Secrets to my Success and my rant about teasing the Obese!

In January everyone promises to change something about themselves. By the third week of January that promise is broken. I find that making promises like that solely based on the fact that it is the beginning of the year is a sure sign of failure. I am NOT saying that it doesn't work for some but for the majority of folks failure is a surety.

My secrets...

Whenever I start something or vocalize a goal, I start it at that moment. I begin planning out how my life will have to change to accommodate this new goal. I take it one moment at a time, not one pound at a time. If I sit and watch the scales, it frustrates me and I give up. But if I take it one moment at a time (workout to workout - correct food choice at a time) I am more successful.

Weight Loss

In 2000, after months of research, I decided to have a gastric bypass after failing at Weight Watchers and Nutri System. I dropped 114 pounds. Now 11 years later (October will be 12 years), I have managed to keep off 90 pounds and gaining 24 in 11 years (2.2 pounds gained per year)!

2011 I found SHAKEOLOGY (http://myshakeology.com/WriterStewie) and my life has once again changed. My yearly physical results - EXCELLENT. I am healthier today than I was 2 years ago! I've also dropped 10 pounds from last year (January to now). I am working out more, I begin each day with Shakeology and Coffee, I am dealing with the stress of my life in a better let destructive way by having a better outlook and not attaching myself to toxic situations (including people). My workouts range from a simple walk to an intense hip hop/insanity workout (http://beachbodycoach.com/WriterStewie).

Recently, one of my facebook friends posted a picture of a morbidly obese woman on his page. The comments of his friends were very hurtful. I used to be that woman. For those of you out there who think fat is funny, watch out because we eventually lose the weight and will come back and kick your arse for being cruel. Oh and it will come back to you ten-fold. So the next time you see someone who isn't your idea of beauty - keep your thoughts to yourself!

Writing

Last year I didn't write as much as the previous years - the death of my stepmother and one of my dogs, the challenge of friendships and the push to find a job took a great toll on my creativity. I did successfully get nominated for the FOX writing program but I didn't get selected. I did successfully rewrite my FBI pilot and started writing another pilot. Lastly, I did start another spec, this time for the show Fringe. I did my best to keep up with my blog! I guess looking back, I did do some writing.

So there you have it...I use Shakeology, Insanity, and I keep a positive outlook on everything in order to keep the stress level down. I no longer look for a single person to be a best friend (that's not logical for one person to be everything to me). I work as a temp and have embraced the fact that it is work. And, I am writing - whether its read or not, I will not stop. Keep writing and rely only on YOURSELF!! People will promise you the world and deliver nothing!

Happy Sunday!!

Day Two...

January 2nd and all is well. I'm up early on my day off and thinking about all of the possibilities for this new year.

Yearly resolutions are a thing of the past for me as I create and accomplish goals daily. So it seems to be silly to make a goal for the year when I accomplish 12 times as much!

My goal for this week:
Incorporate the biological imperative reasoning scene in my spec script.

Develop the character "Trixie" in my second pilot.

Run/Walk three more times this week.

Work on the "list" - these are the people in which I would like to align myself with (mentor)for writing.

Share one of my nutrition secrets - http://myshakeology.com/writerstewie

It's gonna be a great week!

Happy New Year! Live it day by day and week by week - that way you can accomplish anything.

The End of the Year and What Have I Learned?

What have I learned in 2011?

God

There is a God. There is something bigger than me and it has a unique plan for me. I must be patient and continue to have faith in myself and from time to time in others! :)

March 23, 2011

My step mother Mary died. I miss her so much. I miss our talks and how she would always have the perfect things to say to make me feel better. It's hard to imagine the ones you love have to leave eventually, even though I know everyone dies, somehow you keep believing that loved ones go on forever. Actually they do in our memory. She lived for over 90 years, a few months shy of 91. I think back at all she has seen and accomplished in her lifetime; then look at my life and think, I have a very long way to go!

August 20, 2011

My dog Russell died. He was my heart and I love him dearly to this day until the end of time. Max and Russell came into my life March 22, 1996. Same litter, both reached 90 pounds each. I always had my hands full with them. Russell was the quiet one, the logical one. He was always by my side and Max was on the other. I have tripped over them many times and broken my toe three times trying to avoid stepping on them. Max and I are doing our best to go on without Russell but he will remain in our hearts forever. Max has stopped looking for Russell but I can tell when he's missing him. He will sleep on Russell's side of the bed on the floor.

Friendships

Having same experiences does not a best friend make. In fact, all friendships are unique and should be seen as such, not placing one friendship above another. Each friend contributes something in your life and it's a little silly to name one person the best friend when all friends are apart of your life. There are no best friends, just good ones.

Temping

I know I complain about it but am very grateful to have it. I have met a few good people through the many temp jobs throughout the year. This is why I have so many facebook friends! I will know when the right position comes along, IF it comes along. Until then, I will keep on temping, most importantly keep on writing.


Writing

There are no set amount of rejections before acceptance. You either keep going or you give up. It is not in my DNA to give up. With every rejection I learn something new and I improve or at the very least have a better outlook. Recently my spec script for House was read, and the reader actually enjoyed it. Not only did she get the meaning of the title but she figured out the blood bible reference!

What have I learned? Most of all Patience and Love. I took routine for granted instead of cherishing every routine moment as a single experience, I took for granted that the routine would last forever. Nothing lasts forever.


Happy New Year my THREE readers!!! :)

Things I've learned While Working in the Entertainment Industry

Of course I think of these things while driving so excuse the discombobulation of thought. I've been working in this industry for a long time and of my years I've found these things to be true and remain true to this day:

1. Talent is not needed for success but it helps. It's all about networking and for some of little faith, selling their souls. We have all seen our share of crap hit the big and small screen. How did it get there you ask? A friend/relative of a friend who can make things happen. Do not let this dissuade you from achieving your goals. It will happen you must never give up and you must never use the excuse of "so-and-so is cousins with blah blah so of course they are on staff." While this may be true in some instances, do know that true talent will always have that opportunity. Get out and get to know people. Also be flexible. I've seen many a writer not get staffed because of their preconceived ideas of how a room should be run.

2. Just because people speak to you doesn't mean they're your friend. Choose your friends wisely and always know that everyone has an ulterior motive. In fact, it is much harder to have real friends (people you trust) within the entertainment industry because everyone wants something, everyone. Do not talk about others and do not reveal your most intimate secrets if you are not willing to deal with the consequences. Now, I'm not saying "trust no one" (thank you Chris Carter), what I am saying is be smart when it comes to friends.

3. Young or Old - shortcuts and cheating ALWAYS result in failure. I know some younger folks think that in order to get ahead in this industry you must cut corners and not learn the craft (writing, acting and directing) that their youth and looks guarantee them success. That is absolutely NOT true.

4. It is NOT always best to say what's really on your mind. Not only do you hurt feelings, you hurt your chances. The people you meet today might be the people that come back into your life in a higher position! I may not like a person, but to blast them publicly is just plain stupid. The entertainment industry is unforgiving.

5. Sex, Race, and Size DO have something to do with where you end up. Now, don't take this the wrong way without allowing me to explain. Skinny and white does not equate to intelligent and successful but in this industry it helps. Racism, sexism and ageism is a given everywhere, one MUST be smart about their choices and choose their battles very carefully (did you not read point #4?). Never assume anything. Same sex, same race, same age does not guarantee acceptance. I have experienced more racism from my own race than the stereotypical opposite. I know, I was shocked as well. Always keep that in mind but do NOT allow it to become the excuse for everything.

6. Return the favors that have been bestowed upon you, don't be selfish. I have seen it time and time again where someone takes, takes and takes again only to end up wondering why no one is giving them anything anymore. Be nice to everyone...nice not stupid.

Those six points I find very vital in this industry.

Please feel free to comment or add your own words of wisdom!

The More Things Change...

The more they stay the same for some. Recently I witnessed my own growth. It can be surprising when it happens because you are not expecting it. I was asked the same question but this time I gave a different answer. I gave pause when delivering my answer because at that moment I recognized and embraced the growth and welcomed the change!

The question: "Are you happy?"

My usual answer: I could be if only I...(you can fill in the blank here)

My answer given today: Yes, absolutely!

The person then asked: "Well aren't you still temping and didn't you recently report a nagging toothache on Facebook?"

My response: Sure, I've had a nagging toothache for the past 24 hours but it will subside and the dentist will take care of it when I get insurance. I still have my health and my teeth! I find I am no longer dwelling on what's wrong but embracing what is right. Sure, I'm still temping and proud to have a place to go and get paid for 40 hours a week.

The person was expecting the negative. I no longer live negative, I live moment to moment - I roll with all that comes my way and make the best of it and most importantly LEARN from it.

The person who asked me the question was used to me complaining and therefore join in on my pity party. This time there was no pity only party.

2012 will be another year for me to get it write...literally!

Happy New Year.

Disappointment Comes to Us All...

Well the news finally arrived last night at 7:03, I was not selected for the Fox Writer's program. Last night I guess I was numb to the rejection and even this morning I feel ok yet growing sadder by the minute. What does this mean? It means I still need to temp, I still will be defined by the temp positions I hold, people will think less of me and continue to look down on me and sadly most of all, I don't feel hope right now.

The experience:

I am glad I went for it. I wished I had a strong mentor to tell me what I'm doing wrong. I know I'm a writer but in order to be legit, you've got to be paid as one and well read in this town.

What's next?

I guess I keep writing and I keep temping. I keep playing the role that I am less than everyone else because all I'm good for is answering a phone. It's better than having nothing and I know in my heart it is not what defines me. I just hoped beyond hope. And it's even funnier that I can't even get a permanent job answering phones so I must suck at that too!

Solution...

Never let them get me down and keep writing - there are no other choices.

Merry Christmas!

Why some and Not others

I had a conversation with a former bill collector last night. He had kept my number and we communicated off and on then I didn't hear from him anymore. This guy was awesome. Anyone past due experiences the dreaded bill collector. For the most part they are unfeeling creatures who secretly hate you because you were able to get what they couldn't and now they delight in taking it all away from you!

I'm blessed because I befriended most of my collectors and moved my way out of debt...sort of. Anyway, this guy who was in a similar situation as mine ended up losing his home and then a month later his job. He has been out of work for over a year. To add to his drama, he was diagnosed with severe carpel tunnel and can no longer type! All bill collectors need to be able to type! Luckily he was able to get disability. I told him there are other plans for you!

He was so proud to hear that I am doing better and that he prayed for me! Why him and not me? Through my struggles I have come to understand that things happen for a reason. I went through all that I did to emerge a better person. I look back at the person I used to be and I am ashamed. I told my friend that this is happening to him for a reason and to embrace and learn from it so that you can grow and emerge to be the person God intended you to be. After losing his home, he was able to get into something cheaper and better.

Today, I want everyone to know that prayer works and do not lose the faith. Being down doesn't mean you're out!!