Weight-loss Insanity

I read somewhere that a symptom of insanity is doing something over and
over the same way but sincerely hoping to get a different result. Yes,
it's the story of my life.

I often refer to my college days as the good 'ole days. Sure, I had the
most fun with my friends at that time plus I did so well in school. But
these are not the reasons why I loved that era. I loved it for the
simple reason that when I graduated from college, I weighed exactly the
same way as I weighed on my first year there. I was thin! My cheekbones
were visible even with my face at rest, (no sucking in the cheeks just
to check if I still HAVE cheekbones) My collar bones were ever present!
I was a medium and I can buy clothes in free size.

After I graduated, I took on an office job that I didn't really like,
but many approved of. Being the "good girl" that I am, I stayed on,
thinking I'd eventually like it...

This must've had an effect on my psyche. Depression set in and pounds
started to pile on. Slowly but surely, 20 pounds crept in. After I got
married, my excess pounds welcomed their friends who invited other
friends and soon they have a party on my thighs and midsection. I nearly
had a panic attack when I realized one day that I tipped the scales at
almost 200 pounds!

To say that I've had trouble keeping the pounds off is an
understatement. I have tried various ways of losing weight, from going
vegetarian, going to the gym, trying fad diets, drinking protein shakes
etc. If I weren't budget-constrained, I'd probably gone off already for
a liposuction.

I'd binge, I'd gain weight, I'd be remorseful, I'd try to lose weight.
I'd lose SOME weight, I'd binge, I'd gain MORE weight than I initially
lost, then I'd feel remorseful and the vicious, frustrating cycle begins
again! What's pathetic is I start my latest diet/exercise regimen with
the pure intentions and strong determination... until I fall again into
the temptation that comes in the forms of pizza/chocolates/chips etc.

Hopefully someday I find the determination to permanently choose to be
healthy... then probably the insanity will end... probably.

Bea Vs Parties

Last November, my husband and I started a photography business, BK
Pixels Photography. We offer photography services for birthdays, debut,
weddings and corporate affairs. We also have a photobooth for rent.
Since we are both working, most of our gigs happen on weekends, the only
time we also get to spend with our daughter. Recently, when my daughter
sees me in front of the laptop, with my brows furrowed (I'm working on a
layout) she'd ask me whether we had a party later? When I'd say yes,
she'd literally wilt in front of me and slowly slink away.

This would crush my heart yet what can I do. How can I explain to a 5
year old that I am doing this as part of a plan so that in the long run,
I'd be able to spend so much more time with her? That the hope is we'll
be able to run this business full time, from home so that we won't miss
her growing up? It's sad how she now dreads the word "party" instead of
being all happy and excited when she hears it. For her party means mommy
and daddy will be away again...oh well.

Parenthood can be tough sometimes, but it can be even tougher when the
children have to sacrifice too...

Stork Studios and the Inspiring Woman Behind It

Yesterday, I met a woman who, along with a partner, set up a very
lucrative business, the Stork Studio. Her specialization: new born
photography. This niche is pretty popular in the States but here in the
Philippines, she is the pioneer. Although Sofia Genato took on a
partner, she basically she runs the whole photography business, from the
marketing to the accounting to the actual taking of pictures. Her
background in advertising sure helps her a lot.

One thing that is quite obvious when one speaks with her it is her
passion for photography! And she's got it all figured out, she wants to
specialize in baby photography. She even invested in further training in
the states, and according to her, it is well worth the expensive
trainings!

I wish I can also have her passion for her craft. I love how she is so
definite about her goals and dreams. She has concrete dreams from their
business and is actually taking steps to achieve those aspirations.

I also hope for the laser-like focus that she has.

Now I understand why financial gurus promote staying within successful
people's radius. Her joy and enthusiasm for success is simply
infectious.

I would love to grow our business. Leaving the concrete rat-race has
always been my dream almost from the time I started running in it. Now I
finally have a chance to actually do it. Running a business is
definitely frightening, but hanging on to a job you're miserable in just
because of the fear on the unknown (unemployment) is no way to live.