Staying The Course

Asif Akbar / Stock Xchng

I was reminded of something interesting about the human body today that I'd forgotten.  When I weighed-in at Lucille Roberts today, the scale showed that I had only lost 1 and a half pounds.  Although I did weigh in at a loss, I was disappointed that it was only a pound and a half loss because I worked HARD this week.  I was uber careful about what I ate, I worked out twice with my trainer and then an additional 2 times at home with Jillian Michaels.  Alright, fine, not exactly with Jillian Michaels, but to Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred workout; but I thought all of that hard work would pay off with a greater amount of weight loss, so I was disappointed to see that it didn't.  It also didn't make sense to me that my clothes are starting to feel really loose on me if the numbers on the scale weren't showing that.  But then came the numbers that helped it all to make sense!  After being measured, I've lost several inches, and my muscle mass went up!  Muscle is smaller than fat, as it is more dense, so now it all started to click.  My clothes are looser because my body is getting tighter and more toned.  My hard work is paying off, and my body has made very real changes!  The numbers didn't go down on the scale a whole lot because I am gaining muscle!  That's actually a really great thing!  With the added muscle mass, the fat is slowly burning off, and it won't be long until I'm as lean as I'd like to be.

My goal all along was definitely to lose pounds, and to fit into my pre-Dear-God-I'm-SO-Fat clothes.  My biggest goal, however, was to get fit and strong.  With the help of my amazing trainer, Christine, and with eating lots of lean proteins, I am doing exactly that.  Christine saw that I was less than thrilled with the results according to their scale and made sure to point out that according to all of my stats I was improving in every way.  I have consistently made slow but very steady improvements in my body measurements, BMI, muscle mass, and level of fitness, and that is something to proud of.  And you know what?  When I started this journey with Lucille Roberts I was 173.5 pounds and a very tight size 16.  Today, I'm 160 pounds and a very loose size 14.  Now, those are numbers that are really impressive to me!

What is most important in all of this, I am learning, is to stay the course.  To not give up, and to push yourself just the slightest bit harder, so that each time you try again you go a little bit further than you did before.  And, really, isn't that a great metaphor for life as well? 

I think so.



*I have been compensated by Lucille Roberts as one of their Blogger Ambassadors with a six month gym membership and free weekly sessions with a trainer. As usual, however, the opinions stated in my posts and/or Tweets about Lucille Roberts are strictly my own and will not be unduly influenced by them in any way other than the quality of service that they provide.

Tunes With Tina, Fun On A Sunday Morning

If you're like me, you're always looking for activities to do with the little ones that get you out of the house.  While I for one am always a huge fan of lazing around on a Sunday and spending the day in your pajamas, there are many times when I would much rather get out of the apartment and take Theo out into our city.  I took Theo to Tunes with Tina this past Sunday and we had so much fun that I plan on going back as often as I can.  Tunes with Tina is a Sunday Jazz Brunch - for kids!  Theo has been listening to Jazz since he was in the womb, and it is one of his favorite genres, and he was quick to identify that was what he was listening to.  Even if your kids have never once listened to Jazz, though, they are going to love Tina.  Now, when I say she plays Jazz music, I don't mean that she sits there and plays Cole Porter (although she could, since she played his piano for years); what I mean is that she takes children's classics, "Row, Row, Row Your Boat", "ABC", and many others, and gives them a jazzy little twist that allows the kids to sing along to old favorites and yet enjoy a more sophisticated rendition of them.  She even played a version of "Here We Go" by none other than The Fresh Beat Band!

One of the things that I really appreciated about Tina is that she allowed the children to come right up to the piano, even sit on the bench with her, so that there wasn't this divide between her and the audience.  As you can see from these photos, Theo had no problem getting up close and personal with Tina:

Theo Studying Tina's Fingers

Theo and Tina Sing A Duet

What was great for me as a parent was being able to enjoy great food (both menus, the kid's and the adult's, had wonderful options), while being able to sit back and watch my child enjoy himself in a child-friendly atmosphere.  Being able to enjoy a quality meal at a restaurant where my child is encouraged to sing and dance is priceless.  When it was over, I asked Theo to go over to Tina and say goodbye and thank you, and he did, saying (verbatim), "Goodbye.  Thank you for the lovely music".  Such a little man, my Theo. 

I will be going back as often as I possibly can, so look for the Twitter hashtag #TunesWithTina if you aren't in NYC so that you can join in on the fun as I live-Tweet when I am there.  If you are in New York, though, you absolutely have to come out to Tunes with Tina so that you can see for yourself what an amazing experience this is, for both you and your children.  And if you plan on going, make sure to let me know so that we can sit next to each other and enjoy it together!

Theo trying to steal the show.

*Theo and I were provided this experience free of charge for the purpose of reviewing.

Wordless Wednesday

Hope

Robert Michie / Stock Xchng

Hope 

By Emily Dickinson

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune--without the words,
And never stops at all.

There is more to that poem, but it's that stanza that has always stayed with me.  Through the most difficult Depressive episodes in my life, it is that stanza, specifically, that reminds me of what gets me through the toughest of times and keeps me from breaking down and staying down.  Hope for me hasn't always been a good thing, necessarily, as when I was younger my best friend and I used to say, "If it weren't for Pandora and that damn box, we would have no hope; and if it weren't for hope, we wouldn't keep getting our hearts broken by dreams dashed against the rocks of circumstance.".  Over the years I've come to learn that Hope and Expectations are very, very different things, and that what was being dashed against those rocks were the expectations we had that certain things would transpire exactly the way we wanted them to.  Hope is quite a different thing altogether.

Hope is what makes you get through the darkest of times, and upon seeing the clouds break, even for a moment, reminds you that there is something else out there, waiting for you, if you just hang on long enough.  Hope is what keeps you from giving up and giving in, because it reminds you that nothing stays the same forever, not the good - true - but not the bad, either.  Hope is what reminds you that no matter how scary things are right now, things can always get better.  And, if they can get better, then all is not lost.  It may feel that way right now, but that feeling, like all else in life, is only temporary.  Whatever it is you are going through, this, too, shall pass.

Dare to hold on to hope.  Dare to believe that things can change for the better.  Dare to believe that, no matter how troubling these times are for you, that you are right where you are meant to be.  Sometimes, we have to fully enter into who we are not, to be clear on who exactly we are.  Use this time to gain clarity about who you are and where you would like to be, and then embrace the hope that the way forward will come about for you.  You may not see it now, the way forward, but with hope, you give yourself the opportunity to find that path for yourself.

Hold on to hope.  I will be here, holding on right with you.

Single Moms Sundays Series, Featuring Ebony L.

*Single Moms Sundays is a series of guest posts by single moms that will serve to demonstrate the varied experiences and circumstances that shape and color a community filled with diversity.


A Day At The Beach
By Ebony L.

Kslyesmith / Stock Xchng

We were invited to Emily's (the mother of a classmate of my son's) beach club down at The Jersey Shore for a play date. I've been exposed to many things, but I've never been to a beach club. Amadi and Emily had been praying for good weather for the last week I thought it would only be right that I find out exactly what we needed. I didn't want to embarrass my son or be the talk of the parent association. You know them Upper Westside mother's gossip just as bad as we do.

So a week before the big day I sent Emily an email, very simple and to the point. Is there anything specific we need to bring for Saturday? The boys needed multiple swim trunks, I thought wardrobe changes, why? You have to wear dry clothes in the club house, ok that make sense. The club opens at 10:00 a.m. the earlier you leave the less traffic you will get into on the way down, ok Ebony, don't be the late black lady, with the loud boys in tow. While I was making our preparations for the big day, Amadi was too! Mom, Ms. Fienberg said I can bring the super soakers. Super soakers, check. Amadi is a honest boy, so there was no need for me to check with Emily if it was ok. When we got to the beach, she said the conversation she and Amadi had went like this:

"Ms. Fienberg, would it be appropriate if I brought the super soakers to the play date for me and Harry to play?"

"Yes, Amadi that would be appropriate."

(My thoughts, this kid, makes me so proud!!!!)

Finally the big day arrives. I packed the night before, did my own fashion show, just to make sure I wasn't looking too crazy and to make sure there was no reason to gossip about me at the parent association. Emily has never come across that way, but I didn't want to give anybody any reason to say anything. We got up super early, had breakfast and was out the door before 8am, from Brooklyn to The Jersey Shore. The drive was smooth there was no traffic and we pulled into the beach club at the same time as the Fienbergs.

Everything starts off fine, we get our locker, which is more like a room. We take our beach supplies and head to the sand, which is just past the pool and the lounge chairs. We find our spot and one of the staffers comes over and sets up our spot, complete with chairs and umbrellas. We are ready to beach. First order of business Harry wants Amadi to boogie board with him, they head to the ocean. Me and Josiah trail behind them. Now my Josiah, he's a little bit, he's not really feeling the ocean. After some cajoling, I convince him to get in the water. A big wave comes throws him down, Josiah's out the water. Now we are watching Amadi and Harry, when some friendly beach goer decides he wants to show Josiah a crab. He puts the crab in Josiah's hand, he screams runs off the beach and everyone laughs. Thanks man, you've just set him off for the rest of the day.

Waves get rough, life guards tell the boys to get out of the water, they decide to go to the kiddie pool. What I have noticed about the lifeguards is they actually watch the kids, so you don't have too. But I know my sons and that is not a good idea. Josiah's jealous Amadi is playing with Harry and Eddie is too young for Josiah to play with. Can you say tantrum? Well Josiah decides to cry about the super soaker, he cries about the water everything is irritating him! Ugh, I'm ready to go, but of course I can't because we haven't even had lunch.

After a wardrobe change we have lunch. "You have your hands full with Josiah", Nana says, Emily's 82 year old mother joins us for lunch along with her nephew. "I sure do." We finish lunch and the boys are still not ready to go. So now they are off to the basketball courts with Emily's nephew Ethan. The mom's go back to sand, when I notice we are the only "raisins in the pound cake" - not even the staff. I guess it really doesn't matter, the boys are having fun and that's all that matters.

After ice cream, Emily decides that the moms need to have a meeting, because Harry wants us to stay for dinner at The Windmill and I want to go home. So Emily convinces me that after we shower, we can have dinner and then when we get home the boys would be ready for bed. I'm thinking yeah right, they still have to bathe and I'm going to have sand everywhere. I need to get going now! Then she hits me with the boys are having so much fun, let's make everybody happy! Ugh, ok, we will stay for dinner.

The boys go back to the pool for about another hour, then Emily decides it's time we start getting ready for dinner. First we wash all of all the beach supplies, what no sand, not bad. Then we head to the showers and Emily's got everything, shampoo, body wash. lotion. It's a real shower! The boys are scrubbed, hair washed, no sand, fresh clothes, perfect!!! I wash my locs, even better, less work when I get home. Ok, I'm thinking this wasn't too bad, we head to The Windmill.

We eat at the top of The Windmill, we wave down to Nana. The hot dogs were yuck, but the fries were good. We thank our host, for a great day. Emily and Harry thank us for coming and Eddie is just as cute as he wants to be. We all head down to the cars, we hug, say good bye, wish each other a wonderful summer, see you in September. We get in the car to head back to Brooklyn . Before I reach the Garden State Parkway the boys are sleep!!! We had a wonderful day!!! I can get used to beaching at a beach club!!!!

I’m glad I accept play dates. I wasn’t too crazy about them in the beginning, but this is how it goes in private school. This is Amadi and Josiah’s world, they are comfortable in it. I can’t get caught up in what makes me nervous, because it would only hold them back. So I put on my mommy hat and we go!   Until our next adventure!

*A single mom of two boys, Ebony L. works hard to ensure that any limitations she feels she may have do not become her children's.  Her sons go to one of the most sought-after private schools in Manhattan, and when she isn't at work she is either at a soccer game or chess tournament. 

The JobProsper Flexible & Work From Home Expo

I know that for many of us single moms, how to earn a living while spending the most amount of time with our children that we can is of utmost importance to us.  I was made aware of an interesting new job expo being held here in New York City, The JobProsper Flexible & Work From Home Expo.  Please see below for all of the details you will need to attend this FREE expo, and for web details for those of you who don't live in the NYC area.

The JobProsper Flexible & Work From Home Expo

Sunday, October 2nd

11am-4pm

Metropolitan Pavilion

124 West 18th Street

Bet 6th and 7th Aves

Free Registration at www.jobprosperexpo.com or www.jobprosper.com

· It is free to all attendees.

· Jobs at the expo are jobs that you will not find on the site.

· The only Job Fair that focuses on legitimate flexible, part time and work from home employment.

· Started by stay at home moms who wanted to make sure other stay at home moms could contribute to their households without sacrificing the quality of their family lives.

· We screen all companies that are at each expo so our attendees can be assured there are no scams.

· After two years of expos in NJ, PA and DC/VA we have positions for everyone who is interested in taking back their lives while making extra money.

· We have companies for retail holiday hiring, virtual assistant positions, marketing, writing, direct sales, and other positions that offer flexibility.

· All who come will leave having spoken to hiring managers as well as a better understanding of how to find flexible positions right here in NYC.

· To order a copy of the ebook “Making Work from Home Work for You” with over 200 work from home hiring companies go to http://www.jobprosper.com/index.php/book

· To get updates on jobs, work from home information and companies like us on facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JobProsper

· All who are interested should pre-register at www.jobprosperexpo.com or www.jobprosper.com

For more information or press inquiries please call Noelle Frieson at 201-880-9300 or email info@jobprosper.com

The Alternative Employment Revolution -

http://www.jobprosper.com

 

 

* I have been offered compensation to provide this information to my readers.

Wordless Wednesday

Getting Closer

The Tools Of My Torture At Lucille Roberts

Today was my weigh-in at Lucille Roberts and I'm down to 161.8 from 164.2!  And you know what?  Even though it's only 2 and a half pounds, I really worked hard for that weight loss.  I was super conscious about what I ate, I worked out hard this week, and for the first time during this entire process I am actually proud of myself.  I have been sore almost every day of this week, I've eaten really healthfully, and I drank tons of water.  I earned each ounce of weight loss I achieved and that feels really good.

Not to say that every week will be like this.  Some weeks I may decide to have a little bit of ice cream, or an extra glass of wine, or maybe I won't be able to work out as hard because of my schedule.  I'm not going to beat myself up if during one particular week I'm less than stellar because I also want to fully enjoy my life, and if fully enjoying my life means a little ice cream or wine or whatever, then I'm not going to live a life without enjoyment.  What's the point of living the life of an ascetic?  This life was given to us to enjoy it!  It just feels good to know that I can do this hard work, because some weeks it felt like I could quit and just go back to being completely sedentary, eating an entire pint of ice cream on the sofa.  This has not been easy, not at all.  I am so very glad I'm doing this, though, because I feel so much stronger than I did when I started this.  Today I actually jogged up the subway stairs and was amazed!  When I started this process I would walk up those same stairs very, very slowly - and by the time I had reached the top I would be winded.  Not anymore! 

So, now, do I look how I want to?  No.  Not at all.  Not yet.  Do I still have quite a way to go to get to my best self?  Absolutely.  I'm closer to that version of myself than I was, though.  I'm much, much closer.


*I have been compensated by Lucille Roberts as one of their Blogger Ambassadors with a six month gym membership and free weekly sessions with a trainer. As usual, however, the opinions stated in my posts and/or Tweets about Lucille Roberts are strictly my own and will not be unduly influenced by them in any way other than the quality of service that they provide.

Wordless Wednesday

Phineas And Ferb: The Best Live Tour Ever!

Theo and I got the chance to experience Phineas And Ferb: The Best Live Tour Ever!, the very day after his birthday and it was SO much fun!  Due to the fact that I don't let Theo watch too much TV, he wasn't familiar with the cartoon prior to our going to the show, but it didn't even matter.  The music, the lovable sillyness, the energy, Theo ate it ALL up! 

The best thing about the show was watching Theo dance in his seat to the music.  Usually very intense, it was a joy to watch Theo dancing and having silly fun, all thanks to the great songs and music of the live show.  I had watched a few episodes prior to going to the show and I found it quite funny for a kid's animated show.  I know from Twitter that the Phineas and Ferb cartoon on the Disney channel is a favorite among the parents because it's a show that, while still very appropriate for children, keeps their parents laughing as well.  The live show did not disappoint, as I found it just as chuckle-worthy as the cartoon show.

We even got an Agent P snow cone in a collectible cup, which will serve to remind Theo of all the fun he had.

So much fun was had, and I would say that if you are a fan of the show you should definitely get you and the kids to see it.  You can find locations and showtimes here.  If you've never seen the show, though, you and the kiddos will also love it, as it is filled with fun, songs, and lots of dancing.  Treat your kids to a show that you will actually enjoy as well!

* Theo and I were provided complimentary tickets for the purpose of reviewing the show.

Single Moms Sundays Series, Featuring Single Mama CC

*Single Moms Sundays is a series of guest posts by single moms that will serve to demonstrate the varied experiences and circumstances that shape and color a community filled with diversity.

Keep Learning
By SingleMamaCC

It's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that it's been 10 years since that day. It seems like only yesterday yet I don't remember what my life was like before that September day.

I woke up that morning nervous but full of hope...good things were coming!

By the end of that day I was even more nervous, shaken and shocked....I couldn't believe what I was seeing on the news...and I still couldn't believe what I was holding in my hands...I still have the very first ultra sound picture dated: 09/11/2001.

THAT 9/11 was the first day my adventures in motherhood truly became real, the day I felt it....it all became real when I saw that little flickering heartbeat.

So much has happened since that gloriously sunny September day.

Over the course of the past ten years I've gotten married, given birth, got divorced, relocated, terminated my ex's parental rights, and relocated yet again only this time my girl and I went half way across the country.

I've seen some shit, survived some self inflicted hells and learned a thing or two since then...or so I'd like to think.

 

Lesson learned: Pick your battles, there will be plenty to choose from. Is wearing a Cinderella ball gown to the super market at the age of 3 really THAT big of a deal?.

Lesson learned: Family goes beyond blood. The amount of influence, good or bad, allowed into your life is ultimatelty up to you. Surround yourself well.

 

Lesson learned: It never gets easier. YOU get stronger. The strength to survive and beyond is there, stop ignoring it.

Lesson learned: Play. Laugh. Be silly. Enjoy every day, even the shitty ones...at some point during even the shittiest of days, your kid WILL make you smile. LET THEM.

Lesson learned: Let your attention span to something that pisses you off last as long as your childs attention span to pretty much anything....let it go, it'll be over soon

 

Lesson learned: Remember who you're dealing with. YOU are the parent. Giving up is not an option. Your kid is a blessing and was given to you for a reason, but dont forget, YOU were given to THEM for a reason too..

 

Lesson learned: It's true. The most effective form of teaching is by good example.

 

Lesson learned: Some days, being a single mom blows but everyday of being mom is rewarding in even the smallest ways.

 

Lesson learned: KEEP LEARNING

 

 

SingleMamaCC was the one who was certain she never wanted kids, ever.  She was the one who was beyond wrong. Being a mother has been the greatest gift she never knew she wanted.  She's been a single mom since the beginning....it's been a long, rewarding road with memories that will last her and her daughter a lifetime....and she looks forward to making more memories with her girl.  You can find SingleMamaCC at Not Your Average Single Mama.

Getting Back In The Saddle

Rodrigo Roveri / Stock Xchng

After almost 2 weeks of being away from Lucille Roberts, I got back in the saddle this week.  After being away on vacation, then celebrating Theo's fourth birthday with copious amounts of yummy stuff, it is my duty to report that I weighed in today at 164.2 pounds today.  Now, on one hand I'm not happy that I gained a little, but on the other hand, because I did practice some control, I was able to only gain a tiny bit as opposed to a whole lot.

I'm at a new Lucille Roberts location with a new trainer and so far it's going GREAT.  My new trainer is the perfect combination between encouraging while not pushing me too hard for my body, and professional but really fun.  I think that I will start to see some real changes in my body now since I am fully engaged and actually enjoying the workouts.  Finding the right trainer for you is extremely important, not everyone can meet your needs and goals.  What is important is not to give up on being trained because it really does make a huge difference.  Now that I have the right trainer for me I'm positive my fitness journey will take off and I will start to not only see a difference in my body, but feel a difference in my level of enjoyment throughout the process.  Will I ever LOVE working out?  Probably not.  What I can just begin to see, though, is the beginnings of being able to enjoy the process of getting fit, not just enduring it.  And that is something I didn't think was possible!

So, here I am, back in the saddle again.  And I'm actually glad to be back.  Who would'a thunk it?


*I have been compensated by Lucille Roberts as one of their Blogger Ambassadors with a six month gym membership and free weekly sessions with a trainer. As usual, however, the opinions stated in my posts and/or Tweets about Lucille Roberts are strictly my own and will not be unduly influenced by them in any way other than the quality of service that they provide.

Happy Birthday, My Love

Today, at precisely 2:43 AM, my baby turns 4 years old.  No longer a baby, I feel melancholy at how quickly the time has passed.  Theo is a highly intelligent, independent, marvel of a child.  He is my life, my light, my love.  I am so very grateful that he chose me to be born into this world through.

Happy Birthday, Pun'kin! My love for you grows deeper by the day. My gratitude at having you as my child is greater than I can ever convey. Thank you for trusting me to be your Mama.

NY METRO PARENTS & THE BERENSTAIN BEARS LIVE!

MICHELLE OBAMA’S “LET’S MOVE”

COMES TO BEAR COUNTRY

NY METRO PARENTS & THE BERENSTAIN BEARS LIVE!

SPONSOR A FREE PERFORMANCE

ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25^th

www.BerenstainBearsLive.com/LetsMove

The Berenstain Bears LIVE! and sponsors NY Metro Parents, Manhattan Movement and Arts Center and Theatermania partner to bring Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” to Bear Country, featuring a FREE performance of The Berenstain Bears LIVE! The first 100 families who download our “Let’s Move in Bear Country” pledge found at www.BerenstainBearsLive.com/LetsMove will be awarded two tickets to the event, which includes a pre-show Healthy Snacktime, a FREE performance, a post-show dance lesson, and face painting and photos with the Bears. “Let’s Move in Bear Country” takes place on Sunday, September 25th at 3:30pm at Manhattan Movement and Arts Center.

“With its entertaining musical story filled with healthy messages for kids, The Berenstain Bears LIVE! has become a destination for families throughout the New York area. Inspired by Michelle Obama’s healthy life-style initiatives, I am proud to be partnering with our many sponsors who have underwritten this exciting Let’s Move in Bear Country event for 100 New York area families. What better way to encourage a healthy life-style than through an exciting new musical filled with characters kids already know and love?”

Matt Murphy, producer of The Berenstain Bears LIVE!

“We are thrilled to sponsor this special event with The Berenstain Bears LIVE!, which promotes healthy living for children. As a mom, I’m so excited that I can take my young daughter to a new musical that conveys a healthy way of life in such fun way.”

Lisa Ben Isvy, Associate Publisher, NY Metro Parents

THE FIRST 100 FAMILIES who go to www.BerenstainBearsLive.com/LetsMove and download the Let’s Move In Bear Country pledge will be eligible for a free pair of tickets to The Berenstain Bears LIVE! Like Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative, the pledge asks families to think about their food choices while striving towards a more active lifestyle.

“Let’s Move in Bear Country” will include:

· A pre –show Healthy Snacktime that includes healthy recipes and snacks from celebrity cookbooks

· A free performance of The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, the Musical

· An interactive “Let’s Move” dance taught by The Berenstain Bear Family

· Face painting and Photos with The Berenstain Bears

Adapted from the classic children’s book series by Stan and Jan Berenstain, The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, the Musical brings everyone’s favorite bear family to life in a thrilling theatrical experience that kids as well as their parents will treasure for many years to come. The newest Off-Broadway musical for Mamas, Papas, and Young Cubs in NYC, The Berenstain Bears LIVE! will give boys and girls of all ages the chance to fall in love with these characters, just as their parents did when they were growing up. The Berenstain Bears LIVE! features an original score by Michael Borton and a book by Borton and Michael Slade.

The critics have raved for The Berenstain Bears LIVE! “A PEPPY, POP-FLAVORED SCORE!” – NY Times; “A KID-A-THON OF GIGGLES!” – Big Apple Parent; “LIKE HONEY FOR LITTLE KIDS!”– Mommy Poppins; “HILARIOUS, SIDE-SPLITTING ESCAPADES. THIS SPIRITED AND PERFECTLY-PACED PRODUCTION WILL RESONATE ACROSS GENERATIONS.”– Time Out NY

The Berenstain Bears LIVE!

“LET’S MOVE IN BEAR COUNTRY”

SEPTEMBER 25th, 2011

Healthy Snack hour begins at 3:30PM; Free Performance at 4:30PM

Visit www.BerenstainBearsLive.com/LetsMove

to become eligible to receive a FREE pair of tickets

The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, the Musical

Written by Michael Borton and Michael Slade

Directed and Choreographed by Devanand Janki

Performance Schedule: Saturdays at 2PM and 4:30PM; Sundays at 2PM

MMAC is located at 248 West 60th Street

UPDATED PRICING: Tickets: $34.95 (Rear Section), $44.95 (Front Section),

and a $59.95 V.I.B. Package (Very Important Bears!)

Each performance features a FREE Berenstain Bears post-show celebration that

includes dancing, face painting and photos with the cast after the show.

Tickets can be purchased at www.BerenstainBearsLive.com or by phone at (866) 811-4111

Running Time is 55 minutes Tickets can be purchased at www.BerenstainBearsLive.com

or by phone at (866) 811-4111

The Best Revenge

Jos van Galen / Stock Xchng

There are a lot of things about me that make me less than perfect.  I have a wicked temper.  I can be lazy and unmotivated at times.  I am easily offended.  I'm sure there are others but I'll stop here so that I don't begin to cry and rock back and forth in a corner.  One of the things that I do not possess, however, is a desire for vengeance.  When someone "wrongs" me, I just walk away.  Well, first I tell them the hell off and then I walk away.  I don't come from a vengeful family, and I also can't help but think that my hellish temper actually helps me to get what I am feeling out of my system to a large extent so that I do not feel the need to "get back at them" in some way later on.  I just say what I have to say, and if it is warranted, I cut ties with that person.  No need to keep negative energy in one's life.  That being said, however, there is one form of revenge that I thoroughly enjoy: I absolutely love doing my best, succeeding at something, and realizing that whoever it was that "wronged" me is still in the same swamp of mediocrity I left them in.  HAH HAH!!!

Sorry, that was extremely childish of me.  Allow me to straighten my pearls.  Okay, there, much better.

When you encounter a person that tries to belittle you, demean you, break you down in some way, don't fight for their approval.  No matter who they are, if they would belittle you they are obviously not worthy of your presence to begin with.  Just walk away from their lives.  Then, the real fun begins.  Find something you'd like to grow in.  Anything at all.  It doesn't have to be in the area that person chose to belittle you about, it could be in any area you choose.  Then, focus your energies on growing in that space.  It could be fitness, or taking a class and learning a new skill, or perhaps committing to a volunteer project where you are positively affecting the lives of others.  Then little by little (for that is the only way real and lasting change comes about), grow in that space.  Feel the power you develop by stretching yourself.  Before you know it, you will be feeling bigger, stronger, more pleased with yourself. 

And the person who tried to belittle you?  Odds are they are busy doing the same ol' things they always do, not growing, and still using that excess energy to put others down.  Here you are, enjoying the benefits growth brings, feeling truly good about yourself, and finding that you need the validation of no one but yourself.  And who gets the last laugh?  You do, my friend.  You do.