Negative-less

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’Negative-less’

June08-1When I started training I tried to remain as focused as possible.  One of the things I had to do was remove negative energy.  In order to do that, I had to separate myself from people that weren’t doing anything but offering trouble.

Some of these people were just acquaintances.  These were the type of people that although not around a lot, when he/she is, there’s always some type of drama.  For some reason, when you walk away from these people, you feel more frustrated than anything else.  They want to gossip about you and everyone else.  They’ll smile in your face and stab you in the back within minutes.  With these people, I just completely cut them out of my life.  Instead of seeing them out in public and acting as if we were cool and carrying on conversation, I now just keep on walking.  ‘Fake friends’ are not a requirement for happiness.

Some other people were my relatives.  I couldn’t (well I guess I could) just cut them out of my life.  So instead, I watched the conversations that I had with them.  One of my aunts is constantly worried about any and everything and she was the only person that tried to discourage me from competing.  Although I love her as a person, I would intentionally not update her on my progress because I knew support would not come her way.  We would talk and I appreciated her calls, I just knew my limitations with the conversation.

I even changed around how I operate at work.  Instead of checking my work emails at home on the weekends or at night, I would wait until I got to work.  I appreciate my ‘my time’ more and didn’t let things stress me out that could wait until work hours.

Once I was able to rid myself of the negative vibes, I also surrounded myself with positive people.  I loved going to the gym and meeting other people equally into fitness.  Some of my friends were there with me every step of the way.  They became my cheerleaders and biggest fans.    On my birthday, I even started a ‘Thank You Journal’.  Each night I take the time to write down something positive that occurred that day. It can be something as simple as being thankful for having a great group of co-workers, allowing me to travel safely to Cincy or even be thankful for making a positive connection with someone new.  When I got rid of the negative and increased the positive, I found that life felt so much better.  I start to further appreciate the wonderful things in individuals which in return makes you want to give back to others.  So, if you have people or things in your life that are stressing you out or really have no positive purpose, find a way to separate yourself – you definitely will notice a difference!

M.Y.  June 2008

You Ate What?

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“You Ate What?”

May08-4A lot of people have been asking me what I ate during my training.  Although time consuming to prepare, it was actually pretty simple.  Meal 1 – 1 whole egg, 3 egg whites, ¾ cup oatmeal, 3 oz of lean meat (chicken breast, sirloin steak or fish).  Meal 2 – two scoop protein shake with 20 oz of water.  Meal 3 – 5 oz lean meat, ½ cup brown rice or 4 oz sweet potato, 2 cups vegetables.  Meal  4 – 2 scoop protein shake with 20 oz of water.  Meal 5 – 6 oz lean meat and 2 cups of vegetables.  Dessert – sugar or fat free jello or pudding.  And that’s it.  Everything was carefully measured out.  You didn’t miss anything between the lines.    If it’s not written above then I didn’t eat it.  No pasta, no fruit, no sausage, no popcorn, no cheese, no milk or dairy products, no hot fudge sundaes.  NADA.  Now there were things I could have substituted that I don’t like, but the above is simply what I ate for four straight months.  My excitement came in the form of my pudding cup at the end of the day (dulce de leche or chocolate mint) and I was able to add variation by switching vegetables and meats.  I also found a wonderful muffin and waffle protein recipe for my first meal every morning.

My training has stopped for the summer and last week was my first real week of ‘normal eating’.  I was told to ease back into regular meals, but I don’t think I listened very well.  Sunday (5/18) –  Qdoba for dinner, Monday – Panera for lunch with a caramel pecan brownie, Tuesday – popcorn at the movies,  Thursday – Quizno’s for lunch and Famous Dave’s (2 sausage links, corn bread, baked beans, apples, and corn) along with Homemade Pie and Ice Cream Kitchen for dinner, Friday – a gyro with fries for lunch and a Krispy Kreme doughnut (chocolate iced crème filled) back at my office, Saturday – a cookout (2 servings including Adrienne’s wonderful macaroni and Arnita’s peach cobbler), Sunday – brunch at Blu, two cookouts (more great food) and dessert at J. Alexander’s (carrot cake).

Sunday at 3:00 in the morning – an overly full stomach and heart, heart, heartburn.  I didn’t feel sick, I just couldn’t move.  I was supposed to celebrate my birthday on Monday by going out to eat with my friends for lunch, but I had to cancel.  I felt if someone stuck me with a pin I would have exploded.  Instead I had a healthy birthday and we went walking around Seneca Park for exercise.  I fortunately/unfortunately got most of the meals I missed eaten in one week’s time.  I was worried about ‘blowing up’ but luckily I also worked out throughout the week at the gym.

While I won’t continue the extensive meal plan unless I’m getting ready for another competition, I also won’t just let loose like I did last week.  I believe there is a great way to balance the two and I’ll find that balance right after I eat that one bowl of whole wheat pasta with sausage from Macaroni Grill!!!!  (-;

(and yes, it’s no wig – the hair is cut)

M.Y.  May 2008

Birthday Giveback

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“Birthday Giveback”
May08-3I get to celebrate my birthday, May 26, this year on Memorial Day – how fitting!  My mother passed away two years ago on May 23 (three days before my 30th birthday).  So, for the past two years as my birthday has neared, I’ve also had the blessing of remembering my mother’s life.

If you knew my mother, you knew she was dedicated to the community and giving back to others.  She didn’t care about your age, race or sex – to sit down with her for five minutes made you feel as if you were the most important person around.  I’ve now decided to remember her life each year by giving back to others.

Last year I had two skating parties to raise funds for both St. George’s Community Center and the KY Center for African American Heritage.  I also hosted a luncheon at my work to inform my colleagues, friends and others about Ovarian Cancer.

This year I did a little something different.  My mother was involved in a cancer support group called Ovarian Awareness of KY (OAK).  Many of the people that were there when my mother was alive are still survivors in the group.  I decided to give back to each of them and thank them simply for being wonderful people.  Yesterday, I sponsored a tea for 25 volunteers, survivors and their caregivers at La Tea Da at Dolfingers.  It was such a joyous experience and each lady was treated like a queen.  I also made a small angel to give to each woman and let them know that although times may be tough and sometimes they feel like nobody cares about them, they have made a difference in my life and are angels in my eyes and others.  The angel was small, so I asked them to place it in their wallet.  The next time they are feeling down, I suggested they get it out to remind themselves that they are special and do make a difference.
Although birthdays are supposed to be about celebrating your own life (don’t worry I will try to find the perfect piece of dessert to indulge), we also need to take that time to celebrate the people that helped get us where we are today!

M.Y. May 2008

Hair Theory/ Get Out and Vote

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Hair Theory/Get Out & Vote

May08-2Topic 1: I have a theory about women and hair.  I honestly believe that a woman’s hair is  pre-determined to be a certain length.  Have you ever noticed that there are some women with short hair and no matter how hard they try to grow their hair out, it never grows long enough to put in a ponytail?

Then we have some women that have ‘long flowing locks’.  They are always complimented about their hair and sometimes asked if their real hair is a weave.  Sometimes these women will cut their hair short, but it seems like only several months later their hair is back to flowing and glowing. They walk out of the salon with their new cut, and by the time they walk to their car it’s already grown out an inch!

My hair (I believe) was pre-determined to be a couple of inches past my shoulders.  I used to want it to grow to ‘bra-strap’ length.  Through the wonders of added on hair, I was able to enjoy that for a couple of weeks during Christmas, but quickly realized it was overrated.  I’m now thinking in a different direction – I WANT TO CUT MY HAIR! (chop)

The thought has stayed in my mind for several weeks and every time I see a person with short hair I admire their ‘do (chop, chop).  With figure training, my life has become so much more active and I’m ready for change.  Some of my friends and co-workers say “Don’t do it!”.  But, hey, it’s just hair!  And if my theory is right, my hair will be right back to my shoulders in a year or so. Be on the lookout for shortened locks of love before my 32nd birthday at the end of the month (chop, chop, chop)!  And – iIf my theory is wrong – um, yeah, I didn’t think that far!

Topic 2:  The presidential election could have ended months ago, weeks ago or even days ago.  But it hasn’t. I was selfish and hoped the Obama/Clinton hype would come to KY so I too could take part and my vote would count. We are at a time where we could have our first African American or woman president.  This is monumental!  This could be one of those moments that in 30 years you sit back and reflect on with your grandchildren.  Don’t just sit back and not make your voice heard.  TUESDAY, MAY 20 – if you value your freedom, your rights and your voice – you’ll vote for the person that represents your values best!!

 

M.Y.  May 2008

Please Don’t Hit Me

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”Please Don’t Hit Me”

May08-1Thursday night I went to Gip’s party at City Block.  I love, love, love to dance so I busted a move with a friend of mine.  We had been dancing to several songs when I glanced up and saw this shadow.  It was a big shadow.  And then I saw the face.  What?  Is that my buddy Mark?  I hadn’t seen Mark in over fours years and am shocked that he’s back in Louisville.  When he was here we’d go hang out at the movies and just kick it.  I always thought he was kinda crazy, but at the same time humorous.

I cut my dance short while I walk over to the area where Mark was standing.  Gip’s party was crowded by the bar area so I squeezed through some people to say hello to him.   “Hey Mark! Remember me!”  I nudged him in the process to get his attention.  Well I guess I nudged a little too hard because the next thing he yells is “Who the f$@* knocked my drink on me?”  OH NO!!!  He looked around and angrily repeated the phrase.  I have to explain who this Mark is.  Mark’s full name is Mark Henry, current WWE wrestler, formerly known as Sexual Chocolate. Brotha man weighs 400 pounds and also had the title of World’s Strongest Man.  (I can vouch for that because he came to my classroom several years ago and bent a steel cooking skillet for my students).  So, now he’s pissed.  I get a little scared and wonder what will happen if he doesn’t remember me.

I stand high on my toes so we’re eye level and say, “Mark, look at me.  Look at me!  Remember me.  I spilled your drink.  I’m sorry!  I was trying to get your attention.”  He looks at me with his mean wrestler look for about five second then smiles his wide grin.  “Hey, Kim! How are you doing?”   Um, yeah, that’s not my name.  “Dude,” I say, “that’s not my name”.  He then follows up with ‘Yeager, right”  Whew! After clearing up the proper first name, Mark and I caught up on old times.  I reminded him of the time he embarrassed me in Cracker Barrel. He actually remembered the exact phrase he’d yelled out at the top of my lungs for all restaurant eaters to hear (and then repeated it in the club).  I’m not sure if he ever got another drink, but I do know I successful left the party without any scratches or bruises!! And that’s what matters!

Derby 2008 Recap

My magic number ended up being lucky number 7.  Seven parties in one weekend – whoa is all I have to say.  Thank goodness God invented a bed because my bed and I became the best of friends during the day on
Saturday and Sunday.

Thursday:  Stop 1: Sherlene Shanklin’s party at Glassworks.  The party was in great location.  Guests received gift baskets and it was an amazing setup.  This is just the second year of the event, but I have a
feeling it will become more popular in the years to come.  Highlight – receiving a Jagermeister (“yeager-myster”) hat and t-shirt.  Absolutly love it!

Stop 2: Gip Palm’s party at City Block- folks came out to kick it with Gip and the DJs were jammin.  I always call Derby Thursday “Louisville local” night because you run into old friends.  Gip came through once again with another successful event.  Highlight – While dancing with one friend, I saw a friend of mine I hadn’t seen in four years, my buddy WWE wrestler Mark Henry.  I thought he was going to beat me up as I accidentally spilled his drink on him.  But once he looked me in the eyes and saw it was me, we were cool. Still big as ever, yet still sweet and friendly.

Friday: Stop 3: The All White Party at the Galt House.  This was my first time at this event.  I’m telling you, this party is a hidden gem.  I arrived at 11:00pm and the place was already packed.  It didn’t matter your age, everyone looked sharp as ever.  Highlight – Watching the Louisville Slyde in action on the dance floor.

Stop 4: The Goodtimers party at Kye’s.  If you ever want to know how many black people you can fit into one location – go to Kye’s on Derby Friday.  This place was packed.  Rain obviously didn’t keep folks away.  There was old school (for me), new school, and live music.  I even heard the Goodtimers have something in the works.  Highlight – hearing Darrell Levine singing Playa’s “Cheers to You” (RIP Static).

Saturday day – sleep, sleep, eat, sleep, sleep, eat.  I woke up right at 6:00 to watch the Derby.  It was the strangest emotion celebrating Big Brown’s win and then grieving the loss of Eight Belles.  As a true Louisvillian who has grown up with the Derby it was an instance that I never would have expected to happen, and I’ll never forget.

Stop 5: Grand Gala – OnyxLouisville receive a media pass to take pics of all the celebrities. You realize celebrities, although still beautiful, are much smaller in person.  Everyone looked their finest.  Highlight – seeing Renee Murphy’s husband, Keith, dressed to the nine in his suit.  Go Keith go!
Stop 6: Kris Rob/400 Club party at the Water Tower.  This was another wonderful location for a party where everyone was having a good time.  VIP was at it’s best.  Highlight – being reunited with many of the
models from the Louisville Shine fashion show.

Stop 7: Gaskins/JRP party at the Museum of Arts and Craft.  I’d never been to this facility and it’s somewhere worth visiting in your Louisville lifetime.  There were three floors of action. Folks were surrounded by art and feasted on sushi. Highlight – watching DJ Que do what he always does, but this time dressed to the nine in a tux!

M.Y. May 2008

Such Gentlemen

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“Such Gentlemen”

April-08-2Over the past couple of weeks I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by and watch some very kind and friendly men in the Louisville area.  It first started a couple of weeks ago while eating my cheat meal (it was great!) at Famous Dave’s.  I had sausage, baked beans, apples, corn and corn bread.  You appreciate it when you’ve been away from it for 12 weeks.  And the sausage, oh wow, – anyway, back to the original story.

My friend ordered a rib dinner. While we were eating and talking, a family walked past our table on their way out.  The older gentleman with the group came back to our table and said, “So, how were those ribs?”  He bragged that he had just eaten the most wonderful catfish but was thinking of ordering the ribs.  He also boasted on the great banana pudding, suggested we also try that and wished us well for the rest of our evening.  He wasn’t trying to be pushy or nosey, he was just one of those southern gents talking to us like we were a part of his family.

Several days later, when the temperature was in the 80s, I was driving to work and was at the intersection of Bardstown Rd. and Goldsmith.  As the light turned red, I arrived right there at the Rally’s.  There was a red car waiting to leave Rally’s so I slowed up to give the guy room to get in front of me.  He didn’t move.  So I pulled up and stopped at the light and wondered why he didn’t pull out.  He waited as this older, heavy set woman walking down the street out of breath got closer to his car.  He asked her where she was going and offered her a ride so she could rest her feet.  This woman’s eyes lit up and a smile brightened her face.  You could tell this had been a blessing she’d been seeking.

On Sunday I got an oil change at Goodyear.  I always go there for my oil changes, but there was a new guy working behind the counter.  I originally had an appointment for solely an oil change – $23.  I then saw an advertised Spring Care Package for $40 and asked for that instead.  No problem.  After about 45 minutes I was ready to go.  While waiting at the counter to pay, the Papa John’s guy walked in to deliver pizza to the counter guy.  The delivery person said, “You’re in luck, we gave you an extra Works pizza for free.”  The guy was psyched.  As he rung up my bill, he only charged me $23 total.  I reminded him of the Spring Care Package and he said, “Don’t worry about it.”  Cool!  All of these experiences made me appreciate all of the true men that are still around.

I also felt this was a ‘pass-it-on’ type act of kindness. He got pizza, I got a discount, now what could I do help someone else?  I tried to think of something, but then just went home and took a nap.  This morning I decided to go to the gym early and get in my 20 minutes of cardio.  When I finished changing, an older woman walked up to me said, ‘Darlin’ I have a favor to ask you.  It’s perfectly fine if you say no.  I’ll understand.”  She wanted me to put tanning oil on her back.  She could reach everywhere but that area.  Since I’d been competing recently, I knew the challenges of not being able to reach your back to apply oil.  As I applied the lotion I explained to her that it was no problem and I understood her dilemma.  Her poor back was already red from where she’d been in the tanning bed before without the lotion and I knew she was very thankful that our paths crossed at that time.

I walked out into the gym happy that I too was able to give back to a complete stranger and hope that by reading this, you will do the same!

M.Y.  April 2008