Light-skinned-ed Girl

My CNN Red Chair Interview

Remember back in August when I did the CNN Dialogues panel hosted by Wolf Blitzer? Well, that same trip I got to sit for a CNN Red Chair interview (watch the video it really is a red chair) -- CNN Red Chair feature is a newsmaker series that has featured the likes of the current crop of Republican presidential nominees, Chaka Khan and George Clinton, and now me. You can check it out here:

The Regimen Has Begun: Dieting Before the New Year

I will confess: I let it all go while I was on the road for the last few weeks--heck, I let it all go for the last couple of years as I toured.

I can say that I didn't meet a plate of french fries, or a plate of pasta I didn't like since 2009.  And then the workouts: well, let's just say that even though I brought that awesome foldable yoga mat with me everywhere as well as my workout wear . . . those things didn't often get used.  It's a hair thing too.  I like to travel with my hair straight so I don't get that bird's nest of matted curls when I'm on the plane (not to mention traveling with wet hair); and if I sweat, well then my hair isn't straight and then . . . -- well, as you can tell I had a bunch of "reasons" that I ended up packing on the pounds.

This week, I think I have broken the cycle!

1.  I am officially "off the road."  Whew!  As much fun as it was, it was impossible to stick to a good diet and exercise regimen on my hectic travel schedule.

2.  I have gone low-carb (this is day 4) and I think I can stick with it for a few months with some new additions to my diet.  (E.g. Harmonized Protein Powder in iced coffee; Pasta Slim noodles; and more water than I am comfortable drinking when I am on the road if you know what I mean!)

3. I'm getting almost as intense a workout as I would working out with a trainer.  I bought a timer app for my phone that allows me to do Tabata intervals.  (More about that in another post.)  The timer does a visual countdown, but also has a voice prompt that says "Ready?"in a really energizing way and then the bell rings for the next round.  I'm getting my butt kicked by a timer voice!  It's great!

So wish me luck on this journey.  I'm looking at Feb. 1 as my goal weight deadline.  Yup, I said it out loud: that means accountability.  See you in the gym!

"I love me some Etta James!"

It is a sad day indeed.  I just learned that Etta James has released her final album.  It doesn't really come as a surprise.  She's not been in good health for years and the last year has taken a toll on her I understand from various press releases.  I regret that I never sent her a copy of my novel in which she "appears" as an important figure for the development of the character Rachel.  Heck, discovering her music was huge for ME!  Maybe I will send a copy now anyway--and bookmark the page where the character Rachel exclaims: "I love me some Etta James!"  Me too.  Always will.  Sending you well wishes and peace and love, Ms. James. Thank you for your musical legacy.  NOTE TO READERS: Oh, and go buy the album.  It's called "The Dreamer."