Things I do...

To make myself feel better and relax:

1. I exercise! I challenge myself to make it to the next level. I've been blessed with great genes and health. I'm slowly transitioning to a vegetarian but I will have a steak once in a while. I drink tons of water depending on the temp assignment I'm on. Sadly, some assignments don't allow me to leave the desk to go to the bathroom more than a couple of times a day (yeah, I'll get to that later).

2. I treat myself to my favorite food. For me it varies and 99% of the time its something healthy. Today it was Menchies!! Other times its Olive Oil popcorn, blueberries, almonds, and apples. I rarely eat ice cream. Sometimes I will have fattening potato chips and a Hershey bar. I don't deny myself anything but at the same time, I don't eat that much.

3. I pop in my favorite DVD, and since I have over 3,000 of them, I'm good. If nothing catches my fancy, I will go to a movie.

4. I have a glass of wine - usually white, but I will drink red on occasion.

5. I pick up a book (kindle).

I know many of you must be surprised that writing is not among this list. I write for a living and I do it daily in some form. To relax, I don't write.

6. I go for a walk.

7. If I really need to get away, I either go to Santa Barbara or Palomar.

8. I go to a museum.

Too Proud

Have you ever been proud of an accomplishment, bragged about it and then later that accomplishment disappears? It's like I'm afraid to be too happy because at any moment something crappy will happen to ruin it. That's how I've been feeling as of late.

It Comes Around...

So why am I not doing the happy dance? Recently, a few people who have been very awful to me personally have fallen upon public ridicule and misfortune. I dreamed of this day for years (yes it's been that long of a wait for karma to happen) yet there was no happy dance in me, nor was there even sorrow for them. These people are getting what they deserve and oh so much more...these are very cruel people. Honestly, I feel nothing. The dreams that have sustained me for all these years have finally come to pass and it was no more eventful than me clipping my toe nails while watching television.

The bottom line is, it will come back. The key - when it does, treat it as any other day. The comfort should be in the knowing they will get theirs, not the reveling in it!

Your Chance to Share...

Share what, you ask? Your thoughts about ME!! Okay, I know you think this is me wanting my ego stroked, but no it is not. I want to know your thoughts. You ever hear ICE CUBE's "You better check yo self before you wreck yo self" phrase from his ever popular song Check Yo Self? I swear I need to have that as my ringtone, alarm, and doorbell!

For the past few years, life has been a bit of a challenge and opportunities/connections I used to have are no longer there or rather available to me. So I've decided to do some in depth soul searching and try to figure out why.

Your response is anonymous and there is no need to be polite or nice. Start by answering the following questions then add your own comments.

Thanks!

1. Do you consider yourself a true friend of mine?

2. Are we still friends?

3. How long have we known each other?

4. Have I ever done something to piss you off? If so, what was the underlying reason?

5. How do you honestly feel about me as a person? Friend? Co-worker? Lover? (Only respond if you have ever been in these categories and not a wishful thinking situation.)

6. If I were to change, would you be surprised or think that I cannot change?

7. Further comments (good or bad).

30 Days Later...

I've decided to wait a week before I begin my 30 day AB challenge. It was hard to get up this morning! Mentally my body knew it didn't have to workout today so it stayed in bed. Funny, I kinda miss the elliptical. I had gotten into a routine and now I must get into another routine. I will resume the elliptical next week four days a week maximum for a while. I know I can do it.

As far as my body...I'm a little stiff, but feeling fine. I haven't dropped any weight but I expect that is because I never gave my body down time to recover. This is why I'm taking the week off.

All in all, I'm glad I did the 30 day challenge and looking forward to the next.

Now, back to writing!!!

I DID IT!! ZERO TO ONE-HUNDRED!!

30 days straight
30 workouts
30 minutes each
No less than 3 miles and the maximum mileage was 6!

Why did I do this?

Because I needed the challenge. When I feel my life is stagnant, I need something POSITIVE to shake it up! All who know me, know I'm a natural motivator. Some people say I have an "all or nothing" mentality (zero to 100) - and you know what? I do. I go after what I want and I always will have the satisfaction of saying and knowing, I TRIED!!! My grandfather, who passed away at 96 told me - ALWAYS TRY because you don't want to get to my age and have regrets or the "shoulda, woulda, coulda's." Trying and succeeding is part of my DNA make up, along with great genes, a sharp tongue, a warm smile, a great heart, impatience, intellect, and a great spirit. For those who bother to get to know me will see that and more.

I look back on some of the things I've done and think "WOW Lisa, you're pretty damned awesome - even through the struggles, the rejections, and the pain - you are a child of God and that will never change!"

Happy Monday!!

Reasons NOT to Give Up!!

Before you take the title out of reference - not giving up on my dream turning into a reality of being a working television writer!

1. I'm healthy
Today is day 26 of my 30 day 30 minute a day challenge!

2. I have a place to live
By the grace of God, I have a roof over my head even with the various challenges that have crossed my path!

3. I have food and water
I manage to keep food on my table even when the money is not there.

4. I have 3 true friends
They love me no matter what is happening in their lives or mine. They call to check on me. They listen and encourage.

5. I'm working
It may be temp work but it keeps a roof over my head and my belly full (AB Challenge starts next week!).

I've come so close a few times now and each time motivates me to keep going. I know I'm in the right place and it's all about timing and relationships.

Stay in faith and not allow the bitterness to touch your soul. I've had so many people make so many promises - don't rely on the promise of others, rely on your own part in this play. Be the best person you can be and the right people will cross your path.

Never give up on yourself!

What I love About Me?

I was born with determination. I was a preemie, so from the first breath I had to fight to take another and another and, well you get the point. Having to work so hard to live from the beginning has instilled a great amount of strength, determination, and will. I've always gone after what I've wanted and for the most part I've gotten everything and more.

Recently, I challenged myself to workout for 30 minutes a day for 30 days...Today is day 24 and I went 4.8 miles on my elliptical. I used to run until my doctor took me off running and put me on the elliptical stating it will be better for my knees - and it has been. Without realizing it, food became my comfort for oh so many years ago. This once 3.5 pound preemie ballooned up to 300 pounds. And I never realized it until people started telling me I was FAT! And we all know FAT makes you UGLY...silly notion I see that now, but back then (13 years ago) I held onto that belief and working in the entertainment industry was not helping my self-esteem one bit. Mostly everyone around me was SKINNY. My determination and will to NOT become a type 2 diabetic kicked in and now 150 later (from size 28 to a 10 - shooting for an 8), healthy, happy, and yes BEAUTIFUL (that never changed)!

Last year I fell in love for the first time. Even though the relationship didn't last, I'm still happy that I was able to open my heart and trust someone completely. When you've studied criminal profiling for so long...wait for it....here it comes..."He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche I wasn't becoming a monster but I did allow the many cases I've read and studied over the years about the cruelties people have done to each other that I completely shut my world off to anyone.

Now, my biggest goal to date...to become a television writer! After surviving preemieship, getting back on my feet after a long bout of unemployment, and throwing away 150 pounds, THIS has been a DOOZY of a challenge! In television, in the entertainment industry period, it is ALL in who you know. I know a lot of people but I also know that you MUST have something when you get there or you DISAPPOINT those people! With all of my rejections and misses, I continue to perfect my skills. I write in some form everyday. I also read a lot.

I'm a good person. I treat others with respect and compassion (depending on how they come at me). I manage to help others without letting them in my world completely. I am compassionate and caring but also very strong and determined. And that is what I love about me. :)

EIGHT MORE DAYS!!!

Twenty-two days ago I challenged myself to do 30 minutes of cardio a day! In eight days I will have accomplished my goal. The next goal is 30 days of ABS!

Thank you Shakeology for the nutrition!!





What are you challenging yourself to do?

There's a difference between...

Waiting for something to happen and making things happen. I choose to do both, sometimes making things happen pushes it too far and the results are not what you wanted. On the other hand, waiting for things to happen might make you too late. So put it out there and wait. We all get the messages on when to act, just make sure you act!!

I've been working on something for a while and thus far it has yielded no results other than frustration and dead ends. So okay, technically those are results, just not the results I want. Today, I shall do something different.

Challenges!

I've been on a challenge kick.

- Last week (after a weeks notice) I completed TWO drama scripts (that means they were at least 60 pages)to submit to various writing programs for next year. I enjoy writing dramas, to me they are much easier than writing comedy. I find myself funny but that doesn't mean others will.

I'm very excited about the two pilots I'm working on. Both are still in research mode with one actually on paper.

- After hearing about a friend's story about poor health and the doctor giving him a scare, I decided to challenge myself to do 30 minutes of cardio a day for 30 days! I'm proud to announce today is day 19 five miles on my elliptical!! The next challenge is the 30 day ABS!


- Join me! And as an extra added bonus - if you purchase SHAKEOLOGY through me for a six month home direct (cheaper) then I will give you a month free!! http://myshakeology.com/esuite/home/writerstewie Soooo many people ask me my secret to youthful looks, great attitude, and tons of energy. Of course genes, but SHAKEOLOGY,, water, movement, and healthy eating are key ingredients! Shakeology will help you turn your eating habits around and feel better.

Follow me on twitter: @writerstewie


What are you challenging yourself to do? Have you started? What's holding you back? Feel free to post here or send me an email. I'm happy to help (even though I do hold a masters in the behavioral sciences, I am not a psychologist!).

Have an awesome day!!!