Farewell Mishinda

Yesterday morning I was contacted by the aunt of one of my blog followers. I was taken aback by the call, as I’m super busy finalizing details for my upcoming event (Cupcakes & Cocktails). The caller sounded unsure as to whom she wanted to speak with.  As I waited to try and catch the voice she asked if she could speak with “The LupieChick”. I paused as I knew this was a Lupus related question as no one refers to me as the Lupie Chick in conversation. I acknowledged that I was the person she was looking for and she began to tell me about her niece, Mishinda. 

Mishinda was 26 years old, mother of 2, and had passed away from complications of Lupus on Sunday, February 24, 2013. I instantly felt my heart break (literally, I had a pain in my chest) as she began to speak about Mishinda. It pains me to hear stories of anyone lost their fight with  Lupus. Funny thing, she didn’t sound sad. She was laughing and telling me how Mishinda loved my blog and my willingness to just say whatever I wanted. Her favorite post was Am I Being A Bitch Or a Baby We laughed as I was slightly embarrassed by the title of that post. Mishinda referred to me as a pistol whipper (lol...lol...). She commented that she looked forward to my daily pictures of me smiling (I haven’t posted any pictures of my face in a while, as I’m going through a flare up and have the butterfly rash across my face ) and my reference to Lupus as Mister. 

Then, she suddenly  her tone of voice became serious. She stated that Mishinda asked her family to find me and get in contact with me because she wanted to speak to me. “ME????? “  Was my reply, as I never had any interaction with Mishinda? The family tried feverishly to find me, finally coming across my Facebook page, in which has my phone number listed. She asked me if I would attend the candle light virgil on Friday night to honor Mishinda. --- INSERT A PAUSE AND A LUMP IN MY THROAT—ME????  Ya’ll know I have a fear of public speaking. She replied- YES, we would like you to come and speak. I told her that I’m not a medical professional, I refrain from giving medical advice, and I can only speak about my experiences and my desire to bring awareness. Her reply: “BE YOU – BE THE FUNNY LUPIE CHICK THAT MISHINDA SO LOVED AND ADMIRED” [insert uncontrollable crying]. 

After I stop crying, and contacted a few friends, as I was unsure if I should attend. I questioned my ability to speak publicly (I have a MAJOR fear…. stomach is in knots RIGHT now as I think about it), I questioned what would my presence bring, can I meet Mishinda’s expectations or the families expectations, what would I stand up there and say??, sweating, stiff and straight like a statue with nothing coming outta my mouth?? [Oh my!]. All my friends encouraged me to do it and to let God guide my words. I realize the honor and blessing. I pray that I can deliver and fight through this fear.  I will attend the candle light service, and honor my lupie sister Mishinda the best way I know how. I can hear my siStar now “Sixx, You better werk hunty” (lol...lol...lol...) DO THAT!!!!!

Fam, I write this blog with no hidden agenda. My ONLY agenda is to share my life, and my experience with Lupus. I have no idea the number of people with whom my blog had inspired, made laugh, cry, or angry but I’m grateful to each and every one of you. Mishinda has encouraged me to continue to push, fight, and advocate for all Lupie Chicks. I NOW realize that Lupus is my ministry. It’s my duty to be a voice and a face for the invisible disease. Please keep me prayed up as I enter this new chapter of my life. #LupieChicks Unite!!!!!!!

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheLupieChickProject

Twitter: @lupieeChick

Instagram: @naturally_lupie

Blog: http://thelupiechick.blogspot.com

Email: lupiechick@gmail.com

Trying to get bootylicious for ya'll ( well for me)

I’m back!!!!!! Sorry I was gone for so long- I’ve been doing Lupus walks, hosting lupus awareness events, and I was promoted and relocated to Atlanta, Ga.  A lot of you have kept up with me via social networks, and I promise to blog and not abandon you guys.

Overall I’m doing great-I’m not in a flare up, I’m controlling my stress ( sometimes), my skin is clearing ( I had a few stress induced breakouts a few months ago) and my hair is back thriving, growing, and healthy.  Now my weight on the other hand… errrr…. ummm yeah…

The time had come for me to do something about all this jelly I’m walking around with.  I’ve been really uncomfortable in my skin since packing on 26 pounds (thanks to predisone). My clothing are  too tight, my breast got larger, feet got bigger/wider, and I got a booty ( I’ll keep the booty for $300 Alex) after I eat, I look 5 months pregnant and my tummy leaves an imprint in my maxi dresses ( not cute). I have been in denial for months- telling myself- I’m thick, I look ok- I can wear this weight- UMMMMMNNN .. STOP PLAYING AND FOOLING YOURSELF DIVA… its unhealthy and it DO NOT LOOK GOOD.

I think my son tried to drop a hint on me a few weeks ago, when I asked him to grab me a soda ( while in Wal-Mart) he said “ which one? “, I replied “ the Pepsi” he said “ you know they have diet right?” ummmm BOY HAND ME THE DAMN SODA! ** THAT’S WHAT I WAS YELLING IN MY INSIDE VOICE TO MYSELF** I looked at him and said “you got jokes”, he said “I was just showing you”. No baby boy was telling me I was fat and I need to be on a diet!

Over the last few weeks I’ve been preparing myself and getting my mental in order. I’ve stop purchasing soda ( I don’t bring it in the house), cut WAAAAAAAYYYYY down on my cupcake consumption ( I haven’t had one in 3 weeks), down to 1 cup of coffee a day, have increased my veggie intake, and making healthy choices with my desserts (frozen Yo plait whips are the best!!!). I’ve explained to my husband and kids- this is a lifestyle change FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! I will not cook multiple meals or buy grocery for me and a separate set for them- NO SIR- GOING BACK OLD SCHOOL- EAT WHAT I COOK OR STARVE (that’s what my mamma use to say).  I will not “diet” or do anything unhealthy- we all know they don’t work and I need to make lifestyle changes that I can live with forever.  I’m a work in progress but I have my eye on the prize.

I know I need to incorporate an exercise routine- BUT THE LORD KNOWS I HATE THE GYM!!!! **yikes**.  I’m not in a financial position to join a gym right now-so I will use my FREE resources ( NO EXCUSES). There is a park not too far from my house with a walking trail, there is a walking path in my neighborhood, and during inclement weather I will use my WII fit ( that i have YET to use). I will purchase a jump rope, hula hoop,hand weights, and resistance bands. ** I already have sneakers, and workout gear-just haven't used them**

Mister (my lupus) has been playing tricks on me! EVERY TIME I say I’m going to work out- he wanna show off, aches and pains in my legs, knees, and feet. I gave into his foolishness for a while- BUT BABY (in my Chrisette Michelle voice) it’s OVER NOW!!!!!! NO MORE EXCUSES!!! I’M NOT HAVING IT.

In order to track my progress, I needed to take my measurements and face the ugly truth.  $hit got real when I took my body measurements-BABBBYYYYYY- I was so embarrassed and angry.

My stats as of July 31^st

Weight-217.50-DO NOBODY SAY I DON’T LOOK LIKE I WEIGH THAT MUCH- THE TRUTH OF MATTER IS- I DO!!!!!!! Trust me – I weighed myself 3 times to be sure

Stomach -41 inches

Breast -36 inches

Left thigh-24 inches

Right thigh-25 inches

Waist 41.5 inches

Health & Fitness CHALLENGE!!!!!!!!!

Rules:

NO COOKIES/CAKE| CHIPS| COLA (including diet)| caffeine for 30 DAYS

NO FRIED FOODS FOR 30 DAYS

Drink 1 green smoothie (minimum) 3 days a week 30 days

Minimum of (1) meatless meal per week (for 30 days)

30-60 minutes of moderate exercise 3 days a week for 30 days

·         Start slowly and build up gradually. Give yourself plenty of time to warm up and cool down with easy walking or gentle stretching. Then speed up to a pace you can continue for five to 10 minutes without getting overly tired. As your stamina improves, gradually increase the amount of time you exercise. Work your way up to 30 to 60 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

·         Break things up if you have to. You don't have to do all your exercise at one time. Shorter but more-frequent sessions have aerobic benefits, too. Fifteen minutes of exercise a couple of times a day may fit into your schedule better than a single 30-minute session.

·         Be creative. Maybe your workout routine includes various activities, such as walking, bicycling or (line) dancing ** try doing to cupid shuffle, wobble, and booty call, back to back, and see if you don’t break a sweat! #trust you will**

·         Listen to your body. If you feel pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or nausea, take a break. You may be pushing yourself too hard.

·         Be flexible. If you're not feeling good, give yourself permission to take a day or two off.

My goal is to lose 10 pounds in 30 days and loose a few inches around my waist and stomach- I think that is attainable and realistic. My goal weight is 185 pounds, I would like to fit into my size 12’s comfortably, and overall get HEALTHY!!!!!!! Once I reach my goal weight and flatten the tummy-I will do something I’ve always wanted to do- a boudoir photo shot!!!!!!! Who’s with me??????

**waves** I know you want too- #LetsGo!!!!!!!!!

P.S. I decided NOT to post my "before"pictures ( I will post them on Sept 1st) and I will NOT step on the scale again until Sept 1st. Make sure you take pictures of your body during the 30 days and we will post at a later time.

Be sure to follow the hastag #DivaGettingFit on FaceBook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider before starting any eating or exercise program

Infinite Possibilities

in•fi•nite / adjective
1. immeasurably great: an infinite capacity for forgiveness.
2. Indefinitely or exceedingly great: infinite sums of money.
3. unlimited or unmeasurable in extent of space, duration of time, etc.: the infinite nature of outer space.
4. unbounded or unlimited; boundless; endless: God's infinite mercy

pos•si•bil•i•ty noun, plural -ties for 2.
1. The state or fact of being possible: the possibility of error.
2. Something possible: He had exhausted every possibility but one.

Most people start the day with infinite possibilities, and energy to do whatever they desire. For the most part, they do not need to worry about the effects of their actions. I’m a planner, for years I would choose and iron my clothes (and accessories) for the week, I would plan my meals for the week, I grocery shopped for the month. Now I need to think about the weather, my temperature that day, and the whole day’s plans before I can attack any one given thing. When other people can simply do things, I have to attack it and make a plan like I am strategizing a war. It’s very frustrating, especially when the plans change, hence my common saying “I hate change”.

My boss gave me a sticky note that says “Change Energizes Us” I wrote NEGATIVE on the note. Change makes me bonkers and I have to re strategize to make it through the day. I now live with the looming thought that today may be the day that a cold comes, or an infection, or any number of things that could be very dangerous.

The difference in being sick and being healthy has to make choices or to consciously think about things when the rest of the world doesn’t have to. The healthy have the luxury of a life without choices, a gift most people take for granted. The hardest thing I ever had to learn is to slow down, and not do everything. I fight this to this day. I hate feeling left out, having to choose to stay home, or to not get things done that I want to. I wish I could make people understand everything everyone else does comes so easy, but for me it is one hundred little jobs in one. When you begin your day, most people start the day off by showering/bathing, get dressed, go to work or school, come home, eat dinner, relax, go to bed. For me- it’s open 1 eye, the other, sit up, put your legs on the floor, stand up, walk to the bathroom..GET MY DRIFT- its 100 little jobs in one. It is the beautiful ability to not think and just do. I miss that freedom.