Here goes "bag" one!

Well…it has taken a couple of days, but I am finally going to deal with one of those “bags” I discussed in my last post. Here goes the “FAT” bag!

I have been doing a lot of soul searching and research regarding how I should eat. I have Type II diabetes and it is all-important that I not let this chronic illness rob me of my vitality and life! I have done a good job of controlling it with diet in the past. And while it isn’t awful now, my last HGBA1c test was 6.5. I want it below 6! (For those of you who aren’t diabetic, the HGBA1c measures average blood sugar over the last 3 months. If you are diabetic, 7% or lower is good.)

I need to get back to losing weight and eating in a way that maintains proper blood sugar levels. For me, that is a low carb diet. I have done Atkins in the past, with some success. I also was on the South Beach Diet for a time and did well there too. That is, until I started adding grains back into my diet. What a disaster! I have been on a yearlong binge and have gained about 2/3 of my weight loss back! DAMN!

I have discovered the eating plan I want to adopt. It is easy, healthful and it is one I CAN live with. It is “Stella Style”. You may know of George Stella, the Low Carb and Lovin’ It” chef from Food Network. Yes, I know…many people consider him to be a dork! But he is a likeable dork, and you certainly can’t argue his success! His bio, family story & photos are all on his website http://www.stellastyle.com/. I like his approach and the fact that he and his family have lived it!

Here are just a few points regarding the Stella Style way of eating. These are excerpted from George’s book “Eating Stella Style – Low-Carb Recipes for Healthy Living”.
· Eliminate the “white stuff” from your diet. (Sugar, white flour, potatoes)
· Replace processed foods with fresh, healthy foods.
· Get into your kitchen & cook!
· Eat well-rounded meals
· Identify the right foods without obsessing over every carb.

Does that sound like some crazy, whacko diet? Nope! Sounds pretty sensible to me! Now I know there will be a few out there who will get all bent out of shape about the whole low carb diet thing. Do the research and read the medical press!

First, low carb diets aren’t all about bacon and cheese! Grilled salmon, steamed broccoli & a spinach salad is a low carb meal. Fat IS NOT the enemy…sugar is!

Second, medical research is validating the low carb diet again & again. More about this in future posts.

There! I have put it out there for all to read. As of Monday, October 1, 2007, I will be eating, cooking & living “Stella Style”.

Whew! That “FAT” bag is one I surely will not miss!

Baggage Check

Crud! I started this blog, then immediately became paralyzed by the seemingly huge task ahead (putting my plans to refine my life down in writing)! See what I mean about needing to make some changes?

I have TOO MUCH BAGGAGE! I am trying to check onto a flight that will take me to a new place in my life, and the extra bags are costing (or weigh) too much! Some are going to have to be left behind. Aye, there's the rub! Which bag(s) do I leave?

How about the "Fat" bag? It is so comfortable to continue to eat just whatever I want, despite the health consequences! Finding the right way to eat and exercise has become a matter of great importance if I am to remain on this planet! And FAT has been a major part of my life for so long…I want that baggage gone!

Or maybe it should be the "Possessions" bag? Which one of my collections (roosters, teapots, pumpkins, finials, red transferware, depression glass) can I part with? How will I refine my home to achieve the serenity & calm I seek?

I know, it must be the "Carreer" bag! That is certainly a full one!

There’s the full time proposal-writing job. That's the one that is our bread & butter! Probably have to keep that one...

Maybe Tupperware? Oh but I love my Tupperware (http://www.partycareer.com/)! I love the parties, I love the people! But I haven't been giving it my best. Why is that?

The Refined Room (http://therefinedroom.com/) is hanging out there in limbo most of the time. I love decorating, and believe that I truly have the gift for it. But having a full-time day job makes it difficult to take that one anywhere. Who wants to move furniture in the evening, after dinner, with the husband & kids to help?

There is another "network/internet" marketing business I'm holdin' my back pocket that is either the greatest thing since sliced bread or a train wreck! Not sure which yet, but I'm counting on the former. When I know for sure myself, you can bet I'll be sharing that story!

I certainly can't leave the "House & Home" bag behind! After all, I must have a place to hang my hats. (That's another bag for another discussion...Red Hatting!) House & Home is one bag I must keep with me on this journey, but I definitely think I can re-pack it to lighten the load! Might even make it a source of not only necessities but also comfort.

The "Relationships" bag is my carry-on. I would NEVER check that one. It contains all that is most precious to me.

I have a wonderful, loving husband who "gets" me. He is able to see me as I am, and still loves me! I am completely and passionately in love with him, even after all these years!

My daughter is a fabulous child! She is bright, good-hearted, generous, hard working, and she loves her mother! Which in itself should attest to her brilliance!

I have sisters and a brother whom I love dearly. But more importantly, they are people I would like & respect even if I wasn't related to them.

Then, there are my friends! I have girlfriends with whom I share deep, personal (sister-like) bonds. My husband & I have couple friends that enrich our lives so much! Then, there are those who are just fun to be around, if only occasionally. I feel like I am truly blessed with friends.

I am sure there are a few smaller bags that are tucked amongst the larger ones that I haven't considered yet. As I have written this entry, I have realized that as I embark on this journey, there are definitely some of these bags that will simply be left to spin on the luggage carousel until someone places them in the unclaimed pile. But others can be consolidated, re-packed, or ticketed for another destination. Somehow, that seems an easier, less heart-wrenching task!

Now, I just have to get on with it!

Chris

Time for a "Life Refinement"!

These thoughts have been wandering around my brain for a while. It has always helped that I write things down. So...here goes!

I belong to a wonderful organization, the Interior Refiners Network. http://www.interiorrefiners.com As a group of professional redesigners, we help our clients make the most of what they already have. Organizing, editing and showcasing their possesions, even adding new things as needed. It is a concept that I believe will work in life as well. It is a process that I need to adopt. I am at a point in my life that I want that "refined" space, both physical & mental. I could use more calm & less exasperation, even if it is of my own making! My home, my relationships, my businesses, my JOB can only become better, more refined!

This will be a journal of my quest. Not sure where it will take me, but you are welcome to come along for the ride!

Chris