Monthly Archives: July 2013

PROJECT CUDDLE

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Good morning to all on this fantastic Friday. I wanted to write something about the amazing organization Project Cuddle. I first learned about Project Cuddle on the Jeff Probst Show, one day sitting at home flipping channels and not exercising like I should have been. It made an impact on me, so I looked up their website and have been following their Facebook page for quite some time. It was a natural pick for my twenty pound goal, as I was moved from the moment I heard about all that the wonderful things they do. I understand I am far off from this somewhat elusive number, but I wanted to talk about the huge difference they are making every day in the lives of others, and how I plan to assist them when I do make it to my second ten pound goal. Of course there will be much more information as I get closer to my goals.

My plan when I reach my  second ten pound goal is to have a Virtual Baby Shower, and it will be a big party with appropriate gifts and or gift cards all to be donated to Project Cuddle for the babies. I have been in contact with JulieAnn and Debbe at Project Cuddle and they have been very supportive of my quest. They are selfless workers, in my opinion they and all of the staff at Project Cuddle are angels here on earth. So here is a little taste of what is to come. In the meantime, the journey to get there continues, and I am loving every minute of it;  well everything but the necessary evil of before photos. 🙂
Namaste’ Rose



ABOUT PROJECT CUDDLE

About

Project Cuddle Helps PREVENT Baby abandonment through a 24 hour, toll-free crisis hot-line to help girls and women hiding a pregnancy. 1-888-628-3353. We can help!
Mission

Providing safe and legal alternatives to baby abandonment.

Company Overview
Project Cuddle is a non-profit organization that provides safe and legal alternatives to pregnant teens and women considering abandonment of their newborns. WE DON’T JUDGE a girl/woman. We are there to help her go through this tough time and be proud of the save and legal decisions she has made. 50% give their babies up for adoption, while the others are able to keep their babies because of the support that we have helped give them. We help them find shelter, medical care, volunteer support during the pregnancy and Rescue families that are home-study ready and open to adopting. The birth mom decides if she wants an open or closed adoption, and what families she wants to consider.
We have helped girls/women in crisis from coast to coast, as well as into Canada and the Virgin Isles.
Description

Project Cuddle has saved over 720 babies in the United States and Canada through a confidential, toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day hotline, and through education initiatives across the country. You can learn more about our work, including the efforts of our Advisory Board President and National Spokesperson, John Stamos, by visiting our website.

General Information

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE AND WANT TO REACH OUR HOTLINE, PLEASE CALL 1-88-TO-CUDDLE (English 1-888-628-3353; Spanish 1-888-483-2323). For any other questions, please call our admin office. at 714-432-9681.

Basic Info

Founded 1994
Location 2973 Harbor Blvd. #326, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (admin office)
Awards Points of Light Award, What’s Right with Southern California by CBS, Clarins “Most Dynamic Woman” Award *the first in America, the 50th in the world. People Magazine- Heroes Among Us, Honored by Oprah with the first “CHEERS TO YOU” celebration that was featured on the Oprah Show.



RICHARD SIMMONS VIDEO

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With Richard Simmons the icon

Gigi is a long time member and about 90.

Susan, me and Joanne. 

Dancer Kelli
With Ruth

Francie,our similarities  in our paths were uncanny 

Yesterday I was in a Richard Simmons Video shoot, and it really was a ton of fun. Years ago I used to do his Sweating to the Oldies tapes with my sister, and it was so much fun and he really got you moving and totally enthusiastic. This was much of the same. The minute I headed for the doors at Slimmons Studio in Beverly Hills, Richard was arriving as well. He walked up to me, kissed both my cheeks and welcomed me. Oh, and when I told him I was a poet, he asked if I make money being a poet. He is almost like that one Sweet old Aunt everyone has that will ask you anything without censorship; but you overlook it because they are so sweet. Everyone has someone like that in their life or knows someone who does. Richard is all Richard Simmons, and he is everything and more of what you expect, most of all totally lovable and surprisingly tends to have a little bit of a potty mouth. I totally loved that about him. He was inspiring, motivating, and extremely high energy. We all wish we can have that type of energy and enthusiasm, especially at our advancing years. He definitely is a role model and I am completely in awe and definitely inspired as I make my way through this journey. 

We spent the day doing several takes of the dance sequence. It was hot, and humid, but totally fun. This was for his new music video Hair Do, which he wrote, sang, and produced. We danced for about four hours, and finally wrapped it up. It was definitely a fun workout, and the dance was very similar to what he does in his exercise videos. Nothing like dancing to get your heart pumping.

The crew was also phenomenal, and I met some really wonderful people. I made a few new friends, met some of the dancers and well as some of the ladies who have been coming to Richard Simmons Slimmons classes for years. People of all ages, and sizes. There is no type in a Richard Simmons video. The met a girl named Francie and we hit it off immediately. We had some much in common it was frightening. So afterwards we went to West Hollywood to get a bite to eat and I think we may have talked each others ears off for three hours. I love meeting new people and making new friends. It was a perfect experience to kick off my new health quest to get to my first ten pounds, so I can assist my first charity. How am I this morning? Completely inspired. I wish everyone a day filled with inspiration, love, light, and good health.
Namaste’
Rose


BEFORE PHOTOS

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Today was fantastic, and I am so tired. I am uploading the photos from the Richard Simmons Video Shoot and I will post tomorrow all about it including the photos. It was a complete blast, I met some fantastic people and of course Mr Simmons himself, and I also met my twin. More on that later too.  I have my weight loss work cut out for me, but after today I am even more motivated. The energy today was unreal. I am completely inspired. 

Until then here are two of my full body before photos. Now sleep is calling me, I will tell all about my adventure raising the roof with Mr. Simmons tomorrow. Now I am just a little brain dead. 
Namaste’
Rose


RICHARD SIMMONS VIDEO SHOOT TOMORROW

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Today seemed like it was the longest day ever. I went to the Dr. and got the go ahead with my workout plans, went shopping for new workout gear which I have not done in one year. That is a tough one when you are beginning, easy when you start to feel the results of your hard work. Getting over that first hump is the hardest leap to take. Tomorrow I am shooting a DVD with Richard Simmons. I am hoping to get a photo with Mr Simmons. I will tell all tomorrow after the video shoot. I feel it is the perfect beginning to my quest, as he has inspired people for years to be healthy and active. My Mother once said I will live to be 200, and I want to be as healthy as possible and prove her right.

This week I plan on weighing in at Weight Watchers, and I will post my beginning weight. I am a few days late because I was ill but I am starting to feel like my old self again. I will also post a before full body photo or two. I know photos of my face are deceiving, so I will make sure to post those photos by Friday. That is the hardest part in this journey, coming clean and admitting my flaws. Knowing I am helping others in the process takes away the fear of putting myself out there. I am done with fear, and will not have any regrets from here on out. A friend of mine passed away last night, and that reminder of the fragility of life puts everything into perspective. Our time here is short, and I intend to make every precious moment of mine count…living passionately about everything that I am about.  As my late lovely friend Chris Dickerson would say, and so…..goodnight.
Namaste’
Rose




LIFE THROWS YOU CURVEBALLS

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I have been preparing for my journey to get to my first ten pound goal so I can sponsor my first charity, The Monday Night Mission.  This is not a lose weight quick scheme but a way to finally get fit, healthy and strong, and to lose weight in the process. I plan to do this the healthy way. I am so up for the challenge, except I did not expect to be playing dodge ball with one of life’s cruel little ways of telling you not so fast kid. The dreaded sick curveball has hit me directly in the face with a somewhat subtle reminder on how important the health aspect of my journey is. Without your health you have nothing. The reminder of the importance of good health  has been stalking me since I found out a dear friend of mine was succumbing to cancer, and I am saddened to say is in his final hours. We  move so quickly through our days, running mundane marathons to empty destinations, often forgetting how fragile life is. Sometimes it takes a harsh reminder to wake us up to the fact we are only as good as our health, and everything else is just the icing on the cake; birthday cakes that is.

My sickness thank goodness is a minor one, some sort of infection. My sinuses are making it difficult to breathe and my lymph node under my right ear is so swollen I can hardly speak or make a sudden move. That little sucker hurts. I have a doctor appointment tomorrow, and I took  today off work so I can sleep it off. Needless to say, my first workout will not be today, neither will I be eating much since I do not have an appetite at all. The plan will have to wait a day or two until I am in the right frame of health to tackle my challenge. Just a minor league curveball if you ask me.

When I wake up from my most needed slumber, I plan to do a yoga sequence to also wake up my muscles. I am in contact with Yogaworks and I am joining this week, but since I am sick and at home I will do what I always do when I am at home; I follow my best friend’s amazing videos. Today I will be doing a 25 minute yoga flow. You can access her fitness blog here. http://www.benderfitness.com/2013/06/25-minute-home-yoga-flow.html
She is not only my best friend but one of my life’s inspirations. 

So to wrap it up I got sick. If anyone knows me I avoid doctors like I avoid sharks in shallow waters, and I always put off going. Tomorrow I promise to go, and most likely get some needed antibiotics that will send me speed walking down the pavement to better health and fitness. Then the real hard work can begin, when I am healthy and physically up for the challenge. In the meantime, rest, fluids, a good book and an easy yoga flow is on today’s to do list.  Namaste’ and good health to all.
Rose

MONDAY NIGHT MISSION, FIRST TEN POUNDS

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I have chosen my organization I intend to sponsor when I get to my ten pound goal. The Monday Night Mission has really made an impact on me. I follow their Facebook page and the selfless kind acts they do for the residents at Skid Row in Los Angeles are awe inspiring to me. I have wanted to get involved for some time, so picking their wonderful cause is a natural choice for me. Here is some information on wonderful things they do to make a difference in the world. I am humbled by all that they do and  I wish to personally thank Mel at the Monday Night Mission.

I am going to volunteer my time and donate food. I work in a restaurant and they have offered to help me by donating food as well. I have friends who wish to join me and get involved. It will be an  honor to serve the residents of Skid Row. I am getting healthy and joining in with the best people of Los Angeles to make a difference, what a win win. 

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.


ABOUT THE MONDAY NIGHT MISSION

We meet every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night to feed our Homeless Brothers and Sisters on Skid-row. Please click the about button below for full details and info on how to join us.
Mission

The sole aim of Monday Night Mission is to feed the less fortunate of Skid-Row who are turned away from Skid-Row shelters.

Company Overview

We feed our Homeless Brothers and Sisters on Skid-row every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night.
We meet at the Burger King at 7.30pm at 700 West Cesar e Chavez ave, Los Angeles CA 90012.

Please text (310) 926-6675 for more information or email [email protected] Please let us now via this page if you intend on joining us!

General Information
Monday Night Mission

About

The sole aim of Monday Night Mission is to feed the less fortunate of Skid Row who are unable to find housing or are turned away from shelters.

We meet every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night to feed our homeless brothers and sisters on Skid Row. We meet at the Burger King at 7:30 p.m. at:

700 West Cesar E Chavez Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012

We will then prepare food, organize car pools, and aim head to Skid Row. Anyone and everyone is welcome! Don’t worry about what you can or cannot bring! Bring yourself! Please let us know if you plan on joining us by leaving a comment on this page! Text Mel at 310-926-6675 or email him at [email protected] if you’d like more information.

Please wear close-toed footwear and be prepared for cold or rainy weather. If you would like to bring food, below is a list of food items that can always be used, however, anything you can contribute is appreciated and will make a difference! We aim to feed anywhere from 150 to 350 people every night, but the numbers will vary.

Also, please feel free to bring any clothing items, blankets, toiletries, etc. you would like to donate.

Useful Food Items

Pasta
Sandwiches
Loaves of bread
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Lunch meats
Mayonnaise
Fruit
Packaged snacks
Bottled water

You MUST let us know if you plan on joining us, and you must arrive by 7:30 p.m. If you plan on coming, you can inform us by commenting on our Facebook page or by emailing Mel at [email protected].

We are a non-registered, non-profit organization and don’t accept any monetary donations. We are nondenominational and unaffiliated with any other non-profit or religious organization.

ABOUT MY CHANGE FOR A TEN

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Changing the world 10 pounds at a time: this is the story of a procrastinating philanthropists journey to lose weight and change the world. This is my story.

Time is a subject as a poet I write about often, the lack of it and how to find more of it. With that said, I am a self professed procrastinator and it is probably my Achilles heal when it comes to getting a project done on time. I was a dancer most of my life and I have wanted for the longest time to take some classes again to appease the hole in my heart that was left since I quit dancing a few years ago. Since then my weight has gone up and down and I have not been as consistent as I should with working out and staying in shape. One thing I noticed about myself though, when I do a project that involves helping others or animals I do not procrastinate at all, because it is not about me but about helping the underdog, the less fortunate. I love to get involved and I have done some good in the recent years but I have had that nagging feeling that I can definitely do more, and give more of myself. 

I started Weight Watchers about a month ago, and I have done pretty well so far. I have dropped ten pounds. I know myself though, something will distract me and I will regress. Now that I am a bit older all I have to do is slack off just a bit to gain weight. It is hard work and I have not been putting in the dedication and time that is needed for me to get to where I want to be, to be in the best shape of my life. I have decided that will no longer be the case. I recently was reminded about how fleeting life can be and time is not always a given for all, and I do not wish to have regrets in my life. I also want to be as strong and healthy as I can be for the rest of my gifted days. I want to be here to make a difference.

A light bulb went off in my head. What if I was to make a challenge to myself, and every ten pounds sponsor a charity or an organization? I would have to be successful, because my success would be making a difference not only in my own life but in the lives of others. I would blog about my journey and at the same time raise awareness for the organizations I have chosen to assist. This would mean putting my successes and struggles out for the world to see, but since it for the good of something bigger than myself that concept is not as frightening as it seems. I have taken the E out of the word EGO and decided to GO after my dreams, GO make a difference in the the lives of others. I decided to just GO for it.

So here I find myself on this new path to find myself and change myself for the better by helping others. I have already contacted my first two charities and they are on board with my new project and thankful that I have chosen to give some of myself to help their wonderful causes. I have only at this moment chosen the first two organizations but there will be more to come after I get to twenty pounds.

My first organization is The Monday Night Mission, the selfless angels that feed and lend a kind smile to the residents of skid row. They are my ten pound goal.https://www.facebook.com/mondaynightmission?fref=ts

I will write more about the wonderful organizations in a future post and how I plan to help them as I reach each ten pound goal.  I am really excited to get started on my new path of self discovery and giving back to society. I will also make a future post on how I plan to get to where I want to be, who will be helping me get there and inspiring me to continue. No man is an island, I am not in this alone and I am very lucky to have supportive friends who want to help me fulfill my goals. I will include before photos and a document of my starting weight.  This blog is by no means instructional, it is just a document of my journey to be a better person by giving back and changing myself for the better in the process. This is My Change for a Ten. Making a difference, ten pounds at a time.
Namaste’
Rose Bruno Bailey