Expecting Great Things In 2012

Life truly takes time! In 2012, I believe I will take each day and enjoy it abundantly. I do not wish to be in a hurry about anything. Destiny, promises, fulfilled purpose and vision are all a part of God's plan in His time, His season and His will. . Finding God's delight in each day shall be my plight. There is nothing more important than being and remaining in The Lord's will! So looking forward to this NEW year!

Would you eat to gain weight in order to qualify for weight loss surgery?

So today I came across this article on Weight Loss Surgery . The article talked about people gaining weight in order to have surgery.

All I could do is shake my head.

I think that its silly to gain weight in order to have surgery.

I had WLS 9years ago my weight was 360lbs & my BMI 59. At that time I was afraid that I would not be approved for surgery because I had no health issues (other than I was overweight) at the time. I was a very active plus sized woman.

I do agree that changes need to be made to the requirements.

It really upsets me that people would do that in order to have surgery. If someone goes to that extent to have surgery, that means they don't really understand that having WLS isn't a quick fix; it's a life change. In order for WLS to work  you have to put in work.

So my question is:  Do you think it's ok to gain weight in order to qualify for WLS?

Life after Gastric Bypass ... December 3, 2011 made 9yrs Post Op

Over the past 9 years, I have evolved & changed both physically & mentally. A lot of people ask if I regret having surgery because of some of the challenges that I've had to face (health wise) & my response remains the same "NO". Everything that I have gone through is a part of GOD's plan for my life & for that I am grateful. I'm loving the skin I'm in right now :) To every trial there is a triumph!!!

Building a Legacy ....

On November 11, 2011, I opened my own online natural products store.

Over the past few years I've sold products online, but I have never been as vested as I am now. I've always sold products that I believed in and loved,but I have never been involved in the whole process (from development to store front).

I'm so excited about the future growth of the Organic Life™ brand . I work with eleven of the most talented women that you ever want to meet. This is just the beginning...

Check out our online store. We specialize in natural, affordable organic hair and skincare products! 

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

On April 25th, 2011, I stepped out of my comfort zone and put on a bathing suit for the first time in 23 years.

The last time I wore one, I was 11 and the old lady at the pool (Lewis's grand mother) asked my sister if I was pregnant and proceeded to talk about me as if I was not there.

I never wore a bathing suit again.

Today I decided to break that streak and put one on. I've lost over 200lbs and maintained my weight loss for the past 9yrs.

A new love affair

I've always been in to fashion but lately it has been an obsession. I have been following Style Pantry for a while, and I am so in love with that site. I thought I would share a few things that I'm loving right now.

Blair of Atlantic Pacific. I am loving this look

Sequin Blazer + Tuxedo Shirt + Bell Bottom Jeans

Green Sweater + White Button-up Shirt + Gold Pants

I love the company of strangers

Earlier this year I took a break from "the crowd" and focused on self, kids, school, business & my relationship.

When I started to weed my garden of friendship, I found that most of my flowers were gone with only a few still standing. So, I decided to start planting new seeds, and in the process I found that I really enjoyed meeting new people.

I've always been the first to speak in a crowd of strangers (I ain't never scared LOL) but I've found that I'm more comfortable around people that I don't know. Even my online interactions are that way.

I would never share my blog or You Tube videos on Facebook for fear of being judged by people who "THINK" they know me. I love talking and interacting with strangers because they don't "THINK" they know you & they're willing to get to know you. It gives me a sense of freedom when I'm able to be open and free with my words. I come from a close minded family of overly judge mental people who's main goal is to see you fail. My mentality is on a different level.

 I'm a free spirit who appreciates people "AS IS" flaws and all. There is so much beauty in building new relationships.

Looking back on past mistakes

Lately, I have been thinking about my first marriage & the mistakes that I made. I'm the first to admit that the fall of my marriage was just as much my fault as his.

To be honest, I don't know how it really feels to be a wife.

When I met my ex, we were young and in love. No one could tell me that years later I would be sitting here typing about what was.

When I look back over my marriage, I realized that I was his mother NOT his wife. I always had to be in control of every thing & never allowed him to be the man. I think it's because I've always had to take care of myself. In my mind, "If I don't do it, who will?" was what I lived by. At the time, I didn't see anything wrong with my actions besides I was always right.

Fast forward to today...

God has blessed me with an awesome mate that loves me beyond measure. Walking into this relationship, I was open to change. I want to know what it is to be a wife & not always have to be in control. I do have my moments, and he has no problem with putting me back into my place & I am more then ok with that.(smile)

I told him that I wanted to be June Cleaver with a Job. I want to allow him to have the final say.

I know some women may read this and say I'm crazy.

But hey, this is what I want.

My hubby isn't demanding, and he's the calmest, most laid back person I know. He never stresses over the small stuff and always keeps a cool head. I, on the other hand, can get out of pocket at times and I'm always trying to over think the situation. We have a perfect balance.

So if we have the perfect balance, why do I have this fear of failing again? Why am I afraid that something is going to happen?

My thoughts on seeking a mate...

What is the most important character trait that you look for when choosing a mate? If I had to choose only one trait for me it would be self worth. The way a person views them self is very important. If they have a negative view of themselves that's going to cause issues when trying to build a relationship. 
I've also noticed that most people don't take the time to get to know people anymore. For me it's important to have a list of standards & these standards can be adjusted depending on the individual situation. Having a list of character traits that you desire in a mate is a great starting point when seeking a mate. In addition you should have a list of what you can offer/ bring to the table.  

QT With Mini Me

My Weight Loss Journey (Life before & after gastric bypass)

I Feel Sorry For You

Skin Care Tips

Your Purpose

Loving The Skin You're In

Get Your Freak On Tag

Baby Mama Drama

My current thoughts....

I put on this brave face daily as if everything is perfect when the truth is I am slightly hurting
I'm at some what of a breaking point
i really wish that there was a way to just shut my brain down for a day or two so that I wouldn't have to think about the things that are going on with in this box that I call life
I have a best friend that refuses to talk to me because she feels that her point of view is the only one that counts. And I believe that the only way to resolve difference are to talk about it
The love of my life is thousands of miles away and I have this over whelming need to have him by my side right now. I have two teenagers who are going through life changes.
A mother that has nothing better to do then be little people in order to make herself feel good about herself because she's 450lbs and has given up on life.
I'm trying to stay focused and make like work for me but its extremely hard when I'm always thinking

I pray daily and allow God to guide my steps and I'm quite sure that he is on his job and I really don't worry . Its just the fact that I know that these things exist that my brain is in constant over drive ...

Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: Silicones and Other Sealants for Natural Hair

Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: Silicones and Other Sealants for Natural Hair: "by Nicole Hollis of Hair Liberty When compared to other hair types, African American hair is particularly fragile. That's because any ty..."

WHEN TEXT MESSAGING GOES WRONG

Girly Tag 2.Yes I have O.C.D

Girly Tag

Self Evaluation

Evaluating Self

I had a conversation with my child self, and although she is younger than me she's been here longer, so we listened to each other and shared the silence of our words. She had imagined me, and I was interested to know how she felt about who we had become. I was her dream, as she is my memory. So we shared our thoughts and listened to the visions of our silence. A peace filled exchange~ The Floacist ~ 


I read this and it made me think how often do we do self evaluations. Its so important to take a moment and reflect on one's life and life choices.  

I'm so NOT a fan of disrespectful kids

So today I observed this conversation between grandmother and grand child:

grandmother: Come here

child: Not right now I'm busy (smacks teeth then sighs)

grandmother: Okay let me know when your done

Now I'm going to stop the conversation right here. This child was being flat out disrespectful to the grandmother.

The child is only 8 yrs old and runs the household. Now the grandmother frequently complains about the grandson being disrespectful but my question is WHY? She's the reason he's the way that he is so why complain . I know back in the day if I had fixed my lips to say something like that I would have lost my ability to chew. The sad part is that the grandmother is my mother and the grandson is my nephew SMH.Thankfully my children have been tought to respect their elders. I just think it's sad when I see kids disrespecting their elders.

Today my first born and only son turned 14. No matter how old he gets he's still my baby boy (sniff,sniff) It seems like just yesterday we were watching Sesame Street and singing our ABC's. 

Something NEW

Where should I begin ... I'm not an avid "blogger" so excuse me for being me LOL . I'm just here to share my thoughts about life and things that I find interesting. Every blue moon I may have a vent session or two. I also have a youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/msgoodkarma101 & twitter follow me @gigiisblessed. I'm looking forward to meeting new people and sharing my thoughts ....