My Story. . .

. . .as of April 8.

I’ve always had a weight issue. ALWAYS! I don’t think that I always realized it. I remember being at Girl Scout Camp—Camp Little Cloud, in the Whippoorwills group—in 2^nd grade and one of my tent mates, Stacy, asked why my stomach poked out like it did and hers didn’t. She was just making an observation, not being mean or making fun. That’s the first time I remember someone pointing it out. As I grew up, my weight increased—duh, everyone’s does. What I mean is it went up faster than I was growing. And when I stopped getting taller, around 7^th grade, the weight didn’t stop. I never really put on a huge amount at once, it just never remained steady, but rose steadily.

Flash forward to about 2008. I began going to a gym, had a trainer once a week, and lost about 15 pounds. Emotionally I was not ready to change my habits—of course I’m recognizing this in hindsight. And when I went to lunch with my family, who were in town for a visit, and I felt so good about myself, was wearing a dress that had fit snugly, but was fitting perfectly. Although I was 30-something, I couldn’t wait to hear my family tell me how good I was doing, but my father did not make a comment on how I’d lost weight, nor did my mother. (I found out later that she didn’t say anything because she didn’t want my father to say something hurtful or unkind, even though it would’ve been in jest.) I kind of lost the drive. I ended up putting back on the pounds that I had lost plus another 35 over the next 4 years.

This brings us to the summer of 2012. I had been having some issues, so I went to my doctor. I found out two things: my blood sugar was still high, despite being on a medication for it, and that I had cancer. After several ultrasounds and a procedure, it was confirmed that I had uterine cancer. I was stunned. A little over 30 days after being diagnosed, on Sept. 11, 2012, I had a total hysterectomy. Thankfully all the cancer was removed. I was still left numb-feeling all the time, and I had something new to contend with—menopause. (At least 7 years earlier than I had anticipated, I will add.) I was blessed with a positive diagnosis, but still reeling in the aftermath.

My Nurse Practitioner, after the surgery, wanted to put me on another medication for the blood sugar—I will not say I have diabetes, only that my sugar is high—and I told her I was determined to not need it. So that, complimented with what I read about how it is sometimes harder to lose weight after menopause, in addition to reading that diet, obesity, etc. may have played a huge role in my cancer in the first place, sent me into a tail spin. I was crashing. I couldn’t make it through the day without napping, which sometimes meant napping during my planning period at school, so I could make it through afternoon play rehearsal with my students. I didn’t see how anything was ever going to get any better.

Then in December, 3 months and 6 days after my surgery, my friend introduced me to some health and wellness products that have changed—and maybe saved—my life--Xyngular. I began using the products on December 27. I have not taken a nap since then. I have not gotten sick, except for 1 upper respiratory infection this winter. I have come off of 3 prescription medications, and am poised to come off my blood pressure medicine (that I’ve been on since college in 1990) and the medicine for my blood sugar by the end of summer at the latest. But best of all, as of March 27, 90 days into my new lifestyle, I have lost 35 pounds and 45 inches. I have broken my carb addiction and have changed the way I eat completely, and am loving the new lifestyle entirely. I cannot ever see myself going back to my old ways—ever.

So, there you have it, in a rather large nutshell. I am shouting from the roof tops about Xyngular and about how the products and the system have changed me. I still have soooo much more to go, the size of a small person, but I KNOW I will do it. The old Debb is gone, and I’m loving the new!

Tomorrow's post: Updated measurements, medical results, etc.

Fighting the Fight. . .

. . . with a smile and a joyful heart

I'm going to tell you about a very special woman.

Beth Wertz was one of the reasons I joined the church that I attend right now. She always greeted me with a smile that filled her entire face all the way to her eyes. She was a member of the Sunday School class I attended for awhile, and in our discussions her comments, even when disagreeing with something, were well thought out, eloquent, and kind. She organized our church's annual beach retreat down to each morsel of food, and we knew how much it cost, where we'd be, when we needed to be at certain places, etc. She had a wonderful knack for organization.

But beyond that, Beth was a hero. A wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, she worked to make her family, her church, her community, her world better people and places. She endured Celiac Disease (intolerance to gluten) and cancer with little or no complaints uttered. While I am sure she suffered with both of these, especially the cancer that took her life last week, she did not let it stop her from her service to her fellow humans. If you did not know Beth, you would not have known she was sick. It was not an excuse for her. She continued to fully live and embrace life.

Last summer when I was diagnosed with uterine cancer, Beth was one of the first church members (outside my besties) that contacted me. She sent me several cards when I had surgery and during the recovery time. And greeted me with hugs when I returned to church all the while undergoing treatments herself. She was a major support. And I don't even think she knew it. She did not do it to be recognized. She did it because she was Beth.

Yesterday our church was packed--standing room only--with people that Beth had touched in some way or another. We read scripture that she chose and sang the songs that she wanted us to sing, and even though we were all incredibly sad, grieving the loss of this special person, it was a celebration of her life and her work.

Now, I'm left to process everything. And I ask myself, "So what can I take away from all of this? What can I learn from my friend, Beth?"

• Make every day count
• Make each person feel special
• Help others without concern of cost or benefit to me
• Love without bounds
• Celebrate the victories, large and small, in life with my entire being.

This are things that maybe I try to do already, but that I can continue to do mindfully. They are attitudes and actions that will help me on the many journeys that I am on. (I needed to remember the "Love without bounds" when my 8th grade class was here today! Sheesh!) I was very sad yesterday, and still am sad today, and probably will be for awhile. But instead of wallowing, I will allow myself to grieve, and I will celebrate what I learned from this phenomenal lady. My life is better from knowing Beth Wertz, and I thank her!

A few minutes. . .

&#. . . to catch my breath

Wow--it has been a crazy week! One that can possibly be described as a roller coaster. Yes, it's cliché, but it is appropo.

First, to catch you up on the weight loss journey:
I've lost 42.2 pounds (every tenth a pound counts, right?) and an amazing 52.25 inches! Yes, I did a little happy dance--ok a big happy dance--all around my room until the dogs started jumping around and barking, so I quit to avoid waking the neighbors that needed their sleep, since they were up making all kinds of noise and vacuuming until after 2:30. I was beyond thrilled!

The business journey:
It's been a rough week. Two people that I sponsored decided that this was not for them. It's ok, and they know that I support them in whatever they decide to do to get healthy. It took some talking me down from the proverbial ledge. I was ready to just throw in the metaphoric towel. But my friend, Kellie, helped me through the rough patch. And I'm pressing on. I'm going to have the faith that I am doing the right thing.

Which brings me to the spiritual journey:
I visited my former church home last Sunday, and it was as good as I remembered. Not only did I get to see some old friends, but the worship service was truly spirit-filled, and the message was tailor-made for me. (Now if I could just remember it. . . hahaha.) It felt nice to be back.

On a sad note, one of the wonderful people, Beth Wertz, a warm, loving, brave woman at my current church passed away (I really hate all euphemisms for the verb die.) this week. She fought cancer for as long as she could. I really did love Beth. She was one of the reasons I joined Bethlehem. It won't be the same without her there.

Professional Journey:
Our spring production was last night, and it truly surprised me how much the casts of the one-act plays pulled it together. I was and am still so proud of them. The actors were a mixed bag of complete novices to those with resumés longer than mine. They were able to overcome nerves, a crazy production week schedule, and a crazier production week director. My principal gave us the highest compliment. He said, "It wasn't good middle school production. It was a good production for any level." This made my day. I open every first rehearsal telling the cast and crew that we don't put on middle school plays, we strive for professionalism each and every time. I have high expectations, and the students always exceed them!

Now, I must come to a close. We're having honor roll assemblies this morning! I love honoring our students!

Until later. . . .

No Words ...

... at all

I had a wonderful visit to my Summer Memorial Lutheran family yesterday.

Had an extremely busy day today at school, ending at 5:45, then a Xyngular team gathering from 6-8. 

Finally sat down at 8:30. I've been thinking about writing today's post all day when I had seconds to myself to think. 

I checked Facebook and kept reading comments referring to the Boston Marathon. Finally, turned on the tv to see.

In the midst of the tragedy and once again my pondering how humans can be so cruel, I find that my words have all gone. And this usually verbose woman is rendered almost speechless.

Grace and peace, my friends. "Talk" to you tomorrow.

Oh, how I love. . .

. . .Sleep

After only sleep two hours the night before last, last night I had a blissful 11 hours of sleep. Sure, it was unintentional because I had some stuff to get done. But it was glorious! I fell asleep a little after 7, woke up about 8:15, ate a hard boiled--protein protein!--and then a spoonful of peanut butter, took my Flush capsules and headed to bed. Before falling into bed and snuggling down--against all advice I receive, as well as I give--I hopped on the scale. It wasn't great. It appeared I gained a couple of pounds, and I really did not eat anything other than that which I had planned on the program. At 2 a.m. I woke up knowing it had to be time. (Don't you love it when you wake up and you realize you have a bunch of time left to sleep?) I did a groggy happy dance on my way to the bathroom. Guess what I did? Yep, lumbered up on the scale, squinted through sleepy eyes to see the number had gone down a bit. I shrugged and said I'd keep working.

Finally at 7:04 I woke up with a start. My alarm--that I forgot to turn on--was supposed to go off at 6:30! I jumped in a quick shower, cursing that I was running late, but feeling great from the amount of sleep I had just enjoyed. After the shower, I got back on the scale. (You knew it was coming!) I found that I had lost everything that it appeared I had gained--------plus a little more!

I tell you this little story to impress upon you that sleep does wonders!  In less than 12 hours I went from essentially (not using real numbers because I love y'all, but not that much!) 94.8 to 92.6 to 89.9! That's almost 5 pounds. Now, I'm not saying that I do that every night because I don't. It usually appears that I gain about 3-5 pounds during the day--from what I've weighed in the morning--and in the morning it is back down. It just happened that this morning it was down more than I expected.

A second lesson from this story just popped into my head: if you are going to weigh yourself, whether it's every morning, once a week, etc., always weigh yourself at the same time! Your weight fluctuates during the day. If you're tied to the scale (as I still am a bit because it motivates me), remember that. Create your habit and stick to it--until the scale no longer motivates. Then do like I'm going to do--put it away. (I may have to move it to someone's house. I have the discipline and will-power of a mosquito!)

Hope everyone has an enjoyable, happy weekend!
Remember, if you want to join me on this journey, check out the following links: For more information--Path To Wellness With Debb You can even order from that site, or you can go to Debb's Xyngular to specialize your order. Finally, you can always email or Facebook message me to find out more, chat, or have me help you decide what you truly need! Come join my Pathfinder team!

Bloggity blog blah blah, or . . .

. . . do I sometimes sound like the Charlie Brown teacher?

I sometimes feel like I get sooooo repetitive on this thing. I hope that I do not. Even if I do, this is a journal of sorts, and I am just sharing it with the world--i.e. the 20 people that read it--and journals are meant to work things in our heads out on paper (or computer monitor). It doesn't escape me, however, that this must be the ultimate form a vanity to think that anyone would want to know what's going on inside this head! (Inner Critic speak) But it is what it is! (Opposite of Inner Critic speak) Owning all of that, I am just not sure how much is too much to put out in cyberspace. I've been known to be too dramatic in my writing. In fact, it is one of the things that kept the Lutheran Church from thinking that I would make a good pastor. In hind sight, that, too, was a blessing, but at the time I was truly bummed that the words I so carefully chose for my essay were used against me. Darn Lutherans. . . . {smirking--winky face}

Well, I had to make a tough decision. This weekend in Orlando is a conference for Xyngular distributors--managers and up. I worked sooooo hard last month to become a manager, and I did! Wooo hooo. I really had my heart set on going. And when the time came to register and prepare, financially it just didn't work out. I also have a Spring Production next week, so my missing 2 days of rehearsals would have been detrimental to the show, maybe. In reality, and after a pro-con list, talking to a trusted friend, talking to God, the stars, the universe, and reading tea leaves, I decided that I just shouldn't go. It was with sadness, but once I made the decision, it felt like a proverbial weight was lifted. I wasn't happy, but felt peaceful with the decision.

Here's what I cannot figure out. How do I tell the difference between making sacrifices for my new business and being "all-in" and not being willing to take risks, not stepping out of my comfort zone, not giving it my all? That's the cud that I'm left chewing on. Recently, the History Channel ran a mini-series of the Bible. And I'm not saying that they had it easier "back then," but I've never encountered a burning bush, heard a voice from above, been visited by an angel. I'd like a sign once in awhile to know I'm on the right path! Heck, even a descending dove would work. Wait a minute---Hey, Julie, remember the buzzards that kept almost flying at the car on our way to church on Easter? Could they have been my sign??? {rolling my eyes} I'm joking. . . kind of.

I do have signs, though about sharing my blog, those times when the universe is in synch--not the boy band, of course. When I think I prattle on too much, or am being too self-indulgent, self-aggrandizing, self-something-or-other, a friend will pop in with a message to let me know they are enjoying what I'm saying, or even that I've inspired them. And, yes folks, I am a writer at heart, a writer that wants to make a difference. Those little notes or even the likes on Facebook let me know that I'm doing the right thing.

Now, about missing XyngFling--which the name sounds so cool, like some of our sorority parties in college "Gag-Me-Green"--I am bummed. I know I'll be missing out. But yesterday one of my favorite former students was talking to me. He knew I cancelled going this weekend. So he suggested that a group of us meet at the musical that the high school is doing. He also suggested that we go see the Oz movie--that I can't remember the name of, but want to see--this weekend before it is gone from theatres. A little angel in blue jeans, making my weekend not such a bummer. Today I realized, he's missing the spring band field trip. They're going to Orlando this weekend, as well. Hmmmm...maybe we'll be each other's angel! {smiling}

Giving Doubters the Raspberries. . .

. . . wishing I could do sound over the blog.
Come to think of it, there is probably a way, but I don't have time to work on that right now. (I do need to get a little more "tech-y" with my blog, however. Spice it up a little!)

I'm in kind of a rebellious, in-your-face mood today. I'm happy, despite making a rough decision last night. I'm excited about things to come--which helps me know that I made the right decision last night. But I'll get to that later, or tomorrow, whenever I feel like it!

This is what I want to talk about. I lost two pounds over Spring Break. Yes, I did. And that's about usual for the way the eating plan and life on Xyngular products has been going. But here's the thing. I didn't stick to the plan. I took all of my supplements, and I ate healthily and smart(ly?). Yes there was the Great Sun Chip freak out, which taught me that my issues and habits from the "old Debb" still linger. But I was home with Mama and Nilly's (That's what we call my sister, Nicki.) cooking, and even some of Julie's, and I may smart choices, but allowed myself some of mom's homemade fried rice and teriyaki chicken, some crock pot macaroni and cheese, two pieces of pizza, some Xaxby's chicken fingers and wing-chips, and even some heavenly angel food cake dessert (not all the same night, of course). And it was all yummy, and I didn't over indulge, and I lost two pounds.

The reason I bring all of this up is because there has been detractor and detractor (not to be confused with "De plane, de plane!") that has congratulated me on my success, but has questioned whether I'd have to do 8 day cycles the rest of my life. I usually, in my head, get very 5 year-old, and say, "I will if I want." But they've questioned the ability to sustain the lifestyle and maintain the weight. Well from March 27-April 7, not only did I maintain, but I lost. The reason is simply the Xyngular products have changed my metabolism. And this program has changed my thinking and cravings. So I know when maintenance time comes, and it will be a long time--I still must lose the amount of a healthy 15 year-old (just guessing at the age)--I will be able to handle it. Even with little panics and meltdowns. (Blasted Sun Chips!)

I've made the right choice for me! And I could not be happier!
Happy Tuesday, friends!

All Good Things. . . .

. . . You know, must come to an end. 

Well, today is Saturday; which follows that tomorrow is Sunday, and Monday back to normal. Work. School. Rehearsal. Yeah, I'm just not sure I'm ready for it. But I must be because I only have approximately 34 more hours.

Telling my nieces and sister goodbye tonight was excruciating after being with them every day for a whole week. I will make my way back to Lexington tomorrow while the folks are at church, so I don't have to wallow in a sad goodbye with my Mom. Sometimes it takes the entire drive to Lexington to recover from that.

My business remains at a standstill right now. Still staring at those zeroes, and though I know that it won't be that way for much longer, it drives me crazy. I need to re-assess my courage. I've got a couple of ideas to share my story and spread the word about these wonderful products, but I'm still so worried about what people are going to say or think about me. Owning that, it makes me question whether this venture is for me or not. Until I think about the people that I can help. Then I know that I'm doing the right things.

The word of the year is courage. The word of the year is courage. Courage. Courage. Courage the Cowardly Dog, isn't that some children's show? Courage the cowardly Debb. Ha.

The next two weeks will be busy busy. Exciting and fun, but busy. And a bit stressful. On Thursday I leave for a Xyngular Conference in Orlando, FL. While I am excited that I am going, for it is the achievement of a foal I set for myself at the end of February, I'm often shy and reserved in new situations with new people, especially with so many high-energy, outgoing people. I cannot wait, however, to learn more about the company and glean what I can.

The Spring Production is a week from Thursday, and it's going to be down to the wire. I'm kind of anxious cancelling a rehearsal on Thursday to go to XyngFest, but I am sure that things will be fine. I'm quite excited about the production. We have 2 one-act plays that have the potential to be hysterical. Monday's rehearsal will be interesting after a week away, but I really cannot wait to see my actors and create with them again.

So, while today has been and tomorrow will be hard and sad, there is plenty to look forward to and get pumped up about. I just need to "muster up some courage," as someone once said and look forward to the beginnings while giving the endings their moments.

Emotional Eating Alive and Well. . .

And conquered!

Yes, friends, I did it! I faced it and beat it!

I'm frantically attempting to prepare for a conference on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of next week. I am beyond excited about it, but stressed about it, as well. I am determined to go and have met obstacles all along the way. I can look at them one way as signs that I should resign myself to not going. Or I can look at them as opportunities for growth. Stumbling blocks on the way to my goal. I choose the latter because I am going. Hence, the stress that caused last night's Sun Chips Chow Down.

Well, I faced a temptation today. For lunch my nieces had Kraft Mac & Cheese. Now some of you may not know that kind of relationship I have with this paragon of gourmet eats. Well, I love it. I don't just like it; I love it. It is the pinnacle of comfort food for me. One that I would eat at least a box of 2 times a week BX--Before Xyngular. Prior to today I had gone cold turkey.

Not being a fan of sauerkraut, it was not hard for me to pass up on the Reuben sandwiches the adults were eating. There was leftovers of  a tasty egg-bake in the fridge, which paired with a salad provided a delicious lunch. But there was that Mac & Cheese. I allowed myself a tablespoon of it. I ate it noodle by noodle--and they were the shaped kind, too, Dora or something--along with my lunch. It wasn't as I remembered it, and I considered it a victory. Hey, I am finally growing up!

Fast forward about 3 hours. I got some bad news. News that would have made the trip to Orlando to the conference next weekend much easier, had it turned out my way. But it didn't. I tried to keep a brave face, but my niece came over to me and patted my shoulder, "What were you and the lady talking about?" Concern was in her voice. I told her it was just some business stuff and tried to go back to reading my book.  

She stayed near me, looking at me. "You look like your going to cry." She continued to pat my shoulder. I told her I just had a headache. "I can see the water in your eyes. It's ok, you can tell me the truth." She such a sweetie. I tried to reassure that I was fine and got up to get more water.

In the kitchen, what did I see sitting on the counter? The bowl with the remaining Mac & Cheese. I asked Mom if she was saving it for someone. When she said no, I popped it in the microwave. I didn't care. I was feeling bad. I wanted some, and no one could stop me. Then I happened to see the Lean Shake mix sitting on the counter. And I stopped and thought. The beeped. It was time to make a decision. 

Well, you know by the title of the post that I beat it. And I'm proud of that. I am very emotional. I know that, and at home I don't have as much temptation around because I don't buy the things that tempt me. I mean, I'm not a masochist or anything. This week has been an eye-opening week for me as far as living with other people. It has not been that bad up until yesterday and today. And today, I am proud to say that, thanks to Lean, I triumphed!

Damn You, Sun Chips and Zeroes

I can't keep up with numbers anymore, and everybody puts the date, so I need to think of another way to lead off the posts. Feel free to share ideas.

Ok--I want a do-over for the beginning of the month. For all intents and purposes it is April 5, and what do I have to show for it? Bupkis. (Cannot believe that was on autocorrect!)

As you can tell by the title of the post, I had a battle with Sun Chips today, and I lost. Of course they are now floating around in my belly, so maybe there was no winner after all. Now, I have not lost enough weight to have such an unplanned "pig-out." (Even as I say it, I laugh at the fact that three months ago eating Sun Chips would have been considered healthy in my mind.) And really, I've sneaked--I know some of you think it should be snuck, but sneaked is correct--a chip or Dorito here and there. I started of fine today--then got out of control. I had about a half of a serving at lunch, and small handful while making my shake this afternoon, and just now, at 11:00, ate mindlessly. Why? I don't know. Because they were there? Blech. . . . Were they good? Yeah. Were they that good? Heck no! What was I thinking? Who the hell knows? What I do know is that it is done, and we'll see what the repercussions are tomorrow.  I'll also say that I have not been following the plan strictly, but I have been eating healthily. I do intend after break to hit the plan again. Tonight's rendez-vous with the chip bag was just so Debb-of-the-past. In all seriousness, this did teach me that my issues surrounding food are still lying in wait. They aren't completely gone. And that is something that I'll have to keep working on. That's all I'm going to say about that. . . . moving on.

On the business end of Xyngular, I hate the beginning of the month. Our point values "zero out." I makes sense, and I do not have an intellectual problem with it. Emotionally, however, seeing those lines of zeroes stirs up all kinds of things for this perfectionist. 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 See, it's anxiety provoking isn't it? Truthfully, it puts me in a frozen state of inability to act. What do I do? Who do I call? What if I fail? AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH! I am my own worst enemy; I accept that responsibility. So tomorrow, I must find a way to move beyond this to have a strong April. In addition, I need to have things in place to keep this from happening in May, June, and so on.

So, with that said, I bid you bonne nuit, so I can go to sleep and wake up ready to work and get with the program tomorrow.

Talk about a revolution. . . .

  

Goal Tending--Did you notice that I made a basketball reference? ;)

April 1, 2013

It's the beginning of the month, time to re-establish my goals for myself, my wellness, my business, etc. As I said before, I'm not good at goal setting. I really do think it is the fear of failing, but I did it in March, and I achieved part of the goal, so I'll do it again. Plus, doing it in such a public forum makes for some ultra accountability here! But, it all goes with the word of the year--COURAGE! So, here goes! Some of these goals are long-term and will stay the same for many months, maybe even a year or two; some will change monthly.

Weight-loss

• I will be at -43 pounds from my starting weight. That is 2 pounds a week. 
• My goal is to be at -50 by June 10th when I leave on vacation--and promptly gain back 30! (Just kidding!)
• I still don't know how to even set goals for inches lost because it is a mystery to me the way it works. So, I'll say I'd like to be at -53 by May 1. That's two inches a week. We'll see how it goes.
• Longer term--I will be in a size 16 by the end of August. I'd love to be lower than that, but again, I've never gone down a size--EVER! So, I'm shooting for something that will challenge me, but that doesn't seem un-doable.
• I will be down 100 pounds by December 27th, and I have no idea what size that would look like.
• I will hit my weight goal by the end of December, 2014. As I get closer, and I'm not so embarrassed, I'll share what that is. (Maybe. . . .)

Wellness

Although for me wellness and weight-loss are intricately interwoven, I still have specific wellness goals that I'd like to reach.

• I will be off all of my blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes medication by the end of July. That  will be a year since I got probably the worst report I've ever gotten. My NP told me a lot could be controlled by diet then, but I wasn't strong enough to do it on my own. Xyngular has given me that strength.
• I will begin an exercise routine that is not grueling and is fun. I don't know what that's going to be. I'm going to say by the 1st of May. I'll be done with my after school play productions by then and will have time to devote to trying different things until I find something I like. (Swimming is my favorite, but I'll have to find an affordable gym where I feel comfortable that has a pool in order to do that.)
• I will cut my anti-depressant dose in half by the end of July. This one is a booger. I know it should be a goal to be off of it, but I am too afraid of going back to where I once was before most of you knew me to have it go away. I've cut my therapy sessions in half just since starting in December, so maybe halving my dose on the way to eliminating that medication is not too far behind.

Xyngular Business

I'm going to shoot for the stars on this one, and see how far I can go!

• First and foremost, I will spread the word about the wonderful Xyngular products to anyone that needs to hear it!
• I will build a strong leg of the South Carolina team--and all the teams I'm a part of--continually throughout the upcoming weeks and months. A team that looks on this venture as a journey where the destination is only limited to what we limit it. A team that is nurturing and supportive that creates a family like atmosphere so each new customer and distributor cannot help but be fueled by our passion and fed by the inspiration we give each other. 
• I will reach Gold Manager status by April 30th. (That's 10,000 points. I can do it! For those that read this that understand the Xyngular point system, I figured out that if I bring in 6 people with a 360 point value, and 4 of those 6 brings in 4 additional people at 360 point value, that would bring me to 7900+ a few. Add my 2000 for this month, that's 9900. By then, I can make up the other 100 points myself, bringing me to the 360 point value and making Gold Manager Status and bringing me to building an even more awesome--I sooo wanted to say "awesome-er"--team.) If you are not familiar with the Xyngular business, be excited for me that I did that much math at 11:55 pm. Plus, if you're interested let me know; I'll explain!
• I will qualify for "the cruise" by January 31 of 2014.
• I will be a leader that my team can rely on to be there, but one that also remembers the importance of self-care and that keeps in mind that I need "Debb time" in order to be the most effective leader I can be.
• I will continue to cultivate relationships within the Xyngular corporation for friendship, support, guidance, and examples.
• I will constantly evaluate my "Whys" (Why I am in this business, rather than just being a customer.) The Whys as they stand right now
• I no longer want to live paycheck to paycheck. I don't want to have to spend an hour working the numbers to donate money to a need at church or school  that arises. I want to give regularly to the causes that I am passionate about. I want to be able to afford professional development; I don't want to have to decide if I'm going to have to put some bills on hold to go to a conference for school or Xyngular.
• I want to pay off doctor bills from my recent surgery and pay off student loans--before I'm 80--so that I can begin to save more. Heck, I'd like a savings account that I don't have to draw from each month.
• I want to be able to help my family when they need it, especially my mom.
• I want to be able to take my family on a vacation to the beach this summer and not have to take out a loan.
• I want to have my own house. I am thankful for my apartment, but would love a house with a fenced in yard (not white picket, please) for the dogs to play in.
• I love to travel with my friend;, I'd like to do it without the reservations that come with not being able to truly afford it, thereby feeling like a leech or second-class citizen.
• I will create a dream board, at least electronically, by the end of this week (4-6).

School

• I want to continue to build the theatre program at White Knoll.
• I want to have a class with a waiting list to get into, full of students that truly want to be in the class and not "put" in there.
• I will continue to be a leader for literacy in our district.
• I will read at least 10 of the 2014 Junior Book Award  Books before the end of the May.
• I will have two main-stage productions next year and two smaller productions, one directed by a student, one written by a student by May of 2014.
• Most importantly, I will change students' lives, help them realize that they are important and that they matter.

Personal Development & Spiritual Development

• I will blog at least 3 times a week. (Not all this long, I promise! And one of those each week will be a goal update, especially for the time-sensitive goals.)
• I will either make a renewed commitment to my current church or find a new church home to which I can make a commitment by the end of June.
• I will read 1 book a week for the month of April on network marketing to improve my business skills.
• I will stop comparing myself to others so much.
• I will keep my inner-critic (Don't worry, I won't go all psychological again!) in check. (Boy is she having a field day with these goals, especially the Whys!)
• I will take a spirit-filled class, read a spirit-filled book, or at least have some spirit-filled discussions this month to challenge my beliefs and renew my sense of wonder and awe.
• I will nurture the relationships that are enriching and possibly prune some that are not.
• I will continue to be honest, open, and true to who I am, what I believe, and this journey that I'm on!

Miscellaneous

• I will keep my stinking apartment clean!
•  By the end of the month I will go through my books and purge the excess, so that I can get the washer & dryer that Julie and Paul have put into storage for me..

Holy cow! Once I got started I couldn't quit. I blame Nicole Wood, goal-setting guru, for this. I hope that she reads it and gives me some pointers. :) I'll be sure to share her wisdom for those of you that need to work on setting your goals, as well. She's brilliant! This is a little boggling for my global artsy mind. I may even have to start making lists--oh the horror! I usually make lists, but forget where I put them. Really! This way of thinking is different for me. One of the selves inside me says, "This is not what an artist does, you are suppressing me." She gets loud and awfully rowdy sometimes. (Especially when she fights with the inner-critic) But I'm going to give her her outlet at school and on this blog and try to integrate her into the Xyngular business in other ways to keep her happy. I like her and don't want her to go away. She just needs a little balance sometimes. As do all the other selves that make up me, as do we all as humans.

Ok, I've tended to the goals, cleaned them up, spelled some out, revamped and re-polished them. They are ready for another month for me to reach out and. . . .I was going to make a basketball analogy with slam dunk in it, but face it, it would've been forced, and it's 1:00 a.m., so I'm just going to stop right here.

Goodnight!

A Bit of Happiness

Yeah. . . .I'm about 4 days late. Sorry!

90 day results--35 pounds lost; 45 inches gone! Down 2 sizes. Feeling phenomenal!!

Yes, folks. I am excited. Really!!

I've taken a few days off; I've eaten healthily, but have eaten more carbs than usual. Even some of my mom's potato salad--GASP! (And a couple of Hershey's Minis, 10 jelly beans, and about 6 malted milk eggs.) It's kind of weird being off of my schedule of 5 small meals a day, so I'm kind of ready to be back on it again tomorrow. I think. Haaaaa---I am!

On top of that, I am super-pumped that I have achieved Manager status for the month of March! This means I am eligible to attend XyngFest in Orlando in a couple of weeks. I really want to go, so I can learn more about Xyngular products and business. But moreso that I can meet some of the amazing people that have become my friends through the business on Facebook, and meet people with inspirational stories, etc. I think it will really help me as I grow this business.

Those of you that know me know this business is a little outside of my comfort zone. I have been all creative all artist all teacher all the time. The concrete world of business scares me a bit. I know I've said this before, but I am truly excited about helping people. I want to share these wonderful products that really have changed my life. OK, I feel I'm getting repetitive, I must go back and re-read old posts to make sure I know what I've said before.

Before I sign off, I want to share something else I noticed about me today. For the first time in I don't know how long, probably since college in the 1990s, I do not mind having my picture taken. I take my own, in fact, and play with them, and plaster them all over Facebook--kind of like a teenager. This is huge for me. For the first time in a long time, I do not think I'm so ugly that I will break the camera, nor do I hate the way I look. I am not where I want to be--yet. I know that I am a work in progress and that I'm getting there! And knowing that and keeping it in mind is making all the difference!

Happy April, as it's officially April 1 now!