The Start of Something Big: My Life in April 2013

April 2013 was a great month for me. My life has taken some awesome, positive, encouraging turns. I completed the A to Z Challenge with 26 new posts in one month! Here’s a few other highlights:

 

• I ran a free promotion on my first book with Amazon Kindle. It hit #1 that week.
• I reached my 25 lb milestone on Weight Watchers, after battling a plateau for the past few months. (I’m less than 2 lbs from my goal weight.)
• Turbokick has taken a temporary backseat as I’ve taken up running into my workout routine.  I completed a 6K, and felt unstoppable. I believe running 3 to 4 times a week has helped me break my plateau.
• My forthcoming book cover is complete. The book is in editorial now–still on track for a summer release.
• Made some great connections while networking, which I haven’t done since last year. One of those connections resulted in a spotlight on People You Need to Know Women’s Magazine. I’m expecting more fruit from additional contacts as well.
• Reconnected with two people I’ve loved, and made peace with them.
• Had an awesome, fun visit from my sister, whom I last saw a few months ago when I surprised her for her birthday.  I love my family!!

I’m feeling really grateful about something else that’s pretty promising, but I’m going to hold my tongue for a bit. Can you guess what it is?

What are your plans for May?

Zoom Zip Zing–In the Zone!

When starting this A to Z Challenge on April 1, I didn’t know where I was going to pull 26 blog posts from. I schedule myself time to draw up an editorial calendar so I can plan out my content, but I mostly write here when inspired. My thanks to all the new readers and subscribers (some of whom are also victors in the Challenge). I received more consistent comments in this one month than most of the 6-year history of Daree’s Insights.

Uncomfortable? Get Used to It

“… but that’s the way we’ve always done it.”
“I’m not as good as s/he is.”
“It’s too hard.”
“What if it doesn’t work?”
“I’m not sure I can do this…”
“You want ME to… ????”

Whether you’re in a meeting with others or all by your lonesome, you will hear that voice sooner or later. The voice that doubts you. That second-guesses a great idea. The voice that can kill dreams.
If you listen.

Running for Life

A week ago, I announced my new goal of running a 5K. When I did, I knew absolutely nothing about running, including the Boston Marathon. I simply wanted to prove to myself that I could run. Period.

Shortly before that post, I ran on the treadmill at a 0 incline for just under 30 minutes. It was boring but it wasn’t terribly difficult.  Then a few days later, on April 15, 2013, I showed up at the meeting place in the neighborhood for a group run. The Boston Marathon bombing took place just a few hours prior.

Game. Changer.

I decided not to bite off more than I could chew. This group’s route was 3.66 mi, and the weather was sunny, in the 70s. I told the leader and my 9 yo daughter who accompanied me on the run that I would run about 1 1/2 mi and then turn around and come back to home base. (This distance wasn’t random; I did 1.46 mi on the treadmill total a few days before).

Well, it turns out I did 1.46 mi BEFORE I turned around. I didn’t even realize it. I had my phone app recording my progress (I am using Map My Run) and happened to glance at it during a split.

Whoa! Time to turn around and go back up the hill.

Live Life Active Goal: Couch to 5K

Credit: 5K Runner

WW has just begun their annual campaign called Live Life Active  (not an affiliate link). It’s an optional initiative where they ask you to commit to an activity goal for 8 weeks. Several prizes, incentives and discounts are available when you participate in your chosen activity each week. The grand prize is a trip to Costa Rica, but I’m not going to do this for the prizes. I want the psychological reward of what happens when I complete something (else) that I thought I couldn’t do. I’m a goal-getter, and I can stare a challenge in the face with the best of them.

My Live Life Active goal is to complete a Couch to 5K (C25K) program. Then sometime this year, I want to run a 5K. I have a strong hunch that finishing a race will do change my mindstate even more than it could ever change my body. (I do want both, however.)

I’ve read awesome post series from several bloggers like Sheryl and Beth who reached their goals on Weight Watchers (WW) and also run. A few people in my WW meetings have also completed at least one 5K race. It’s motivating, even though running is one of my least favorite sports-related activities. I know I need to build up my endurance if I am ever going to seriously teach the group exercise formats I’m interested in. I even joined Black Girls Run, and balked when I saw that all runs took place outside. I’ve been working out regularly for the past year–just not outside. (Hey–I’ve come a long way from the time where I refused to work out to preserve my relaxed long hairstyle).

What is your latest goal (in progress)?

Amazing Grace: My Life in March 2013

Credit: Seth Polk (via Renee Swope)

I’m allowing myself to receive more grace (from God and myself) these days. It is a specific focus I’ve had for the past several weeks. I’ve been paying more attention to things that I truly enjoy, things I do only because I have to, and the unkindled desires of my heart. By staying in tune with my daily routines and experiences and categorizing them like so, I can choose where to exhibit (and accept) more grace in my life.

Every Day I’m Hustlin’

March was a month that brought me quite a few accomplishments, including winning the 2013 Stiletto Women in Business Award (SWIBA) Author of the Year Award, becoming a finalist in the 2012 ForeWord Reviews Awards, and earned 2 new fitness certifications (see the certification link below for details).
Toward the end of the month were more special happenings:

• Performed 2 more fitness auditions for TurboKick and “passed” them. (I completed new hire paperwork for one company and an application for the other.)
• Danced in 3 performances at church over Easter weekend–my first public performances in over a decade.
• Completed self-edits for my forthcoming title, Ending the Blame Game, and submitted the manuscript to my editor. We also finalized the book cover, which I’ll share soon.
• Bought my first couch – a nice purple/burgundy sectional!
• Hired a babysitter for the first time in my daughter’s life (she’s almost 10) for my all day hip hop hustle certification and we both survived . She ended up having 2 new babysitters that day because the first girl got ill halfway through the day. She said she now prefers babysitters to drop-off day care because (and I quote): “…they can take you places and they’ll do whatever you want.” She’s such a charmer.
• Set up my first Kindle Promo for my book What’s Wrong With Me?: A Girl’s Book of Lessons Learned, Inspiration and Advice. Stay tuned for details!

A to Z Blog Challenge

For April, I am taking part in the A to Z challenge, blogging almost every day.  Check out the “B” side tomorrow!

Getting My Hustle On!

Working It Out

Credit: Just Dance Academy

I had a fabulous time yesterday at Hip Hop Hustle certification. I got a few minutes to teach a few 8-counts and it felt good! I’d love to perform in a show. (If I can get the video or picture from the training, I’ll add it to this post.) Now I’ve got a track record of getting certified for a new fitness format every month so far this year (just by coincidence). My plan is to keep networking and substitute teach wherever I can and then eventually lead my own classes once or twice a week.

It’s been 6 weeks since I took my AFAA certification class and I finally got my results: I passed! I only missed two questions.

PiYo and Insanity trainings are taking place locally next month; not sure I will do either of them until I start using what I’ve got, but I have a lot of fun and meet the coolest people (the Zumba instructors always represent!). It’s so motivating!

Honorable Mentions

A week ago, I won the 2013 Stiletto Women in Business Award (SWIBA) Author of the Year Award!  My friend Melisa also won a SWIBA, and she was one of the two people who congratulated me, which is the only way I was notified (a week after the awards ceremony).

I also recently found out that my book What’s Wrong With Me? is a finalist in the 2012 ForeWord Reviews Book Awards (Young Adult Nonfiction category).

February 2013: Fun Times, Creating Memories

As usual, I’m recapping my highs and lows from last month.

Good Stuff

Valentine Anniversary – I celebrated the first anniversary of my first published release, What’s Wrong With Me? (the book and the journal).

Credit: Quizzle

Taxes Done – Following my usual tradition, I used TurboTax as I have for the past 13 years, and filed in February. I’ve already received my state refund and am awaiting my federal refund. I would rather have my money during the year than at tax time, but it’s hard because I already claim a high number of exemptions on my W-4 for my employer, AND I itemize annually as a business owner. I think there’s only been one year that I’ve owed money, and it was about $500. I’d love to get to a happy medium.

Missing My Mojo – Usually, I take TurboKick class on Tuesdays (I’m not teaching it yet). But this month I had to sacrifice because on most Tuesdays this month, I was with my daughter taking advantage of outings (field trips) with other homeschool families. When I returned to my TK class last week, another class member who is an acquaintance told me that I had been missed. I missed being there, too! Now I know that I can’t miss 3 weeks of TK in a row anymore. Since I became a certified  instructor, I have access to the workouts on DVD, but working out at home is not the same as working out with a room full of other TurboChicks. I doesn’t even matter if I have a conversation with someone while I’m there or not. There’s just something about being around people, with all of us in sync with the choreography, that brings me great joy. What can I say–it’s the dancer in me.

Creating Memories

My daughter K had one week in particular this month that was pretty awesome. She attended a live show with Nickelodeon characters, she went to a birthday party/sleepover with a friend who has a barn, and she met not one, but three stars from the Disney channel and Nickelodeon (the latter was a complete surprise).

Pursuing Peace with Me: My Life in January 2013

Believe it or not, the first month of the year is over. For me, I can honestly say it’s been awesome. This goal-getter is off to a great start! I feel peaceful about the goals that I’ve been working on and what’s in store for me this year.

I started this month with a fast of sorts, but I modified it and changed it to clean eating–and I did pretty well until it was time to travel.

Surprising Sissy

Back on my birthday in November, I was at my sister’s house. She hosted Thanksgiving dinner, so I drove up (about 1,200 miles round trip). My birthday was the next day, and it was then that I decided that I would come back for her birthday, which was this month. I had my mother keep the secret (they live together), and since they also both work at the same place, I surprised her that morning with my daughter and flowers. She didn’t really react but she was happy to see us, and I was glad I could do it. (One of the benefits of homeschooling is that I was able to do it even while we were away from home–no attendance issues incurred.)

TurboGirl Grad

I completed TurboKick training, which was long but exhilarating (get a taste of it in the video below). If that wasn’t great enough, I also had my first audition a week later with the owner of a dance and fitness studio nearby, and I was nervous, even though I know her. Her feedback was that my cuing, speaking and choreography were great, but I’m a little winded halfway through class, so I need to build up my endurance with running or other cardio activities. That way, she said, I can challenge participants who are pretty fit–I can then motivate and give them something to work toward.  I recently joined Black Girls Run!, so now I have additional incentive to participate in weekly runs.

The Accidental Homeschooler

I’m an “accidental homeschooler*.” I didn’t plan to do this, but after month 1, I’m happy to say that I feel freedom, peace (and surprisingly, patience). It’s going more smoothly than I thought–for both of us! The girl goes to her STEM classes and a set of elective classes (on two different days of the week). I’ve had to make major adjustments in our schedules, but I feel like that and the additional expenses with the “home study” schools and co-op group are worth it.

Other things I did:

• Met celebrities and entrepreneurs Nicci Gilbert and Marshawn Lewis at a great event
• Bought my first bed of my own (always had furniture from my former spouse or handed down from a family member)
• Enrolled in a class with a new coach; my goal is to go from free to fee and build a stronger brand

Next Up

Things I’m looking forward to in February 2013 are:

• Hiring new contractors for book (I am praying that it will go a lot smoother than last time)
• Buying a new couch (again–never had one of my own)
• Reaching my goal weight (I’m 5 pounds away)
• Getting my tax refund (I’m almost done and ready to file now)
• Earning my AFAA certification so I can become an official fitness instructor (I need to make all these investments pay off)
• Yo Gabba Gabba Live! – I bought tickets for my daughter and I in October, so the anticipation has been building! (Cue the spontaneous chorus of “Hold Stilllllllll…. wiggle wiggle wiggle – GO!”

* – A term for those who homeschool by a process of elimination, not because homeschooling is their primary choice.

Passion Points with Nicci Gilbert

Last night I attended the SWEET Group Atlanta launch event last night to hear Nichole “Nicci” Gilbert talk about female entrepreneurship and her evolution from being a singer (in Michael Jackson’s 90’s trio Brownstone) to becoming a reality TV executive producer (TV One’s R&B Divas) and plus-size fashion designer (Curvato Clothing).  SWEET stands for Successful Women Entrepreneurs and the Extremely Talented, and has chapters in Charlotte, NC and Richmond, VA. The event was sponsored by SMS Advisors in Charlotte (which Nicci uses).

Marshawn Evans, Esq., is an attorney, speaker, author, and former contestant on Donald Trump’s The Apprentice was the host and moderator. Lillian Lincoln Lambert was the first Black woman to graduate from Harvard Business School in 1969. She is a partner with SWEET and has a fascinating story.

The word of the evening was “passion.” Everyone who spoke agreed that when it comes to your business, you have to be passionate about what you do or it won’t work.

 

Having it All: How Does She Do It?

Nicci started off telling us that in the past, she hasn’t always trusted her gut, but we should. In several episodes of R&B Divas, she told people that she’s really not into singing anymore, even though that’s what she’s best known for and people always ask her to sing. She’s able to do all the things she does now because she’s passionate, so it never feels like work. She admitted her difficulties: “I’m hard-headed, I hate to be told ‘No,’ or that I don’t have enough money to execute my plans.” She described herself as ‘crazy’ and ‘a space cadet’ and that’s how she can juggle so many tasks.

Nicci said, “The barter routine is the best ever (exchanging services instead of money). I choose not to focus on what is not right.” Lillian added that every obstacle has an opportunity attached to it. “I don’t like when people tell me I can’t do things.”

“Reality is Ratchet!”

R&B Divas Cast

Nicci: “I don’t know if ‘ratchet’ is a really a word, but everybody knows what it means so I’m gonna use it. Reality TV is ratchet! I thought about Claire Huxtable (Phylicia Rashad’s character on The Cosby Show) and others that helped me develop as a person. I wondered, where is that kind of TV today? Black women fighting each other seems to be a ratings formula that the reality shows want to stick with, but I wanted to show images of positive Black women with solid marriages and businesses.” Nicci is an executive producer of the #1 rated show on TV One ever (R&B Divas, whose first season aired last fall), said that spinoffs are coming, including an L.A. cast. Season 2 begins shooting on MLK Day.

“Love and Hip Hop Atlanta (on VH1) had 5 million viewers, and we had 1 million. I don’t think we can get to 5 million because more people want to watch what’s wrong with people than what’s right.” She also added that “Branding is the key for reality TV to make sense.”