THE MAKING OF A MEMORY

THE MAKING OF A MEMORY

Here is a story from my overnight trip with my best friend, Marisela.

We stopped at a local restaurant in Navasota, TX to eat. Marisela had eaten there before and said the food was great. It wasn't fancy. The chairs were hand made. The floors were painted and chipped. There were two pictures painted on opposing walls that I would call true folk art. It was owned and run by a local family. There were about 5 people working there.

We hadn't eaten since last night so of course we ordered way too much food. One of our appetizers was jalapeno poppers. After about 45 minutes one of the guys came out and told us there was a mistake on the menu. They werent jalapeno poppers; they were jalapeno hush puppies. We said that was ok since I had ordered catfish. Then we giggled and said, "it's gonna be awhile before we eat." About 10 minutes later, the same guy comes out and says, "we aren't gonna charge you but we know you have waited a long time so here are the jalapeno hush puppies. We hope you like them."

There are 5 or 6 round crusty things on the plate with a sauce. Marisela says, "I don't think those are hush puppies." Or maybe I said it. What were these? We took a bite of them and they were deep fried slices of zucchini! We started laughing again. BUT! They were homemade and delicious.

At this point Marisela starts laughing and says "Oh, I remember something about this place. It took forever to get the food." What? You forgot that? lolol

Now, I have to tell you. We werent the only people in the restaurant waiting for food. I think there were at least 5 other people/parties. After we finished the zucchini, they bring out the other appetizer we had ordered. Well, if looks could have killed, we would have been roadkill!

hahaha That made us laugh again. People were glaring at us. I swear one old cowboy in sneakers actually changed his seat so he could sit and stare at us. I could just imagine this scene: "Yes Officer, I beat them both with those twisted french fries and I'd do it again!"

After about an hour we received our lunch. Catfish and Chicken tenders. And Onion Rings. Now let me tell you! Nothing and I mean nothing we ate was frozen.

Everything they served us was peeled, dipped, coated and deep fried back in the kitchen. I wish you could have all tasted it. In fact, we brought most of the main course home with us. We will be lucky if we get to eat any of it after our kids find the food.

Yes we were there over an hour longer than we planned to be but we weren't on a time clock. We were enjoying the local color of Navasota. It was a great time and a great meal that was cooked with love.

Like Henson Cargill sang over 40 years ago, sometimes you gotta stop and smell the roses. And if you happen to prick your finger with a sticker, find the humor in it and make a memory.

copyright 2014

caryn cannatella 

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann.com

ADOPTION IS A BLESSING!

ADOPTION IS A BLESSING!

Today is National Adoption Day.  People who adopt are not special people.  They are not altruistic.  We are just everyday people like you.  Whatever our reasons for adopting, please know this:  OUR CHILDREN ARE NOT THE LUCKY ONES.  WE ARE!

My body betrayed me at 33 and I ended up having to have a hysterectomy.  All I ever wanted to be when I grew up was a mommy.  And in November 1985, that all came crashing down around me.  I felt like that was never going to happen to me.  In fact, I had agencies tell me and Jim that we would never be able to adopt.  The said Jim was over 40, I was fat and Jim had been an alcoholic.  My dream of being a mommy died that day.  Or so I thought.

And then....7 years later my first angel entered my life and placed my daughter Ashlie into my arms.  I cannot tell you how my heart almost exploded with love that day.  A year and a week later, another angel placed my son Cody into my arms.  And my dream was complete.

If you marry someone or are married to someone or are considering marrying someone that cannot produce a biological offspring, just know that a baby or child who comes to you through adoption is a baby who grew in your heart instead of in your (your wife's) tummy.    They just took a detour to get to you.

The greatest gifts I ever received were my children, Ashlie and Cody.  And I am forever indebted to the two women, Carolena and Veronica, who allowed me the privilege of being mom to my two amazing children.

Adoption is a blessing.

copyrighted 2014

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann.com

THE RUINING OF THANKSGIVING DAY

THE RUINING OF THANKSGIVING DAY

October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln, set aside the 4^th Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving for the blessings bestowed upon this Nation and her people by God, the creator.

This day has always represented a time for families to gather together and enjoy their bounty as a family.    It’s a day to step away from work, jobs, stress, etc.  and enjoy the time spent with family and friends being thankful for all the blessings in our lives.

The first 20 years I was married, my family was my husband, Jim, and myself.  Some years we spent with extended family, sometimes with friends.  Often it was just the two of us but it was still a day of being together, away from our jobs and enjoying that day of just being together.

When Ashlie arrived in August, 1992, I decided that we would have our first full blown Thanksgiving dinner.  Every year since, I have spent 3 days getting ready for our Thanksgiving meal.  What started out as a huge meal that provided leftovers for days has now become a meal that is just enough for lunch and dinner.   Although the homemade dinner is great, the food is not the important thing.   It’s having us all sitting at the dining room table, having everyone share what they are so thankful for this past year and just getting to spend time with family and friends.

I understand that there are people who will always have to work on Thanksgiving.  First responders and health care workers are needed and are critical to have on this day, like any day.  There are industries that require 24 hour employees.  However, most of these companies work to make sure that their employees have either lunch or dinner to be with their families. 

Now, in our beautiful country, the United States, a new trend is happening.  Retail stores have decided to be open on Thanksgiving.  There is no reason for this decision other than greed.  Don’t their employees deserve to have this day off to spend with their families?  Is the CEO of Sears, Walmart, Target, ToyRUs, Kmart, JC Penneys, just to name a few, going to be working on Thanksgiving?  Or is he or she going to be sitting around the Thanksgiving table with his/her family & friends laughing and giving thanks for their blessings?  Couldn’t they remember to give thanks for their employees and decide that they, too, deserve to have this National Holiday off with their family and friends?

I hope these CEO’s will put profit aside for this one day and show their gratitude for all of their employees who work every day.  Give them this Thanksgiving Day off so they can celebrate with their family just like you CEO’s are.

And you can help this happen.  Stay home on Thanksgiving Day!  Refuse to shop these retailers on our National Holiday of Thanksgiving.   There is nothing you buy on Thursday that you can’t buy on Friday.   If the stores are empty on Thanksgiving, the CEO’s will get the message.    If you choose to go out after you stuffed your belly and participate in this, then you, my friend, are just like the CEO’s.  And who knows, maybe next year your employer will decide that you don’t need your Thanksgiving off and will keep your place of employment open.  Will that be when you decide it’s wrong?

The choice is yours.  Let’s keep our tradition of Thanksgiving what it was meant to be.  A day of family and friends enjoying being together with food made with love and the sharing of blessings and thanksgiving with family and friends.    Choose to stay out of retail stores on Thanksgiving.

copyrighted 2014

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann.com

HAVE YOU LOST ALL HOPE OF LOSING WEIGHT?

HAVE YOU LOST ALL HOPE OF LOSING WEIGHT?

In January 2013 I consciously decided that I would never diet again.  I wasn’t interested in even trying.  I was fat.  I had been fat for over 50 years.  I was going to die fat.   I weighed 317 pounds and figured I would weigh that much or more when I died.   I was done.  I had given up.  I had no hope. 

When I started this last weight loss journey in July 2013 using Skinny Fiber, I still had no hope.  I just didn’t believe it was possible for me to lose weight.  I mean really lose weight for the long term and keep it off.  I was completely defeated.    I figured I would use Skinny Fiber for 30 days and then return the empty bottle for my money back guarantee.

But this time, something happened.  It worked.  I lost 10 pounds that first month.  I had not changed what I ate one bit.  I just followed the three steps of Skinny Fiber.  I took two capsules twice a day with 12 ounces of water.  I drank enough water daily to equal half my body weight in ounces.  And I stopped eating when I felt that first feeling of fullness. 

Besides losing weight, I began to feel better.  When I started Skinny Fiber, I could walk less than a block.  I have progressed from walking to jogging to even running.  I’ve been taken off 2 blood pressure medications (it was still 160/90 with the meds); my thyroid medication has been decreased, I’m off medication for acid reflux, arthritis and fibromyalgia.  And I have completed a 5k.

I haven’t just changed my body and appearance.  I’ve changed everything about myself:  the way I think, the way I act, the way I respond.   Today I was looking at pictures from my cruise to Belize and Cozumel.   There I was having a blast, dancing like I was on Solid Gold, and smiling.  I don’t even remember when the last time was that I saw pictures of me smiling.  Not a forced smile or a fake smile.  Just a big beautiful smile.  I have been telling people for months:  I am changing from the inside out and the outside in.  When I look at those pictures, I truly see this transformation. 

Why am I writing this?  Because I know there are many people out there reading this that feel like I did in January 2013.  I know how you feel; I know where you are; and I know you have given up.  I’m here to tell you, there is hope!  I don’t care how old or young you are.  I don’t care how few pounds or how many pounds you have to lose.  I don’t care how many times you have tried and failed.  I’m here to tell you there is hope!  You can lose weight.   It can happen.  You just have to take one more chance.  And when you do, your hope that is just a burning ember in your heart will light anew.   Give Skinny Fiber 90 days and the flame of hope will burst inside you. 

I’m not unique.  I failed at dieting for 53 years.  And now, without dieting, I am finally succeeding at losing weight and getting healthy.  You can too.   I will help you along the way.  If you need or want to contact me, email me at caryncann@gmail.com.  You can contact me on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/Caryncann.  You can contact me on Twitter @ https://twitter.com/Caryncann.

I know Skinny Fiber works.  It has worked for me for about 15 months.  When I jog and run I feel like an athlete instead of someone waiting to die.  Every time someone decides to try one more time and gives Skinny Fiber a chance, I know that hope is going to return to their life.

Step out in faith one more time and let hope fill your heart again.  Start today with your Skinny Fiber.  I’ll walk this journey with you.    www.caryncann2.com.

copyrighted 2014

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann2.com

BLACK SHEEP OF THE FAMILY

BLACK SHEEP OF THE FAMILY

If you are, join the crowd!  I was and have always been the black sheep of the family.  I was always told I had the lowest IQ in the family, “probably no more than 100”.   It wasn’t until I was 55 that I learned it was actually 130.  It never really mattered to me.  I have told people for years that I am smarter than the average bear and that was good enough for me.

I never dated.  “Who would want a fat girl”, they said.  I now can say my ex-husband did (and many since then).  I must be honest.  My ex and I never dated.  He was a dj and I called in & requested a song.  We talked on the phone for over a month.  He invited me over to meet him.  I never left.  Oh, and of all the kids, my marriage lasted the longest.  What can I say?  Maybe dating is over-rated!   Lol

I never finished college.  “You never finish anything!”  I realized as I got older I finished many things, just not college.  Having said that, I’ve had great jobs, supported myself and later my children.  I’ve never asked anyone to help me out.  I’ve always been independent.  I can sew, crochet, throw pottery, paint, draw, cook, etch, knot, cross-stitch, just to name a few.  And I’ve finished many things!  And given everything I ever made away.

“I guess you will always be FAT!”  I certainly believed that one!  At 61 I finally know that I don’t have to be fat and I’m working my way down!  I still say I’m fat, a big girl, a chunky monkey, a biscuit above being thick.  And that’s ok.  It reminds me that I’m still on my journey but I know the fat is leaving and showing the real me that lives inside! 

“You’ll never amount to anything!”  I remind myself often how much I have accomplished in my life.  I started and ran a hotline for 5 years for people who had been abused.  I know my boss would say (and has) he wished he had hired me 5 years earlier.  My employees tell me I’m a great manager.  I have raised two awesome children.    At 61, my home is paid off, I am debt free, I am retiring to part-time in December 2014.  Even at part time I can live just like I live now.   I travel whenever I want.  And I have investments that will take care of me until I die.  Plus, I will leave my children an inheritance, which was a goal of my ex-husband and me.   I guess I have amounted to something, huh?

“You aren’t a good person.”  In fact, one family member called me evil.  Lol  I am a lot of things but evil isn’t one of them.  I’m not bragging but I am a very good person.  I help a lot of people and organizations.  I go out of my way to do for others.    Most people don’t know what I do because I prefer for my giving to be done in private.  I don’t need accolades.   And I’ll share a secret with you:  The more you give, the more you get.  The less you give; the less you get.  It’s a law of God.

Why am I sharing all this with you?  Well, first, I want you to know that I have finally realized that I am an AWESOME person!  And I bet you are too!  You know what we do as kids (and adults)?  We take those statements spoken over us and they become tapes in our heads.  We don’t even hear the voice of the person who originally said them.  We start to hear our own voice telling us those LIES!  And that is what they are.  Just lies!

We have to start changing the voice in our head.  When you hear one of the lies playing in your head, just say “STOP IT!”  “I am a good person!”  “I am smart!”  “I am desirable!”  “I am a success!”  “I have accomplished things!”  And , for me, “I WILL NOT ALWAYS BE FAT!”

There is nothing wrong with being the black sheep of the family.  It just means you follow your own path.  You are an independent person.  You stand out from the crowd.   When someone looks for you, you are easy to find.  You are the black sheep!  Embrace it and love yourself for being that!  You have made your own way in life and lived it the way you chose!  That makes you very special!  Now, say it out loud, “I AM VERY SPECIAL!” and believe it.

copyrighted

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann.com

THE QUEEN OF FARTS

THE QUEEN OF FARTS

When I moved to Houston in 1978, my first job was at a place called The Greensheet.  It was a free paper that was only ads.  The owner was a woman named Helen Gordon.  She built this paper from nothing.  When I left 5 years later, she had 7 different areas of Houston, at least one in Austin, a couple in Dallas and one in Chicago.  She is the person who gave me the opportunity to become a manager.  "You think you can do it, then let's see!"  With her it was sink or swim.  No training.  It was the best on the job training I could have ever gotten and I learned to be a great manager.

Helen was pretty severe looking.  No time for chit chat.  Actually, she was kind of scary looking she was so intense.  I worked for her for 5 years.  In those five years, I never saw her without a wig, always frosted but she changed the length and style with the seasons.  She had steel blue eyes but I don’t think I ever saw her smile.  She wore ultra-suede suits every day of the year, with a sheer blouse.  She always wore 3 inch black heels.  And she smoked Parliament cigarettes using a cigarette holder.  Back then we all thought she looked cool as she smoked.  I think she thought she looked regal.  When she came to my floor, employees scattered like mice.  I'm sure she was intimidating to even the most seasoned business man.

Shortly after I became a manager, she scheduled a meeting with me.  I wasn't afraid of her but she did intimidate me.  So about 5 minutes before the meeting I decided I better go to the bathroom since I didn't know how long this meeting might last.

I was sitting in my stall doing my business when I saw it.  Those 3 inch black heels.  I thought, she uses the bathroom just like me.  And then it happened.  She let loose with the biggest fart I had ever heard since my last family reunion.  You know the ones, where the men sit around and see who can fart and belch the loudest.  Well, she could have been one of my uncles or even my daddy!  She cut a big one.  I held in a giggle until she left the bathroom.

That incident changed my entire relationship with her.  Farts are the great equalizer!  From that day on, Helen was human to me.  Not bigger than life.  Not more important.  Not intimidating.  She was just like me.  She peed; she pooped and yes, she farted.  In fact, I would say Helen was the Queen of Farts.

copyrighted 2014

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann.com

DO YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE IN FEAR?

DO YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE IN FEAR?

I have lived with fear for so long it is almost second nature to me.  When I started my last weight loss journey with Skinny Fiber, I decided to start facing some fears and having some faith.

Did I ever tell ya'll one of my biggest fears about losing weight?  No?  Well, let me tell you.

When I was a young girl, about 12 or 13, my mother said some things to me like, "If you keep wearing things like that you will be raped." and "Go ahead, wear that, and you will end up a whore."  Now, as those who knew me growing up can attest, I wasn't really a provocative dresser.  lol   But her words made a deep impression on my psyche and my heart.

After years of therapy, self-examination, pondering and thinking, I finally admitted what one of my greatest fears was.  And of course, it was all about losing weight.

I can remember once when I had lost down to a size 9 in the 8th grade, my daddy said, "Look at her!  Pretty soon all the boys will be after her!"  Yep, I'm sure you know what happened.  That weight came right back on, and more.  I've never been a size 9 again.

In my mind, if I lost weight and had a slamming body I would either be raped or more likely, just a whore.  Being fat just seemed more acceptable to me.  My fat protected me.  It kept men at a distance.  Especially after my divorce.  Oh, I have dated off and on throughout the years but only one got close enough to get close enough, if you know what I mean.  He was gorgeous and a weight lifter.  I always wondered why he was with me, a fat girl with few muscles.  Ultimately it didn't matter.  He wasn't who he claimed to be anyway.  lol  He created himself just for me.  I must say he was made to order!

So here I am at 61 and losing weight.  I have faced more than a few fears during the last 16 or 17 months.  I've done things I never thought possible.  I now have the faith to move past that fear of being raped or being a whore..

And that faith is pushing and guiding me through my biggest fear.  Losing weight and getting healthy.  I know now that  I will succeed.  And who knows?  This time there just might be a man at the end of the rainbow!

copyrighted 2014

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann.com

YOU GOTTA A FRIEND IN ME!

YOU GOTTA A FRIEND IN ME!

I love it when I have the opportunity to meet or just talk with one of my Skinny Fiber customers.  I want them to know that I'm a real person just like them on the same journey they are about to embark on or are already on. 

I'm not special.  But my Skinny Fiber customers (my family) make me feel that way.  I hope I make each of you feel special too.  This is a journey that we can all complete!  I'm here to motivate you, encourage you, listen to you and just be here when you need a friend.

I tell people that they can make money selling Skinny Fiber and you can.  I don't sell Skinny Fiber to make money.  I have a great job and doing well for myself.  Even when I go part-time next month, I’ll still be doing ok.  I sell Skinny Fiber because I use the product and I know it works.  I’m a believer in it because I see how it has changed my body and life.

I want all of you to know that it is a great product that will help you reach your goal of losing weight and getting healthy.  I want to give you hope that no matter your age or how big you are, YOU CAN LOSE WEIGHT AND GET HEALTHY.   My goal is to be the light for some of you who feel nothing will work for you.  Follow me, look at my journey.  And then KNOW.

SKINNY FIBER CAN WORK FOR YOU TOO.  If you have questions, or you just want to talk, send me a message.  Whether you buy or not, I'm still here for you.  Never give up hope.  It will bring  living back into your life.

If you want to check out Skinny Fiber or try it, click this link:  www.caryncann.com

copyrighted 2014

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann.com