Girlfriends are Like a Bouquet of Flowers

When I got married I gave a speech explaining how my life is like my bouquet of flowers. I said " Forrest Gump once said that life is like a box of chocolates. I would like to compare my life to my beautiful bouquet of flowers. Each friend that has come into my life represents a flower in my bouquet. Each friend adds their unique personality and color which blends together to form this beautiful bouquet I call my life."

When I left the hospital to pursue my dream of becoming a business woman I was thrilled to walk out and never look back. Over the next 3 years my physical and emotional health deteriorated as I worked day in and day out on the laptop writing courses and building the business. In 3 short years, I gained 60 pounds, my complexion rotted and turned gray, and I basically lived life at a dizzying pace....I also lost my focus and purpose...ignored and back benched the people who gave me a purpose in life.

Working at home sounds amazing....but it isn't. I was too busy to notice life going by. It was as if 3 years simply disappeared and one day I woke up feeling profoundly lonely. When I walked out of the hospital...I left my community...I walked away from friends who I shared my last 15 years of life with...I walked out on the audience who listened to my crazy stories and adventures....people who inspired me and supported me when times were tough. Despite walking out on them...with no intention of ever looking back...there they were...waiting with open arms for my return...again we just fell into place as if we never lost a day.

Every time the phone would ring I felt it was a nuisance and an intrusion on my life. I was angry that people wouldn't leave me alone when I had so much to get done. Slowly, over time...I realized that I was never going to be done. There will always be deadlines to meet and stuff to be done. Thankfully, my friends never gave up on me.

I have a life long friend visiting with me this week. Despite living far away, it is like we are never apart. It is so fabulous to be able to simply sit around and be comfortable...no uncomfortable pauses...no rush to be somewhere or pressure to be anyone else but me. It doesn't matter how many months have passed or what is going on in our lives....when we get together it is like 2 puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together. We are automatically in sync... we start out with a big hug and then flop into the couch and share, sit, eat, whatever...just a blissful glow of energy as life goes on around us...like there hasn't been a geographical interruption.

This can also be said of friends gone by who have wandered back into my life by chance. I have a girlfriend where 2 years can go by...where we do not see each other, and we simply fall into place...in sync...like 2 puzzle pieces that belong together. We always have lots of fun! One night, she invited an old friend from high school over for an exquisite meal,evening of drinks and laughter on her deck. It was so cool because I had been thinking about this gal all day...and kaboom....there she was....invited by my friend...out of the blue....meant to be...miles apart but on the exact same wave length. On this night, we shared our goals and ideas, and subsequently inspired each other to follow our dreams. As cheesy as it sounds it truly was an amazing night under the stars. It was on this night...my blog was born!

Another consequential friend worked with me at the hospital for 15 years. We were simply acquaintances....said hello politely and enjoyed some simple chat. A year after she moved away, we connected online. We started writing to each other on a regular basis...sharing our dreams and disappointments in life....again...a judgment free forum to write our hearts out....and just be. In a short time, she has become such an important part of my life.

I am so blessed! I have other friends that come and go....move away but never leave me. My running buddy...someone I met at the back of the pack attempting to run... dared to move away on me (her husband was transferred). I have told her many times this should have been run by me first...because it turned my life upside down!I recently had lunch with her in her new town...again....time has passed...but we instantly connect like puzzle pieces and lapse back in time as if we saw each other yesterday. I miss her...but we always fall perfectly into that puzzle... as if there hasn't been a break at all.

You NEED girlfriends to survive... and thrive....to breathe...to be. A person is only complete when she has a true friend to understand her, to share all her passions and sorrows with, and to stand by her throughout her life. As I go through my life... these gorgeous, bright and inspirational flowers fall into this amazing bouquet of flowers I call my life. Friends add the color to your world!


"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."- Anais Nin

Lynn
;)

Follow Your Dream!

A month ago I was in a very deep and dark place. I was at my wit's end with weight gain and I just didn't feel like getting out of bed. My phone rang and the woman on the other end told me she was with the South Shore Women in Business Group and they were looking for a key note speaker for their conference, Spring to Success. I was stunned. I didn't have a topic, or price in mind or anything. I didn't even think to ask her where or how she found out about me. I agreed to it for a nominal fee as they were a non profit group and I am looking to break into the business. As usual, as soon as I hung up the phone I freaked out and asked myself what the hell I was thinking! Self doubt flooded my mind for the next month...right up until I delivered the speech actually.

I have always wanted to be a professional speaker. I wished and wished that I could do it 'someday' but I always had the hospital and work as an excuse (a crutch)...combined with a little wee voice assuring me I could never actually do it. One day, my girlfriend Trisha (and now business partner) told me that she had booked a professional speaker for her nursing students. She went on to explain that it was a physical assessment seminar with a motivational component. Of course my immediate reaction was extreme jealousy.....oh I wished I could do that. I asked her if I could go and she quickly replied...."Absolutely!" I asked her who she had booked to deliver the presentation and she said "You....this Friday at 8am...you better start writing!" I instantly had a mouthful of excuses....but she wouldn't tolerate it. She simply reinforced that the room was booked and the students were excited to meet me...get moving! My nerves were shattered!

The presentation went on without a hitch. In fact, you just can't beat a group of eager and young students as an audience. My parents taught me never let them see you sweat...so despite feeling like vomiting in the waste can...I went at it. I was elated and high as a kite. The students jaws dropped...oohs and ahhs like a fireworks show....tears and giggles and applause. Wow what a feeling! I was hooked. That damned self doubt voice was still fist fighting to beat the hell out of me...but the testimonials of the students were overwhelming proof that speaking is my forte.

From that, I ended up expanding the assessment seminar into an 8 hour day and I put it on for colleagues at the hospital for free. I was devastated when only 3 people showed up. I wanted feedback and it turned out to be a fabulous group of three for that....but my heart was broken. Of course I took this as a sign that I should abandon such a ridiculous venture. However, the feedback was amazing...and one of my colleagues insisted that I develop a motivational component only... and I did. I went on from there to speak for an EMS (paramedic) conference, and another nursing group conference. From there I was called to speak at the Atlantic Lotto Corporation as a key note for their IT conference, then as the closer for the Extreme Entrepreneur Conference in 2007. A string of gigs came in after that...and I was shocked as all of the bookings were for businesses, not nursing. So, now I have a motivational presentation for nurses and another for women in business.

This past week end was amazing! I decided to go to Halifax a day early to meet with some business colleagues and had lunch with one of my girlfriends whom I dearly missed. When I arrived in Bridgewater, the planning committee director greeted me and took me to supper. It was no ordinary supper either! I had a lobster supper at a world renowned lab consultant's house who travels all over the world. The house was right on the ocean edge...custom built...no curtains necessary. The view was breath taking...even from the can! The supper was amazing- lobster, spinach salad with brie cheese and walnuts and poppy seed dressing, basil vinaigrette potato salad, fresh bread…mmmmmm…and good wine! I was treated like a queen. They were amazing hosts!

My presentation was extremely successful... (despite feeling like vomiting in the waste can again!) well beyond my expectations. It is so funny that I LOVE to speak to groups...but I do have incredible stage fright at first. I am fine after I get talking....but up to the event...I could projectile vomit form my nerves. Trisha wants to strangle me as every presentation goes off without a hitch and the audience responds beautifully. BUT, I just can't help it....maybe I need that extra rush of adrenaline to make it happen. I told the story about me and Trisha's trials and tribulations of becoming female entrepreneurs. Some stories were funny, others were sad. The crowd went wild. The entire speech was like a roller coaster ride...lots of oohs and ahh's and laughter and tears. What a rush! I got two standing ovations and I was swarmed by crying women!!!! One of the hotel workers said “I have attended hundreds of speeches over my last 8 years here and you come out….WAY ON TOP! If you aren’t doing it for a living…you should be!” I was beside myself! The best part of it all... was being approached by the business women after the presentation who shared that they felt connected to me....they too felt fear, stress, rejection, and kept right on going. I was barraged by women who wanted to talk to me...to hear whatever I had to say. I was shocked and thrilled at the same time!

At the end of the day, I decided to spend an extra night in Bridgewater just to relax. That night I felt a new 'fullness' in my soul. I finally felt 'full' for the first time in many years...and I didn't even eat! I cannot eat before I speak. I guess that further proves the point that emotional eating is real! That hunger inside of me is not actually for a piece of cheese...it is to follow my dreams and just do it...that works for Nike...why not me? LOL! I realized that I am now writing...and I love it. I write this blog, I write presentations and speak on a professional basis. I am going to write my book. Writing is where it's at for me...so to speak.

In the morning when I went to check out, the motel clerk said "your money is no good here". I said "what?" As it turns out the manager of the motel had attended my presentation and she insisted that my stay be complimentary! Isn't that amazing? If you follow your dream you get free motel rooms!

It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.
- Elinor Smith

Lynn
;)

Soul Candle

About 3 years ago I had the pleasure of meeting a very special human being named "Dottie". I was at a national nursing conference and 'out of the blue' I believe God dropped her right into my lap. Dottie is a nurse from a small African nation. She is a BIG black well-endowed African goddess. Dottie and I began talking about nursing (my career for those of you who do not know me).One of the biggest issues in nursing today is horizontal violence or more commonly known as "nurses eating their young". I was shocked to hear that nursing all across the world has the same issues as we do here in North America...far far away across the world. Dottie went on to share the best life advice I have ever heard.

Dottie told me when she had some problems at school as a child because of mean girls. Then, as she went into nursing, the back biting and nastiness was really getting her down. I was shocked because I truly thought this was only a North American phenomenon! Dottie told me that she shared her dismay with her mother one day and her mother told her about the 'soul candle'. She told her daughter that every human being is born with a soul candle(a flame flickering inside their heart)and they MUST keep that flame burning at all costs. It is human nature for humans to try to knock each other down in order to protect their small world....in essence trying to blow out your soul candle. Her mother told her that negative thoughts and doubts are like hurricane force winds for your soul candle....and can quite easily extinguish your flame if you let it. Dottie went on to tell me when she feels hurt by words...she thinks about her soul candle and knocks the thoughts right out of her head. At this point, I wanted to curl up on Dottie's lap, suck my thumb and nestle my head right into her bosom! I LOVED Dottie...sadly I did not get her contact information....and with that she disappeared out of my life...in body but not in soul.

I have been thinking about Dottie a lot lately....not in the nursing context but in real life scenarios. I have been bombarded with sad news lately about the health and tragedies bestowed upon my friends. We take life so much for granted. As I reflect upon my perpetual battle (OBSESSION)with my weight I get frustrated with the triviality of it all. Because I am a child trapped in a woman's body I tend to not accept that I am into my 4th decade in life. It is in this decade that one of my friend's became a widow, a couple have lost their parents, one is battling for her life in intensive care following a simple surgery, and another has received news of breast cancer. How can this be true? I ask myself....weren't we just playing hide-and-go-seek and swinging on the swing set yesterday?

To me, the soul candle represents the very core of our soul. I can slip into denial...curl into a ball and deny what is fact. I can allow myself to feel the paralyzing pain and allow it to cripple me in fear for the rest of my days.....what if this happens...what if that happens? OR...I can take it for what it is....sad news...and let that be a reality check and swift kick in the ass to stop wasting time worrying....or "burning daylight" as Dr. Phil puts it. I have to shit or get of the pot, so to speak.... don't sweat the petty things...and don't pet the sweaty things. I still need to persevere as far as the weight loss goes in order to protect my health. BUT, I also must keep in mind that there is real life struggle and pain out there and stop letting a clothing size or number on the scale be the boss of me. I must admit when I got the call from my friend with the breast cancer scare...my soul candle flickered and struggled to stay lit....how can this be happening? This just isn't right....it's not fair. This happens to other people...there was a tsunami in my chest! It is a heart wrenching reminder to us all not to take life for granted.....to live like you are dying... and to protect the soul candle flame at all cost.

You can chose to be like a leaf in the Fall that clings to the tree for dear life...or let yourself go wherever the breeze takes you-Lynn Casey

Lynn
;)

Shopping While Fat

There is a great show on ABC called "What Would You Do?" hosted by John Quinones. The show features ethical/moral dilemmas in social situations with hidden cameras to see how people will react. I try to watch it every time it is on because I am intrigued by human behavior when people are not aware they are being filmed. I have been shocked by some reactions and inaction of the public. Last night's show really surprised me!

One vignette featured a story on racial profiling. There is a real phenomenon named for it called "Shopping While Black". A boutique in upscale New York allowed the experiment to take place in their store. The scenario involved a black actress who dressed up and dressed down. In both scenarios the store clerk approaches the black actress for no reason within earshot of unsuspecting customers and states "We don't tolerate your kind here. Now just leave OK. Last week one of your kind stole a hole bunch of stuff and I am sick of it". The actress reacts as expected...hurt, crying, saying "I didn't do anything!". Not surprisingly, most people ignored or avoided the situation all together. One black man made a huge scene about it and stormed out of the store with his family...he was devastated. Another reaction involved 2 British ladies who not only walked out of the store with the black actress as she was escorted out by security...they also recruited the rest of the customers in the store to leave as well. Another white woman became extremely emotional and she was unable to stop crying or calm down for the after camera interview. This story elicited an emotional response in me, not only because of the obvious disturbing inaction of the public...but also because this has happened to me! Except my crime was "Shopping While Fat."

One day I was shopping at a panty hose specialty store. As usual, I had to kneel down on the floor because the bigger sizes are on the very bottom of the racks. I was happily chirping along....making very special plans for the black thigh highs I was about to purchase when out of the blue....the store clerk sharply tapped on my shoulder and said "EXCUUUUUUUSSSSSEEEEE ME....there is a store for YOU people next door". WTF? I was stunned! You see...the store next door was a plus-sized clothing store.I couldn't even react because it actually took me a few moments to absorb what just happened. I said "PARDON ME?" I didn't ask this woman for help...in fact..this encounter was the first time I even laid eyes on her! I swiveled on my ass and I said "These are actually for my husband to wear!" I wish I could tell you that I demanded to speak to the manager and had her fired...but I was so distressed I bought the thigh highs and ran out to cry in the car.

Another time I went shopping with a male friend to help him select Christmas presents for his girlfriend. He decided he wanted to buy her a "Far West" ski jacket. We went to the "Far West" store and started looking for the perfect jacket. My friend's girlfriend was a perfect size 2 so we went to the petite section and started digging. As I happily worked my way through the racks....a sales clerk approached me and said " WE DON'T HAVE ANYTHING HERE FOR YOU." Again, I was so caught off guard my jaw dropped to the floor. My quick thinking male friend said "Well that's your loss..she was here to buy 100 coats for kids...let's go!". We walked out. He didn't believe my thigh high experience when I first told him about it...but now he believed every word of it!

I have no idea why these bizarre things happen in my life (maybe to make for some good stories) but I do know one thing...these ignoramus morons make me grateful to be me!

To be ignorant of one's ignorance is the malady of the ignorant.

Amos Bronson Alcott

Lynn
;)

Group Therapy for Dummies

There is something great about being involved in a group. Tonight was my triathlon lap swimming class...100 laps/hour. There are 4 of us who meet every week and go at it. Every week we are eager to see each other....have playful,flirtatious banter (2 are fellas)....get in the pool and rock and roll! When I miss a class...they always ask where I've been. When I get to the pool my pull paddles, flippers, flutter board are waiting for me at my lane. Tonight, one of the guys did the wave stroke....every time I looked in his direction he was waving at me while swimming just to get a good laugh! I really enjoy my swimming group and the same group of us attend spinning class too. Lots of laughing and familiar faces makes exercise fun! When I don't make class they miss me...and tell me so. It's great to belong....sometimes.

Now a bad group experience for me is Weight Watchers. I joined last week and lost 8 pounds on week one. Yahoo! Weight Watchers is a fabulous organization...and it works of you follow the points and exercise. I feel great being in control again. BUT, I HATE GROUP ACTIVITY AT WEIGHT WATCHERS. One of the asinine group tasks involves forcing strangers who do not want to talk ... to do just that! Whenever the group leader says "now look at the person next to you and say"..."or sit in groups of 3"...I LOSE IT!! One dufus asked how many points Kraft Dinner was during the week one orientation to the program! I suspect this idiot has no idea why she is a COW! Another time I got suckered into a group to discuss ways to 'lighten' potato salad. One idiot said she makes her potato salad with mustard instead of mayonnaise. I said "then it is mustard on potatoes....NOT potato salad! DUH! Another one asked how many points in a Big Mac combo.HELLO?????????? Sadly, I do not have a very good poker face when I am surrounded by dummies! It is during times like this I wish stupid was painful!!

So, I will continue to go to Weight Watchers and attend the meetings for now. If they even mention the word group again... I will grab my bag and run for the door screaming for my life!!!

"Stupid is as stupid does."
-Forrest Gump

Lynn
;)

Commercial Crap!

There is a TV commercial that runs here in NB to celebrate our teachers. Overall it is a nice gesture. BUT...I get ugly every time I see it. here's some of the dialogue for you.

Skinny kid in a drama-esque costume says " Thank you for going over my lines with me before the big play"

Skinny kid in lovely sweater and pants says " Thank you for teaching me all about chemistry so I can cure cancer"

Skinny kid in nice outfit says " Thank you for teaching me all about astrophysics so I can build a space shuttle"

FAT KID in sloppy hockey jersey and sweat pants says " Thank you for teaching me not to eat cheese burgers before the game"

WTF???? All the skinny kids are thanking their teachers for helping them save the world, or be on Broadway, or design the entire space program and the FAT KID is told not to eat before the game....you hear that piglet??? No puking on the ice FATSO! Hold off on the pre-game gorging you useless glutton! You are the goalie because everyone has to make the team....you skate too slow and fill the net ya PIG! Great message there eh?

The next commercial that drives me over the bend is the Special K challenge commercials. Some chick in a little teeny weeny size triple zero red dress passes on eating some donuts at the office so she can 'fit' in this snot rag sized red hanky. I am not sure of what tone they are trying to set. The music for the commercial is the 'Sex in the City' theme. There is a guy who is really gay ...who is really terrible at acting gay...so his over zealous attempts of trying to be ultra gay are incredibly annoying. There is also another girl in the ad who I cannot recall. The fake/real gay guy and the one who plays 'not the skinny or pretty office girl' are both in grayish but proper office attire. The triple zero waif either really LOVES this dress or she is waiting for the pay check from shooting the commercial because it is the only outfit she wears in 3 different commercials!!! Did you know the "Special K Challenge" consists of eating only Special K cereal for breakfast and lunch for 2 weeks? Is the challenge not to die of rickets? What kind of sick advertising campaign is this? Has anyone eaten Special K lately? It is puffed air!! I can eat a barrel of it...and still be hungry.

My point is...although there is a whole world out there with much larger and important issues than a number on the scale...it is very difficult to 'swallow' the world's skewed view on fat people. The sad truth is with all the pressure to maintain political correctness, avoid harassment or prejudiced claims, and cultural and/or sexual sensitivity training bullshit...the only demographic that is still safe to pick on are the FAT people!We are a target by elimination! You can try to convince me all you like that the world's view of fat people is not as skewed as I see it...but I doubt anyone can dispute some TV commercial's messages are just plain whacked!! S.O.S- Save our society!

The only difference between a weed and a flower is a judgment.
- Wayne Dyer

Lynn
;)

Live to Eat

There are people out there who simply eat to live...these people do not think about food...or dream about food... or have any kind of blissful release during the ingestion of chocolate or melted cheese! I heard about these types of people but I always thought it was just another crazy urban legend! I have never understood these types. When I wake up I think about what is for breakfast before my feet hit the floor! Sometimes I think about what I am going to eat next...while I am eating.

My husband has been a steady 145 pounds since the day we met 13 years ago. He has been able to eat whatever he wants....whenever he wants. He can go for several hours without eating anything at all. His kids are the same. A trip to McDonald's always resulted in extra fries for me...extra cheeseburgers....besides my full meal. When the kids were young....I was the human garbage disposal. When we eat a meal, my husband finishes his meal very quickly and leaves the table. I am typically left at the table alone for another 10-15 minutes to finish my meal. I eat slowly, take my time and savor my meals.

I recently read a study that revealed eating is a sociable event for people with weight issues and a functional non event for those who do not have problems with weight. This makes perfect sense to me because my husband and his family eat and leave the table as soon as they are done their meal; whereas mealtime is an event when I visit with my family. All socializing takes place at the heart and soul of my family’s home...the kitchen table. We spend hours sipping tea...laughing and chatting...a cookie here....a piece of cheese there...hours of enjoyable company and nibbling…warm and fuzzy comfy cozy home.

When I did my own impromptu study I too discovered that the majority of skinny people eat to live and the majority of ‘pleasantly plump’ live to eat. I love thinking about food, planning it, anticipating, smelling it and best of all…eating it. Something put together with love and passion actually tastes better too! I love being passionate about food…I wouldn’t change that I live to eat for all the tea (plus cheese plus cookies plus chocolate) in China!

“Always get the fat girl to make your sandwich”-Alexis Truax RN/BN