on that this coming week, because it's been inspiring to see people who love writing as much as I do reaching their goals and seeing their dreams realized.  To say God uses them to keep me going when the going gets rough would be an understatement!

In addition, I'm working on some other possible business arrangements, so I would appreciate your prayers.  If you have any prayer requests, please send them my way and I would be happy to pray for you as well.  We also have several graduation parties including one tonight!) and other events keeping us busy.

Here's to a wonderful summer weekend for all of us.   I will check back in with you in a couple of days!

School's Out! June Workout Playlist

School's - out - for - summer!

Now that you have Alice Cooper running through your head...have you started thinking about your workout music for warm weather?  I always love to mix things up - to keep workouts fresh.  If you change up your music from time to time, you're more likely to avoid being bored...and more likely to stick with your run, walk, cycling, etc.

So in addition to "hangin' with Mr. Cooper", here are my latest additions for summer:

Try - Pink

Next to Me - Emeli Sande

I'm a Keeper - The Band Perry

Little Bit of Everything - Keith Urban

Roller Coaster - The Partridge Family

Sunshine and Summertime - Faith Hill

Fortunate Son - John Fogerty with Foo Fighters

Hush Hush - Pistol Annies

Voulez-Vous  -  Mamma Mia Soundtrack

Thing Called Love - Bonnie Raitt

Rolling in the Deep - Adele

Black Horse and the Cherry Tree - KT Tunstall


Please leave a comment with your favorite workout songs...we're always looking for more suggestions.  And get out there and WERK it!!!

Extreme Weight Loss - Meredith's Marathon Journey

There are two special things I learned about Meredith on tonight's Extreme Weight Loss.

First off, she is completely adorable.  And secondly - she is a VERY STRONG WOMAN.

Meredith is only 24, but she shows more wisdom than many people twice her age.  Oh, she's still a girl who wants to have fun - as her Baywatch fantasies prove - but she also has learned how to deal with the curveballs that life can throw...even if they were pitched at birth when you're way too young to know why.

One of my favorite things about EWL (yes, the show has shortened its title, probably to help us all keep our tweets under 140 characters) is that one or two people get to focus on their personal journeys for the year, without competing against anyone except themselves.  Of course I love my Biggest Loser...but some people thrive better when they don't have to "play the game" and can just concentrate on the main thing - physical and emotional health.  For Meredith, this format perfectly fit her situation.

Meredith was given up for adoption at birth, and her parents always loved her.  But she always felt like she didn't really fit into the family, because she was so different from them, especially in size.  Her sister is her parents' biological child, and has always been the "thin one".  Although Meredith's dad had put on some weight over the years, her mom and sister remained thin while Meredith only got bigger.  Her struggle with not knowing her birth mom or why she gave her up played a major role in the weight gain.  She wanted to lose the weight not only for herself, but also to prepare herself for the chance that she might get to meet her biological mother.

Chris showed up at a kids' talent show rehearsal that Meredith was in charge of, surprising her by walking onstage dressed on a carrot suit!  It was just too cute, and just right because it made the kids feel comfortable with the surprise.  He promised that he would take good care of Meredith while she was gone and she would be back soon.  I'm sure the kids are super proud of Miss Meredith.

At her first weigh-in in California, Meredith stood at 314 pounds.  She was once over 400, but she lost weight and had "Believe It, Be It 155" tattooed on her stomach to keep her motivated toward her goal of 155 pounds.  She put some of the weight back on, and I'm sure she felt as if her tattoo was mocking her at times as she went in the opposite direction of her goal.  Chris decided that 155 would still be her goal for this year-long journey. (By the way, "Believe It, Be It" was/is the motto of Ali Vincent, the first female Biggest Loser.  It's also the title of her book.  I'm betting that's where Meredith got the idea!)

At the beginning, there were times Meredith wasn't so sure of herself - especially running on the beach the first day to the tower and back.  She broke down halfway through, with it really hitting her that she felt unloved from the beginning, knowing that she was given away.  Chris sent her home after the first week to complete the first 90 days at home with her family.

That proved to be a problem, as her family tried to support her but at times didn't understand what she needed.  Her sister really didn't get it - she brought cookies and snacks into the house that Meredith couldn't eat and kept them in the pantry where they would tempt her.  I know it's hard for some people who don't struggle with their weight to understand why something like this would be such a big deal...even when it's explained to them.  Chris wound up coming to town after 45 days to help Meredith stay on track for the first phase.  She needed to lose 80 pounds - and beat that by losing 84!

Chris decided that Meredith would need to lose 50 pounds in phase two, and she would train for a marathon.  She wasn't totally sure about that, since even though she'd become a runner, she had never run more than 10 miles.  One thing that helped her focus was her sister moving out into her own place.  It made things easier for her (and her parents) to keep their eyes on the prize.  She didn't hit the 50 - but she did lose 32 pounds.  I'm sure the torn meniscus and accompanying knee pain that developed didn't help.

Meredith and Chris did run the marathon, with support from her parents and friends. At about 19 miles her knee gave her a lot of trouble, along with her other leg which she favored because of the injury.  But Meredith never quit; she slowed it down to a walk or jog at times but finished the entire 26.2 miles strong.  It built her confidence even more.

During all of this, Meredith found the courage to write a letter to her birth mom, in hopes that they would get to meet.  She didn't hear back from her, but Chris got some information from a private investigator to help Meredith find peace.  There was a picture of her mom, along with one of her mom's run-down house.  Chris thought that maybe mom was embarrassed about her living situation and wasn't ready to meet her daughter.  Meredith found herself OK with that - she still hopes to meet her one day but is at peace with her past and herself. She realizes that they may not get to meet...and if that's the case she will still be fine. She also realized her parents really do love and support her, no matter what.

At the end of phase three Meredith weighed 176.  Chris wanted to hold off on the skin surgery until she reached her 155 goal, because that way she still had the tattoo as a reminder until then.  At first she was disappointed, but it wound up only making her more determined to reach her goal.  Chris did have a special treat for her though...he brought Nicole Eggert from Baywatch to the beach where Meredith ran the very first day, and the two women ran together.  Nicole has had her own weight struggle, so she was happy to come out to support Meredith.  Now THAT'S a true role model.

At last it was time for the big reveal.  Meredith stepped out to greet her family and friends in a gorgeous blue dress and shiny silver shoes - but the true sparkle came through her eyes and smile.  She overcame so much to get to this point, and looking out among her loved ones she could finally see the light bulb go off for her sister.  She gets it now!

Oh, and the 155?  Meredith hit it right on the nose.  Quite appropriate to go with the tattoo!  Now she won't need it though, since she will have the skin surgery and it will be gone along with all of the excess weight.

Now Meredith can focus on new goals - and I know there won't be any stopping her now!