Wedding planning with Lauren

Yesterday, I met with Lauren, her mom and Rosa from the PeaPod Group.  I'm grateful for Rosa, a certified wedding planner!  We went through a checklist for the wedding and met with the photographers and staff at Premiere Photography in Colleyville.  When Lauren arrived to our meeting, she looked amazing...by looking at her, you never would have guessed that she was in a coma last year.  You'd never know that she has Wegener's Granulomatosis -- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/wegeners-granulomatosis/DS00833

I wasn't feeling 100% myself -- just feeling congested with allergies and feeling uncomfortable due to female stuff -- and when Lauren arrived, she declared that she had developed a rash and some severe pain.  While we were talking about flowers and colors, she was trading messages with her doctors.  She managed to make it through our afternoon of appointments and then headed to the emergency room for some tests.

I felt so humbled and honored to be with a girl with such tenacious spirit.  As I said, I wasn't feeling 100% myself, and I had nothing to complain about...Lauren has been in the fight of her life.  I truly feel grateful for my overall health (it's easy to take it for granted).  And now I'm helping Lauren with a dream wedding.  It all seems so surreal.  But I will say that it is wonderful to step into someone else's shoes -- even for an afternoon.  It is elevating to help someone else -- and I am inspired by Lauren and her strength.

I can't wait for the wedding on December 19th!  We'll have so much to celebrate...Lauren's life, and her love and commitment with Sean.  My advice for today -- enjoy each moment and be grateful for each breath.  Be grateful for being alive...



 

Looking good is feeling good

Well, not always, but it helps!  I had a fantastic time this week at Lady Gaga....I enjoyed some down time and down dog time at YogaSport, and I hit Katy Trail for some walking/jogging action thrice....I also got a bang trim from Kaycee Clark at Dear Clark Salon and knocked out some exciting work for Dreamfly Productions & Talent Management and Jackopierce.  I've reconnected with myself and my girlfriends, and I'm enjoying a break from dating!!

I continue to be so excited about my wedding giveaway.  It feels like fate brought me to Lauren and Sean.  They are a dedicated and inspiring couple!  Wise beyond their years...AND the honeymoon on its own is a HUGE blessing and well-deserved for these two.  Check out Project Husband on Facebook for news updates!

Also this past week, I confirmed the singers in my upcoming Chick Singer Night show at Lakewood Theater Sun, Mar 27.  Invite details here:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=179826985389665

I also booked two Anthem singing gigs for the Texas Rangers!  Gig details here:  http://www.reverbnation.com/lisalinehan#!/artist/artist_shows/468079

There are a couple of cute boys on my radar, but I'm not in a hurry to go speed dating anytime soon...

xoxo

Tonight I'm loving you

I love Enrique Iglesias.  I love his latest song so much....tonight I'm loving him (I wish).

Also, I'm loving Kaycee at Dear Clark.  As I waited for my appointment with her recently, I noticed the fact that having one's hair done is like going to therapy.  I watched Kaycee greet each customer at the end of the appointment, and each customer looked so happy (and beautiful with freshly trimmed and fixed hair)!  It really is fabulous to be treated to a shampoo and style...it feels so good.  When I visited Shanghai a few years ago, I loved the fact that I could pay $2 for a shampoo, scalp massage and ear cleaning!  Literally, the girl would clean out my ears with Q-tips.  But I digress.  The point is I love going to Kaycee's salon and feeling pampered.  She really is awesome -- as a person and at her craft.  She even added a semi-permanent color to my hair to cover a few silver strands.  Don't tell....but she did an awesome job.  This was the first time I ever ever colored my hair, so I was scared.  But she made the experience painless and successful!  Greys be gone.

I've got a lot of love.  So I'll also say that I love working at Dreamfly.  Last night, basically our entire team went to Love and War in Texas (in Plano) to see John David Kent and the Dumb Angels play.  What a fun show!  And, thanks to a tip from Jaclyn at My Fit Foods, I drank vodka and water with tons of lemon, and I lost weight yesterday...I lost 7.5 pounds in 16 days, so I took off the weight gain from massive celebrating over Super Bowl, my birthday and Valentine's Day.  Now, I'm feeling awesome....!!  I'm only one pound from my favorite goal weight.  I lost 50 pounds last year, and I want to keep it that way.

I also love working with Lauren and Sean -- they're getting MARRIED, and their fabulous dream wedding package is totally coming together.  With some big help from Ruthie at Dallas Bridal Shows, Inc., I was able to secure the honeymoon yesterday, and it's INCREDIBLE!!  It's an all-inclusive package at a luxury resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico (near Cancun).  Check out all the goodies in their wedding package on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=271695&id=343250606282

I get so excited thinking about this wedding.  And I still hold onto the hope that my soulmate is out there somewhere.  He has to be, right?!  I want to find him.  I want to love and be loved....even more than I already do and am.  I want a family of my own, but I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't have children without a father.  It seems so simple, but it's become so complicated these days.  Why is it that the simplest things are sometimes the hardest to achieve?  Is it because we make them too complicated?  Perhaps...what I know right now is that I am living my life.  When fate allows it, I will find a soulmate who fits me.  I guess it's just not my time...I have bigger work to do -- like plan a dream wedding for Lauren and Sean and help them build their lives together.  It's kind of cool because they both are interested in getting in shape, and many of the donation items will help them do exactly that!  Lauren's medical treatments have been tough on her body.  And the stress of it all has affected Sean, too.  I just want to be a ray of sunshine in their lives and help them achieve all of their wildest dreams.  It's pretty wild how I booked this wedding for me but ended up finding the couple who was meant to have this ceremony and celebration all along.  While I was dating last fall and living it up, Lauren was fighting for her life.  Now, she can focus on getting better and living an incredible life.  Life is such a precious gift.  We can't waste a single moment.  Feel the love, people!  Go tell someone, "I love you."  Do it because I love you...I love you for reading this.  I love you for being you.  And I'm truly learning to love myself and this beautiful path called life.

Lauren & Sean

Yesterday, I met the most amazing couple, one that has found true love.  Last fall, Sean stuck by Lauren's side when she nearly died.  She contracted a rare auto-immune disease and was in a coma.  Sean proposed while Lauren was in the ICU -- since time was of the essence, he decided not to waste any.  He also had encouragement from Lauren's family.  I truly believe that love saved Lauren.  She is a brave young woman.  At 21 years old, she has endured quite a battle.  And Sean was with her every step of the way.  They already have demonstrated their commitment -- their ability to stay together in sickness and in health.  They are so inspiring!

We tasted cakes yesterday at Delicious Cakes, and it was such a happy moment!!  Lauren's mom, Becky, joined us, and she is such a lovely woman.  Sean and Lauren were on the same page and quite decisive about the cake decision, and it was excellent.  I love people who know what they want!  We then headed to Robbins Brothers, where Lauren was able to replace her cubic zirconia with a real diamond!!  Robbins Brothers was amazing -- the CW33 brought in Robbins Brothers to sponsor the diamond -- and the guys at the store even went above and beyond the original promised prize.  Lauren has the ring of her dreams.  Sean got on one knee and proposed again, and we all cried.  It was beautiful to witness, and I couldn't be more pleased about the couple who will be getting married due to Project Husband.  It all feels meant to be.  While I was dating last September and having a ball, Lauren was in the hospital fighting for her life.  Today, she is planning a dream wedding, and she deserves it!!

You can read about her journey here:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/laurendollarhide

Where to begin...

Hi Blog,

I am sorry I have been so distant lately.  I have found myself busier than ever -- in the past week or so, I was featured on Dr. Phil, CNN and CNN International.  It was a lot of fun, and I've made a ton of new friends online.

I also celebrated Super Bowl in Dallas, followed by my birthday and then Valentine's Day.  That was a lot of celebrating.  As a result, I'm back on a strict program at My Fit Foods, and I've discovered a new love of the TheraSauna at Planet Beach in Uptown.  I'm enjoying the pursuit of physical fitness and taking care of myself.  While the celebrating and partying was FUN, I'm glad to take a break.

I actually had a date on Valentine's Day, which was lovely...

And, I'm working hard with Dreamfly Productions, Jackopierce and private music students -- as well as my regular Sunday gig, leading music at Legacy Presbyterian.  I'm working on several projects right now, and there is never a dull moment.

That's how I like it!  I'm taking a weekly yoga class as YogaSport, working out with Vickie Griffith and enjoying this warmer Dallas weather!

I'm excited about giving away my wedding -- we'll know the winning couple on Feb 28.  Then the planning will begin!  There are so many fantastic giveaway items involved -- and they just keep coming! Check out the Project Husband page on Facebook to see the album of Wedding Giveaway Items.

Thank you, blog, for being a sounding board for over a year now.  I still hope love is around the corner for me.  In the meantime, I'm taking care of myself and getting excited to give away the wedding!!

Dallas Bridal Show and grocery store encounter

This past weekend, I enjoyed two days at the Dallas Bridal Show near downtown Dallas.  I was in the Demetrios fashion show, modeling three gowns.  It felt great to slip into the gorgeous princess-style dresses.  It's kind of like an adult dress up fantasy - taking me back to my dress up in my mom's closet days.  I know guys find it silly, but girls often can relate.  There's just something about putting on a beautiful dress.

I met a ton of amazing vendors at the Bridal Show, and I garnered additional support for the Project Husband wedding giveaway, which has me very excited.  I am passionate about providing a dream wedding for an amazing, deserving couple.  The contest is open on www.projecthusband.com, and a current list of items in the wedding giveaway is on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=271695&id=343250606282

After the show on Saturday, I needed to head straight to the grocery store.  I was out of toilet paper, that's how busy I've been.  If you've ever been there, you know that it's not a great feeling.  I was in the grocery store, in my flattering dress from Frocks, and I got lots of attention from grocery personnel - especially the guy in the drinks aisle.  I was looking for some healthy beverages with Stevia, but I guess I have to head to Whole Foods for those.  Anyhow, the guy in the aisle said, "How are you doing?"  I said, "Great.  How are you?"  He said, "Much better now."  It was cute, and it meant nothing, but it was fun to have the exchange with him, especially since it had been a while since I had done any flirting!  I've been so excited about planning someone else's wedding, that I haven't thought about myself in a relationship for a while.  I've also been busy working, taking yoga and eating well - so dating hasn't entered into the picture much at all this month.

As I headed to the health and beauty section, I saw a guy bent over looking at shaving cream.  His cart was in the way, so I said, "Is it okay if I just move your cart to get by?"  He stood up and said, "Oh, yes.  I'm sorry,"  I then proceeded to knock into his cart with mine, while noticing how amazingly cute he was.  I didn't usually see hot guys in Albertson's.  He noticed that I knocked into his cart and said, "I guess you're getting me back."  We both smiled and laughed.

I finished up my shopping and headed to the car.  I looked around, and no one was coming, so I backed up.  Suddenly, I heard my rear sensor going crazy, and I stopped.  The same cute guy was right behind my car!  I almost hit him!  He backed up, and said, "I guess you're still getting me back."  I blushed and smiled and apologized for not seeing him.  I said, "I didn't see you, but I heard my rear sensor."  He said, "I'm glad it worked!"  It was fun to almost run into him.  I hope I see him again.

The next day at Day 2 of the Bridal Show, I met two guys who had messaged me months ago.  They probably weren't that into Project Husband and dating in front of or near a camera.  And, I totally understand.  Nonetheless, it was fun to meet both of them within minutes of each other - for the first time in person.  We had traded several messages, and I even talked on the phone with one of them, but we never met up.  It was cool to see them face to face, and I liked both of them.  A normal date could be in my future...and perhaps a mate!

Day 20 & 21 | three weeks can fly!

I can't believe I've completed three weeks of the My Fit Foods challenge.  Time really flies!  I've felt amazing during this challenge.  I lost 6.5 pounds, and everything fits better.  My stomach is flat, and I feel on top of the world.  It's amazing how slight changes can bring big results.  This is as much about the way I look as it is about the way I feel!  I know the yoga at YogaSport has been a huge contributor as well.  I have a renewed sense of commitment to myself.  I know I'm not getting married on February 15th, and I know it would have been awesome to take advantage of an amazing wedding -- all planned and sponsored for me, but maybe I needed more time to fall in love with myself...or maybe fate wanted to teach me something...as much as I am in control of my actions and attitudes, I am not in control of love.  Love is something that can't be measured or charted.  It just exists and ebbs and flows...like the tide.  We cannot trap love.  It's not ours to contain.  We can only give love....we cannot take it or buy it on the shelves.

I just had my first cup of coffee in three weeks, and I avoided the artificial sweetener.  I learned that I didn't need it!  Thank you, My Fit Foods.  I am excited for some yoga and dance tonight.  And, I'm going to have a glass of wine with a girlfriend after I work out.  Just one!  It's been three weeks since I had alcohol, so I'm starting with one...Josh at My Fit Foods said it never works out that way, but I'm going to stick with my plan.  Go say hi to Josh or Jaclyn at My Fit Foods on Lemmon in Dallas.  They're both lovely and amazing.  (Josh is cute, too!)  I stopped in last night to get some food for the next few days.  I don't want to go crazy now that the challenge is over -- in some ways, it's just begun.  I love eating fresh foods...and I love the energy I have.  I'm feeling poised and ready for really good things.

I received an email from a CNN international producer last night....fairly soon, I will have an interview that will reach 260 million homes worldwide.  Love is an international topic!  I've received hundreds of notes from couples who want to get married but cannot afford all of the costs involved.  I want to help each and every couple, and I'm thinking of ways to do that.  My wedding giveaway is for a DFW area couple, but there are so many loving and deserving couples outside this area (and within) with amazing stores and love for each other.  I'm inspired!  I know my prince is out there somewhere.  And I think that giving love is the best way to receive it.

Incidentally, I've had a major flow of emails from guys who want to "get to know me."  Some said they wished they knew I was looking for a groom.  Some are just more likely to write to me now that I'm NOT getting married.  Wedding is like a four letter word for some guys!!!  

Day 18 & 19 | beach vacation

I can't believe it - my 21 day challenge with My Fit Foods is about to come to an end!  Parting is such sweet sorrow!  I feel amazing....Sunday was Day 18 - I started the day at church and later found my way to a 90-minute intermediate class at YogaSport in Dallas.  It was incredible...!!  I truly felt empowered.  I was so proud that I didn't spend most of the class in child's pose!  In fact, I was a yoga machine...

I made my Sunday night stop at My Fit Foods for a food pickup.  I headed home to shower and change for a photography exhibit, organized by two friends of mine...with a focus on images they captured in Spain.  It really made me want to go on a trip!!  Before I left for the art show, I ate a delicious beef tenderloin meal prepared by my new favorite chef at My Fit Foods.  In 90 seconds, I had a gourmet, healthy entree ready for me to devour.  And, I resisted temptation at the event (as I was surrounded by delicious Spanish fare and red wine).

Monday was Day 19, and I had an airbrush tan scheduled in the morning.  I was at Facelogic in Highland Park when I got a call that Channel 8 wanted to interview me in an hour.  My hair was in a bun, and I was in sweats.  I begged the ladies at Facelogic to reschedule my tan, and they were super understanding.  I changed the appointment to later in the evening.  Then, I ran home, changed and fixed hair and makeup and drove to Dreamfly in Uptown for the interview.  Debbie from Channel 8 and Mike the cameraman met me at the office, and we launched into the segment.  I had a blast with Debbie.  She is single, too...we bantered about the challenges in finding a mate.  She said she felt inspired to get out there more...since I had gone into super-dating mode, she knew she could at least dip her toes into the pool of dating.

After a day of work, the airbrush tan was a welcome escape.  I walked into the spa looking frazzled and quite pale!  I left with a tan!  I felt as if I had gone on a beach vacation....a little bit of Spain right off Dallas North Tollway.  Who knew?!  Seriously, I felt great...and I love the look of my yoga-toned body with a bit of bronze.  Plus, the diet from My Fit Foods has improved my waistline big time...I feel awesome.

And, I feel excited about my wedding giveaway.  Entries will be accepted at www.projecthusband.com starting tomorrow!!  I've already received some amazing emails from people who want to get married and who would love help with their weddings.  After my segment aired on the Channel 8 news last night, I received some new Facebook friends...and even a couple of interesting guys!  A coffee date is in the works...and I can have coffee again starting Thursday.  It has been nearly three weeks since I had a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.  Amazing...

Love is around the corner...and self-love is an option each and every day!!!!!!

Day 16 & 17 | feeling good

Day 16 of my 21 day challenge with My Fit Foods was excellent - I had a productive day at work, with my cleverly spaced out meals.  I still have resisted the temptation of caffeine or alcohol, although I really could go for a cup of coffee!  I worked out with Vickie Griffith Friday evening - working on a dance routine - which has me really excited.  I've wanted to be able to dance forever.  Granted, I think I can dance after a few cocktails, and I can, but that's not the same thing I'm discussing here.  With Vickie, I'm learning new moves, inspired by the burlesque style, and I'm coming into my own...embracing my inner dancer.

I also had a Skype chat in the afternoon with Kens5 television network in San Antonio...announcing my wedding giveaway.  I explained that I had found a series of guys in the Mr. Right Now category but not the one Mr. Right.  The guys at the station loved that...

On Day 17, I had a ton of energy throughout the day and didn't have the usual urge for a Saturday afternoon nap.  I worked with music students and had some great lessons...and, I love teaching music, by the way.  It is completely uplifting and fun to see young students light up when they listen and succeed by improving.

In the late afternoon, I enjoyed the community yoga class - 4pm Saturdays - at YogaSport.  It was incredible to witness the energy in the room!  I love the community feel, because as I'm struggling and moving and bending, I suddenly realize that I'm not alone!  As a group, we take a collective breath and a big sigh-exhale.  As I hear the collective sighing, I can feel that everyone around me feels something big and significant.  I'm not the only one carrying around millions of thoughts, high expectations, pressure and stress - everyone around me has an orbit of issues...and I am comforted by the thought.  I feel good knowing that I'm not the only one feeling the weight of the world and feeling a need to release it.  The community class concept is really compelling.  I love the support, the motivation and the peace found in a group of yogis - at all levels, all stages of yoga and life.  Plus, there was a really cute guy in class, two rows behind me...

I can tell that my program of dancing with Vickie, yoga at YogaSport and nutrition from My Fit Foods is yielding results.  Vickie told me I was looking slim, and she would know....and I know she wouldn't lie.  A friend also told me recently that I was looking radiant.  That felt good, too.  

Day 14 & 15

So far, so good!!  I'm well into my challenge with My Fit Foods, and I am loving it!!  I slept soundly through the night last night, which was amazing.  I almost always get up at least once in the night.  This was an awesome night's rest.  This week, I even incorporated a date into an evening meal at My Fit Foods.  A guy friend wanted to get together for coffee, drinks or dinner -- since I'm not drinking alcohol or wine during the challenge, I decided to invite him for dinner at My Fit Foods.  He loved it!  I loved being able to stick to my plan and continue to feel good about my progress.  I've lost five pounds, and I feel slimmer, more energized and really, really good.

Last night, I attended burlesque class at Equinox -- Vickie Griffith is the instructor, and she's a wonderful friend -- and her class was amazing!  I felt so free in my movement, and I know a lot of the freedom comes from the way I'm feeling about myself and my body.  I am so grateful for the changes I'm witnessing.  And, I feel good!!  As much as I would like to have a man in my life, I feel so very good on my own.

I have six days remaining in my three-week challenge, and I look forward to the next phase.  I do look forward to a cup of coffee and a glass of wine, but I will not look to those things for daily comfort or pleasure.  I will spread them more sparsely throughout my diet.  I love the control I've re-gained after the holidays, and I love the outlook for this year.  Bigger and better things!!  (Except for my waistline, of course; not everything is bigger in Texas)...

Day 12 & 13

Basically, I'm 2/3 of the way through the My Fit Foods 21 day challenge.  Time is flying!  And, I'm feeling the results.  Day 12 was an amazing day - I had a television shoot at the CW33 to announce the Robbins Brothers/Dallas Bridal Show wedding giveaway.  My totally sponsored wedding will go to one lucky and deserving couple.  In order to get ready for the shoot, I had some amazing style advice from Katina Thornton in Dallas.  She made me look and feel like a million bucks.  I shot two commercial spots in two outfits selected by Katina, and I felt super confident and alive!  The My Fit Foods program along with the classes at Dallas YogaSport are whipping me into shape!

My birthday is coming up, and love to get in shape before my bday.  I can't control the passage of time, but I can control the number on the scale!!  I honestly think that the secret to remaining young is staying fit.  Thin and trim people are healthier individuals - and the physical fitness normally translates into mental wellness, as well.  Thus, taking care of oneself is the secret - the fountain of youth!  And, it's so simple - diet and exercise.  Yet, it can become so complicated.  The My Fit Foods program has made it super easy - and I can't believe I've had no caffeine or alcohol in two weeks.  This is something I've never done...well, let's say this - I haven't gone two weeks without caffeine and alcohol since high school.  I've taken periods of time away from alcohol (10 weeks 2 years ago & 4 weeks last year), but I continued to drink caffeine.

This is such a good cleanse for my body.  I am feeling better than ever....and I am noticing great results from yoga - healing, strengthening and aesthetic results!  Yesterday was Day 13 of the challenge, and I ended the evening with power yoga at YogaSport followed by The Social Network on DVD.  What a great movie...I loved the pace and the reality of the story.  Justin Timberlake was fantastic...I love him in film.  I slept like a baby and woke up before my alarm clock.  My sleep has been amazing during this challenge - most likely due to the fact that there's no late night eating, no wine and no coffee!!!  Hmmm...

Day 10 & 11

Time is flying!  I'm more than half way through the 21 day challenge from My Fit Foods.  I'm feeling great!  Saturday was a relaxing day...I cleaned up around the house and saw the movie, The Fighter, with my dad.  It was fun to have a Dad date!  I resisted temptation as we sat at the bar before the move - I ordered water with lemon.  I've stuck to the no caffeine, no alcohol...it feels really cleansing, actually.  I enjoyed the quality time with my dad - and it didn't have to include bad food or alcohol to be fun...!  The movie was great...the smell of popcorn was a bit intoxicating.  My dad had popcorn (even Zoe had popcorn), but I focused on the film, which was entertaining, enlightening and inspiring (after the initial depressing backstory).

Sunday began with the My Fit Foods liver cleanse and breakfast, and then I headed to church to set up and lead music.  Again, there was yummy food present - the volunteer for the treats went above and beyond, and I watched as happy people devoured their doughnuts and breakfast items.  I brought my Fage yogurt (with cherry) for a snack, and it was very satisfying.  In fact, some people with their doughnuts looked longingly at my yogurt!

Now, more than ever, I'm dedicated to taking care of myself.  And, I'm putting myself first.  The 21 day challenge has given me the kick start I needed to get back on track.  I'm also sleeping better as a result of the diet, which is awesome.  Who doesn't love a good night's rest?  I especially needed rest for a TV shoot this morning.  There will be some announcements on the local CW33 tonight regarding my wedding...  

Day 9 | empowered

Yesterday was Day 9 of the 21 day challenge with My Fit Foods...I'm still loving the food and loving the way I feel.  I had a great day at work with Dreamfly Productions and Cary Pierce.  I had a few meetings in the earlier part of the day and then worked at a concert for Cary (called Hyer Dads Rock) followed by a show for a Dreamfly-represented band, Elise Davis Band.

Cary's show at Hyer Elementary was incredible.  He assembled a rockin' band of fathers from the school and even included a choir of children to sing some of his originals and a fantastic rendition of Free Fallin' -- he also included a parody of Harry Potter's Puppet Pals, which was hilarious and brilliantly executed.  All of the families were so inspiring to me.  I loved seeing the happy children with boundless energy and the parents, as they rallied in their support of the school and love for their children.  It made me hopeful about having a family of my own someday...

At the Elise Davis Band show, I enjoyed the atmosphere of The Prophet Bar and the great, live music.  Both shows reminded me how much I love experiencing live music.  I hadn't been to a show in a while.  And, all of the music was energizing.  I sipped water at both shows, which felt great.  I didn't feel a need to have a drink at The Prophet Bar, even though the bar is ample.  I was working, I was networking, and I was feeling alert and alive.  Granted, I was more than ready for bed when I arrived home close to 1AM.  All in a day's work!  I felt good about staying on track with the nutritional program outlined by My Fit Foods, and I enjoyed being able to sleep in this morning!

Also yesterday, Amanda Salinas from the local CW33 interviewed me about my wedding plans.  We're planning a big announcement Monday night on the news (which also will be posted on projecthusband.com), and I am excited....

I feel good, empowered, inspired, elated, grounded, humbled, honored and human.  This life presents an amazing journey.  It feels good to hop on board and enjoy the ride.

Day 8 | eating crow

Have you ever eaten crow?  I did tonight!  "Eating crow is an English-language idiom meaning humiliation by admitting wrongness or having been proved wrong after taking a strong position.  Eating crow is presumably foul-tasting in the same way that being proved wrong might be emotionally hard to swallow."

Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eating_crow

In a different yet similar way, I ate crow tonight!  I was at YogaSport, in class with my awesome instructor, Angela.  I was feeling really good, sporting a new yoga towel, feeling warm in the heated room, feeling strong and noticing less of my mid-section as I did the poses.  Yet, as I attempted to lift both feet during crow pose, and I fell over right on my face!  I landed directly on my left cheek.  Angela had said we didn't have far to fall...and she was correct!  Luckily, I didn't totally hurt myself.  I wondered whether the fall would leave a mark, especially as I thought about a television interview tomorrow.  But, I seem to be recovering nicely with no marks.  I was thinking the worst, envisioning the scene from Tommy Boy in which Chris Farley asks David Spade about the mark on his face.  Are you sure?  But it hurts right here.  Not so much here or up here but RIGHT HERE!  Then the waitress totally busts David Spade's character for lying.  Luckily, I do not have a mark!

All in all, I feel good about pushing myself and trying a difficult pose.  In a way, I did the same thing with Project Husband.  I launched a project to attain something difficult - a soulmate.  And, it didn't work in the timeframe I outlined.  I ate crow with that, BUT I feel so good about it!  I'd rather take a risk, learn a ton and move forward than remain still and frozen with fear of failure.  I feel like I have gained much more than I have lost.  And, even though I'm not planning on getting married on February 15th, there will be an exciting announcement about the wedding plans....stay tuned.

Today, in Day 8, I had another great day of eating, thanks to My Fit Foods, and I added a protein snack after my workout - fat free cottage cheese, blueberries and lots of cinnamon.  Delicious.

I kicked off the day with an 8:30am meeting with a client, and I was full of energy from my morning meal.  We solved all the world's problems (okay, well, only hers) in an hour.  Then, I grabbed my snack and headed to a networking event in Plano, which actually was a lot of fun.  When I went to the booth that was giving away a free iPad, I found a fun and flirty guy who was very interesting.  I also met a social networking expert who wants to have coffee next week to discuss business.  I'll have water, since my fitness challenge excludes coffee for another couple of weeks.  However, it doesn't hurt that the guy is cute.  I like a little eye candy.  

This evening, I had a delicious low-carb meal before my protein snack and am winding down for a restful night of sleep.  The My Fit Foods nutritional program is interesting in that it provides most of the daily carbs in the earlier part of the day.  In the later part of the day, the program offers low-carb meals to prepare the body for rest.  It makes so much sense!  I can't believe a week has passed...the first few days seemed somewhat long.  Now, I'm wanting to put on the brakes, afraid the three weeks will end too soon.  It's kind of like a good book - you want to hurry up and read it, but you don't want it to end right away.  For that reason, this really is the best diet I've ever tried.  I feel so satisfied, energized and excited about my own health and wellbeing.  It's kind of nerdy, but I decided in grad school that nerds are sexy.

Day 7

I completed week one of the My Fit Foods 21-day challenge, and it feels SO good!  I lost four pounds in the first week....I gained clarity and sleep!  Removing alcohol and caffeine from my diet has been a really good thing.

I think it's also powerful to eat fresh food...we're all so busy, and we're on the go - it's easy to grab fast food or processed food or food that just isn't good for us.  We need a daily siesta so that we can shop for and prepare fresh foods.  The beauty of My Fit Foods is that it's prepared daily, and it's totally fresh and delicious (and I don't have to do the work).  Plus, it's so hard to cook just for one.  It's quite different when cooking for a family.  Being single has its challenges....but I'm not complaining.  I loved coming home from work last night, grabbing a workout and a hot bath and getting to bed with no obstacles, no complaints and no resistance!  I've come to realize how single I really am!  Any noises or disruptions totally disrupt my sleep.  A good friend of mine just had a baby girl, and I can only imagine her sleepless nights.  I'm sure it's all worth it!  But, for now, I'm grateful to have my quiet time and space.

I have two weeks to go on my fitness challenge.  (At least this time around).  I've realized fitness is a life-long quest.  It's a journey not a destination - like all of life.  I believe I will continue to build strength and health over the years.  I think it only gets better.  I look at my parents who are in great health - and my 84-year-old grandmother, who is all about town!  Growing old doesn't have to be a bad thing.  Those who seem to retain youth the most seem to have control over their habits, their bodies and their views of themselves.  Confidence goes a long way....and it's up to each one of us to take care of ourselves.  No one else can do it for us!

Day 6

Day 6 of the My Fit Foods 21 day challenge was good!  I had a productive day at work at Dreamfly Productions.  I ate my snacks and meals according to plan, and then I had a great sweat session at YogaSport Dallas...it felt so good to be in the hot room with the wintry weather outside!  I also had my weekly "cheat meal."  This consisted of a hamburger at my dad's house....and I got to meet my new little brother, a tiny baby boy poodle.  He looks like my Zoe did when she was a pup.  I also watched Zombieland (surprisingly funny), and I met someone new on Facebook.  An interesting guy from Atlanta...

I'm still on track with my plan - enjoying the break from coffee and alcohol and enjoying the improved sleep and energy levels!  I also realized how much I was relying on artificial sweeteners - from the one I put in my coffee, to the ones in the gum I chewed throughout the day to the one in the every-now-and-then diet soda.  In the process, I'm saving money, because I'm not buying all the extra stuff I don't really need!

My goals are more in line, I'm more focused than ever, and I'm feeling good about the future.  Tonight, I'm working out with my friend and personal trainer, Vickie.  I can't wait to see what she has in store for me...

And, I'm looking forward to being more fit than ever at the end of the month, when I appear in the Dallas Bridal Show fashion show...I don't have to be a bride to model a wedding dress!  In fact, maybe all the trying on will get it out of my system...and then I can get married in a bikini on a beach somewhere or get married dressed in black in Las Vegas.  Now that sounds like fun...

Day 5 | better than candy

I just discovered the most delicious snack - apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon dipped in organic peanut butter.  Better than candy!  Day 5 has been excellent...within my 21 day My Fit Foods challenge.  The only problem is that I'm freezing!  And, that is only because Dallas feels extra cold right now.  We were spoiled in the Big D because freezing temperatures just now hit....my body is not used to this.  Although, I know I'm not a total wimp because I left the house without a coat today (force of habit).  Thankfully, the heater in my car is awesome, so I didn't totally die as I drove to teach music and complete tasks for work.

Back to the snack - it was amazing!  I could swear off candy.  It's funny to ponder all the reasons why we feed ourselves.  And, many of the reasons have nothing to do with giving our bodies fuel!  No wonder our country is so fat.  We eat food, drink caffeine and alcohol and consume other naughty things to feel better.  What if we looked to outside sources of feeling better - sources unrelated to consumption.  Such as....music, art, theater, film, literature, exercise, sports, faith....I've always loved all those things, but the world around us makes it so easy to consume.  It's someone's birthday - let's go have dinner and drinks!  How about this instead - let's go do yoga!?  I know it's a dream.  But I have a dream that future generations get back to the basics in life.  I dream that they find fulfillment in passion, love and art.  I dream that they don't have to struggle with body image and self-esteem because they are whole individuals, surrounded by healing, healthy people and attitudes.

Now I'm rambling....but you get the point.  I think relationships would be a lot stronger if people healed themselves before they entered into unions such as marriage.  If we stopped covering up pain and sorrow, and we addressed the issues with positive coping mechanisms, rather than self-destructive ones, the world would be such a better place.

I'm doing my part - I'm taking care of myself and nurturing my self-relationship before I rush into anything.  I am seeking an evolved soul, someone who understands my views and challenges them from time to time...

It's like the Depeche Mode song - "Somebody."  Go check it out if you haven't heard it in a while.  If you don't know it, hit up iTunes.

Day 4

Day 4 of my 21 day My Fit Foods challenge was great...I woke up well rested, and I had a ton of clarity during my regular Sunday gig at church.  I didn't have all of the zombies in my head from the night before, and I didn't have to run to get coffee.  I was able to relax into the morning and into the day.  I lived in the moment, and I didn't think about the night before or the rest of the day.  It was refreshing!

I also lost three pounds in four days.  Pretty nice!  I'm undoing all the bad habits from the holidays.  I also had an amazing 90 minutes of power flow yoga at YogaSport in Dallas last night.  It felt amazing to be in the heated room (especially after battling the morning snow in Dallas)!  The room was filled with energy, and it felt good to push my body and mind to the limit.  I also felt that yoga was easier without the toxins in my body and with the energy that I had regulated throughout the day with small meals.

I'm sleeping better, feeling more energized and being more productive.  I didn't find my dream man at YogaSport or My Fit Foods yesterday, but I did find out how strong and resilient I am.  I battled the snow to get to work, get my food and get my yoga!

I managed to sneak in a little interaction with a cute boy, as well....All in all, life is good.  I made it through the toughest first days of my challenge - turning down snacks, drinks, coffee, candy - all the yummy things - and feeling better for it.  I feel better about myself - and that is what it's all about!!

  

Day 3

Day 3 of my 21 day My Fit Foods challenge is complete.  I had a great day....lots of great meals....lots of energy.  I powered through a great day of teaching music and getting work done.  And, I ended the evening in the gym, followed by a hot bath.  Life is good!  I'm ready for bed.  After all the partying over the holidays, I'm happy to get to bed early and to wake up without a headache.

As I watched some music videos on MTV, it occurred to me that it is easier to find love outside the U.S.  When I've traveled, and when I lived overseas (in Spain for a summer and in London for a work project in 1999), I found love more easily.  And, I noticed more couples embracing love more easily.  Americans can be so caught up - in image, what others think, making money, being the best, managing a schedule...don't get me wrong, all of those things can be great.  I especially love the American propensity for excellent personal hygiene.  But, I have to wonder - are we getting in our own way?  Why do we get so caught up?

Love should be natural...including the love of oneself.  Yet, we beat ourselves up, and we get into negative patterns.  Ultimately, life should be about balance.  Yet, we sometimes have to go to extremes to get balance.  I'm still hoping that I find my dream guy through my current quest for fitness and well-being.  I know I've spent enough time in the bar scene to realize that my dream guy has yet to emerge there.

A client asked me today - are there any prospects?  And, I said yes....lots to date but none I'm sure I'd marry.  Time will tell.  In the meantime, I'm finding myself - striving for balance and taking care to enjoy life as a single person.

Day 2

Just finished day 2 of my 21 day challenge with My Fit Foods, and I'm feeling good!  It was difficult today at work, as I was surrounded by co-workers who were drinking coffee.  But, the regular small meals help to keep me satisfied throughout the day, and I'm drinking a lot of water.

I'm also refining my dance moves and fitness program with Vickie Griffith.  I'm finally tapping into my inner dance diva.  When I was in middle school, I tried out for drill team, and I was denied.  I also dropped out of gymnastics class....not really, but I totally sucked.  I was much better at singing and playing instruments.

The beauty of becoming an adult is that you can shop for a teacher until you find the one who encourages you....and you can be more confident in loving yourself just as you are.  This, in a way, makes it much easier to take on a new task.  It is easier to learn, arguably, when we are younger, but as adults, we have massive opportunities to shape our own lives.

I'm still shaping mine.  And, I love this quote (I just learned George Eliot was the pen name of a woman):

"It's never too late to be who you might have been."
George Eliot
English novelist (1819 - 1880)

Therefore, I'm on a quest to be someone....someone I want to be...not someone I'm told to be, or someone I'm expected to be.  It's nice to have a challenge in place to keep me on track for my fitness goals and to help me find continued clarity.  I like it!  Love will follow :)

I am in love.

Well, I've decided that I am in love.  I am in love with life - and with taking care of myself.  Thus, I've started the 21 Day Challenge at My Fit Foods in Dallas.  I will be modeling in the Dallas Bridal Show fashion show at the end of the month, so I want to be in my best shape ever.  I'm still looking for my man....but I know that I have to put myself first no matter what.  As a result, I'm embarking on this 21 Day Challenge to lose some stubborn holiday/dating weight and to feel even better about myself.

Part of the challenge involves drinking only water.  That means no caffeine, no alcohol, no artificial sweeteners....none of it!  And, you know what?  I feel really good today!  I normally start the day with a cup of coffee, but I didn't have one today.  And I have a ton of energy.  The key is eating every few hours with nutritionally balanced meals.  It seems to be balancing my energy levels.  I didn't really need the coffee.

So, I am in love with putting myself first.  I'm excited for the next twenty one days.  I saw a few hotties in My Fit Foods.  Maybe my soulmate also is embarking on this challenge....maybe he'll be at the gym tonight!  Either way, I know I'm on my way to feeling great, and I'm embracing life.