As many of you know, my daddy (aka Hamez) had a light heart attack (or so they thought initially; he didn’t) this past weekend. He’s been having issues with his heart for a while, and he also has high blood pressure. And not only is he no spring chicken  (he’s 62), he also works in a plant where’s he’s been working for the past 40 or so years, and lately he’s been working 10 hour days, seven days a week. And on top of all that, he doesn’t get much exercise, doesn’t eat well, and puts salt on everything– even a McDonald’s hamburger (I kid you not).

Anyhoo, my point is that this situation was kind of a wake up call for me in regards to my own health. I usually work out a couple of days a week, I drink a good bit of water, but I don’t eat healthily. Yes, I’m thin, but thin doesn’t necessarily equal healthy. So, for real, for real, I’m going to start really taking care of me by eating betterand exercising a lot more. I want to live long, and I want to feel and look good while doing it.

If you’re interested in improving yourself, too, here are some things you can do today (from Amy Dubois Barnett):

Schedule medical checkups. You might feel fine, but you need to know for sure that you are. Make an appointment to receive a general physical, ob-gyn exam, an eye exam with an opthamologist, and visit the dentist. When you go, be sure you have questions and knowledge of your family’s health history. Additionally, tell the truth about everything they ask, and don’t let the doctor rush you out of the office until you have all the answers you need.

Get rid of bad body image. I know, many people have things about their bodies they aren’t fond of, but that’s no reason to beat yourself up about it. Always accentuate your assets and stop stressing so much about the rest.

Begin eating better. Some things to try: Begin your day with a quick fruit smoothie (Amy’s recipe: Throw a banana, some berries and a little yogurt or skim milk together in a blender; add whey protein for a long-lasting burst of energy); put some broccoli and carrots into a salad at lunch, and don’t go overboard with dressing; prepare some black beans and green and red peppers as a yummy side dish for dinner.

Check your breasts. If it’s that time of the month, wait a week. Just make sure you get in the habit of giving yourself montly self-exams. Vist BreastCancer.org to find out how to do it.

Drink (more) water. I’m sure you’ve heard– health experts recommend drinking eight to ten eight-ounce glasses per day. Drinking this much water will help you feel full, and you’re less likely to overeat. Also, staying hydrated is key when it comes to clear skin and even healthy hair.

Don’t go overboard at the gym. If you run on the treadmill for an hour, then take three aerobic classes, you’ll be in a lot of pain, and you probably won’t ever want to see a gym again. It’s okay to challenge yourself, but start slowly. Try do a little aerobics, weight training and stretching each week.

Don’t skip meals. If you’re not a breakfast person, become one. Why? You’ll be less likely to overeat at other meals if you start your day with something healthy. Also, the more you skip meals, the slower your metabolism gets as it tries to compensate for the calories your body isn’t receiving when it needs them.

Source: Get Yours! How to Have Everything You Ever Dreamed Of and More

I haven’t written my monthly goals in here in a while, so I decided to start doing it again. So, my goals for May are:

• Get 2-3 copywriting clients
• Continue working to make fcg fabulous
• Continue networking and building relationships
• Keep developing my brands
• Write one (1) MaBu column
• Write one (1) post each week on YWB
• Ebook debut! : )
• Visit local businesses and promote Mocha Writer
• Continue to do fabulous work with my clients
• Stay organized, FOCUSED and declutter often
• Stay positive about life
• Have a fabulous + fun birthday [It's my birthday month, ya'll!]
• Have a successful G.I.R.L. meeting
• Work out and/or do yoga at least three (3) days a week
• Eat healthier and drink more water
• Continue my “no complaining”
• Meditate, affirm and visualize daily

Please feel free to share any of your monthly goals!

Photo: prprescriptions.com

I decided that I would try one of these. So, for the month of April, I’m going on a fast from complaining. I don’t think I complain a lot or anything, I just want to be more positive and bring more positivity in my life.

I’ll try to keep you updated on how things are going. And if you plan to fast from anything, let me know! I’d love to hear about it : )

It’s a day early, but I wanted to wish you all a fabulous, prosperous and successful New Year! And thanks for reading/commenting/lurking/suggesting to others. I really appreciate you guys ♥

P.S.- I promise I will have some giveaways and prizes in 2010, too! = )

Highlights of my year included:

• Moving back home
• Quitting my part-time job
• Celebrated one year with my babe, one year of having locs and one year writing on this blog ♥
• Two years of being natural
• Helped my parents celebrate 25 years of marriage
• Did some things out of my comfort zone
• Co-founded Girls Inspired to Reach high in Life (G.I.R.L.)
• Stepped out on faith
• And had fun in general…

Oh, yeah, we’re also about to start a new decade…wow, 10 years ago, I was just a 13-year-old girl. Man, soooo much has happened in the last 10 years. I got my first kiss (at 13 lol), I graduated from high school (with honors, woot, woot!), I went on three band trips, went natural, discovered my love of journalism, loced my hair, really learned who I am, flew on a plane for the first time ever…and too many more to name.

With all the good and not-so-good that’s happened, I am truly thankful for all of my experiences this year and for the past 10 years. And I am so ready for what 2010 has to offer! Let’s make it fabulous, ya’ll ♥

Take my career to the next level and make $___

Game Plan

Obtain work (that I enjoy) to make x amount.

Get published in a national, consumer magazine (more than once).

Have at least two well-paying pieces published per month.

Have 50 subscribers by 12.31.10.

Redesign fcg site.

Attend networking events and really promote my service.

Continue honing my skills.

Revamp MW site and assist people through MW blog.

Get (and stay) fit and healthy!

Game Plan

Work out (including yoga) five times of week.

Eat healthier and cut back on soda and sugar.

Drink more water.

Meditate and clear my head daily.

Practice patience and see the good in everyone.

Exude positivity.

Have ‘me’ time at least once a week.

‘Mission: Fabulosity’

Game Plan

Play with my hair and try different styles.

Grow my hair to armpit length.

Play with more makeup and nail polish colors.

Always look fabulous and on point; rock my own style.

Get my finances right!

Game Plan

Handle student loans.

Budget and spend my money wisely.

Pay myself first.

Treat myself on occassion.

Become self-efficient.

Have fun!

Game Plan

Try new and different activities and food.

Take a few one day road trips.

Stay in contact with friends and family.

Do some things by myself (i.e., shopping, movies, etc.)

And of course, My Ultimate Goal: Live My BEST Life!

Anywho, ya’ll know I’m all about being confident in yourself and loving you, so please, don’t try to be anyone else. You are perfect just the way you are. Yes, it’s great to have role models and emulate yourself after positive individuals, but you have to do you.

What do you think about females (especially GROWN women) emulating celebrites?

1. Post the award on your blog.
2. Present this award to others whose blogs you find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged you.
3. Tell those people they’ve been awarded HONEST SCRAP, inform them of these guidelines.
4. Share “Ten Honest Things” about yourself.”

My bf and I last Christmas. I just wanted to include a funny pic lol

My 10 things are:

1. I can be quiet when first meeting people, but once you get to know me, I can be talkative and very goofy.
2. I really like structure, and I like my days planned to a T. I’m not a huge fan of spontaneity, but I’m starting to get use to it thanks to my boyfriend.
3. Speaking of my boyfriend, I really think he is the perfect person for me (maybe because I love him? Idk). For instance, you know how people mimic parts of a commercial? Well, we always say the exact same thing- always! lol I know, I know, lame.
4. I am really a work-a-holic. From the time I get up until I go to sleep, I’m usually doing something work-related or thinking about work. It’s a habit I need to break- I think, but it’s difficult because I really love it.
5. I LOVE food (though you probably couldn’t tell), and I especially love junk food (I know, I’m bad). However, I can’t eat that much in one sitting, but I eat like 5-6 small portions a day.
6. I truly think that every black woman should go natural at least once as an adult to learn how to take care of and experience her natural hair.
7. Some things I’m obsessed with: magazines, nail polish, chocolate, America’s Next Top Model, the Internet, King of the Hill, water, Mountain Dew, Facebook, Twitter, being happy, words and writing, reading and eye makeup, cool necklaces, big hoop earrings and tattoos.
8. Sometimes I feel like the black sheep in my family, but it’s okay because I love who I am.
9. Even though were not engaged (yet), my boyfriend and I “plan” our wedding, like who the bridesmaids and groomsmen will be, the colors, who will preach and things of the nature.
10. I’m young (23), but I don’t really like the music being produce these days- is that weird?

I’m tagging:

The View from The Balcony in My Head 

OD 

Eazy 

Pages of My Journal 

And I will be checking to see if you did this; I’m interested in your answers! 

I didn’t reach all my goals last month, but that’s okay because it’s a new month- onward and upward. Anyway, here they are (well, most of them):

Ultimate goal: $500

• Get a piece accepted by a national magazine (or on its website)
• Maintain clients I have now
• Get three more clients
• Get two queries accepted
• Have __ subscribers & readers on here
• Gain regular readers on Mocha Writer’s blog
• Work on ebook
• Complete column for this month

Good luck to everyone else with goals to accomplish!

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