Living A Romantic Comedy

Social Media Vacation

2010-07-24T12:16:00.000-04:00

I know it's been a bit since I've updated...and even longer since I've had a lot to say. I think I really just needed a social media vacation. My little corner of the blogosphere has been gathering cobwebs in the meantime. So far I think 2010 has just been so chock full of change, I feel like I have been living on a rollercoaster. It makes it hard to find out what my niche in the world is all about. But then I realized, that I really should just blog like I journal: about my life, my hopes, my dreams and everything in between. This path that I am on to become the absolute best version of myself is about more than weekly weigh ins and exercise programs. Sometimes I forget that there is much more to the life of Romantic Comedee than an obese girl just trying to break out.

So, now...it's time to get real in this place. I am going to begin by reminding myself that even in this rollercoaster life I am living there is always joy in the world. It's so easy to get bogged down in the bad, so lets celebrate the joy.

1. I am Bake and Destroy's 3,000th Twitter follower. If you're like me and love baked goods, rockabilly style and just a generally smart-ass chick: Follow her.

2. Dottie Hinson and I are both currently emerged in books about starting our own small businesses, so it feels good to have some positive direction in the career arena.

3. Other awesome career news: I got invited to join an elite team of specialized Home and Garden writers through my writing studio yesterday. I'm pretty much psyched about that.

4. I received my first book for my Book Sneeze book review project the other day. I have a few other things in my reading queue but I promise to get to it soon. Stay tuned for a scathing, glowing or just mediocre review depending on how it turns out.

5. I also have an interview on Monday for a job providing direct care for a mentally disabled woman. I am really looking forward to this. I have developed a love/hate relationship with being a freelance writer. I really do enjoy writing, however I have trouble coping with the up/down financial aspect of it. I want a steady, part-time job that allows me give back.

6. On the weight loss side of things at last weigh in I was down to 271.0, which is -25.6 pounds. So, that's pretty exciting. This week I vow to fall back into the exercise routine.

So there you go, I have six things to be joyful about at the moment. What small things bring a smile to your face?

XOXO,
RC

Positive Effect Water Challenge

2010-07-12T22:27:00.000-04:00

Today...marks the beginning of Sean and Kenz's Positive Water Effect Challenge. I have been a big admirer of Sean's blog for a long time and I have the utmost respect for him. So, when I heard about this challenge I knew I had to jump in. Honestly, I needed the motivation to do something and to push myself. I like water, but I have never been a huge water drinker. Well today I did it. I got my 64oz in. I am also going to try to challenge myself to working out for at least 30 minutes for the next three weeks.

So here we go....

Finding Balance...

2010-07-08T00:23:00.000-04:00

I have a question for you my dear little corner of the blogosphere. Or rather a few questions all related around the same central topic. I have what I have self-diagnosed as a mother hen complex. I try to take care of everyone and everything around me. Currently, that mostly means my wife, my brother (whom we live with) and my ill father. I keep pushing me further and further down on the list. I worry about what will happen if one I stand up for myself and ask for some help. Or god forbid, demand to have some care given back to me. This is not to say Dottie Hinson and Medical Brother don't care about me. They totally love me. I know this and I treasure it. Still, I try to do everything for everyone.

Lately I feel like that is just resulting in me living my live only halfway. But, I don't know how to push myself further up on my own priority list without losing those I love the most. Does anyone have any tips for helping me find a balance between myself and my family?

XOXOXO,
RC

Books Bring Me Joy!

2010-07-06T11:31:00.000-04:00

Obviously this little journey of mine is all about embracing joy at every turn. I refuse to live my life in a the funk that has caused me to become so down in recent years. Today, I found my next new adventure.

I was recently accepted as a book review blogger for BookSneeze. Basically, they allow me to pick books and send them to me for free. In return, I have to post a review here and also on a consumer book retailer site. I am really excited about this opportunity. So, stay tuned for the newest chapter in Living a Romantic Comedy.

Last week's weigh day was a major success. I weighed in at 273.4, down 4 pounds from the week before and down 23 pounds total. I am psyched to find myself back on track. It's so flippin hot this week, exercise is being difficult. I have done some yoga and walked on the treadmill. I even broke my speed record. Unfortunately, this heat has given me a wicked migraine the past few days. But that's okay, I am brushing it off and getting on with my life.

I hope all of you East Coasters are finding ways to stay cool!

XOXOXO,
RC

A Call To Arms

2010-06-30T20:25:00.001-04:00

One of my blends....Britney over at LaMidge is requesting that the internet band together in a way that shows how much we all care.

Recently, she fostered a small, older pug named Ollie. Ollie had some health issues, but a kindred spirit named Claire fell in love with him anyway. The rescue vet finally gave him a clear bill of health and Britney was able to let Ollie go home with Claire.

Claire has been caring for him for the past 4 months...and his health has begun to decline. She is determined to keep him healthy, but he has now been hospitalized.

You can read his entire story at here. Please, if you can give anything I know Claire, Ollie and Brit would be endlessly grateful. You can donate via Paypal to the email address:

TallDrinkofWater85@Gmail.com

If you can't donate...that's okay. I can't right now, but I am determined to send good karma their way. Stop by Brit's blog and leave her a good note. She is passing the happy thoughts along to Claire and Ollie.

XOXO,

RC

Soooo close!

2010-06-30T20:14:00.000-04:00

Despite my attempts to keep life sane by having a chipper attitude, life has not been easy thus far. Dad has surgery for both cancers at the beginning of last week. While he seems to be healing okay, he's not in a good place mentally because of some family issues. I wish there was more I could do to help, but it's difficult to convince him that he can lean on me.

My bank account has been seriously suffering as of late. Without getting into TOO much detail, I had some money stolen via credit card fraud and I'm still trying to manage the blow to my budget. Those are bad things, but it's okay. There is too much good in the world. Today, I let the stress get to me too much and I was disappointed in myself for doing so. It will all be okay. It's just money.

In the things to celebrate category...I am only 0.4 pounds away from being down 20 pounds! It's very exciting. Due to everything else going on in my life, I have fallen off the exercise wagon the past two weeks. I have been careful to fill my body with good foods though. Which has definitely helped. I am at the point on this journey where I just don't feel well if I am eating poorly. On top of all the emotional stress, I clearly don't need physical discomfort as well.

Another plus, I really think this entire struggle has brought Medical Brother, Dottie Hinson and I closer. We've decided to ban together to hang on to our place and pull each other up from the bottom. So, all in all. I can't complain (though I needed to vent here) because I am lucky to be surrounded by good people.

Life goes on...

I plan on staying on the positive train these days.

Now it's time to go relax with a Sookie Stackhouse novel until Bravo presents me with my reality TV fix for this evening. Don't judge, I need to decompress!

XOXO,
RC

When life throws you lemons...

2010-06-15T20:29:00.000-04:00

I am trying to learn not to spend days crying into my lemonade. Last week was this completely horrible week where just about everything went wrong and I got some very upsetting news. I pulled through and managed to keep my weight steady for the week. For a girl prone to emotional eating, keeping my weight steady was a big achievement.

In an attempt to be more honest with myself and my readers, I am going to let you all know what is going on. A few weeks back, my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. It was difficult to hear, but we were all dealing with it fairly well. The doctors are certain they caught it early and scheduled his surgery. Then, last week he got a call from the family doctor that a mole removed from his leg came back as melanoma. On top of the other diagnosis, it was a bit much to handle. We're getting through it. I hope if nothing else, this brings us all a bit closer together.

So that just kind of put my week into a total tailspin. I allowed myself to take some time off of work, which is something I almost never let myself do. I'm a freelance writer, meaning I only get paid for what I produce. So...taking time off is hard when money is tight. But I just couldn't do it...not last week. I needed a mental vacation.

It seems to have helped. I came back this week, stronger than ever. I have been working out. Less is More Yoga seriously kicks my butt. But I am starting to love it. I still have to take days off in between, but I think I am getting stronger. We shall see how tomorrow's workout goes.

The time off allowed me an opportunity for some self-reflection. I figured out the next steps for my career and how I want to grow my business. I want to focus on helping high school and college graduates find their post-education lives through improving their writing skills. I have a lot of ideas, so I am going to spend the summer putting together a plan. I like my article writing work, but I don't want to spend my entire life publishing how-to articles.

I also decided I need to spend some quality time with Dottie Hinson each day. So I have been cooking all week and having dinner at the table. It's been nice. We sometimes have a tendency to make life more complicated than it needs to be. Simple, quality time together each day will be good for our relationship I believe.

How's life for everyone else? I am getting caught up on my reader and will be commenting.

XOXO,
RC

I'm going to be a winner!

2010-06-07T16:42:00.000-04:00

As I have mentioned recently, I have been struggling with making exercise a priority when it comes to time management. This week I have been doing much better in that field, having worked out every day thus far. Yesterday I did the Less Is More Yoga program again. I love it, but I cannot do it two days in a row. Today, I am mega sore. So I think the workout plan for today is either a long walk with Dottie Hinson later on, or some non-weighted strength exercises. Either way, I will get something in before bed tonight.

I am also working on myself. I have been experiencing some anxiety, general unhappiness and grumpiness the past few weeks. At first I just chalked it up to the fact that TOM may be rearing his ugly head soon. But I hate feeling that way. I've dealt with depression on and off throughout my life, and I just don't want to go down that dark path again. So, I started searching for a reason behind my emotional rollercoaster lately. I think part of my problem was not having any me time.

I am always working around other people's schedules, which is one of the benefits of working from home. So, I think I really just needed some me time. Instead of everyone else time. I decided that I should take an hour or two everyday for myself. I drop Dottie off at work at 7am. Medical Brother is never awake that early. So I have been taking the time after I drop her off for myself. I work out, read, take a nap or just watch what I want on TV. I feel more centered.

Take some time for yourself today. You deserve it.

XOXO,
RC

New Milestones and New Directions

2010-06-03T10:32:00.000-04:00

I think I am going to make some changes to the way I blog. Lately, I have only been updating sporadically and I have also been struggling to complete my workout goals each week. As a result, I think I need to change my structure a bit and adopt a style more similar to the one Sean is using over at Daily Diary of a Living Loser .
Sean's blog is an amazing, real, daily chronicle of his journey away from morbid obesity.

I think I need to develop that same sense of realness over here at Living a Romantic Comedy. I also admire Keelie of Real Fat for her complete honesty and pictures of her journey. Though I love photography I don't really have much in the way of BEFORE pictures, still my admiration of Keelie is through the roof.

Anyway, I am making some changes around here, sweeping off the dust and holding myself more accountable to my journey and my little corner of the blogosphere. So...from here on out we will be discussing all aspects of this journey to a healthy, happy, joyful life. That means not only am I going to get more real about my weight and exercise habits, I am also going to start blogging more frequently and about all things that bring me joy.

Now....on to the good stuff...

This week's weigh in (yes, I am posting on my actual weigh-day instead of a few days later) brings me down to 281.8 that means a good, solid 15 pounds is gone. Seems like the 5 pounds between 10 and 15 went much faster than from 0 to 5 or 5 to 10. I must be doing something right!.

I am also struggling in some places. On the mornings I get up and do my workout first thing I feel so good. The energy and endorphins carry me through the day. It starts my day off on a path to joy. So why do I have so much trouble pushing myself to do it every day? It's something I need to figure out for myself, so that is one of this week's focal points.

Speaking of exercise, today I discovered something new. Lately, I have been discussing how much I love Leslie Sansone and her Start! Walking for a Healthy Heart program. So, today I woke up early (even though Thursdays are the only day I get to sleep in) and keyed up the Exercise TV. To my dismay, my walking programs were no longer available. So, I began to search around for something new. I decided to try a program called Less Is More Yoga. Unlike other yoga tapes I have done, this one was less about doing a pose and holding it. Instead it focused on Flow Yoga, moving quickly and fluidly from one pose to another. It incorporates cardio and yoga. It was HARD and I loved every minute of it.

This week I am going to work on exercising more often and also building up my strength to be able to do more of the Less Is More poses correctly.

What are your favorite at-home workouts?

XOXO,
RC

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T20:40:00.000-04:00

On this Memorial Day, I wish to take a moment from the typical Romantic Comedy ramblings to say

THANK YOU!

While I sincerely wish that we as a human race could find ways other than war ...I cannot even begin to express my gratitude to those who have fought to keep this country free and beautiful. I am the proud granddaughter and niece of some veterans. That makes me proud!

Today, I stand before you and leave you with this verse from one of my favorite patriotic songs...

And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

Thank you to all of the men and women who have fought in wars past and to all of those who wear a military uniform today. I love you!

XOXO,
RC

Weigh Day and Random Thoughts

2010-05-28T22:10:00.000-04:00

I don't know why but every week it seems like I weigh in on Thursdays and don't get around to posting it until later. You would think with my consistent (albeit small) losses every week I would be so proud. I am so proud, but for some reason I don't find myself rushing to the keyboard to post about it. Maybe that's because I want this blog to be more about my overall path to finding joy, and not just about my journey to a healthy weight (though that is a HUGE part of it).

Okay.....so this week posted another 2 pound (ish) loss. I am now down to 283.2! I am seriously hope that the next two weeks finds me saying goodbye to the 280s forever! We shall see how it all works out, but I know with all the fresh food in my fridge and the desire to push myself in the exercise arena will bring some success. In other good news, my apartment complex's pool opens this weekend, which means SWIMMMMMM TIMMMME for me. I love love love love to swim, so I am very excited about this.

In other news, I think I might become a vegetarian. It's kind of funny to talk about considering...but I really don't like meat, like at all. And lately I find myself drifting more to the hippie/green side of life (don't shoot me meat eaters, I still love y'all) If anyone has any simple, yummy veggie recipes send them my way. I will love you for life. :)

Also, I'm really deliriously happy to be a Philly sports fan these days. With the Flyers playing game 1 of the Stanley Cup FINALS tomorrow night and the Phillies breaking that awful 38 inning dry spell tonight, I am grinning from ear to ear. Yes...I am that girl.

XOXO,
RC

Weigh In, Giveaway and a general HELLO

2010-05-23T14:49:00.001-04:00

*Sweep, dust, sweep*

Sorry loves, I know I have been neglecting my little corner of the blogosphere lately. It's not intentional I promise I am just swamped with work and general life these days, so I haven't been up to my usual blogging. Please forgive me.

I am going to get right down to business here. First of all, this Weekly Weigh In brought me some welcome news. I am down to 285.4, which means that my first 10 pounds are goodbye forever!. This makes me happier than any one could possibly know.

This week I really need to make exercising a priority. I am totally in love with Leslie Sansone's Start! Walking for a Healthy Heart program, which I have blogged about before. However, I only committed to the 2 mile walk about 3 times this week. I really want to make it a habit and do it everyday. I just have issues with my time management sometimes. So, that being said....time management is for sure my major goal of the week. I need to manage my time effectively to fit in my exercise, work, daily household chores, cooking, relationship time and me time into my daily block of awake time. I know I can do it. I keep trying and I will stick to it for a day or two, but then I will get distracted.

Now that I have completely bored you all with my ramblings about time management...I have amazing news. Beth over at Social Climbers has a simply FANTASTIC giveaway going on this week. As my blog is about embracing a healthy, happy life, it is more than appropriate that I post about this. She is giving away an awesome, eco-friendly, natural skin care. We are taking care of our insides, shouldn't we also take care of our skin? I think YES! Plus, Beth is just a wonderful, caring soul and her blog is always a good read. So CLICK and ENTER, kittens.

I hope this Sunday is finding all in happy, healthy spirits.

XOXO,

RC

Just a little tidbit...

2010-05-18T08:16:00.000-04:00

I think the Today Show has a heartwarming or human interest stories every day. While this is a good thing, it makes me cry. Literally, every day I find myself with tears rolling down my eyes. I am just silly.

Okay...that is all.

The Will To Change...

2010-05-17T20:08:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I forget about the role that free will plays in our lives. It's so easy to blame the world for how things are going on the bad days and not really want to take a look at the role you play in the process. For years, it was easy for me to say that I over ate or didn't exercise because of other things. Sometimes that was true, sometimes that was an excuse.

Over the course of my high school and college career I had myself convinced that I hated all forms of physical activity. I liked to swim, but didn't belong to any place with an indoor pool, so swimming was a rare activity. Today, I find myself looking back wondering how I let it get this far. I am not looking to blame anyone for why I am in this position. I am just reflecting.

The truth of the matter is, I let myself get to this point because I didn't have the will to change. I let myself believe that I wasn't capable of making myself healthier and happier. It was free will that was holding me back, and now it's free will that is pushing me forward.

I know that the Higher Powers of the world are giving me the strength to summon that will. I know that the Universe will provide me with signs and encouragement when I need a kick in the pants. No matter what religion you believe in, I think there is a strong force out there that steers us in the right direction. However, we are also presented with choice. Some things are just left in our hands. We're provided the tools to move forward, but no one is going to make us take that first step.

I have taken my steps. I know I will stumble upon this journey, but I also know I am strong enough to keep pushing through. You see, for me this journey isn't just about reaching a healthy weight. That is a huge part of it and my major trackable goal at this point. But it's also about finding joy. I have love and happiness in my life. I also have darkness and pain. I need to shake off this quarter-life crisis and really discover my passion for life. I'm way to comfortable defining myself in terms of other people. When people ask me who I am I reply "a wife, daughter, sister, writer..." I need to learn how to define myself in terms of just myself.

TOM and the Weekly Weigh In

2010-05-14T09:22:00.000-04:00

Today marks the first weigh in since my week long exercise fail with blistered sunburn. I was afraid that some of my progress would be undone considering the lack of exercise last week and the visit of TOM this week.

I am happy to report that this week brought a 0.6 pound loss, which brings me to:

288.2

All things considered, I am going to count this week as a win. Obviously I need to get back in the swing and work really hard because set backs have a way of messing up the entire process. So, I need to start hitting the treadmill or having bonding time with Leslie more often. I need to push myself and I will.

Back in the Game...

2010-05-11T21:20:00.001-04:00

Put me in coach...I'm ready to play.

Last week kind of shook my confidence. I also didn't weigh in because I was at my mom's with no scale and ...well, I was afraid. My sunburn was severe to say the least, and the lack of exercise made me crabby and just feeling out of sorts. Actually I'm still a bit out of sorts, but I'm am attempting to shake it off as much as possible.

I am still healing but I can put a bra on now. I enjoyed a few good walks over the weekend while in Virginia for Mother's Day. It was fun exploring my mom's small, shore town with her, my stepdad and the Nephew.

My skin looks disgusting, all scabby and disgusting. Lol. Apparently I need more words for disgusting. Seriously though, I feel like a scaly dinosaur. I want to shed my skin.

Anyway, back to my point...

I discovered my new exercise passion today. I was watching the Nephew all afternoon, so I couldn't exactly head to the gym. I logged on to the Exercise TV section of my on demand and decided to tackle the 2 mile walk on Leslie Sansom's Start Walking for a Healthy Heart Program. She also hosts Walk Away the Pounds. I instantly fell in love. It was heard, but I loved how incorporating the other movements into my walking made me feel. I think it may cause me to break up with my treadmill, but yeah definitely in workout love over here at Tasty New Life.

Also, Nephew got a Wii for his birthday from the Mama Bear. She knew Medical Brother, Dottie Hinson and I wanted one, so she got it for us too. Since Medical Brother set it up early yesterday, Dottie and I have been playing game after game of Wii Bowling and Wii Baseball. She's admittedly better than I, but man, this is fun. I know it's not "exercise" per say, but it's fun, getting my butt of the couch, movement. So I'm for it.

Exercise Fail...

2010-05-05T08:31:00.000-04:00

I have a problem....

You see the great big ball of gas in the sky (yes, the sun) and I are not very good friends. Mostly because I have a this insane concentration of the Irish blood in my family. So, I'm always super careful about sunblock. Sometimes even sunblock is not enough apparently.

Dottie Hinson and I headed to the shore on Sunday with an old co-worker and one of her friends. It was 90 in the 'burbs and too sticky for May. So, we escaped. It was much, much cooler in Ocean City and we all ended up freezing on the beach. I liberally applied my SPF 50 Sunblock, but somehow my back and shoulders still fried to a crisp.

So now, my back is blistered and so sore I can't even begin to describe it. As a result, I haven't been to the gym all week. I can't put on a bra and these DDs don't go on the treadmill without a sports bra, otherwise bad things happen.

I tried doing yoga, but cried in pain cuz my skin can't really stretch right now. I don't know what to do. This week is an exercise FAIL.

Unplanned disappearance solved

2010-04-30T20:28:00.001-04:00

I'm sorry for my lack of updating this week, which is entirely related to the fact that I feel like all I have done all week is work (and work out). Honestly, I haven't been gym-ing it quite as much I should have this week due to the massive amount of work that's come across my little freelancing desk. Still, I don't like excuses, so I forced myself out the door and in to the 80 degree weather (seriously, the weather idols don't seem to understand SPRING) for a nice, long uphill walk with Dottie Hinson.

Sometimes I struggle with remembering that this journey is about ME which means I need to make myself a priority even when it feels like bills, work, housework zap my me time. The walk felt good today and I am also going to do some stretching/strengthening exercises before bed.

This week has brought me to a milestone I am saying goodbye to my first weight group. Goodbye 290s because today's weigh in brought me to...

288.8

and I am making a promise to myself that I will never climb this close to 300 pounds. This is the first major goodbye on my journey to end obesity in my life. Honestly, I couldn't be more proud.

I have gotten a few emails this week from people asking me about my "fabulous find" which I never blogged about. Let me present to you....

The Fresh 20

This unique website provides subscribers with a shopping list consisting of 20 fresh ingredients and the recipes to make 5 unique meals from those ingredients. This week I am planning on using my first Fresh 20 shopping list and recipe guide. I'm totally psyched for this opportunity because I am trying to learn how to cook healthier, balanced options and also how to overcome my fear of cooking meat.

XOXO,

P.S. A big thank you to Miss Keelie of Real Fat for encouraging me to post my Friday Finds!

Change UP/Week 3 Weigh In

2010-04-22T22:20:00.001-04:00

Today I decided to make a change in my weekly weigh ins. Originally, I started doing them on Saturday's but lately I have found myself wanting to run to the scale mid-week and see how things are going. I think it will serve as a better weekly source of motivation doing it more in the middle of the week, instead of at the end.

So, I bring you my first ever Thursday Weigh-In.

292.0

Which brings me to a weekly weight loss of 2.8 pounds and a total loss of 4.8 pounds in a little less than three weeks.

While that's not a HUGE loss this week it's definitely moving in the right direction. Overall, I am proud of my progress on this journey, though I do need to bump it up in the gym. I plan on hitting it hard tomorrow.

In other life news, I am contemplating some major changes in my career path as well. While I do enjoy my work as a freelance writer, I am not finding it to be much of a challenge. So, I am trying out some new things and some new ideas. We shall see where it goes...

XOXO,
RC

I think I am actually enjoying this...

2010-04-20T15:45:00.001-04:00

I have a fabulous post planned for Friday on my awesome new find, so you all must stay tuned. (I need a few days to get involved before I can really decide if it works or not.)

So yes....my headline is true. I think I am actually beginning to enjoy this journey. Since my "Scared Straight Day" a few weeks ago, I haven't really been having happy thoughts about this whole journey to a healthy me. Sure, I'm inspired and feeling positive about the decision to move forward and say goodby to Obesity forever. I can't say I was really happy though...

Let me explain. (I seem to do a lot of that on this little blog of mine)

Ever since that day, standing on a scale flanked by the support of Meow Mix and Dottie Hinson, I haven't been okay. I was scared, literally terrifed by what stared back at me from the scale's display. I was afraid that my life was literally in the balance. So, I have been pushing myself to hit the gym, eat right and really commit myself to this journey.

Today, I went for a hike at Marsh Creek with Dottie Hinson and Medical Brother. We went about two weeks ago when it was nearly 90 degrees and I honestly thought I wasn't going to make it. Today, was a different story. I actually found myself having fun. Parts of it were still hard, I still got winded, but I never thought I couldn't do it. I did it, and I had a blast.

Somehow, in the past two weeks, I have gone from hating my body and all forms of exercise (except swimming) to enjoying the push I've been giving my body. I have no idea when I made the mental switch from this is something scary (but necessary) to this is something fun (but still necessary).

All I can say right now is I'm honestly really happy and proud of myself. That is the biggest breakthrough of all.

Week 2 Weigh In and some NSVs

2010-04-17T12:09:00.001-04:00

So, that day has come around again. Another seven days have passed and now it is time for the weekly weigh in. This week, there was not much movement in the scale, but I still posted a loss of ...

0.2 pounds

While that may not seem like much, I am choosing to view it as a victory. First of all, Mother Nature brought me my monthly gift today. My symptoms always include bloating and a painful few days, so I was prepared for not seeing much on the scales.

I had some major NSVs this week, so I am going to take pride in them and keep on trucking. For any new readers who (like me until this week) don't know all the weight loss blog jargon, NSV stands for Non Scale Victory.

I stuck with my workout (adjusting for poor weather) and so far I have hit the gym 4 times this week and I have done a stretching/yoga exercise routine. I am planning on hitting the treadmill again today. Either before or after date night with the wife.
I pushed myself yesterday and did an extra 15 minutes of cardio that I had not been able to do before.
I got some very bad news this week that normally would have driven me straight to the fridge. I did not give in to emotional eating.

So overall, the good outweighs the bad this week. Today, I have a planned date with Dottie Hinson. I also need to hit the grocery store and stock up on more healthy staples. I also need to find the motivation to hit the gym. So here we go...off to make Saturday successful.

New Season, New Look

2010-04-14T23:50:00.002-04:00

Also, a cute new background for the spring, thanks to Shabby Blogs!

Motivation/Inspiration

2010-04-14T23:45:00.000-04:00

Today I realized something new about myself. I was talking to Medical Brother about this journey to a Tasty New Life and I how I was determined to kick my overeating habits on my own. He stated that I sounded like an addict. All of them who thought they could kick drugs and alcohol on their own. You see, Medical Brother is a recovering addict, with several years sober at this point. He's right. I DO sound like an addict. He asked me if I had ever considered joining a support group.

I thought about it for a few minutes and then I realized I have a virtual support group right here. You, all of you whom I've linked to through Weight Loss Bloggers, In It To Gym It or just through random twitter or blog connections. You are my support group. You hold me accountable to my scale, my gym and myself.

As I sat having a lovely catch up with my Google Reader tonight. I read about the journeys so many of you are currently running and it motivated me to keep going. Tweets from In It To Gym It and the lovely Beauty School Dropout earlier today motivated me to abandon my original plans for a rambling, easy walk with Dottie Hinson and drag her to the gym. I completed day two of my week one of C25K training. Then I did weights and crunches. That high upon leaving the gym. Man, I felt so good about me. Makes me wonder why I was so afraid of scales and gyms for so long. The accountability and the euphoria for committing to my new lifestyle completely outweigh eating an entire tray of Oreos.

I also accomplished another mini-goal today. I'm notoriously bad/afraid of cooking meat. If I can't throw it in a crockpot or convince myself it resembles PlayDough (ground meat), I was completely skeeved at the idea of of cooking. Last weekend I purchased a Tyson in bag roaster chicken. Today, I popped it in the oven, added some veggies and in 2.5 hours had heaven on a plate. I was so proud.

So my little blogosphere, I would like to leave you with this.

Thank You!

For being my motivation and inspiration. For letting me know I'm not alone and giving me encouragement just when I need it.

XOXOXO,

RC

Whew...

2010-04-11T19:34:00.000-04:00

Finally got caught up on the Google Reader. I'm sorry for my lack of commenting this week, I have just been really swamped and feeling a bit out of sorts these days. I don't like when I get like this, because usually it just zaps away all motivation. Still, I posted a 1.8 weight loss this week, which for me was very huge.

I have always had this tremendous fear of the scale. For me to even purchase it was a big step. For me to actually see a recordable loss, was an even bigger step. So, instead of letting my momentary funk get me out of sorts, I am going to use it as a tool to set up my goals for this week.

1. Develop a more regular work routine. All the changes to my daily routine with moving have thrown me off track to a degree. I don't like that idea. I am starting to feel like I need to go somewhere else to work everyday, but that doesn't really work right now with only have 1 car between the
3 of us.

2. Update my portfolio on Elance and try to track down some more jobs.

3. Commit myself to starting Couch 2 5K, even if that means doing it in a modified manner on a stationary bike to prevent further injury to my knee.

4. Continue eating well. I have a planned post about the staples I keep in my fridge.

5. Strange one: Learn how to cook meat. Other than ground meat and basic baked chicken, I am completely clueless. I bought a bunch of things to make real meals this week, but yeah, it hasn't happened, mostly because Medical Brother is rarely here and I am completely clueless when it comes to cooking meat and poultry.

Weekly Weigh In

2010-04-10T23:49:00.002-04:00

Yep, you saw that right on the ticker up there. 1.8 pound loss this week. I was hoping for a solid 2.0, but I can handle 1.8. Only 155 pounds to go. I want to try and start Couch to 5K this week. So stay tuned for news on how much that kicks my ass.

Hope everyone is enjoying what is left of the weekend. I will be back with a more extensive update soon. I am in the middle of a big work deadline, hence my lack of presence on the interwebs these days. Still, I am reading and as always, I love you guys.

Scared Straight Into the Gym

2010-04-06T00:27:00.000-04:00

"For my entire life, I have struggled with my weight." It could be the opening line to so many of our stories, it is certainly an appropriate start to mine. The funny thing is, there is no real reason for me to be in this boat, this rapidly sinking, battling the tide of obesity boat.

I overeat--I am slowly learning to curb emotional and social eating. It's funny how I gravitate toward junk food when I actually ENJOY healthy foods more than the junk. Makes little sense.

I don't exercise--This also makes little sense considering I love little more than the outdoors. Long walks in the sunshine are a pleasant treat in my eyes. I want to try things like rock climbing and kayaking. So why am I constantly finding a reason not to strap on my walking shoes and hit the pavement?

I have turned the looking glass on myself in such a frank manner because I have become frightened.

Over the weekend, I was enjoying an evening of window shopping with Meow Mix. We found ourselves in the local Walmart and I purchased a bathroom scale. For me, this is a big purchase.

For years, I have found scales to be evil contraptions and after witnessing several friends develop addictions to the numbers on their scales, I vowed never to own one. After becoming a loyal reader of many weight loss blogs (hi Keelie, Jess, Jen, Sean, etc.), I have become inspired to track my progress with real, quantifiable data. That meant, buying the dreaded scale.

Upon returning home, I had a weigh in party with Meow Mix and Dottie Hinson. What I saw terrified me. The scale's digital display read:

296.8

Suddenly, I realized how perilous this fight has become. I HAVE to become healthy. Not doing so is as good as signing my death certificate. While I have no serious health concerns now, I am carrying around 160 pounds of excess weight. That's like carrying Dottie Hinson on my back everyday. If I don't do this now, next year may be too late.

Today, I began with the first, real step. I hit my apartment complex's gym for 30 minutes of cardio. I did a solid half an hour of varying inclines on the treadmill. I left feeling reborn with the resolve to return tomorrow to tackle the weights.

Self Motivation Saturday

2010-04-03T17:08:00.000-04:00

I am determined to stick to this! So here we go, the next installment of Self Motivation Saturday

Continue with this routine of going to bed on time and waking up earlier
Develop a new work routine now that the boxed are unpacked and put away
Continue with the healthier eating I've adopted over the past week
Stay caught up on Google Reader and keep commenting on the blogs I adore out there
Evolve the concept of playful exercise and be sure to get some everyday

Now that I have this move firmly behind me, and I've settled into my new life in the 'burbs. I am definitely ready to continue on my path to a Tasty New Life. I apologize for my lack of a presence in the wonderful world of blogging over the past few weeks. The decision to move and the actual moving took place so quickly that it kind of put me into a tailspin with everything else. This week is going to be about getting back into the swing of things. I hope everyone out there is enjoying the bloom of spring and their Easter weekend.

Things I am Looking Forward To, Vol. 1

2010-03-30T21:51:00.000-04:00

While I am a firm believer in living for the now, I obviously think it's important to set goals for the future. If I didn't, I'm pretty sure I would not be on this journey to a Tasty New Life. Now that moving day is officially behind us, A and I are getting settled into the new digs. Medical Brother seems to be adjusting well to our being here and Ziggy-cat has come out of hiding. Overall, I'm really happy with this decision to move here. Getting out of the city was the right move for me, eventhough I always thought I was a city girl. Now that the big move is complete and it's just a matter of settling in, I've started to set my sights on some goals to achieve this week. There are things a-brewing in my life that I am definitely looking forward to achieving.

I seem to be developing a theme here in my little corner of the blogging world. I seem to be setting a lot of big and small goals for myself. Overall, I think I am just attempting to look at life with a sunnier attitude. I spent a lot of years looking for the clouds instead of the silver lining. At the time, I thought it was preparation for when life gives you lemons. It will happen. We all have days were life does nothing but rain down that sour, citrus fruit. Instead of trying to dodge the yellow balls of sourness, I am now scooping them up, finding a pitcher and making some tasty lemonade (low-sugar of course).

So in the spirit of looking for the silver lining and just generally looking at life as a happy thing, here are things I'm currently looking forward to:

A break from the last few rainy days and a long walk in the sunshine.
First night out on the town with Medical Brother, A and possibly Betty Boop
A possible, long-term pet sitting opportunity
Mama coming to visit this weekend
Cementing new routines to accompany the new life

What are you looking forward to these days?

XOXO,
RC

I'm NOT funny and an update

2010-03-26T23:30:00.000-04:00

So many of my favorite blogs are written with humor, snark and sarcasm. While I am definitely neurotic and silly, I have come to the realization that I am just not funny. I wish I were and that the snarky blogs I love so much just rolled off my fingertips. I do believe I'm a fairly good writer with a valid point of view. I believe that in the few months since I have started this blog, I have developed a definite genre.

Everyone wants to read about the evolving life of a 20 something on a mission to become a healthier version of herself, right? Okay, maybe not everyone but I am who I am...and I like me. So that's what Tasty New Life is all about, my growth from a lost girl in the midst of a quarter life crisis into a healthy, professional woman.

I am proud of myself.

I am proud of the honesty I interject here.

I am proud of where I come from and where I am going.

I just occasionally wish I could do it with some more humor. I guess you can't try to be funny, you just are or you aren't.

Then again, I didn't start this blog for the readers. I started it for me. To hold myself accountable to my goals. I am somewhat amused that this post makes no sense.

UPDATE:

I have been successful at getting back on track this week. Sticking to 1500 calories a day seems to be working for me much better than the No-S plan was working. I am able to eat more frequently and that massive tired feeling in the middle of the day is waning. Though, ironically, I have noticed I feel better and accomplish more if I take a 30 minute to 1 hour nap, daily.

Tomorrow is moving day. This week has been beyond hectic, but I'm more excited than anyone could know about this new chapter A and I are beginning along with Medical Brother. So here it goes, phase 2 of married life.

XOXO,
RC

Celebrating the Small Things

2010-03-23T20:33:00.000-04:00

So I have decided that in addition to my Self Motivation Saturday (which I completely missed this week due to SW's visit) I am going to start a new feature here on my journey to a Tasty New Life.

Today marks my first Celebrating the Small Things blog. You see, I feel like we get so caught up on achieving the Big Goals we have set on our paths to new, healthy lifestyles that we become incredibly focused on those goals and let other things go. Okay, maybe that is not a "we" problem and just a "me" problem. As a result, I have decided to start celebrating the small things that make me smile. Those positive, smiling things make my journey a bit smoother. Also, they help provide me with inspiration when it comes to the dark days along the way.

1. Work is full of positive things lately including a ton of craft articles (which are my favorite) and the completion of my first, large professional project.

2. New digs, new scenery and a new positive outlook are just on the horizon. Moving day is approaching quickly.

3.So much positive energy surrounds me lately, I'm making it a point to pass it on to my friends, family and strangers who need a smile.

What small things make you smile?

Back on Track

2010-03-22T15:03:00.000-04:00

After a horrible week of fighting an awful cold, I ended up off track last week. I don't think I actually ate too much during the week because I barely ate anything at all, but I definitely wasn't paying attention to what choices I was making.

This weekend I was finally feeling a bit better. I threw all caution to the wind because the lovely SW was in town for my BIRTHDAY weekend. It is first time we've been in the same state in a year, so it was definitely a time to celebrate. A and SW gave me the perfect birthday weekend filled with a Spa party by Partylite, good food, good friends and all around good times. Everyone who stopped by to wish me a happy birthday made me feel so incredibly loved. That's a good feeling.

Sunday, I woke up feeling like the cold had hit me all over again. Fever, congestion, the whole entire nine yards. It was NOT a fun time. Today I am definitely still not feeling well but I am determined to get back on track and get on the mend. I started paying attention to what I am eating again, I have been dosing up on airborne and gatorade (per the instructions of Medical Brother). I am going to feel better and start treating myself with the healthy choices it deserves. Good for me! Okay, sorry sometimes I just need to celebrate the small choices.

I have a busy, busy week ahead of me. I have a ton of work to finish up and a house to pack, because moving day is quickly approaching. Lately, my life has been in an upswing full of fun, positive changes.

Recovering

2010-03-17T19:03:00.000-04:00

This past week I have completely fallen off the band wagon. Not intentionally but due to what I have dubbed the "Great Northeast Rain Flu." Last week we went from experience bright, sunny weather to days and days of soaking rain. At which point I like 80% of Philadelphia developed a horrible cold.

I am starting to feel a bit better today, but chest congestion has my breathing all messed up. I tried to go for a walk but the giraffe that has been sitting on my chest for the past week didn't like that idea. I guess sometimes we have all give into our bodies and listen to us when they say we need to rest and recover.

I hate not being able to exercise. I have been trying to keep track of calories however I know I didn't do a good job considering my feverish days are pretty hazy. I am determined to buck up...

This weekend has too much riding on it:

The lovely Miss SW is coming to visit me. Her decidedly wonderful husband gifted her a trip to Philly for their wedding anniversary.I haven't seen her since her wedding weekend last March!

It's also my birthday!!! I'm officially entering my LATE-20s, but I feel good about.

Also, I have a ton of packing to do as I'm moving in under 2 weeks. SQWEE. Get better self, you have lots to do.

XoXo,
RC

Change Doesn't Equal Quitting

2010-03-10T21:19:00.000-05:00

So, today I made some decisions. You see, I am very committed to successfully changing my eating and exercise habits in order to become a healthier Romantic Comedee. However, the No-S plan that SW and I started a few weeks ago just isn't working for me. It's not because I don't have the willpower to stick with it, but it has more to do with my mental and physical health.

What some may not realize is I have a blood pressure condition that causes my blood pressure to generally be on the low-end of normal and can change significantly throughout the day. Since I began No-S with SW, my energy in the middle of the day decreases rapidly to a point that is almost scary. Suddenly I've gone from being a girl that needs about 7 hours a sleep to about 14 just to get through the day.

Overall, it's just not a way I can continue to function. So, today I started doing research on other eating plans that may help me ward of that insane sleepiness and the headaches I've been experiencing. I think the reason I'm experiencing this problem is that only eating 3 times a day causes my blood pressure to dip too low in the middle of the day.

So, I think round two of this plan to get healthy is going to involve eating SMALL meals throughout the day and counting calories. Sticking to 1500 calories a day, but allowing myself to eat more often should both help me stay awake and achieve my goals of being a healthier me.

So, I think that means it is time to update my Tasty New Goals...

XOXO,
RC

Fear...

2010-03-07T22:08:00.001-05:00

Sometimes the things you are afraid to say out loud are the things you need to say the most. I have to admit that although I appear to be strong most of the time, inside I'm fairly scared. I am on this journey for myself and occasionally I feel incredibly guilty about that. You see, I am the girl everyone knows, the girl that constantly blends into the background because she's always trying to lift everyone else up, trying to support everyone else, trying to save everyone else.

While I love the loving, nurturing side of myself, it can be smothering at times. I worry that I am currently standing up for what I want from life and fighting for it, that life is going to change so drastically I will no longer recognize it. I worry that my desire to make myself a better version of me will take me to a place that alters relationships and friendships.

It's kind of funny how that works. When you spend your life doing everything you can to fade into the background, stepping into the spotlight can be something that fills you with fear. When you spend your life trying to take care of the rest of the world, you wonder if taking care of yourself is extremely selfish.

I kind of think this fear was part of the reason I struggled with the decision to continue this journey in the past week. This fear was starting to climb inside me and was making it really hard to continue. The funniest part about this fear is that I know so much of it is completely illogical. My wife loves me, supports me and encourages me. SW is the best friend a girl could ask for and pushes me ahead in life.

It's just a completely foreign feeling to put myself first. I hope those I love realize that taking care of myself will help me take better care of them. I am not shoving them aside. Though I am shedding some dead weight and getting rid of people in my life who only wish to drag me down, as they climb up on my shoulders.

XOXO,
RC

P.S I am sorry about the insane amount of blog layout changes lately. I think I have finally settled on my look.

Today, I start by loving me...

2010-03-07T19:58:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I forget about my reason for embarking on this path to the "Tasty New Life." This past week was one of breaking goals and losing motivation. I have been tempted to beat myself up over the loss of momentum and get myself down. Last night's, late night dose of Saturday Self-Motivation served to be a good reminder of why I am doing this.

You see, this journey began because a girl, a wife, a daughter, a friend and a sister decided that she loved herself, her wife, her parents and friends and family too much to live her life at less than her best. Sometimes, I have to wake up, look in the mirror and remind myself that I love myself.

It's not always easy to remember that on this journey (one I truthfully just started) we have to celebrate each steps. While we may not be at our final goal, today we chose to get up and do the work to make ourselves better people. That alone is worth loving. We are worth loving.

Self Motivation Saturday

2010-03-07T00:49:00.001-05:00

Okay so I know the clock has flipped midnight and TECHNICALLY it's Sunday, but I need a dose of SMS right now, so I am not skipping this week. Last week was a FAIL on almost all fronts. I am learning not to beat myself up too much, after all this is a JOURNEY to a better me, there are bound to be stumbling blocks. But instead pick myself up, dust of my knees and move on. Setting new goals and knowing I will work my hardest is the best way to keep myself from wondering off the path all together.

1. Work hard! I can reach this goals I have set for myself, yet I keep finding excuses and distractions to make it not happen.
2. Fully adopt No Excuses, No Choice into my life. I won't achieve my Tasty New Goals or my work goals by making excuses to myself.
3. Read everyday.
4. Fully commit myself to this move. It's the right thing for me, so I need to stop holding back.
5. Celebrate love. I have so many wonderful people in my life and I don't tell them nearly enough. Take the time to let people know I love them this week. Spreading the love makes me a happier me, and I like to believe it helps brighten others lives too.

XOXO,
RC

Changes in Momentum

2010-03-03T23:04:00.000-05:00

You know one of things I really love about life? How a bad day can be immediately followed by a really good one that keeps you on track towards goals. Yesterday definitely qualifies as a bad day. I felt horrible and though I tried to exercise, I was unable to really push myself very far. I tried my best to stick to the No-S plans, but ended up giving in to really horrible chocolate cravings. I hardly got any work done because I just wanted to sleep all day. All in all, yesterday was the kind of day that just makes you feel disappointed in yourself.

For me, those types of days typically result in a string of bad days that knock me off whatever type of plan I have created to better myself. This time things are different. Today, I woke up feeling a bit better and determined to shake off yesterday.

All in all, today was a very good day. The kind of day that ends with me feeling uplifted and rejuvenated. I love how life's momentum can change from one day to the next and how the bad days don't have to get you down for very long.

XOXO,

RC

Pounds versus Dress Size

2010-03-01T22:51:00.000-05:00

Some people have raised questions about my dress size tracker and my self-proclaimed hatred of the scale. I think some people out there may feel like I am deluding myself by not tracking my plans through this journey to a Tasty New Life. It's not about pulling the wool over my eyes, if nothing else, I have a clearer view on life now.

For me, starting the No-S diet with SW and helping A learn to eat better is not about dropping the lbs. While I do have a desire to change my body shape and get out of the plus size world. But, for me this journey is truly about making a lifestyle change. I know myself well enough to know that I will get caught up in this cycle of checking pounds and beating myself up over a bad week. Instead, I have opted to learn about why I overeat, develop better eating habits, and developing an exercise pattern.

Those are the elements through which I will judge my success or failure. I also hope to track my shrinking dress sizes because I really do hope to one day be able to shop anywhere and not just in the plus size section.

What do y'all think? Should I incorporate a weigh-in or stick to my guns on this one?

XoXo,
RC

Self Motivation Saturday

2010-02-28T00:33:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I definitely got away from this for the past few weeks. While this entire "tasty new life" is supposed to be about self-discovery and self-motivation. I enjoy setting out some short term goals for myself each week. Helps keep me accountable day to day and keep me focused on the prize ahead.

This week I strive to:

1. Write 35 to 40 articles this week.(No Excuses! No Choice!)
2. Make my way through the giant pile of laundry that has taken over my room
3. Continue to plan out meals and make healthy choices in the grocery store.
4. Do something nice for A. Something fun and creative, but budget friendly. I'm definitely open for ideas on this front.

Keep my head up and a smile on my face will keep me on track on No-S and my self-motivation goals. This is the year of the Romantic Comedee.

Life Unexpected

2010-02-26T19:56:00.000-05:00

Sometimes things just seem to fall into place and suddenly a bad day is followed by a good day. Clouds part and sunny skies return. When these days happen you remember what life is all about.

For years I've struggled with accepting myself. My weight and looks contributed to my lack of self confidence, as did my own emotional issues. While it wasn't something I wanted to talk about with anyone, during my late high school and early college years I was in a pretty dark place emotionally. My closest friends knew parts of it, but I never really confided about how messed up I was to anyone.

Following a break up and facing graduation and the need to grow up and be an adult, I decided to do something for myself. I promised myself I was going to stay single and figure out what made Romantic Comedee tick before getting involved again. As a result, I was able to learn to like the reflection in the mirror. I learned to let go of irrational fears and realized that people liked me a lot more when I liked myself.

One day, I decided to delve back into the dating world. I met a guy, started dating him, and after a few weeks realized I wasn't that into him. But it was good, it was on my terms. Enter A. I was hanging out in a bar for a friend's birthday with my roommate when this hyper, silly girl started an argument with me. We ended up talking all night, exchanging numbers and the rest is history.

Sometimes I think back on my life and realize that had I never taken the time to be happy in my own skin, I'd probably still be riding that merry go round of bad relationships, bad friendships and general unhappiness. By taking the time to learn to love myself, I was able to let in real love. I met a wonderful girl, who is my love, my wife, and my best friend.

That learning to love myself is also why I'm gung-ho about adopting the No-S lifestyle with SW. I'm happy being me, which is driving me to want to be a healthier me.

XOXO,
RC

On My Way To A New Me...

2010-02-21T21:42:00.000-05:00

I am finishing up my first full week on the No-S diet. For the most part I stuck with it with only 1 or 2 small cheats during the No-S days of the week. I discovered the "Couch Workout" in an old copy of Glamour magazine and discovered I actually enjoy doing it. It's easy to incorporate into my daily routine because it doesn't require me to go anywhere or use any special equipment.

I am a self proclaimed girl who HATES doing any sort of exercise other than swimming and I am enjoying this. I did take my S-days off this week to allow myself to relax because my muscles were sore. I am going to keep up with it on the No-S days and try to add in an S day too to give myself a 6 day a week workout.

Plus, I want to incorporate long walks and bike rides when the weather warms up. Considering I am known to be a huge klutz, trying to take long walks when the city is covered with mountains of plowed snow is not a good idea. Many streets that still haven't been touched weeks after the Snowpocalypse.

So, overall I am proud of the steps I made this week. It's only Week 1 and I know my old, bad habits are hard to break. But I made many many steps in the right direction this time. Better yet, I know I am doing this for me. In the past, my weight has been topic of family conversation after family conversation. I never wanted to do anything about it.

Throughout my 20s (thus far) I got to know and love my curves. I discovered that once I became more confident about my looks and my size, the more I wanted to take control of my life. I have this weird aversion to scales, so I haven't weighted myself (with the exception of doctor's appointments) in years. I decided to go on this journey to a new me because I'm happy, not to make myself happy.

I want to stay living my happy life for many years to come, so it's time to take charge and get myself healthier. For me it's not about pounds and inches, but overall health. I'm choosing veggie-heavy foods, learning to find exercise plans I like, and using food as nourishment and not as a reactive potion to emotion.

I'm back lovers

2010-02-15T23:55:00.000-05:00

Okay, so it is time to return to the real world. Last week was a busy haze of work, a shoulder injury and another ton of snow. I was busy trying to catch up on a lot of things, make a plan for the my journey to the new "me" and other things. I let blogging fall by the wayside so, now I'm back and ready to write. Sometimes I forget that this soothes me.

I haven't completely abandoned my poetry project either. Poetry has been an important part of my life for a long time. Launching the project helped me rekindle a dormant need to write creatively. I write researched based articles for a living, but sometimes I forget that I just need to let the creative juices flow.

That being said, forcing myself to write daily was only contributing to massive writer's block. So my poetry project is being revamped into an occasional poetry posting. I want to put together some new material. I'm considering trying to find some publishing in the next year or so. So, stay tuned for that.

In other news, I considered starting a new blog to track my progress on my new life venture, but after some thought I decided that this is place where Romantic Comedee lives and breathes, so I should track my journey to the new me here.

Today was the first day of my No-S plan. My friend Sarah and I have embarked on a journey toward physical, emotional, and financial wellness starting now. We both have issues with food and have struggled with our weight, so when she introduced me to the No-S diet I was all over it. Today began our first No-S day. Basically, the diet operates on 3 simple ideas.

1. No Sweets
2. No Snack
3. No Seconds

on the No-S Days of the week (Monday-Friday). Combined with exercise on the No-S days, the whole program focuses on keeping you healthy and self-aware. Learn how you use food, why you overeat, etc. It's something I can do and follow. Nothing is completely restricted you're just encouraged to make better choices.

Sarah and I also decided to incorporate the No-S plan into the rest of our lives. So, we're both going to focus on doing things everyday that contribute to our emotional and spiritual well-being and continue to take control of our careers and financial responsibility. So, here goes the path the the improved Romantic Comedee.

XOXO,
RC

Pray for Luke

2010-02-08T17:28:00.000-05:00

Maybe it's a reaction to yesterday's poetry about spreading Love Harder into all aspects of our lives. Folks, another one of our own needs our help. Her beloved dog, Luke, was admitted to the emergency vet yesterday after eating raisins (which can cause kidney failure in dogs)

Please go to Mermanda's blog read Luke's story. If you're financially able, please donate to help cover the vet bills. Otherwise spread the word, get Luke's story out there and see how much we can help him and Mermanda!

Love Harder (the poetry version)

2010-02-07T19:52:00.001-05:00

Love harder

with passion, drive, ambition

give to those in need

even if all that fills the coffers

are smiles and kind words

this alone has the power to change the world

While the sentiment may seem filled

with sugary sap

the truth remains

at times we all need

we all have love to give

in ways simple or extravagant

The word alone heals, safeguards

cheers those who need joy

rally together those who matter

celebrate life, rejoice in the good

and always remember

to Love harder

I spoke before about how the blog world rallied around one of our own with the Love Harder project. In a place where things sometimes look the bleakest, there is always love to give. Sometimes that it more powerful than anything else in the world. That was the inspiration for this installment of the poetry project.

I know I haven't been sticking to a daily post, though I have been trying. Sometimes life throws you lemons, and you stare at them for a while before pulling out the sugar and making lemonade. Nothing is wrong in my little corner of the world, I've just been struggling to complete all the things on my plate, and occasionally something has to slip a way. Still, I am glad I challenged myself to this poetry project. I intend to deliver on 30 poems in 30 consecutive posts. I just know it may not always be daily.

XoXo,

Snowflake

2010-02-06T00:42:00.000-05:00

Snow forms crystal patterns

Never two quite the same

Open air flakes falling

While children press against the window pane

Frantically watching dancing snowfall

Listening for a snow day

A small treasure of crystal winter

Kinetic energy of children at play

Escalates as glittery powder covers

Sleep's Puppet

2010-02-04T23:15:00.002-05:00

The body grows heavy

Muscles relax, then contract

floating

suspended

In a sea firm

And giving at once

floating

suspended

Eyes weighted feeling gritty

Mind slowly reaching rest

floating

suspended

Sinking under unable to

Avoid Sleep’s firm grip

Hiatus Over, Poetry Project Resumes!

2010-02-03T23:44:00.002-05:00

Okay after being trapped in Virginia for a few extra days by 14 inches of snow, I am finally back home and able to resume my poetry project. Today's post is my interpretation of the lyrics to the Duffy song Distant Dreamer. I found myself listening to it on repeat over the course of my train ride.

Here we go...

Dreams Distant

Some days I seem to cope just fine

Without wishing to sprout wings and fly far

I smile to appear engaged all the while

dreaming of how destiny would change my reality

Dreams left unaccomplished

tick away one by one

forming a high pile heavy

with dreams so distant

Some days the sadness seems to creep

inside my smile, blurring my focus

I know just beyond the horizon lies

the constellation made up of personal

hopes and dreams

Dreams left unaccomplished

tick away one by one

forming a high pile heavy

with dreams so distant

Dreams so distant yet I

swim through the starry sea

knowing they're mine to hold

With my body to guide me

my strokes pull me in strong strides

toward those

dreams so distant

Frost

2010-01-28T22:59:00.002-05:00

Frost covered ground

with prism's cold.

Ice growing in points

From the eaves.

Risen moon

silver, pregnant orb.

Illuminating icy veins

Snaking across

a wide river.

Water rushing below,

frigid surface.

Trees bend weighted

with icy branches.

Quiet,

Not a sound!

Moonlight gleaming

Ice lit with

crushed Diamond.

From Mothers Nature’s

jewelry box

an Ice Queen

is born.

Note: This weekend A and I are going to visit my mother for a (very) belated holiday celebration. Though my trusted netbook will be making the trip along with us, I may be unable to update. I promised a 30-day poetry project. I intend to deliver. If I am not able to write this weekend, I promise to resume with Day 5 on Monday.

Red Riding Hood

2010-01-27T21:21:00.001-05:00

She wanders alone

Pulling her cloak tightly

Over her shoulders

The path twists ominously

Through dark, fragrant wood

She carried with her

A basket of secrets

In route to Grandmother’s house

her red hood shielding her from

fallen leaves

Her heart beats

rapid in her chest

Cold goose bumps

rise on her flesh

Still she has no choice

But to continue

Wishing that someone was there

to hold her hand

This trip alone makes her

feel childish

And scared

Like a little girl

facing a Wolf opposite

Her door

With chomping teeth and

An insatiable appetite

For little girls

with red cloaks

Merry Go Round

2010-01-26T21:22:00.002-05:00

Colors swirl

Red

Green

Blue!

Faster…

Faster

Blending together

Hands grip

Cold Steel

Clutching

Tight!

Wind whips

Laughter

Rings

Round …

Around

Shrieking with

Delight

Here you go...poetry project, day #2. I spent time walking around the park with A today. It was a nice way to get some exercise. It also turned out to be good inspiration. Hope you enjoy. As always, feedback is welcome.

Poetry Project--Day 1

2010-01-25T23:02:00.002-05:00

In high school and college I wrote poetry nearly everyday. If not daily, than at least a few times a week. Overall, it was something I did for me, something I really enjoyed. I let my creative writing go for the past few years, and I haven't really turned out anything I was proud of, recently. I've decided that I should challenge myself to let my creative juices continue to flow. So, everyday for the next 30 days I am going to post an original poem by me. I'm going to try to write something fresh and new, but I may also look through old poetry and revamp it. Here we go...

Poetry Project: Day #1

Dream A Little Dream

I’ve dreamed a dream

To change the world

Not to have my name in lights

Or for fame and fortune

Keep your jewels

And I’ll keep my ideals

As hard as you try

You’ll never convince me

Money is more important

Than my heart or my soul

My words matter

And if they touch one heart

I can rest in peace

And let my dream continue to fly

Life My Way

2010-01-24T20:51:00.000-05:00

I'm inspired by mywaythistime and her journey toward self-enlightenment. She is coming off a very difficult year and instead of wallowing in self-pity she has become determined to make 2010 her year. I feel like this past week drug me down into a bad place. I was tempted to deal with all of my stress by throwing myself the mother of all pity parties. I blogged about my frustration and gave myself a Self Motivation Saturday. I was determined to cheer myself up...

I am proud to say, it worked. I woke up today feeling refreshed and ready for the week ahead. I'm determined to work hard and finish my assignments with grace and style. I'm determined to give myself the opportunity to relax some this weekend. We're going to my mother's in Virginia for a very belated Christmas.

All in all, I will not let myself go down that downward spiral that I've been on for the past week or so. I'm going to look for sunshine in the skies. I'm going to allow myself to relish in the small victories of life. I'm going to pride myself on working hard and reward myself for doing so.

Most importantly, I am going to celebrate love wherever I find it. I'm going to tell my wife I love her, and show her how much. I'm going to spend more time being there for my friends. Life is going to be good this week, because I'm going to take control.

XOXO,
RC

Self Motivation Saturday..part deux

2010-01-23T19:46:00.000-05:00

Dear Me:

Lately you've been feeling a bit blue. While, this happens to everyone and you are certainly justified in feeling this way, it's time to pull yourself up.

Concentrate on the good things this week. Celebrate the little things that make you happy. Lately, you've been so focused on financial worries you've forgotten about the rest of you life. So, spend a little time nurturing your spiritual and emotional health.

Love,
Yourself.

LOVE HARDER

2010-01-21T12:28:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I know yesterday was the day...but I was away from the blog world because of work. So, I am reposting this now. Still, Brandy needs our love. All of out love. Bonus, her blog is an awesome read.

Lilu and what seems like a million other awesome people have made this video about why we should help Brandy and her H.A.D. I'm not so good at embedding video, so please check it out.

Here's everything you need to know, minus the super cool video cuz I suck.

The quandry: We feel terrible. Just horrible. And oh so helpless… if only there was something we could DO for them.

The answer: Ummmm. Did you forget that WE ARE THE INTERNET?!?!!??! And also, Yes We Can!!!

The result: Brandy and your Hot Awesome Dude… this one’s for you. Love, The Internet.

Our Plea:
Our friend Brandy is a brilliant writer, a wonderful teacher, and a generous friend. And she is in love with a man who has just been diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
We are raising money for the Multiple Myeloma Research Fund in his name. For the price of a cinnamon dolce latte, half-caf, hold the whip, you can be part of an effort to cure a disease that affects approximately 750,000 people worldwide.
http://www.loveharder.org
Every dollar brings us a dollar closer to a cure. And every donation brings a sliver of hope to a girl who needs all the hope she can get.
Love Harder,
LiLu

What You Can Do:
Give. Be part of a worldwide effort to cure a disease that affects approximately 750,000 people worldwide. Every dollar helps.
Pass it on. Forward this story to five people. Share this blog post. Become our fan on Facebook.
Love harder. Life is short, love is unbending, and no one knows what could happen next. Tell someone you love them today.

DONATE: http://www.loveharder.org
CONTACT: theloveharderfund@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: http://facebook.loveharder.org
MORE INFO: http://www.themmrf.org

P.S. The wonderful world of the internet raised over $2,000 in a single day yesterday. Simply astonishing. Now, I understand if you can't donate. I'm not sure I can right now, but at least help me spread the world.

I love you all.

XOXO,
RC

Frustration

2010-01-19T23:11:00.000-05:00

Today was one of those days were absolutely nothing seemed to go my way. I know that everyone has these days, and I know that everyone deals with them. I got through the day with a positive attitude, which helps considering I'm trying to keep thinking positively about life. However, days like this have a tendency to get under my skin.

I usually try and work 6 days a week, keeping one day free to do something just for me (or to treat A to a nice day out). I did not plan for today to be my day off this week. However, all day my studio's website was not working properly, making it difficult to write, review and claim assignments. I got next to nothing done (2 articles instead of my normal 6 to 10).

So, instead of letting it get me down and kicking myself for something I couldn't control I am going to be proud of myself for completely 2 articles instead of 0. I'm just going to try to bump up my work for the rest of the week. Working hard to complete 1 or 2 extra articles a day will help keep me on track, and possibly allow me some time off later in the week to do something fun.

Here's to the thinking positive and not letting days like this get you down!

xoxo,
RC

Self Motivation Saturday

2010-01-16T19:38:00.000-05:00

In accordance with the lovely Sarah I have decided to take up her Self Motivation Saturday ideas. So often we forget to take care of ourselves because we are too busy to taking care of everyone else.

Dear Self,

Good job with committing yourself more to your work this week. It's not always easy and some days you'd just rather take a nap. Keep up the good work.

Don't forget to take some time out for a little fun. You're allowed to have a night out with friends or take A out on a date every now and then. Even though you are in "saving mode" you don't have to give up EVERYTHING. Don't beat yourself up for it. It's not healthy.

Take time everyday to tell someone they matter and that you love them. Your friends and family may be scattered far and wide, but they deserve to know how much they matter. Some days you just need to hear it.

Keep up with your "unpaid" projects. They may not be filling up your bank account, but they are filling up your heart and your dream box.

Remember to laugh and smile. It makes you feel better, even when life seems like one giant mess.

XOXO,
RC

I'm feeling crafty

2010-01-14T19:08:00.000-05:00

Today was one of those days were I just found myself walking around with a smile on my face all afternoon. My assignments today lead me to investigating a few really cool craft projects.

Digital Scrapbooking-- All the wonder and magic of traditional scrapbooking in a digital format that can be printed or shared with friends. All in all, completely cool. I really want to take some of my pictures from the fast year and try my hand at this. So cute!

Vinyl Pouches--I was totally intrigued by this fun little project. I can see myself shopping for old, battered books and turning the pages into these handy little projects. I'll be sure to post it hear if I actually make some.

Doll Sling--Okay, so I have outgrown my doll playing days. Still, this article was a lot of fun to write. It makes me wish I had a daughter, or more little nieces to make these cute little slings. Though knowing me, I might never be able to tie them.

Definitely had a fun day working on those articles. I'm also excited about an upcoming, possible project. I talked with a good college friend of mine today about doing the layout and editing for her company's newsletter. Sweet! I need more freelance projects. I'm supposed to be meeting up with her next week to discuss the work.

Now, if only I had a magic fairy to go make my dinner for me. :)

Good thing this isn't a garden

2010-01-12T22:55:00.001-05:00

If it were, I would not be tending it very well. I am trying to get into the swing of blogging daily, but it's not always easy. I've been swamped with work the past few days, which is a good thing, but I need to make time for this too.

Life is well. I don't really have a particular subject about which I feel like writing at the moment. So, I think I'm just going to do another goal-driven post. While the New Year's shiny-ness has begun to fade, and this year's Mummers Parade is just a distant memory, I am still trying to decide how I want 2010 to be different from 2009.

I know that I want:

To spend more time making my wife feel special--she is wonderful and has coped with a lot of financial and other difficulties in the past few years. She deserves more "her time" and romance.
To commit more time to living life my way--I feel like I am at a transitional age in life. I've realized my dreams and developed my career path, but I am still trying to build financial security. Still, I can live like an adult, cook and dress like an adult. I just have to do it on a budget
To figure out what part of the United States will be home for A and I--I have posted before about my desire to move
To write creatively--I used to write short stories, poetry, etc. I need to commit more time to it, instead of just my professional work.
To write, build and enhance RZ and C&S--Reading Zoo and Comfort & Spice are both blog projects that mean a lot to me. I want to spend time helping them grow.
Develop a business plan and logo--Now that I know I can make money writing professionally, I need to make it a "real" business
Spend more time with family and friends--So many of the people I love and care about are scattered far and wide. I need to be a better friend to all.
Blog, blog, blog

XOXO,
RC

Recipe Writer!

2010-01-08T13:56:00.000-05:00

So...I'm really excited about this. I recently got approved to be a writer for Suite101.com. Unlike some of the other venues I write for, this one DOES NOT give us topics to write about it. I need to get my first article finished very soon, so that I can get rolling during my 90 day trial period.

I have been struggling to figure out something to write about. I would like to stick to a consistent topic. Today, I had a revelation. I love love love to cook, but I don't do it nearly enough. So, what if I share my favorite meals with the world? Plus, I can practice food photography.

Right now, I'm off to the grocery store to buy the items I need for crock-pot lasagna. This adventure will turn into my first article for suite101.com. I'm seriously excited about this.

I promise to write a better update later. But for now, I'm off to go shopping.

xoxo,
RC

Thoughts...

2010-01-07T16:38:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling rather reflective today. Reflective, moody, and just all around exhausted. For a week I've felt a cold coming on, so I doubled up on the Vitamin C and allowed myself time to slow down. I thought I had it beat until the fever came last night. Gross. Still, hopefully all the Vitamin C dosing will keep me from getting worse.

So, I've been curled up on the couch most of the day, not being very productive. I've also been continuing this theme of reflecting on my life. In so many ways I'm incredibly lucky. I've found love and direction. I'm taking control of my career and developing a passion for writing at a professional level. Generally, I'm healthy, though I want to commit myself more to becoming a healthier person this year. For these facts, I'm incredibly grateful.

I'm also lucky to have developed some new blends (blog friends, to borrow SC's terminology). I have amazing friends and a family that loves me. I wish I had more time and money for travel considering a good 90% of my close friends are at least a few hours drive from the City of Brotherly Love.

Despite all these things I'm incredibly lucky to have, there is always room for more hopes and dreams. I'm struggling to advance from living like a college kid, with a bunch of roommates, to starting my first real home with A. We're married now, we need it. The economic downturn hit us hard, and though we've been trying to save money the past few months, we're still scrambling to catch up on bills.

The point is, I've been spending a significant amount of time exploring real estate, and what we can get for our money. I love this city and part of me will always consider Philadelphia home, but I'm beginning to feel like A and I could both benefit from packing up and starting over new.

She's a student, who wants to keep continuing her education. I'm a writer, who loves being a student. Being near a college would be ideal for us. Being near public transit, or a small town where the essentials are walkable is essential. Being near family or friends would be ideal. We have them spread throughout the U.S., so there are many places to choose from. What does the blog-o-sphere think about picking up and starting over somewhere new?

XOXO,
RC

And so it begins...

2010-01-03T23:07:00.000-05:00

Every New Year brings up thoughts about how I want to grow, change, and generally live my life. In recent years, I've been consistently happier than I was in the past. I'm lucky to have found love, and begun a life with her. This past year, I finally decided what I "wanted to be when I grew up", which ironically, is also what I wanted to be when I was six. Okay, when I was six I wanted to be a dolphin trainer and a novelist, today I'll settle for being a successful writer of any sort. I've started to have some success at this point, and I'm concentrating on developing a writing services business.

Overall, I'm happy with the direction my life has started to take in recent years, and definitely excited to continue along that path. Though if I could have one wish, it would be for a WINNING Philadelphia sports team. The 2008 World Series was amazing, and I'll take being National League Champs again in '09. But still, today's Cowboys-Eagles game was BRUTAL. Hopefully next week will be a different story. The Flyers are just all around difficult to watch. I guess this is the life of the Philadelphia Sports Fan. We're definitely used to the choke. Though it's never easy to swallow.

I'm certainly ready to enter a new decade of my life. It's the first I am beginning as a married person. The first I'm beginning as an adult. I know "being grown up" has been a major theme of this blog thus far, but I'm still fully in touch with my inner child. I get giddy over going to the movies, I think bookstores are magical, I still clap for faeries, and I believe in the magic of the Christmas holiday season. I hope to never lose my outlook that the world is a wonderful, magical place. Still, I've grown up enough to realize that it's also dark, dirty and sometimes awful.

Growing up just means growing into the woman I've always wanted to be. It's about chasing dreams, and making them come true. It's about having hope and love and using them to leave your mark on the world. It's about discovering how much family means to you, and discovering that your family isn't always biological. I stand here, on the cusp of a new era, excited to see where it takes me, and hoping some readers come along for the ride. I promise to serve champagne!

Cheers!

I should explain...

2010-01-02T14:13:00.000-05:00

I think I've confused a few people out there, with this new blogging transition. It's not that I'm not proud of who I was, but the posts in my old blog reflect my past self. They do not reflect the girl I am now. I thought about how I wanted to mark this. It's the first year I'm starting off as a wife, in addition to being a friend, daughter and sister. I am starting a new business, finally having found the courage to do what I want and to follow long-held dreams.

2009 allowed me to grow up in so many ways. I feel that a fresh blog, that reflects who I am from this point forward is the best way to mark this New Year. My point of view has changed, my life's direction has changed, and overall, I'm passionate about the path that I am on.

I'm also passionate about books, which is why I decided to start Reading Zoo. I don't know how often I will update that blog. It's taking me longer to read these days, because my life is focused on other things. Still, as I read, I will share. I also welcome the thoughts and opinions of my friends and family out there.

I have an opinon, and I'm not afraid to share it. Still, I always try to keep an open mind regarding the life of the rest of the world. Share what you think. I can't promise to always agree with it, but I will always respect it. This blog will be my reflection on life. I would love for others to share how they see it.

xoxo

New Year, New Blog, Grown Up Me

2009-12-31T15:50:00.000-05:00

For years, I've kept a livejournal blog in which I've updated about my life. I've sort of kept it like a journal, attempting to be funny, witty, and all together myself. Still, reading through it feels very, umm...juvenile. I recently tried to update it and change it a bit, to reflect the girl I am now. But, I'm starting to think it's a better idea to just anew.

So here it goes...a new blog for 2010. Just a check in in the life of Erin. I will update it with whatever I feel like saying. I tend to get opinionated at times, but I welcome a challenge. Welcome to my world.

xoxo,
Erin