Beginning to See Success....

So, today I am happy.  I cinched my belt one notch tighter.  I take this as a good sign that progress is being made.  My blood sugar is also coming down well. Two weeks ago I was shocked to see the numbers between 250 and 280 or so. Normal is under 100! Wow!  The past couple of days I'm seeing number below 200, and before dinner tonight it was down to 156. It's exciting to see that getting back on the Metformin plus being on this low carb program is working so well. I have plenty to eat and never feel hungry. My energy level is so much higher, and I no longer get sleepy after lunch. I even do well in the evenings and don't fall asleep in my chair. I'm getting used to 30 minutes each day of exercise, and actually look forward to my walks.  It's the first time I've ever really noticed a complete change in how I feel after beginning a diet. This is different. I like it.

End of Week 2

These two weeks have passed quickly and I am happy to say I had plenty of food to eat and experienced no carbohydrate cravings after the first couple of days. I have not weighed myself as it is recommended to wait until the end of Step 1 of the 8-week program.  I do notice a difference in how my clothes fit, my stomach is getting smaller, and I have a lot more energy, all very good signs.

     I try to get 30 minutes of cardio exercise each day, which is a real switch for me. I am beginning to get used to it now, and feel a little "antsy" until I take my walk(s).  I take that as a good sign.  

     My typical diet looks something like this. Monday through Friday mornings I have a yummy ViSalus Vi-Shake which consists of 2 scoops of shake mix, 12 ounces of almond-coconut milk, and 1 tablespoon of powdered peanut butter. Once I begin Step 2, I will be able to be more creative in my shakes and will add back in blueberries, strawberries, or other fruit. Due to high carb content and high on the glycemic index, fruits are not included in Step 1. The shakes are a real time saver in the mornings before work so I can grab them and run. On weekends, I usually have a veggie packed omelet cooked in olive oil.

     I generally pack my lunch and snacks which consist of a lot of fresh vegetables, salads, cheese, raw unprocessed nuts, and sometimes canned salmon, tuna, or chicken. I try to go organic as much as possible. I am limiting myself to one lunch out per week, and I am careful what I order. I also drink a ViSalus Neuro at breakfast and lunch mixed with 16 ounces of water. Neuro is a healthy energy drink containing very low caffeine (roughly equivalent to 1/4-1/2 cup of coffee). Additionally, I drink two cups of green tea each day. My current favorite tea is green tea with chai.  I mix some half and half with the hot water and add 1 packet of Stevia for sweetener.

     Note:  I was pleased to find some organic chicken at the grocery store today, so this is awesome.

     In the evenings, I eat similar to what I have at lunch. I need to eat 5 carbs at lunch and dinner, which takes some thinking since most foods with carbs are considerably more than 5.  Cottage cheese has carbs so I have been eating a side of that with meals.  

     Snacks generally consist of raw nuts, cheese, or raw veggies. I amaze myself that I actually enjoy them and now prefer them over pastries, pasta, and other sweets. Sometimes I have a Vi-Shake instead of eating if I am not very hungry.

     At bedtime, since I am diabetic, I am supposed to have a 5-carb snack. So I generally make another Vi-Shake. 

     I drink at least 64 ounces of water each day, above and beyond my tea and neuro energy drinks.

     What do I miss most?  Popcorn!! What's a movie without popcorn?  Well, I am actually allowed 1 cup of popcorn... but hey... what's the point?  In Step 2 I can have 3 cups of popcorn. My movie days consisting of a large tub of popcorn with butter (free refills!) are over, I am afraid.  I must eat healthy just prior to going to movies now so that popcorn isn't so tempting.

      What positive thing do I notice most?  I no longer get sleepy after lunch, so I know it is the carbs that drag me down (in addition to causing my blood sugar to rise).

      Tomorrow begins Week 3. I would like to add 5 minutes additional exercise each day.  I think I will do some weight lifting to build up my muscles. As we age, muscle mass is reduced, and I have definitely noticed a loss of strength. Time to change that.

     Here is a recipe I found for Chicken Cacciatore II and it is awesome!  http://recipes.prevention.com/Recipe/chicken-cacciatore-ii.aspx  I hope you enjoy it.  Until next time..... peace.

Day 4

It suddenly occurred to me that I should begin to blog about my journey to become healthy. It would seem that if I commit to do this publicly it should hold me accountable, and perhaps even motivate someone reading this to begin his/her own journey as well. 
     So, today is Day 4 of Step 1, and is based on the book "Diabetes Miracle" by Diane Kress. Step 1 lasts for 8 weeks, which is good since I know there is an end and it will not last forever. My day 1 was on April 22, 2012. This means that Step 1 logically should end on June 17.  
     As luck would have it, on Day 2, someone brought some chips and dip to work and I made the mistake of eating TWO of those supposedly healthy blue tortilla chips. Did you know that 6 of those chips contain 19 carbohydrates?? 19!!  For 6 chips!!  So, those two innocent looking blue chips that I ate (surely they could not be too fattening) contained over 6 carbs which threw me over the carb limit.  And guess what?  The consequences of going over your carb limit on this plan is to ADD 3 DAYS to Step 1, which means it now ends on June 20, instead of June 17.  Ok, so that is a motivator to watch those carbs!!
     It turns out that there are many things I can eat on this plan other than carbs, so I am doing ok so far [except for those stupid chips]. And the really neat thing is that my Visalus Body by Vi shakes (the shake mix that tastes like a cake mix) work ideally into the program. Each shake has only 2 net carbs! Step 1 does not require these shakes, but, hey, they taste great, are filling, easily portable, and are super easy to make. Works for me! I drink at least two of these shakes each day, along with other healthy foods, and sometimes three shakes since a snack before bedtime is a requirement for Step 1. That's a new one for me... first time I ever heard that I get to have a bedtime snack! So maybe this isn't so bad after all....

Nostalgia... Mama Cass. She left us far too soon....

Click on the picture to play.....

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LSU Tiger Stadium

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Pinch those Pennies: 50 Tips to Be Frugal! DECEMBER 28, 2009 BY RACHEL

Pinch those Pennies: 50 Tips to Be Frugal! DECEMBER 28, 2009 BY RACHEL Every New Year I take a look at this list I created years ago… 50 Ways to save money. Including general tips, ways to save money in your household, with your kids, and when feeding your family. So many of them I slip away from as the year goes on! Want to join me in pinching some pennies? Do you have a frugal tip? I’d love to hear about it! … General: Make a goal chart and as you save the amount of money or pay off debts, mark them off and reward yourself. (Ex: we can’t get that camera until our car is paid off). The expense of the camera is minor compared to the interest I’ll save by paying off debts early. We do the “packets” budgeting system. All spending money we take out at the beginning of each month. We then pay for everything with that cash, when it is gone there is no more till the next month. This budgeting method works for us, find one that works for you! Wait for a minimum of 24 hours before purchasing any pricey item. Oh, and see if you can find something comparable used first! If something breaks try to fix it or do without before going out and purchasing a replacement. Try not to hire someone to fix things, rather swap services (see craig’s list). To curb impulse buys, create a 30-day list. When you want to buy something, other than a true necessity (medicine or food, for example), put it on this list, with the date you added it to the list. And make it a rule that you can’t buy anything for at least 30 days after you put it on the list. And stick to it. You’ll find that you buy a lot less with this system. Surround yourself with “frugal-minded” folk. If you don’t have any friends who are willing to make a frugal journey with you try looking online, Frugal Village is a great network, and One Income Dollar and the Prudent Housewife are both great inspirational blogs. We found it is easier to save when you are not surrounded by spend-happy folks. Grocery: Use a price sheet so that you can know if a “sale” is really a bargain or if you can find it cheaper elsewhere. Buy meat that is on Manager Special (expiring that day or shortly after). Cook that day and eat/freeze. Mix ground beef with an egg and several handfuls of quick oats (makes the meat go farther). Use in meatballs, meat loaf, etc. Bake your own bread – let the yeast sit in sugar water till it smells fermented and use half the yeast (the most expensive ingredient in bread). If you are big milk drinkers, buy whole milk and a box of dry milk and make your own mock-2% milk by mixing half whole, half non-fat dry reconstituted milk. You have two gallons for a fraction of the cost. Go meatless 1-2 nights a week. You can substitute dry beans. They are VERY cheap and filling. Meal plan and coordinate so that leftovers can be utilized fully, yet keeping variety. (Ex: Tacos day one, use left over taco meat day 2 for stuffed peppers) Try to stretch as much time between shopping trips. The fewer times you go shopping, the fewer chances you have to “impulse buy”. ONLY shop from a list. If it is not on the list DO NOT BUY IT. It is best to make a check off inventory list of all things you could need and highlight what you’re out or low on. Eat something small before you go. It is harder to resist the temptation to over buy when you have an empty tummy. Keep your change (dollar bills and coins) use this as your “fun fund” Buy generic – many times this is considerably less than the alternative even if you have coupons. Use coupons if you prefer something name brand and only if you buy that item regularly. Also, ask if your grocery shop has “double days”. Rather than buy a newspaper for the coupons, go to your library, usually they do not mind allowing you to clip the coupons you need… and your kids can attend story time at the same time! OR you can go to this site for free grocery coupons and print the coupons you need online! Household: Wash your dishes by hand… I have a hard time with this one, I know it saves water/energy, but I love the convenience of my dishwasher! Wash clothes in warm water and only if you have a full load to do. Dry your clothes on the line and if you don’t like the “crunchy” feel, stick them in the dryer for 5 min with a wet rag after they’ve hung out. Wash your clothes inside out so they will look nicer longer… and only wash if something is truly dirty. If you like fabric softener, put some on a towel and throw it in with the dryer. A quarter size “spill” on the towel can do about 3 loads – a great way to save softener! Also, to make your detergent go farther, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the load and use half the detergent. Baking soda is a soap booster and is cheaper than Arm&Hammer. In the winter, use your dryer and stove during the early evening to help heat your home. In the summer, use them in the very early morning (or not at all) to help keep your home cool. Cook all your meals for a 2-week period (esp. in the summer) so that your oven only has to do the work one time for multiple meals. Keep meals in the freezer and re-heat with the microwave – uses less energy, and you save time. Also, having home-cooked freezer meals cut down on the tendency to order take-out when you’re having an exceptionally busy day. It is possible to do this with a refrigerator’s freezer. In the summer take a cold bath/wash rag to help you feel cool before bed, and keep the thermostat as high as possible or the A/C off if possible (we live in TX – its not possible). Each degree change can save up to 3% on your energy costs! In a room that has a tendency to be dark, put a mirror near the light to refract the light around the room. One light bulb has the power of two with this trick! Unplug items (toaster, shaver, cell phone charger, TV) when not in use. Small amounts of electricity are still being used even if they are off, but plugged in. Use Craig’s List to purchase used items (furniture, etc.) or freecycle or go to garage sales. We’ve even gotten a number of items from the curb on trash day! Buy paint from the “oops” counter at Home Depot or Lowes. Also, if the color of your walls allows, add a faux finish over the existing color. This uses a lot less paint and allows you to spruce up more rooms at a fraction of the cost. Cut your cell-phone or house phone, you don’t need both. If possible, become a single-phone family. For long distance, calling cards are great! You can usually find cards with under 2 cents a min! Pay-as-you-go cell phone plans are great if you are not a big phone user. Make your own household cleaners. Vinegar, baking soda, Hydrogen peroxide, borax & bleach are all really cheap and you can make any and every household cleaner from laundry detergent to the equivalents of Windex and Comet from mixtures of those ingredients. Check your insurance. We were able to save $600 a year when we switched companies, combined our house and auto onto the same plan, and added $500 to our deductible. Get a programmable thermostat for your household heat and water heater. You can turn the temps down an hour or two after you go to bed, or during the warmer times of the day, or the times when you typically don’t use your hot water. No reason to heat what is not being used! Personal: Get a buzzer and cut your hubby’s hair… if possible, have a friend cut your’s… Also, longer hairstyles do not need to be maintained as frequently as shorter ones. Buy clothes for your kids used – they grow out of them so fast new is not worth it! And used usually look just as good! Limit the number of toys your children are able to have in the house. This will lower the clutter, increase the value of the toys you currently own, increase your children’s creativity as they learn to play with less, and also will decrease spending on toys. Try home remedies before Doctor visits. Those co-pays can add up and its amazing how a humidifier, Vitamin C & some good ole’ rest will make the bugs go away! Make gifts for holidays and birthdays, often these mean more than ones purchased at the store as they show you put time and effort into the recipient. Make your own personal hygiene products (or do without). Kimberly has a great blog documenting her withdrawl from her addiction to shampooing. Cloth diaper your kiddos. If you use this cloth diapering method your whole stash can cost less than a hundred dollars and can potentially be handed down to future kiddos. Cloth diapering also encourages early potty-training! Make your own baby food by pureeing what the rest of the family is eating, or you can use dehydrated and powdered veggies – if you like the convenience of those pricey jars. Entertainment: Eat out rarely if ever! If you do eat out, only drink water. Also, check your newspapers for discounts and grand openings; you can usually get more for your buck then. Invite people over to your home rather than meeting them at a restaurant. You’ll have more time to chat and if you plan your meal well, will save a bundle too! Get movies for your Friday night from the library rather than Blockbuster or netflix. They are usually free! Also check out Hulu. They have a number of TV shows online for free! Either eliminate or see if you can combine any of the following: Internet, Television, Long-Distance, Cell Phones – We found that a calling card saves us tons on what would have been a long distance phone bill, and we get the TV shows we want through online streaming for free. Set-up a baby-sitting swap with a friend who has children. You’ll save money and know that someone “experienced” is watching your kids. Find dates that are more events than just “going out to eat”. These can sometimes save your budget and are usually more memorable. See if you are near a Bass Pro shop or Cabella’s. We take our kids there instead of the zoo. It’s free to walk around and the stuffed animals don’t move so you actually get to see them! Call ahead of time and be there for the fish feeding. … Thanks to Amagill for the “money” photo! For more “frugal reading”, check out The Homemaking Cottage – they have a great E-course! Posted from: http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/save-money/

The Scrap Shoppe: Pinterest Master List

The Scrap Shoppe: Pinterest Master List

7 Habits of Highly Organized People

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31 Days to an Organized Home

Delayed?

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Without my cell phone....

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I'll love you forever....

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DIY Stacked Laundry Bins

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List of 44 Foods and How They Heal Your Body

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How To Store Fruits and Vegetables So They Won't Rot

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Cravings?

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What's in Your Oatmeal?

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I love Paris......

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Awwwww....

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I am a Christian....

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Bedroom Organizers

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Closet, Storage, and Office Organizers

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BOOK REVIEW: The Playful and Powerful WARRIOR within YOU, by GJ Reynolds

This is one of those life-changing books that cause you to pause and think, and to realize that no matter where you are in your life, today is a new day and you can start your life anew.  Written from the heart, GJ Reynolds bares his soul to the world, no holds barred.  Wow. That takes the courage of a WARRIOR.

The author told of the lowest point in his life, nearly ten years ago, when he contemplated suicide.  He struggled with events over the next few days that brought him to his knees as he encountered the love and saving grace of God. His deepest secrets had remained hidden to all but the Lord. 

It was interesting (and surprising) to me to read about someone as well educated and successful as the author, to realize that some of his darkest secrets were very similar to many of those of his readers, and certainly some of my own. Reynolds shares his story, along with lessons learned from his mentors over the years, as well as his own action steps to becoming a warrior.

The purpose of his book is to empower his readers to discover and live their goals and dreams, to lead a meaningful life, filled with purpose.  He teaches us to honor ourselves by doing what we know in our soul is best for each of us, that just feels “right”, and causes us to “welcome each day with passion, enthusiasm, and excitement.”

Reynolds’ book generated some restless nights for me, even causing me to awaken and pray, or go to my computer to write as I worked through issues in my own life. It allowed me to focus on what is right for me and to set action goals for both the short term, regaining my health, and the long term, going back to college to finish my doctorate degree. I am excited, and have a new sense of purpose, thanks in great part to GJ Reynolds taking the time and effort to write and share his story, his legacy to his readers. 

The author gives “Warrior Action Steps” and questions at the end of sections that make this book suitable for individual readers or for group sessions.  One of my favorite action steps was learning to stay off someone else’s stage unless invited, and then only to get onstage if you choose to do so.

Thanks, G, for teaching us how to live in the now, to relearn how to play, and to become the warrior that God wants each of his children to become.  I highly recommend this book.

Author Resource:  Diana Shores, MA, EdS., Author, Ghostwriter, Book/Concert Reviewer. 
Contact: dianashores@gmail.com

Book Review: Rocky Mountain Redemption by Pamela Nissen

Pamela Nissen has done it yet again by writing the second novel in her series with a book that is hard to put down. She continues to draw the reader into her characters as she brings them to life, with all of their twists and turns.  This story takes place in Boulder, CO, in the late 1800s. We become acquainted with Ben Drake, brother of Joseph and Aaron whom we met her first book, “Rocky Mountain Match”, and it also touches on brother Max, the family outcast.  Ms. Nissen shows us the great compassion of this family, along with romance and intrigue. She has a gift for intertwining and revealing God's everlasting  love for us, and of His forgiving grace. I can hardly wait to read her third book,  “Rocky Mountain Proposal” which is scheduled for publication in May 2011. I highly recommend Pamela Nissen’s books.

Book Review, Rocky Mountain Match by Pamela Nissen

Pamela Nissen grabs your attention from the beginning and keeps it throughout the entire book. This book shows her love of God and family, which I know first-hand to be true.  She is a delightful lady, warm and caring, and she has written a wonderful love story, intertwined with mystery and suspense.  Set in the Colorado mountains in the late 1800s, her characters come to life with an historical flair.  I highly recommend this book.  Ms. Nissen is a gifted writer, and I am eager to begin her second novel in this series, entitled Rocky Mountain Redemption.

Life, Health & Prosperity Speaker and Author GJ Reynolds to Speak in Cedar Rapids

Accomplished author and entrepreneur, GJ Reynolds, will be the featured speaker at the ViSalus Health and Wellness meeting on Saturday, February 5, at 11:00 am. The meeting will be held at theAirport Country Inn and Suites, 9100 Atlantic Drive SW, just off I-380, and is free to the public.

Reynolds’ most recent book is entitled, “The Playful & Powerful Warrior Within YOU.” Scheduled to be released on April 4, 2011, the foreword is written by legendary LSU head basketball coach and mentor to Reynolds, Dale Brown. GJ Reynolds is a leading Ambassador of ViSalus, which stands for Life, Health and Prosperity. He was introduced to the company seven times and walked away, but the 8th time he decided to take a look. Reynolds will share his success stories in life and also give an overview of the company, it’s products and benefits, and what it means to serve and help people.

Also joining Reynolds onstage will be local minister Bill Nissen, ViSalus Presidential Director and National spokesman for the Faith and Fitness division working with churches and non-profit organizations to feed hungry children. National Director Mel Cerveny, Allied Health Department at Kirkwood Community College, will share her experiences on her exciting rise in the company.

This will be an opportunity to learn to take control of your health, your future, and learn about the world of network marketing.

For more information, visit What Have You Got to Lose?

Author Resource:  Diana Shores, MA, EdS., Author, Ghostwriter, Book/Concert Reviewer. Contact: dianashores@gmail.com

Tax System Explained in Beer

Tax System Explained in Beer Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100.  If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this: The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing. The fifth would pay $1. The sixth would pay $3. The seventh would pay $7. The eighth would pay $12. The ninth would pay $18. The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59. So, that's what they decided to do. The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. 'Since you are all such good customers,' he said, 'I'm going to reduce the cost of your beer by $20’.  Drinks for the ten now cost just $80. The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes. So, the first four men were unaffected.  They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?' They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer.  So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay. And so The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings). The sixth would now pay $2 instead of $3 (33% savings). The seventh now paid $5 instead of $7      (28% savings). The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12      (25% savings). The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18      (22% savings). The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59      (16% savings). Each of the six was better off than before. And, the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings. 'I only got a dollar out of the $20,' declared the sixth man.  He pointed to the tenth man, 'but he got $10!' 'Yeah, that's right,' exclaimed the fifth man. 'I only saved a Dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more  than I!' 'That's true!' shouted the seventh man.  'Why should he get $10 back when I got only two?  The wealthy get all the breaks!' 'Wait a minute,' yelled the first four men in unison.. 'We didn't get anything at all.  The system exploits the poor!' The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up. The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him.  But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important.  They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill! And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, this is how our tax system works.  The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction.  Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier. David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D. Professor of Economics University of Georgia For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.

Body by Vi Challenge

Local Artist Natalie Brown Releases “Violin Crossings” CD

If a CD ever revealed the sheer talent of an artist, “Violin Crossings” fills the bill. Natalie Brown is a smashing success… dynamic is an understatement. She takes listeners on a journey around the world and leads them to an unfound discovery of the many dimensions of the violin and fiddle.  She captures listeners' attention at the beginning and carries it throughout the entire CD.

The album is composed of folk, Celtic, fusion, rock, blues, jazz., gypsy, and more. Nine of the recordings were written by Brown, and recorded with a number of talented local musicians including Rich Wagor, bass, Craig Erickson, guitar, Eric Douglas, drums, and more.

Brown is the featured artist with Craig Erickson, the Mayflies and the Trollies, and previously performed with blues players in San Francisco.

A local artist from Iowa City, Natalie Brown began playing violin and studying the Suzuki method at the age of five. Instruments she plays are violin, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, piano, accordion, dobro, lap steel, bagpipes, djembe, er-hu, and banjo.  She has a Masters of Music Education degree from UNI, and is the orchestra director at Washington High School where she has taught for the past seven years.

Natalie Brown credits Craig Erickson for his guidance and support in recording this CD. “Violin Crossings” is spirited, lively, upbeat, and fun.  This is a winner!  The album is available on iTunes, CDbaby, Amazon, and in local stores.

You can find her at nataliebrown@hotmail.com, or at http://www.nataliebrownviolin.webs.com.  Contact number: 319-530-7449.

Author Resource and Photo Credits:  Diana Shores, MA, EdS., Author, Ghostwriter, Book/Concert Reviewer Contact: dianashores@gmail.com
Web page: http://moonlitshores.blogspot.com
Copyright 2010

Mannheim Steamroller Performs in Cedar Rapids, IA

Mannheim Steamroller rolled into Cedar Rapids last night for a spectacular Christmas concert at the U.S. Cellular Center.  This year celebrates the 25^th anniversary of their Annual Christmas Tour.

Throughout the performance, various movies played in the background that were fascinating, yet at once highly distractible.  I would suddenly find myself caught up in the movies and then realize that I should be watching the performers; otherwise I might as well just be listening to their CDs.   It was a magical performance, with several of the performers having been with them since their first Christmas performance in 1985.

Mannheim Steamroller is known for their special take on music and dazzling lighting effects, both of which were seen and heard during the performance.  It was fascinating to watch the various performing artists and actually observe where all those fascinating sounds on their CDs actually come from.  I was astounded that the band was much smaller than I expected.  As it turns out, Mannheim Steamroller actually has two separate traveling troupes that will provide 90 Christmas performances in 77 cities this year.

Chip Davis, visionary, creator, arranger, and producer of Mannheim Steamroller, released a special 2-CD set, called “Mannheim Steamroller – 25^th Anniversary Collection” that features 25 of their famous holiday classics, many of which were performed during last night’s concert. It’s the perfect addition to your Christmas CD collection.  My personal favorite…..their rendition of “Joy to the World”.  Magnificent!.

You can find Mannheim Steamrollers on Facebook or at www.mannheimsteamroller.com.

Author Resource and Photo Credits:  Diana Shores, MA, EdS., Author, Ghostwriter, Book/Concert Reviewer Contact: dianashores@gmail.com
Web page: http://moonlitshores.blogspot.com
Copyright 2010

A Turning Point in My Life (continued)

Down 15+ pounds since beginning my journey, my energy level has escalated, and I’m feeling great!  I like the taste of the products, find them filling, and actually look forward to drinking them.  Surprised me! Actually they taste like sweet cream cake mix, so what’s not to like?

I have to smile when I think about the Vi Shakes that I drink for two meals a day… Initially I was concerned since I was such a big eater, and feared that I would not feel satisfied. I have found this not to be the case, and am allowed snacks between meals if desired.  What makes me smile, though, is remembering my childhood when I was so busy playing with my friends that I really found being called home for meals to be an intrusion in my busy life. I recall wishing that food came in a pill so I could just swallow it and be done with rather than have to bother with sitting down to the table and eating. Well, these shakes are similar, don’t you think?  I just mix them with almond milk and whisk them down. They’re also portable so I can take them with me to have as a handy snack or meal wherever I go.

So that’s the good part for me, personally. The Faith and Fitness program is beginning to develop as I interact with people both locally as well as internationally. Our mission is the same regardless of our location – to feed the hungry children in our world.  We are able to do this through donations of $24, which will feed 60 nutritional meals to hungry children. That’s $.50 per meal which is a real bargain. If you care to join us in this mission, please contact me at dianashores@gmail.com and I will give you the link to make this happen, on our site, or show you how you can do this for your own church, mission, or non-profit organization which raising money for it at the same time. 

That’s it for now… more later.     Diana

Halloween 2010 – A Turning Point in My Life

It wasn’t planned, to begin this new chapter in my life on Halloween 2010.  Somehow it seems appropriate, though, and will be an easy date to remember.

Today is the day I pledge to become healthy.  I’ve gone the weight loss route before, and failed each time.  This time is different. I will not only lose weight, but will also become healthy in the process. I’m letting go.  I’m getting out of the way.  To explain what that means….  

In October 2009, I wrote and published an article about Brad Stiles, which you can read on my blog. Here is a paragraph from the article. It alludes to what I've been waiting for - to see where God is leading me.

" ‘In a recent interview with Dr. Lisa Van Allen, Brad described the lyrics to [his song] "Letting Go" as "moving forward, letting go of fear, and coming to the end of self-sufficiency by letting go of everything I thought Christ was, and how He viewed me. Instead of me living life for Christ, it is Christ living His life through me, through us. It's not I who lives, but Christ that lives within and through me. The dreams that He placed in my life are from Him. I want to walk in them. I want to get out of the way." Dr. Van Allen remarked, "When God calls you to do something, He brings in all the resources.’ "

To step back a bit, I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching over the past 22 months, trying to understand what it is that God is calling me to do.  It began with a catalyst, as often happens, a crisis of sorts, if you will.  I was driven to seek answers, which led me back to church and subsequently to small groups (both within and outside the church), which led me to some wonderful new friends and support groups.

Paula Fields led me to Brad Stiles’ CD Release Concert (I resisted going until the last minute) and it was at his remarkable performance that I surrendered. Wow!  Just like that….  it was so natural, and my life changed forever in an instant. Well, that was only the beginning. During this time, Gator J. Gaynor from The Spirit, appeared and brought a love of music back into my life, and also brought me back out into the entertainment world.

Next, I felt compelled to write the article about Brad Stiles. I was driven… there really was no choice…  it simply had to be done.  As I began to formulate ideas for the article, it led to an interview with Brad, which, in turn, led me to Steve McVey and his book called “Grace Walk”, which led me to grace. After I read his book, I realized that I was actually embarking on a fascinating “grace walk”. The article also led me to Lisa Van Allen who later invited me to her course on “Fearless Living”, which began yet another new friendship, actually several.

This morning, Bill Nissen posted the following on Facebook: Philip. 2:3-4 (NASB-U) "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."

This grace walk has been an amazing adventure as God continues to bring in all the resources, the latest of which is Bill Nissen.  I am getting out of the way as God calls me to do this. With Bill Nissen’s help, I will not fail.  To be continued…..

Blast From the Past with 4BOXOROCKS at Jersey's on 9/11/2010

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4BOXOROCKS at Jersey's 9/11/2010

By Diana Shores

Put four professional musicians together for an evening of rock music and, if you are lucky, you will find yourself in front of 4BOXOROCKS.  These seasoned performers just keep getting better as the night unfolds.

4BOXOROCKS performed last night at Jersey’s in Cedar Rapids and took the listeners straight back to the 60’s. They interacted with the audience and took special requests without hesitation. 4BOXOROCKS  plays music from the emerging rock era of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Pink Floyd. This band makes the grade.

Tommy Bruner’s rendition of Maggie May was a dead ringer for Rod Stewart, and Dan Johnson’s rendition of John Lennon’s “Revolution” was spot on.  When they belted out “Hard Day’s Night” and “She Loves You” by the Beatles, it was pure joy.

As the night drew to a close and the encore was performed, the audience was not about to let go. A sizeable tip was offered for one last request and it was a beauty – Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight”…  and it was.

4BOXOROCKS Contact Info:  danjohnsongs@gmail.com or on Facebook at Dan Johnson.

Author Resource and Photo Credits:  Diana Shores, MA, EdS.  Copyright 2010

Contact: dianashores@gmail.com

Web page:  http://moonlitshores.blogspot.com

4BOXOROCKS band members include:

Eric Douglas - Drums / Vocals

Tom "T-Bone" Giblin - Keyboard

Dan “DJ” Johnson – Guitar/Vocals

Tommy Bruner - Bass / Vocals

Lauer has a devoted following and for good reason

Janelle Lauer’s energizing performance on the keyboard during “Rent” at Theatre Cedar Rapids amazed me, but her vocal performance at Jazz Under the Stars at Noelridge Park on August 19, 2010, was spectacular.  She brought the crowd to their feet and as the sun went down the dancing picked up. Lauer has a devoted following and for good reason.  Her singing styles cross a range from classics to rhythm and blues, soul, pop, rock, and jazz.  Music comes natural for her, having grown up with musicians from an early age.


She sings and plays guitar and keyboards and is at home on stage and theater.  Lauer is currently the music director for Theatre Cedar Rapids.  You can find Janelle Lauer on Facebook.

Janelle Lauer 

Gerard Estella-Keyboard; Greg Kanz-Drums; Billy Heller-Guitar; Dave Ollinger-Bass

Author Resource and Photo Credits:  Diana Shores, MA, EdS., Author, Ghostwriter, Book/Concert Reviewer.  Copyright 2010

Contact: dianashores@gmail.com  

Web page:  http://moonlitshores.blogspot.com