For those of you who are just chiming in, Skip and I are participating in ‘The Biggest Loser’ Contest, sponsored by the YMCA of Greensboro. It’s based on the TV Show.

We went the week before last and started our first personal training session. Let me tell you, it is HARD! I have been working out since I was pregnant. With that being said, my trainer Wendy took me to a whole different level. Before I would swim a lot, jog on the treadmill, and do upper body weights. She put me on the elliptical machine, which I hated before, but now I love it! I can double the amount of calories lost in way less time. Every week I have been trying to work out at least 3 days, cardio, upper body, and mid section. Let me tell you, women who have had a baby or maybe a couple…it is HARD to get that belly off. How are all these celebrities looking so tight and lean 2 months after delivering? How is this possible? Plastic surgery? Around the clock trainers and chefs? Can I sign up for that? No, just kidding, I would rather do it the old school way, no needles involved. That’s just creepy!

So, wish us luck and if you ANY suggestions on how to get the weight off in a HEALTHY way without starving myself, diet pills…you know where I’m going. Any work out routines you suggest, or any cool recipes that are good for ya! Tell me your story. You can respond to this post or email me at  Carmen at 987simon.com As always Make it a GOOD One!

So, last night I had to make a quick stop at the grocery store. Ok, take that back, none of my stops are ‘quick’. Having a baby changes that! When I was strolling down the baby aisle, I heard this woman just yelling at her kid. It was beyond obnoxious. First, I could not even understand half of what she was saying (aka trash). She was just drilling this little girl. I tried not to turn around and give her a ‘go to hell’ look, but after it kept going on I could not stop myself.

Now, why do people have to act like this in public? If this mother does this in public, then what does she act like at home? Oh, I don’t want to even imagine.

Anyway, just had to get that off my chest. I’m sure everyone has experienced this at some point, but now that I have a child – -ahhhhh – -it gets under my skin to know that people act like this. To that lady, give yourself a round of applause for mentally screwing up a 7 year old. You must be proud of yourself. Other than that, my week has been great! Alright, who’s ready for the weekend!!! Wheeeeee As always , make it a good one! Carmen Brown

This has been a crazy week, and it’s only Wednesday! Do you ever have weeks that run together and you’re trying so hard to keep up before you collapse in bed by 9:00 p.m.? Between work and my little bundle of joy, I stay very busy! It is a very fulfilling life that I would not trade for anything.

For example, Monday I did not sit down once from the time I got home (around 1:00) until 9:00 p.m. that night. Let’s see…laundry (at least 2 loads a day), cleaning house (where dogs come in and out of house all day), vacuum, making bottles…cleaning bottles… washing dishes, cooking dinner, preparing lunch for next day, bath time, play time (the most important), and on and on. Ahhhh…a woman’s job is never done! The happiest part of my day is when I get on the floor and roll around with my Tyson. He is learning how to roll from one end of the room to the other. It is amazing, but I can’t turn my back for one minute. Soon it will be time to child proof the house. It will be a great way to get rid of all the junk that I really don’t need, right?

I know everybody runs busy days, and I hope you take time to really enjoy something you love. Many times I have to stop myself from trying to be superwoman and just say, “you know what, it’s just playtime for the next hour”!

Another piece of advice I would like to share with you is do not let exterior factors out of your control…aka drama…to effect your peace of mind at home. There are so many things that already consume your life to begin with, so let the “Debbie Downers” wallow in their own misery. No matter what, some people just need to get a life… let go… let flow! Anyway, you know what I’m talking about…enough said.

It is 2009, a time to bring out the positive energy, the good vibes, a time to learn, a time to share, don’t let anything get in the way of your happiness!!! Today is your day to shine. Oh, speaking of great house keeping chores, I just bagged up 2 bags of clothes to the Goodwill. That always feels good. When I was pregnant, I had TONS of clothes stacked up that I could not wear. So, many of my clothes ended up disorganized and was driving me crazy! Done…taking care of that and helping others out as well. Alright, keep on keepin’ it. As always, make it a good one! Carmen

It has been an incredible holiday vacation, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and everything else that has happened in the past 2 weeks. Now granted, I worked over the holidays, but it was pretty chill. Most everybody was out of the office, so I dimmed the lights and enjoyed my natural element of peace and energy.

My biggest smile came from Tyson’s first Christmas. He was amazing. I was sure there would be a melt down at some point, but he handled him self so well. I was sure he would be overwhelmed by everybody ahhing and goooing over him. Kind of scary right? Like 10 people starring you down and speaking in a funny language. Ha-Ha – We went to around 4 or 5 family gatherings, and he only got upset once. We figured out why later, it was the onset of an ear infection. He was acting different than normal and pulling on his ears, holding his hands over them, and refusing to eat all of his bottles. I took it as teething, but still called the doctor just to be safe. Come to find out his right ear was infected – -ouch!!! So, he started his meds and is back to being hyper and happy within 24 hours. What a tough little boy he is!!!

One thing I have to say I am so proud of, is that I actually lost a couple of pounds over the holidays. Everyday I have been working out for at least 30 minutes. It has been really hard to stay away from all those lovely deserts. Ahhhhh – -cheesecake with strawberries! Yummy! The holidays are always a funny time, we see people that we normally only see once a year. Like the yappy cousin or drunk aunt. Those are always the best (ha-ha). But the best is to catch up with loved ones that we miss and rarely get to see. It’s great to enjoy the company of others, a time for fellowship, watching Grandma hold the baby and play, and find out what’s new and great in other peoples lives. It’s a reminder of what really matters and how much we take for granted.

Every day caught up in the hustle and bustle of everything with work and running against the clock. I remember on Christmas night just sitting outside and looking up at the stars. Just for a moment, time stood still. I took time to notice how beautiful it was. Wow… taking time to notice beauty… simply… well simple. Hope you had a wonderful holiday season and many more to come.

As always, make it a good one! Carmen

So you want to keep that fresh face and that heart pumping as it should be? Well, I have a list that will help you out; especially with the holiday season creeping up…ahhhh…mashed potatoes…gravy…ok…FOCUS! Keep these foods/drinks in your house and they will love you in the long run.

1. Yogurt: Rich in Calcium and Helps Prevent Osteoporosis. Also has ‘good bacteria’ to help that gut!

2. FISH: Biggie on my list! Has Omega-3 Fats which help prevent cholesterol buildup in Arteries

3. Chocolate: Rich in Flavanols, which help preserve the healthy function of blood vessels – -Lowers risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Lowers Risk of High Blood Pressure

4. NUTS: Great Protein – -Contains Sources of Vitamins, Mineral, Antioxidants

5. WINE: Drink UP!! Keep it in Moderation – -Red Wine Helps Protect Against Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Age Related Memory Loss

6. Blueberries: Compounds in Blueberries Prevent Inflammation and Other Damage – -YUM – -EAT UP!!!