Step Back & Watch the Magic Happen

January 31, 2016

Yesterday, I had the privilege of watching some really incredible youth work on a project to raise awareness of problem gambling. It was facilitated by Royers Animation Studio and the state office of Problem Gambling (California Health Department). Our school is 1 of 27 schools selected to create 2 public service announcements (PSA). All 27 schools will gather in June 2016 to showcase all of our work.

Although the 8 students involved did not have direct knowledge of problem gambling, they related to the loss that can occur when addiction takes over a person's lives. The students broke into 2 teams, one working on a prevention method. The other team worked on a message to get help for treatment. 3 of the students have Autism. They chose to work together. At first, I wanted to break the group up & mix them with their typical peers, but I decided to let them stay in the groups as they had chosen.

Typically students in the Autism Spectrum have a difficult time focusing, don't relate well to things they have no personal experience with, aren't flexible in thinking, don't work well in groups, and lack perseverance. At first, it was a bit challenging to get the group to work together, They each had their own vision of what they wanted. Liz from Royer Studios and I would offer suggestions on how they might incorporate their ideas.  For example, they each wanted their own super hero. They were talking over each other and getting a little frustrated. I suggested that they pick one super power and one villain. We talked the pro's and cons of the different powers. They decided to go with positive thinking as the super power! (Music to my ears) Working with Liz, they came up with a limerick to convey the storyline and message.

After a while, they figured out who was stronger in an area, and they assigned each other the tasks. One student was better at drawing people, another did the backgrounds, while the other worked on accessories and taglines (kind of like the old Batman TV show - BAM, POW, etc) Once the pictures were created, the 2 of the students did the voice over work to bring the pictures to life. One of the students was extremely anxious about making mistakes & sounding lame. Liz reassured him that if a mistake was made, it could be redone. His friend reassured him that he sounded cool & that it was going to be okay.

Then it was time to take pictures of the art work and move the pieces in incremental placements so that the stop motion could be done. By this point, the students had been working for almost 5 hours. It was obvious that they were getting tired, despite having had lunch and little breaks (they requested *YAY*) along the way. Yet they continued on. The kids wanted to see the final product of their efforts.

Ultimately, the team of 3 finished ahead of the other team. The students came up with a great concept with a strong visual presentation. Despite many opportunities to break down, the students used the coping strategies that we had taught them - taking breaks, changing to positive thought, etc. Even when they got frustrated they worked on. The students demonstrated focus, empathy, perseverance, and great friendship. They even went over to the other group and offered encouragement & feedback. After 6 hours of work, these 3 students surpassed even my expectations! 

 

I have been a special educator for 12 years, with Autism Focus as emphasis for the last 8 years. Watching these kids use their God given talents to create a positive impact in their community really leaves me speechless. Even as I sit here typing this, tears of joy come to my eyes knowing that they may take what they have learned and maybe make it into a career in the future. I have heard the statistic that their is a high number of people with ASD that are either unemployed or under-employed (ie have a college degree, but work a low level position). I have a feeling that our kids will not be part of that statistic.

Yesterday was a day that I could have become a blockage by separating the kids out. I stepped back and let them create their own magic. They still had to work through frustration, negotiation, and even physical tiredness. And at the end of the day, they were successful!

PSAs will premier in March 2016. I'll post a link once they are a go!

P.H.A.T. - Power, Health, Attitude, Tenacity: 250 lbs of AWESOMENESS!

P.H.A.T. - Power, Health, Attitude, Tenacity: 250 lbs of AWESOMENESS!: While chatting with some friends at a Quartermania Fundraiser (and wearing my LLS Team in Training shirt), one of them asked me "How ma...

250 lbs of AWESOMENESS!

While chatting with some friends at a Quartermania Fundraiser (and wearing my LLS Team in Training shirt), one of them asked me "How many races have you done? How fast do you run?" I replied that I have completed 2 half marathons since I started training May 2012 and that I have my third in a couple of weeks (so excited to cross the Golden Gate Bridge for the SF Rock n Roll Inaugural Half Marathon in honor of Lazarex Cancer Foundation). With a giggle, I add "There is 250 lbs of awesomeness here that does not run. I walk it!" We all had a good chuckle an chatted further about how big chests, flat feet, and other ailments stop people from working out. I told them "If I can stick to Team in Training for over 12 weeks and walk over 13 miles, anyone can."

250 lbs of awesomeness.... you're probably wondering why I'm sharing how much I weigh. Actually I'm not sure if that is how much I weigh at the moment. The last time I was weighed at the doctor's office in Feb 2013, I was about 249. I've been fluctuating between 248 and 253. I don't own a weigh scale, so I rely on my doctor's scale.

250 lbs of awesomeness... These words were blurted out without much thought. I'm a bit of a clown so I say random stuff all the time. Yet these words stuck with me. At first, I thought it was because I've been the "butt" of fashion jokes at work and it has started to bug me. Then I realized that the people who were making the jokes were really reflecting their own insecurities and it wasn't really about me.

250 lbs of awesomeness... The it struck me while I was carrying my sleeping toddler in from the car. Carrying her in from the car on the long trek from our parking spot to our apartment used to leave me very winded and sometimes had to have hubby carry her. I realized that despite being at a weight most people find to be "fat", "unhealthy", or "obese", I am actually the most "fit" I have been in my adult life.

Granted I do want to get even healthier and shed more pounds for the sake of my poor joints, Achilles tendonosis, flat feet, and high blood pressure. Yet I am able to walk over 13 miles, carry my daughter on my shoulders and walk throughout Disneyland, and walk over 5000 steps a day throughout the high school campus I teach on. I can go up several flights of stairs and actually prefer to walk around rather than just work out on a stationary bike or treadmill.

250 lbs of awesomeness... Most importantly, I'm not stressing about the numbers on the scale. I am enjoying a very busy life as a mom, wife, teacher, friend, and businesswoman. I am learning that the most important number in life is the number of people you positively influence throughout your day. Life is not perfect for me, and I do struggle through low points as any human being does. Yet, I know that GOD has great things in store for my 250 lbs of AWESOMENESS! As I shed my weight, I know that my heart will continue to grow, heavy with gratitude and joy!

All of this, on the journey to being a Powerful, Healthy, Attitude of Gratitude, Tenacious WOMAN of AWESOMENESS!
Feel free to join me on this PHAT PHIT journey and share your thoughts, comments, triumphs, and challenges!

I'm only Human

Yesterday, while driving back from my doctor's appointment, I was listening to Brant on Air 1 Radio. He was sharing a story of a very accomplished man who was surgeon, athlete, theologian, military tactician, and multi-linguist. Even though this man was so accomplished and full of wisdom, he still felt insecure. This really made me stop and think. I know I have endured many things and feel fairly wise in certain matters in the world. But yes, I too feel incredibly insecure. I wonder at times, Am I good enough? Am I smart enough? Oh I'll never do <insert whatever> because I'm not talented enough. Etc.... Sound familiar?

Brant followed his story of the accomplished man by saying that he too is insecure. Yet he is learning to accept that through God's love, he is whole. (I am paraphrasing this and it is from memory - so I apologize to Brant if I am not quoting him word for word). This again made me stop and think. Am I worthy of this?

YES I AM (and so are you!) It is our insecurities that make us human. Insecurities give us an opportunity to reflect on who we are, where we come from, and where we are going. It is incredibly difficult for me to fathom that I am perfect in God's eyes even with all my shortcomings. Yet isn't that what faith is? Knowing that we are on a journey to more be Christlike in our actions and words. Believing that despite all of the ugliness in the world, there is beauty, love, and joy. I know that this is not the view of formal religion or of others. This is my own perspective and I know I struggle with understanding it all along with my place in the world.

So I continue on this journey to be a PHAT woman, a better me for myself. I don't always understand why I go through the challenges I do, yet I do know that all of the experiences prepare me for my future. And maybe.... so I can be ready to help someone else on their journey. Blessings to you all!

Path of Least Resistance

Why do things have to happen in our lives to "wake" us up and motivate us to do something? Why can't we just wake up in the morning and JUST DO IT? IT being exercising, eating healthy, making health choices, etc. I for one am not someone that is hard wired to want to go out and walk my miles and eat the right amount of nutrients without overindulging. Why is the "Path of Least Resistance" so easy to go down, while staying healthy so challenging?

I recently had another wake up call to BE HEALTHY. On Dec 12, my husband and I found out we were pregnant. It was not totally expected because I have been taking small steps to get healthier. Yet we were excited and happy that our family would be growing. I met with my primary care physician and she did scare me about all of the high risk issues this pregnancy presented. I had delivered my 3rd child at 26 weeks, plus I am diabetic and have high blood pressure. So armed with referrals to a high risk ob-gyn and endocrinologist, as well as lab tests, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed.
We did announce to our friends and co-workers on Dec 18 that we were expecting. Lots of love and congratulations poured in. Paul and I started thinking of baby names and all was good in the world.

On Sat Dec 22, we headed to a Filipino Christmas presentation at a friend's church. I had been feeling a heaviness in my abdomen, but didn't think too much of it since I had been resting at home all day. We enjoyed the beautiful presentation of English and Tagalog songs. I had gone to the restroom and had a little spotting. Once again, tried not to panic, and prayed. We sat down and enjoyed the company of fellow Filipinos we had just met. We left at 7:30 PM, but something did not feel right. I went to the restroom before we went to car and my fears escalated. I got out and told Paul we need to go to the ER right now. I saw the panic in his eyes as we tried to remain calm and put our daughter in her car seat. Then the cramps began.

We got to the hospital and had to wait a bit as we registered. We tried to keep Anastasia entertained. Poor Paul was so worried about me and was losing patience with our daughter. Racked by cramps, I continued to try to smile throughout and sing songs to her and play games.

They finally got me into a room and the tests, examinations, and ultrasound commenced. Thinking back, I saw the sympathy in the eyes of the nurses and the doctor. They really did work to make us as comfortable as possible. Anastasia scored stickers, a coloring book, and got to watch Disney channel as Paul and I waited anxiously for the results. Finally, the doctor came in and let us know that our little Ting had passed away in the womb and my body was doing what it was supposed to do release it. Shocked and saddened, I continued to paste a smile on my face. We got our post care instructions and prescription and headed home. Tears flowed intermittently and Paul and I just held hands. Asia fell asleep on the ride home, oblivious to the pain her parents were experiencing.

So I have received another painful wake up call to continue on my journey to being a healthier me. Honestly, I feel a bit angry that I must suffer another loss. Why can't I JUST DO IT? I know the answer is that I am a creature of habit and that I will take the easy way out if I have the opportunity. Yet I also know that I am very capable of change and achieving my goals. So as 2012 comes to a close, I have decided that 2013 will be the year that I get off all my medications for the health ailments that plague me. Those small steps to a healthier me will become leaps and bounds to get PHAT! So when the time comes for our little Ting to bless us again, I will be the Powerful, Healthy, Positive Attitude , and Tenacious mommy I am meant to be.

May 2013 bring you closer to your own goals and dreams! God Bless!

Friday Reflection

Another busy week is coming to an end. It is leading into a very busy weekend - my daughter's 3rd birthday party, household chores & laundry, field trip with Friday Night Live chapter at the high school I teach at. Some days, I wonder "What the heck am I doing?" yet being busy actually energizes me. Connecting with people is what I love to do. I learn so much from others and love to hear their life stories. My husband always laughs at me because I am always able to get someone to open up to me.
This is probably why I have been able to commit to Team in Training to train & work out. The men and women I have met while training have become part of my social circle. We may only be together for a few hours each week, walking and trying to speed up our paces.  Yet in those hours, I have learned so much about each of those people. I actually look forward to my Saturday workouts, even  when I know we are going into double digit mileage for that training session. It gives me an opportunity to feed my social meter while increasing my fitness.
So if you are having a hard time committing to a fitness activity, try taking a friend along. Or join a training group to meet new people. Or better yet, find a cause you are passionate about and join a training team that can help fundraiser for that cause. You may be pleasantly surprised that you may actually LIKE working out =)

Have a blessed day!

The birth of an idea

As I celebrated my 37th birthday on Oct 28, 2012, I was on my way to my first 1/2 marathon - the LA Rock & Roll 1/2 marathon. It would be the first time I would walk 13.1 miles. On the way to the event, my husband Paul and I were talking about how frustrated I was at the cost of fitness gear, especially for plus size women. I shared how much I have grown to love to work out, especially walking. But the cost of new shoes, technical fabric clothing, and sports bras were daunting. So my husband, said "What are you going to do about it?"

Thus the idea of PHAT PHIT was born. We continued to talk and came up with words that PHAT could stand for. Power and Health came easily. Knowledge is power, and knowing how to work out safely is great knowledge. Health was another easy one to come up with because one of the motivators I have to work out is to have better health. Being of Filipino descent, I already have genetic issues that predispose me to Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, High Cholestrol, and other disease.

"A" was a little more challenging, Awesome was the initial word. But while I was walking, another word came to mind - Attitude. With the right attitude, anything is possible! Finally T is for Tenacity. Many times, I have fallen and wished that I could just stop to curl up in a ball. Yet I stuck to the plan and kept going with it. Tenacity has allowed me to achieve many goals and help me grow as a person!

So in this blog, I plan on sharing my words of wisdom and chronicling my own journey to Powerful, Healthy, (Awesome) Attitude, and Tenacious woman who is fit physically, mentally, and spiritually. I hope you gain some insight and hopefully some inspiration on your own journey!