So, here I am, once again, making a resolution to THIS TIME stick to my guns and actually lose weight.  Yet, as I say the words I know I’ll be like ‘a dog with a bone determined’ (oops, I guess the visual of chewing on something, even if it is just a bone, isn’t the best weight loss analogy I could have come up with, but it’s what came to my mind, . . . anyway . . .) I know I’ll be determined for a week or two but some place deep within me I already know my determination will fall by the wayside as soon as I’m tempted with some tasty morsel I simply can’t resist.

However, this blog entry isn’t about ‘weight loss’ — it’s about NEW RESOLUTIONS — so as I clear my head of thoughts of food; let me turn my focus to NOTES FROM THE UNIVERSE.  Ever heard of NOTES FROM THE UNIVERSE?  I love’em and find a new note in my inbox every morning – they’re such a great way to start my day.  You can check them out at http://www.tut.com.

Here’s one of the notes I received during the last week of December 2010.  I eagerly opened it to see what wonderful inspiration today’s note brought, and I wasn’t at all disappointed.  As I read this NOTE FROM THE UNIVERSE I thought, “It’s not the goals I’ve been making in my resolutions that are unattainable, it’s the way I’ve made the resolution itself – wow.”  I found this note so inspiring I wanted to share it with you:

Soon the new year starts, so now’s a great time to

1. Wipe the slate clean.

2. Focus upon what you really want.

3. Chart your course.

Right?

Well… only if you want to risk having to repeat these steps for the same wishes next year! Maybe this is splitting hairs, but here’s an adventurous alternative:

1. Give thanks that life is… just as it is (and that it’s been… just as it’s been). Because of it, you’re now “READY.”

2. Define what you want in terms of the end result. Don’t worry about the hows, or even the course. KNOW that what you want is ALREADY yours in spirit, by divine LAW, just focus on the certainty of this ownership, understand it, claim it, and “it will be on earth, as it is in heaven (spirit).”

3. LET THE UNIVERSE show you the way via your impulses and instincts that appear as you take inspired action. Don’t worry that your first steps seem silly or futile. And if you don’t know what to do, do anything! Go! Get busy! Do not insist on intermediary successes, only upon the end result.

So this year brings new resolutions – I mean a new way to ‘structure’ my resolutions.  Top of my list is to lose weight.  Only this time I’m going to do it differently.  I’m going to set my intention to lose weight then let go and let God (kinda like that cooker they advertise in those infomercials, “set it and forget it” – oh, wait, was that another food analogy?).

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 This two-letter word in English has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that word is ‘UP.’  It is listed in the dictionary as an [adv], [prep], [adj], [n] or [v]. UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP? 

At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP, and why are the 
officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report?

 We call UP our friends, brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and  fix UP the old car. 

At other times this little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.  To be dressed is one thing but to be dressed UP is special.

And  UP is confusing:  A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped  UP. We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night  We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP ! 

Look UP the word UP in the dictionary.. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4 of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don’t give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more. 

When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it soaks UP the earth.  When it does not rain for awhile, things dry UP. 

One could go on & on, but I’ll wrap it UP, for now  ……..my time is UP !

 
Oh….one more thing: What is the first thing you do in the morning & the last thing you do at night?     U     P !
Have a wonderful day.  It’s totally UP  to you.

Wishing you health, happiness, and prosperity always.

Bobbie

http://www.innerlightinc.net

In pre-Columbus days it was ‘thought’ the earth was flat.  When did the earth become round?  Personally, I believe it was always round.  Yet, because of thinking the earth was flat people FEARED – they were afraid it was possible to reach the edge and simply fall off. 

Today it’s easy for us to laugh at such a bizarre way of thinking because we have a different perspective.  A change in perspective is often required for us to become aware of TRUTH.

So, what are you thinking?  Do you think YOU CAN, or do you fear you can’t?  Do you believe success is possible?  Or do you think you’re going to fail before you even begin? 

Ask 10 different people their thoughts on any one subject and you’ll get 10 different perspectives.  Each perspective is the correct perspective for the individual having that opinion, or belief, (like those who thought the earth was flat, that was ‘the way it is’ for them) but no one perspective is correct for all. 

Again I ask, what is your perspective?  Do you think YOU CAN, or do you fear you can’t?  Do you believe success is possible?  Or do you think you’re going to fail before you even begin? 

Personally, I hold to the words, ‘All things are possible.’  All things become possible when you ‘think’ they are.

 The Man Who Thinks He Can

by: Walter D. Wintle

If you think you are beaten, you are;

If you think you dare not, you don’t.

If you’d like to win, but think you can’t

It’s almost a cinch you won’t.

If you think you’ll lose, you’ve lost,

For out in the world we find

Success belongs with a fellow’s will;

It’s all in the state of mind.

If you think you’re outclassed, you are:

You’ve got to think high to rise.

You’ve got to be sure of yourself before

You can ever win a prize.

Life’s battles don’t always go

To the stronger or faster man

But soon or late the man who wins

Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9uOPHIxd2E 

“Bobbie,” my beautiful young friend Burlita said, “I want to fly to Florida for a long week-end fun trip and I want you to go with me.  I know you have no reason for not going.” 

She was right; there was nothing I could come up with to stay home.  It was Spring of 2003 and in September of 2002 I had retired from my job of approximately 30 years, so I couldn’t use work as an excuse.  In October of 2002 my husband had passed away, so I couldn’t use the excuse of being needed at home.  I tried to come up with a reason for not going, but finding none I reluctantly said yes.   I’d never flown before so once I gave up trying to find an excuse for not going, I began getting excited about the opportunity to fly for the first time. 

“OK,” I said, “I’ll go, but I don’t want to have to take care of anything.  You have to book our flight, purchase the tickets, reserve our hotel room and rental car, take care of everything and let me know the total cost and I’ll reimburse you half.”  And that’s just what she did. 

I loved the flight and was glad it took only a few hours in the air to reach Daytona.  For my first flight, being confined even for only a few hours was long enough.  We arrived and spent our first couple days enjoying the sand, the sun, and lazing around the pool.  About the third day we awoke to grey skies and drizzle.  “We’re not going to let a little grey skies stop us,” she said, “we’ll just go sight-seeing.  Let’s drive down to St. Augustine.”  So that’s what we did. 

Along the way I saw signs about Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth and it sparked a memory for me.  “I remember being in first grade and studying about the Fountain of Youth.” I said.  “I can even still remember the picture of an Indian talking with the Spaniard as they stood in front of a small pond of water.  For some reason, that story always intrigued me.  I often wondered “what if” you could simply drink and remain youthful.  Now, here I am so close to the fountain we studied about when I was only six years old.” 

“Then we need to go visit,” she replied.  And so we did.  

I remember her teasing me as I stood in line to sip from the fountain.  “You know, if you go to the ladies room and turn on the faucet it’s the same water, right,” she teased.  I told her I may never be this way again and I wasn’t going to take any chances and miss out on what could be my one opportunity to grow younger.  We each bought our little souvenir bottle of fountain water to bring home.  Actually, I bought me an extra bottle – I have it in my cabinet in the kitchen right now.  If you get the chance to stop by and visit me mention it and I’ll show it to you – but I won’t share it with you – it’s mine. 

The reason I won’t share is because of the wonderful memories this little bottle of water from the Fountain of Youth holds for me and how it signifies my beginning on my journey to become “Younger by the Day.”  

I am so very thankful, for many reasons, that my beautiful friend, Burlita, wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer when she asked me to go on that trip with her – one, because of where I am today which has been a journey that began with that trip, and the main reason being, my beautiful friend, Burlita, will remain forever young in my memory because some months after our trip she was killed in an auto accident – she was only 38.  Thank you, my beautiful angel, for starting my footsteps down a pathway that’s lead me to enjoying life. 

It is my practice to begin my mornings by reading some inspirational or motivational passage followed by prayer and meditation of at least 10 to 15 minutes.  One year for Christmas I was given a book entitled, “Younger by the Day”

As evidenced by the introduction video on this blog page, I am accomplishing ‘growing younger’ – just as predicted would happen when I visited the Fountain of Youth.  But, how exactly, did I receive such youthful results when countless others visit the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida, annually, yet fail to achieve the youthful results I’ve achieved?  

Of course, St. Augustine, Florida, is the location my experience with the Fountain of Youth began.  However, I don’t believe the physical location had anything to do with the results.  I believe the youthfulness is a result of the things on my mind during that visit – the excitement I felt being in this ‘historical’ place I had memories of studying about and asking my ‘what if” questions while sitting in that first grade class in Burgin, KY. 

Was it a coincidence that soon after my visit to the Fountain of Youth I received the “Younger by the Day” book to read daily?  Did reading that book put ideas, thoughts, words of youthfulness in my mind?  When you ‘set your mind to it’ doesn’t it manifest?  See where I’m going here? 

So, as promised, I’m going to tell you EXACTLY where you can find the Fountain of Youth, and anything else you seek, “IT’S LOCATED RIGHT THERE INSIDE YOU.” 

Of course, I haven’t made to the lingerie model stage yet, but who knows, I think about it, and believe all things are possible.  That, of course, will be a future blog.

 Bobbie Thompson

www.innerlightinc.net   

A friend of mine recently shared this with me.  It’s one of those things I simply cannot keep to myself.  It spoke to me, hopefully it will speak to you as well. 

A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet.  He held up a sign which said: “I am blind, please help.”  There were only a few coins in the hat.

As a man walked by he took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote something.  He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.

Soon the hat began to fill up.  Many more people were giving money to the blind boy.  That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were going.  The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, “Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?”

The man said, “I only wrote the truth.  I said what your original sign said, but in a different way, I wrote: “Today is a beautiful day but I cannot see it.”

Although both signs told people the boy was blind, that’s all the first sign said.  The second sign spoke to people’s emotions, to their feelings.  Isn’t it true that people buy ‘it’ according to how they feel about ‘it.’  How does the marketing strategy you’re using make people ‘feel’ about your product or service?   

Be creative.  Be innovative.  Think differently.  Think Positively.

In my profession, remembering people’s names is instrumental to my success.  Remembering names is not only valuable in my professional life, but my personal every-day life as well – and most likely the same is true for you.

Recently I found this article online and found the tips beneficial so I decided to share the information in hopes that you will find it useful as well. 

Nine Tricks if You’re Bad With Names

Filed under: Make an Impression

Posted Oct 16th 2009 3:14PM

CareerBuilder.com 

Two strangers meet at a networking function. One person speaks up first. “Hi, I’m Laura Mulford,” she says, offering her hand to her partner

“Raj Babu,” he responds with a handshake. “Nice to meet you.” The whole exchange takes less than four seconds. Ten minutes later, neither person can remember the other’s name.

Ah, names. Some people have gift for remembering them. But for far too many of us, they go in one ear and right out the other. Unfortunately, referring to everyone as “hey” or “you” can be suicide when it comes to networking.

“In networking, names are the good stuff,” say Anne Barber and Lynne Waymon, co-authors of ‘Make Your Contacts Count‘ (Amacom). “It will be mighty difficult for you to initiate a relationship with someone if you don’t know that person’s name.”

If remembering others’ names is downright impossible for you, try out these tips from Barber and Waymon:

1. Repeat the first name or confirm the last name. 

Simply saying, “It’s nice to meet you, Chuck” or “and your last name was…?” will help you register the name and give it a better chance to implant itself into your memory.

2. Ask a question or make a comment about the person’s name. 

“Nice to meet you, Julia. My college roommate’s name was Julia, so I’ll have no problem remembering you.”

3. Ask the person to spell his or her name. 

“Abby, do you spell your name with a ‘y’ or with an ‘ie’?”

4. Associate the name with a picture in your mind.

If you meet a CEO named Arthur, visualize him as King Arthur with the knights of the Round Table. “Some people like this technique; others say it confuses them,” warn Barber and Waymon. “Only use it if it’s helpful.”

5. Ask how the person got his name.

“Savannah, were you named after the city?”

6. Tell the person what you have heard about him.

“I heard you organized this whole event, Peter.”

7. Keep your energy level high.

Let your body language and tone of voice signal that you are honestly trying to learn the other person’s name and teach her yours. According to Barber and Waymon, people say this is flattering.

8. Always say the person’s name again as you leave her.

“It was good to meet you, Jen.”

9. Handle forgotten names with grace.

No, whining about how bad you are with names is not graceful. Instead, ask a friend to remind you, or if you can recall where you met that person, say “I remember meeting you at the conference in Seattle. I’m Sarah Ansari. Will you tell me your name again?” The person may have forgotten your name too, and will be grateful for your reintroduction.

Making small talk about a person’s name may take time, but it could save you embarrassment later on! 

Wishing You Success

Bobbie

On September 2 I was in my car on my way to meet friends and Alan, my husband, who was going elsewhere was in front of me in his truck.  The traffic slowed suddenly and as I slammed on my brakes I thought, “Crap, wouldn’t it be something if I ran into the back of my own husband.”  Then several cars ahead I saw why everything had slowed, it was a paint truck painting the white lines on the road.

We inched slowly forward as the traffic light a few feet ahead turned red and we all stopped – all except for the paint truck that made it through the light and continued about his business.  The light turned green and we started off only to come to an abrupt stop as once again the traffic reached the painters. 

Because I was aware of the painters I knew to drive slowly and stay a safe distance from the back of Alan’s truck – then BAM someone rammed me from behind – I was pushed forward and saw Alan’s bumper getting closer and closer, then as if on que and in perfect timing, he inched forward and I barely missed being pushed into his bumper.  I was afraid Alan was not aware that I had been hit, so I started blowing my horn and he pulled off to the side of the road – as did I and the truck that had rammed me.

It was a very nervous and apologetic young lady who had not been paying attention – apparently she pulled up behind me as we sat at the red light unaware of the street painters and once the traffic started she didn’t expect it to slow so abruptly.  Now get this, I drive a BRIGHT YELLOW Dodge Neon and she didn’t see it – but once she explained WHY she didn’t see it, I fully understood.  As I stated, she was a YOUNG lady, she explained that a “good looking man in a truck on the other side of the road” had caught her attention and she was “looking at him instead of the traffic ahead” – after all, we had just gotten the green light, so she expected the traffic to GO, not SLOW.

The police were called and as they did what they do the young lady stood with us apologizing over and over again – obviously upset and fearful of what might happen since she was ‘at fault.’  I think she about half expected us to give her a cussing but we explained that, “If this is the biggest problem we ever have, then we’re thankful we have no problems.”  You could see her tension begin to ease and when she left she actually gave each of us a hug.

According to the police report the ‘speed’ of our vehicles at impact was estimated at 5 to 7 MPH.  That night my body hurt all over (my doctor suggested physical therapy for a time and I’m doing just fine) and I said to Alan, “If I feel like this from THAT accident, then I never want to be involved in a REAL accident.”  Thoughts of the results of a ‘real’ accident lingered in my mind for the next few days.

On 9/11 Alan’s mom called and was frantic because she had been wakened from her night’s sleep with a knock on the door and it was a policeman telling her that his dad had been in an auto accident and had been taken to the local hospital.  I guess it was because of the accident I had experienced just the week prior that gave us the mindset that everything would be OK, just stuff we’d have to ‘do.’

We live just a few blocks away from the hospital and got there quickly, in time to see the ambulance driver, who is also a friend of ours, so we asked if he had brought Alan’s dad to the hospital.  “Yes,” he said, “and I hate to be the one to tell you guys this, but he’s critical.”  That word ‘critical’ hit us like a slap in the face.  Then our friend continued to give us information on the accident.  Apparently Alan’s dad had experienced an event (most likely stroke or possibly a heart attack) that caused him to stiffen and his foot lodged onto the accelerator which caused his vehicle to continually gain speed until he hit a tree head on.  He had no pulse nor respiration when the paramedics had arrived but they had been successful in, “bringing him back.”

When we went on into the emergency room they gathered us into a ‘special room’ for the family – I knew this act alone meant things were bad.  After what seemed like forever a young doctor came into the room and explained the ‘possibilities.’  He explained that due to certain injuries, including brain and heart damage, IF he survived he would never experience any level of quality life again but that the MOST LIKELY scenario was he would not survive.  The doctor explained that Alan’s dad was being air lifted to the UK Medical Center but we would be allowed to visit him prior to boarding the helicopter.

As the family entered the emergency room I ‘felt’ that Alan’s dad wasn’t there – even though he still had breath and a heart beat.  He was transported to the medical center’s intensive care unit where visitors could go in two at a time.  As Alan and I stood at the side of his father’s bed I felt fear – not from myself, but as if it were coming from his dad.  I lay my hand across his forehead and said, “there is no need for fear, you are safe’ and we left the room.

Alan and I spent the night in the hospital in the ICU’s waiting room with his mom.  I thought about Alan’s dad and the condition he was in and thought, “God, WHY in this world did you allow the paramedics bring him back just to have to go through this.”  Of course, GOD ALWAYS ANSWERS.  Immediately I received the thought, “THIS, Bobbie, is for his family.  THEY need preparation time to be ready to let him go – it will be easier for them to let go because they will have the knowing that ‘going’ is the best option.  If they had just received the word that he was ‘gone’ it would have been so much harder on them.” 

At 2:15 p.m. the following afternoon Alan’s dad passed on.  Although there was disbelief, much crying and grief, every one of the family members ‘understood’ and was able to go through the loss of their husband, father, grandfather knowing he was in a better place than to, “never experience any level of quality life again.” 

Virtual visitation for Alan’s dad is available at  http://www.blackburnandward.com/sitemaker/sites/blackb0/obit.cgi?user=131545Sholar.  Please feel free to leave a comment on the guest book.

When you learn to let go and let God, it’s always done right – sometimes we even get to ‘understand’ God’s mysterious ways..

My husband built a website and our web address is www.innerlightinc.net.  On our introduction of us page he says something about my ‘smile’ and he says I go to bed smiling and I wake up smiling.  Actually, he’s pretty much right – rare is the occasion that I choose not to smile (and it is a choice – we all have God given free will and we get to choose everything for ourselves).  I love the fact that my life is so absolutely wonderful that I do go to bed smiling and I do wake up smiling.  Whenever you say to me, “How are you today,” my immediate response is always, “I’m absolutely fantastic” – and I answer that way because I AM.

A couple years ago I was working with a lady who one day said to me, “I’d hate to be you, always happy, it would have to be draining to always be up.”  Of course, I wasn’t able to understand her perspective because I know what it’s like to be down and I know what it’s like to be up — from my experiences up is just easier.

Recently a friend called me and said, “Hey, Bobbie, how are you today.”  Now, what do you think was my immediate response to her question?  Of course, my automatic response was, “Absolutely Fantastic.”  Then I asked her the same question, “and how are you today?”

Her response was not so automatic.  Actually, she hesitated a bit before responding – so long, as a matter of fact that I said, “Are you still there.”  Then she said, “Yes, I’m here,” and from the sound of her voice I felt she was troubled.  “What’s wrong?” I asked, then she went on to explain the reason she hesitated is because it makes her feel bad when I ask her how she’s doing because she is unable to say she’s absolutely fantastic because she has worries, fears, and concerns and was under the impression that because I express I’m absolutely fantastic that I have no worries, fears and concerns.

She went on with something like, you’re always so up, you always talking about the wonderful things happening in your life, things are going great for you and that’s good for you, but it’s just not that way with me.  You just never seem to have any concerns.

I told her, “It’s not that I don’t have ‘things’ going on, it’s just that I’ve learned to handle them differently than I used to. 

“Well, it’s good to know that you, too, are human, I was beginning to wonder,” she said laughing.  Then she asked me how one gets to where I am – to seemingly not have a care or worry in the world and can be absolutely fantastic.

I explained that I’ve often ‘felt’ people “tuning out” when I’m in conversation with them.  It’s like because I have ‘good’ things to share they don’t even ‘hear’ what I have to say and that sometimes I simply don’t say anything because I’m afraid my friends believe I’m to ‘preachy’ with my ‘good news.”  I’ve actually lost some friends over the fact that I’m learning to choose being happy over choosing to be miserable.  Ever heard that saying, ‘misery loves company’ – well, misery only loves miserable company.

I explained that I cannot tell her or anyone WHAT to do.

I heard it put a way this week that I had to write down:  “I’m not here to tell you what to do, I’m here to support and love you while you do it” – that saying really resonated with me because that’s how I FEEL.  I don’t care WHAT your experiences are – I’m not a judge of experiences – we all have experiences – we tend to call them ‘good’ or ‘bad’ – I simply call them ‘experiences.’

But, I continued, I can tell, to those who’ll listen, where I was and the things I’ve done that has guided me from living life miserably to being absolutely fantastic and that the steps I’ve taken may or may not be of assistance to anyone else.  She then gave me permission to share my experiences, and as you continue to read, you, too, are giving me the same permission.

I explained how the last time I was in the pits of misery and despair was in the Fall of 2002.  I retired from my 28 year career with State Government on September 1, 2002.  Everyone thinks of retirement as something wonderful to look forward to – as did I.  However, after the first few days of sleeping late, I felt like “I had no reason for getting up in the mornings – nowhere I needed to be, nowhere I needed to go, and nothing I needed to do.”

At that time it was a bit of a struggle for me to get out of bed anyway.  My body ached, my knees were worn out and in constant pain because my weight was nearing 300 lb – and at 5’3” that’s a lot of weight to carry. (info on my weight loss available in my “How I Came to Have Bariatric Surgery” blog).

Approximately two months after I retired, on October 20, 2002, my husband committed suicide.  So here I was, nearly 300 lbs, without a purpose for living, and alone – I was as low as I had ever been or will ever be.  For months I cried, alone, I stayed in bed, alone, I was miserable, alone.  Of course, because I was ‘alone’ in this state of mind, no one was aware of what was going on with ‘me.’

I don’t even remember how it came to be, but about a year or so later somehow I obtained some Tony Robbins CD’s entitled, “Get the Edge.”  I listened to them (what else did I have to do) and he talked about how he started each day with 15 Minutes to Fulfillment, 30 Minutes to Thrive, or An Hour of Power depending on how much time he had available.

Basically, you divide the amount of time by 3.  So, of course, I started with 15 minutes – the first 5 minutes involves ‘breathe,’ ‘touch,’ ‘think.’ 

He instructed the breathing be done in four counts of breathing in (in- in- in- in) followed by four counts of breathing out (out, out, out, out) — he explained the health benefits of breathing this way. 

While doing the four counts of breathing in he instructed to ‘touch’ certain ‘pressure points’ on the fingers of each hand, also in a four-count 1) thumb to first finger, 2) thumb to middle finger, 3) thumb to ring finger, 4) thumb to pinky finger – then start over again with 1, 2, 3, and 4  with each ‘out’ breath – he also explained the reasoning behind touching these pressure points in this particular sequence.

While doing the four count breathing and the four count finger motion, you also ‘think’ in the four count beat, you ‘think’ the words, “I Love My Life,”  1) I, 2) Love, 3) My, 4) Life.

Although I knew this ‘thought’ was an absolute LIE for me, I did as I was instructed because somewhere I had heard something to the effect, “If I told you the secret to life is to wake up each morning and dance a jig as you get out of bed would you do it, or would say, “that’s stupid” and not even try – so I figured I’d at least ‘try’ – after all, this was Tony Robbins telling me to do this  and telling me HE had done this – and I see Tony Robbins as a pretty successful guy – and what would it ‘hurt’ to try.

After doing 5 minutes of ‘breathe,’ ‘touch,’ and ‘think,’ the next 5 minutes is spent on ‘gratitude.’  I continued the ‘breathe’ and ‘touch’ as I began to ‘think’ of things I had to be grateful for.  I started each ‘gratitude’ thought with , “Thank you God, I’m so very grateful that ________ (you fill in the blank).”   

Now, the first day I did this I had pretty much NOTHING to be grateful for, so as I started ‘thinking to myself’ I looked around to see my surroundings – I saw this one small patch of green grass – everything else was brown because of the drought conditions in our area.  So I, in a somewhat sarcastic tone, thought, “Thank you God, I’m so very grateful that at least that one patch of grass is green.”  

Then I had to ‘find’ something else to be grateful for, I looked up at the sky and, again, quite sarcastically, thought, “Thank you God, I’m so very grateful the sky is blue instead of purple.”  Honestly, I couldn’t think of anything to be grateful for.

Landon and Me, Oct. 2007

Then, my children came to mind and my gratitude came more honestly and easily.  My next thought was, “Thank you God, I’m so very grateful for my wonderful children.”  My whole ‘energy’ changed with that thought.  THEN my energy escalated, because my next thought was of my new-born grandson, “Thank you God, I am so very grateful for Landon.” 

Thus began my steps up the ladder that leads (at least me) to happiness.  I’ve since come to learn that by changing your thoughts you change your life.  My life has become absolutely amazing – actually, it was probably absolutely amazing before, I just didn’t have the ‘eyes’ to see.  “Thank you God, I’m so very grateful my eyes are opening.” – see, it’s so easy now for me to express gratitude.

The last 5 minutes of this exercise is spent ‘visualizing’ the things you ‘desire’ and ‘thinking’ them or ‘speaking’ them.  For example, one of the things I needed was to have the outside of my house painted — but I couldn’t afford to have it done at that time (my retirement income was only a portion of what I was making while working, and half of our household income had been lost when my husband died).  So, I would think about what color I’d paint it and what it would look like completed.

Believe it or not, but I met a man who was a painter — all I had to do was buy my paint (which cost me about $300) and my house was ‘professionally’ painted.  “Thank you God, I’m so very grateful . . . .” — oh, you can complete this, I’m sure.

You must bathe daily to stay clean, you must eat daily to stay alive, you must continue taking steps daily down the road to happiness to get there – doing this onlya time or two (or only taking one or two steps) leaves you closer to nowhere.

Shortly after I started this ‘spiritual exercise’ I told my sister how doing my daily 15 Minutes to Fulfillment was changing my life and she said, “I don’t believe you can change your life simply by thinking, “I love my life.”  

I’ve continued taking the steps necessary to keep me on my road to happiness so, surely to goodness she can see where I was and where I am now and recognizes the total transformation of my life from living miserably to being absolutely fantastic. 

How sad it would make me if she would still say, “I don’t believe you can change your life simply by thinking, “I love my life.”    If so, then I could only respond, “If YOU say so,” – because what you say does matter, but that will be another blog some day.

Bobbie

Of course I had to ask, “What are you doing?” 

Without missing a beat or looking up he said, “Setting an intention.”

 “Do what?” I asked.

“I’ll let you read it when I’m finished, so let me finish and quit bustin up my concentratin” – this is a line he uses a lot with me, it’s a line from some old Davey Crockett movie from his childhood that apparently left quite an impression on him.  I also take it as his ‘polite’ way of telling me to ‘be quiet’ – cause I KNOW he’d never tell me to shut up – lol – not from any ‘fear’ he may have of me (because he has none), but because he’s simply too kind to tell anyone to shut-up – oh, he’d get his point across, it would just be in a positive manner.

So, I left him alone to finish his intention, and once done this is what he had written:

It is my goal and dream to give away $490,800 within the next year to year and a half.  There are many great causes out there that could use this money to help those in need.  We see people who are hungry, without a home, without a job, or in need of medical help. I know this sum of money would only be a scratch on the surface of what is really needed out there, however, it’s a start.

Now on the other hand should I find 15 to 30 other people who would “LOVE” to do the same then we could bump that number up to around $14M.  I use the word “LOVE” because it really has to be from the heart and not from greed that you do this, that’s right I said greed.  So often money is given but for selfish reasons – some give only to get – some give only for their own gain, there own success – given in a spirit of expectancy.  I am not saying that’s a bad thing, gaining from giving is a perk, however, if that’s the ONLY reason for giving then I believe it’s the wrong reason.  I “LOVE” to give because of the wonderful feeling I get when I see the gratitude on the face of the receiver — and you can not put a dollar value to that feeling. 

Have you ever had a desire to do something but you simply didn’t know the ‘how?”  In most cases the ‘how’ turns out to be so simple we tend to miss it.  Have you ever looked for the answer to a question and spend as much as a day or more pounding on your head for the answer, then when you quit thinking about it all at once the answer is there looking you right in the eye.  Usually it is so simple you wonder why you could not see it.  Well the reason you couldn’t see it is because, when you are pounding your head trying to force the answer your focus is really on I can’t find it which totally blocks out your being able to see it standing right in front of you.

My desire is to have the ability to ‘give.’  So what is the answer to me being able to give away $490,800 you may ask.  That’s a very good question, and here is my answer to you.  First I intend to find a number of people who do not know fear – it doesn’t have to be a great number – about 30 will accomplish my goal.  I want people who know how to let go of old ideas and are open to new ideas and new ways of doing things.  People who each have the same goals in mind and are “MORE” then willing to help a brother or sister climb the latter to success, brother or sister meaning all of us working together and leaving no one behind.

The key to any success is being open minded to new ideas because in today’s world nothing stays the same very long.  Let me give you an example of such change in my own words:  In the beginning there was radio—we saw it was good and was pleased (this may sound a little like something else you might have read – anyway). . . We enjoyed what we heard but wanted to hear the music we liked when we wanted to hear it, not just when the radio station wanted to play it, so we made the cassette player.  We saw this, too, was good and was once again pleased.  Then we said the quality could be better so we made the eight track player and was even more pleased with what we found to be the best sound we had ever heard.  It wasn’t long before the original cassette was improved upon and made a big come back (which shows that even old ideas can be improved upon) and the come back of the cassette caused the eight track to be laid to rest forever more. A short few years later came the CD (compact disc) and we were really pleased – the CD covered all the bases. Yet, now we have little tiny mp3 players that hold more songs then we could ever listen to in a day’s time – and the sound is phenomenal — but I’m sure it won’t stop here – we are only beginning to imagine what is next.  This is progress, change, evolution, and it happens continuously.

New ideas come to us everyday and in everything we do — nothing remains the same for long.  So why do we tend to look at a business plan and say things like “That will never work” or “Yeah, right, I have seen stuff like this before and its crap (and maybe it was crap before, but isn’t it possible that it can be improved – just like the cassette).”  These are examples, of course, of how most people respond when you mention multi-level marketing – networking – or having a home-based business.

Well I am here to tell you that working your life away for people who, in the end, sell you out or lay you off is crap.  And were you really making that much money working for them in the first place?  How far in debt are you right now because you can’t make enough money to live off of, let alone buy anything extra.  

Well if you change your thinking and look at the current business strategies from a new perspective, you just may be able to find your answer to how you can build a real life for yourself.  However if you choose to keep yourself buried in fear and continue to say things that only keep you down then, my friend, you will LEAVE this life never taking the chance to really LIVE this life.  You will never know the feeling of giving away $490,800.  I intend to build, with the help of a few others, a team that will work together and, as I said, no one will be left behind.

If you want to change your life cool, come join our team.  If you’re happy where you are singing your whoa is me song, that’s OK too, just please don’t bring it here.  We can only be as strong as we let ourselves be; and right now as I am writing this for you, I, my friend am an MP3 player….man, am I feeling good.  So change your mind, change your thinking and let’s work together and give away $14M – and who says we have to stop there.

Did you notice how precise the amount is?  Do you see his time frame for accomplishing this goal?  Do you see he didn’t say something general like ‘approximately s half-million dollars’ — it’s because he has researched means of accomplishing this and calculated exactly what is possible based on his research.  AND, did you notice that he intends to give $490,800 SINGLE HANDEDLY? 

In his second paragraph he takes it even further and ‘expands’ the amount of the gift giving possibility, and has even calculated how many participants it would take to accomplish giving $14M – and, according to what he’s shown me based on his research and calculations —  it CAN be done with an investment of only $150.

IF you’re the type of person who likes to ‘give’ and would like to know about Alan’s ‘program,’ feel free to e-mail me at bobbiethompson@innerlightinc.net.  We’ll send you the information, THEN you can make the decision as to whether or not you’d like to become a part of our ‘giving team.’

Do I believe he’ll manifest his intention?  You bet your sweet bippy (that’s a line for one of my favorite childhood TV shows – Laugh In).  I’ve seen Alan set intentions before, and I’ve seen their manisfestation, like his 4×4 extended cab truck for only $75 — many folks didn’t believe that would ever happen — but it sits in our garage right now expressing just what’s possible when you ‘believe’  (but that’s another blog).

Note the date of this posting – then mark your calendar to contact us in one and one-half years – we’ll be glad to share our accomplishments with you at that time.

Looking forward to sharing.

Bobbie

A particular story comes to mind:

It had been raining for days and days, and a terrible flood had come over the land. The waters rose so high that one man was forced to climb onto the roof of his house.

As the waters rose higher and higher, a man in a rowboat appeared, and told him to get in. “No,” replied the man on the roof. “I have faith in the Lord; the Lord will save me.” So the man in the rowboat went away. The man on the roof prayed for God to save him.

The waters rose higher and higher, and suddenly a speedboat appeared. “Climb in!” shouted a man in the boat. “No,” replied the man on the roof. “I have faith in the Lord; the Lord will save me.” So the man in the speedboat went away. The man on the roof prayed for God to save him.

The waters continued to rise. A helicopter appeared and over the loudspeaker, the pilot announced he would lower a rope to the man on the roof. “No,” replied the man on the roof. “I have faith in the Lord; the Lord will save me.” So the helicopter went away. The man on the roof prayed for God to save him.

The waters rose higher and higher, and eventually they rose so high that the man on the roof was washed away, and alas, the poor man drowned.

Upon arriving in heaven, the man marched straight over to God. “Heavenly Father,” he said, “I had faith in you, I prayed to you to save me, and yet you did nothing. Why?” God gave him a puzzled look, and replied “I sent you two boats and a helicopter, what more did you expect?”

The poor guy, God was right before his eyes, several times actually, presenting Himself.  Unfortunately, the guys choose to see only a couple boats and a helicopter.  What do you see when you look around you?  Is it Heaven?  Is it Hell?

 We can only ‘see’ from our own personal perspective.  From my perspective, “Around me is whatever I choose to see”   So, what are you choosing to see?  I heard another story about Heaven and Hell I think helps illustrate the point I’m trying to make – the story goes like this:

Some years ago a particular man had lived such a good life that when he died, he was given the option to visit both Heaven and Hell with an angel as his guide. 

First he chose to visit Hell because he was curious to see what it was like and knew he wouldn’t want to stay long.  When he arrived a band was playing, there were flowers, and banquet tables, as far as the eye could see, filled with food of every kind.  However, everyone there had their hands shackled behind their back – they were thin, weak, starving.  They lay in their misery unable to enjoy the music, the flowers or the food – it was pure HELL.

Next, he went to visit Heaven. To the man’s surprise, everything in Heaven was IDENTICAL to everything in Hell; a band was playing, there were flowers, and banquet tables, as far as the eye could see, filled with food of every kind.  His biggest surprise, however, was here, too, everyone had their hands shackled behind their back, yet, everyone was nourished, they were dancing to the music, and enjoying the beauty of the flowers.

“How can this be?” the man asked the Angel.  “Both Heaven and Hell look the same yet Hell is a place of misery and Heaven is pure delight.”

“It’s simple,” replied the Angel, “those in misery can’t see the beauty and blessings before them because they focus only on themselves and their own hunger.  While those who have learned to serve others have figured out how all can be filled and enjoy the blessings that lay before them.” 

With my first words of this blog I asked, do you REALLY believe God meets ALL your needs – 24/7/365?  What are your needs?  Do you recognize God’s answer to your prayers?  Are your eyes open?  What are you seeing?

Now, from my personal perspective, let me answer my own questions . . .YES, YES, and a resounding YES, I believe God meets our needs 24/7/365.  Sometimes I ‘see’ God’s answer to my prayers, and other times I completely miss the mark. 

My needs are many.  Currently our main need is an income.  Alan, my husband, lost his job in December 2008 and I DID NOT see his lost job an answer to prayer – but now with the passing of time I believe his job loss was a total BLESSING. 

OK, let me share ‘my perspective.’  How many people would like to sleep late in the mornings – we can.  How many would like to jump on their motorcycle any day of the week and just take a joy ride – we do.  How many folks would like to take a nap in the middle of the afternoon ‘just because they can’ or enjoy a little ‘afternoon delight’ with their spouse, or watch a movie whenever, or read a good book, or ‘’ you fill in the blank  ‘’  Well, guess what, we have those luxuries, but we wouldn’t if Alan hadn’t lost his job.

No, I’ve not lost my mind – I simply choose to ‘keep my eyes open’ to see how God would handle our need for income – cause, you see, it’s not our job to figure it out – it is our job to keep out eyes open and watch for the opportunities God puts before us – like a row boat, a motor boat, or even a helicopter.

It took us a while to see the vehicle God was sending to rescue us – but when we ‘opened our eyes’ we started seeing several home-based, networking, or MLM (multi-level marketing) opportunities.  I can almost hear what some folks are thinking – pyramid, scam, SALES, sucks.    Well, it IS for you what YOU see  – and if pyramid, scam, etc., is what you ‘see’ then there’s no sense in you even reading any further – just stay in your misery while I choose to see heaven.

It’s not like we ‘sought out’ these opportunities, they just keep ‘presenting themselves’ to us.  We keep seeing newspaper articles, internet news, magazine stories and even TV newscasts about how an unprecedented number of people are turning to home-based businesses because of the current economy – some to supplement lowered income, some to totally replace income from lost jobs.  (Actually, I was recently interviewed on a local TV channel about home-based businesses opportunities – if you’re on Facebook you can see pictures of my TV debut there – just send me a friend request to Bobbie Roberts Thompson – I’m the one with the red jacket and short dark hair.)

Something else that ‘just presented itself’ to Alan was information on how to build a website – so that’s just what he did – he built www.InnerLightInc.net (how do you like that name – I love it – and I’m so proud of what he built – please check it out and let us know what you think).

Our website is an ongoing work in progress.  As new information, new inspiration, and new income opportunities present themselves they get added.  When you visit our site make sure you click on the “Recording Studio” page – for an opportunity to hear some of Alan’s original music – he wrote, sings, and plays the instruments – he loves having the time now to see just what he can accomplish with his in-home studio.

Alan sits at his computer composing and playing beautiful music and even occasionally brings me flowers.  I sit at my computer networking, making new friends not only all over the US, but worldwide.  Yep, I think it’s Heaven – at least that’s how I see it.

I’ve had ‘jobs’ which I enjoyed (at least to some extent) but what I do now brings a FREEDOM that results in contentment, satisfaction, a feeling of accomplishment, and a happiness like I’ve never previously experienced.

I’m aware that we, each, have our own perspective of everything based on where we are in life and our own personal life experiences to date.  I’m also aware that no matter how much we ‘think alike,’ NO ONE will ever have my exact perspective.  I used to think that ‘everyone is just like me.’  This simple little concept that NO-ONE is just like me took me approximately 50 years to learn (guess you can call me a slow learner) – but I at least ‘finally’ got it. 

I can’t help, however, but be absolutely amazed at those who, from my own perspective, are so ‘limiting’ in this universe of unlimited possibilities.  For example, when I mention to some people that I have a multitude of MLM businesses their immediate response is often, “You can’t ride more than one horse.”  And, they’re so right, to some degree.  When they say this to me my immediate thought is, “Excuse me, have you never been to the circus?”  Granted, it takes perfect timing, hours of training, and an abundance of talent to accomplish, but IT CAN BE DONE.  Just because YOU don’t do it doesn’t mean NO-ONE can do it.  And, of course, if YOU believe NO-ONE can do it, then how could YOU ever believe that YOU can do it?

Not only CAN it be done, but I’m a firm believer that “you can never have too many streams of income.”    Most of the ‘money making’ guru’s I know anything about stress at least these two principles:  1) multiple streams of income are good; and 2) it is important to diversify.

Readers of this blog who know me personally are acutely aware that quite often I use the phrase, “I’m a firm believer that what goes around comes around,” so I attempt to ‘send around’ only good because I want only good to ‘come around’ back to me – MY LIFE IS WONDERFUL.

I must be honest here and give you my reason for writing this particular blog — I got my feelings hurt.  I know this young lady and from my perspective she’s beautiful, she’s intelligent, she’s beautiful, she young, she’s beautiful, she’s got it together, and she’s beautiful – did I mention how beautiful she is – and when I say ‘beautiful’ I’m not just talking about her ‘physical appearance,’ — I’m talking about her beautiful spirit that comes from within.  I received an e-mail from this beautiful friend of mine whom I admire very much, and she basically said to me “don’t try to ride more than one horse – you look stupid.” – slap, right in the face, I felt it – and I could have cried (almost did).

I believe each of my ‘business opportunities’ are ‘good’ and equally important (because each addresses a different concern).  I felt I was doing ‘good’ as I shared my ‘valuable’ information with her (and many others) regarding ‘several’ of my income producing opportunities (and who doesn’t want more income producing possibilities).  I shared because I believed it’s possible for her (and most people) to benefit from the information.  I was so happy to share each bit of what I believe is good, valuable information (at least from my perspective it’s good valuable information).

From her e-mail I quickly gathered that she apparently DOES NOT have the same perspective as me.  I wish I had kept the e-mail to provide her ‘exact’ wording, but I quickly trashed it – because it made me hurt.  But her wording was something to the effect, “you’re hurting your creditability” and “insulting your friends” by ‘sharing’ so much.  I’d NEVER intentionally insult someone and I think that in itself makes a statement about my creditability.

For a split second I thought, “oh, God, I’m insulting people, people are thinking bad about me, I’m destroying my credibility.’  I immediately felt like a ton of bricks had been dropped on me – my spirit fell – HARD.  Then I though about the movie “THE SECRET” and what it has to say about our ‘emotional guidance system’ and knew mine was speaking to me – LOUDLY.

It’s amazing the conversations I have in my own head at times.  I like to think of it as “God” speaking to me when I ‘talk to myself inside my own head.’  Anyway, I had the ‘thoughts’ as if someone were saying, “Bobbie, what if someone said to you that you’re stupid – does their saying you’re stupid make it true?”  Well, I’ve had this particular conversation with me over and over again – so I answered myself by saying, “No, me, someone telling me I’m stupid is true for me only if I choose to think it’s true.”

Next, God (or the voice inside my head) said, “So, do you think you look stupid riding multiple horses?”  This time I smiled as I felt my spirit start to rise and I began feeling good about myself once again as I answered me by almost shouting, “No, it’s just the opposite – when I ride my multiple horses (by sharing my good valuable information with as many people possible as often as possible) I am exhibiting my special talent, my ability to do something that most do not possess the ability to do — I LOVE RIDING MULTIPLE HORSES.

As for those who believe, “you can only ride one horse at a time” I say, “that’s where you are, this is where I am.”  It doesn’t mean I’m right and you’re wrong – nor does it mean that you’re right and I’m wrong, it simply means we’re different and have different perspectives.

As for my beautiful friend, I don’t love her any more, and I don’t love her any less either.  Thank you, beautiful friend, for this particular lesson – which for me was – it’s true for me only, “If I Say So.”

Bobbie

March 2009 -- Signing of the Contracts

For those of you who aren’t aware, I’m blessed to be a Founding Marketer in Donald Trump’s newest company, THE TRUMP NETWORK.    

There are a lot of WONDERFUL home-based business opportunities out there, but I think THE TRUMP NETWORK has a uniqueness that is unmatched and unmatchable (unless the Queen of England gets into the MLM business — and who knows, all things ARE  possible — haha).  That uniqueness, of course, is TRUMP branding.  The products would have to be beyond exceptional to justify TRUMP branding, and they are. 

The products are health/wellness/weight-loss products with the flagship product being based on DNA as well as other aspects specific to the individual — ONE SIZE does NOT fit all in my world — never has, never will, so why would we think our ‘one-size fits all” dietary supplements are appropriate for each individual? 

The weight-loss products are calibrated high-protein foods — and as a bariatric patient — I’m very much aware of the importance of protein in my diet.

I had the most wonderful time this week-end (June 11-14) at the Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, GA for the soft-launch of TRUMP NETWORK.  Mr. Trump shares some of his ‘why’ behind founding TRUMP NETWORK in a recorded message at 720 223 5555 — please call and then tell your friends, “I had Donald Trump on the phone today and he said . . . .” — it’s fun.

The Atlanta soft-launch speakers were fantastic (would you expect any less from TRUMP) and included:

Jerry Schrager, a member of Donald Trumps inner circle for over 30 years.  In his number one national best-selling book, “The Art of the Deal,” Mr. Trump writes:

“…Jerry is a top attorney…at one of the best real estate firms in the country, and he’s handled nearly every one of my major deals since…1974. Jerry is more than an attorney. He’s as absolute business machine, and he can see through to the essence of a deal as fast as anyone I know…”

Cathy Hoffman Glosser, Executive Vice President, The Trump Organization, NYC, and

Dr. David McCallan (www.heydrmac.com) Clinical Director (and the brains behind our products).

The event was held at the beautiful Marriott Marquis (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/atlmq-atlanta-marriott-marquis/) and as I was standing in the lobby I thought WOW — I’m so very used to Holiday Inn — but with the unbelieveable opportunity TRUMP NETWORK offers, the Marriott will become my ‘normal’ staying place. 

The company is so new (contracts that founded the company were signed in March 2009) we don’t even have our duplicated websites (Mr. Trump has been filming for inclusion in the websites), however, it was announced at the soft-launch that our websites will be rolled-out this week — and I can’t wait.  My personal TRUMP NETWORK website is a priceless marketing tool that I’m looking forward to having in my took box.

TRUMP NETWORK needs as many marketers as possible in place prior to the official launch in November to receive the leads from the expected response once announced.  Mr. Trump has some TRUMP SIZED plans for announcing TRUMP NETWORK, and it is expected to receive no less than 1 MILLION responses within 24 hours of the announcement airing.  I have already purchased my tickets to the November launch  and you can be there too. 

I’m so very excited and extremely greatful to be in this position — the possibilities are truly unlimited.  For more information e-mail me at trumpbct@yahoo.com (until my website is up and running — and I’m sure that information will be in a future post).

Wishing you all much happiness and prosperity.

Bobbie

Actually, let me back this up a bit so you’ll know where I’m coming from.  I’ve been big all my life – I remember when I was in first grade and the local health department came in to do our health checks (as was common practice back in those days).  I was the only 100 lb first grader.

Throughout my life I just continued to gain weight.  Yes, I’ve joined Weight Watchers (so many times I’ve lost count), TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) , Overeaters Anonymous, taken OTC and prescription diet drugs, even briefly traveled down the fen-phen path.  Rarely was I ever successful loosing weight – actually the most success I ever had at loosing weight was the ‘divorce’ diet – you know, where everything is so bad you just can’t eat – I lost 60 lbs (I do NOT recommend this diet).

I remember deciding THIS TIME I was going to be successful so I ONCE AGAIN joined Weight Watchers.  THIS TIME when I stepped on the scales they read 291 lbs – I STILL remember how that made me feel — I honestly do not know how I kept from crying at that moment – it made me sick, my spirit dropped, and it scared me to death all at the same time (for those of you who don’t know me, I’m only 5’2” tall – my first mother-in-law once described me as ‘the girl who is as wide as she is tall,’ – that description pissed me off at the time but now that I “ hopefully” have a more mature enlightened understanding I know that was the most accurate description she could come up with – unfortunately).

In early 2003 a friend of mine, Carmen, was in pre-op counseling to have gastric bypass surgery and asked me to attend a counseling session with her to be her ‘support.’  At the end of the meeting she turned to me, handed me a packet, and said, “Why don’t you take one of the packets and see if you qualify for gastric by-pass surgery.”   That, too, pissed me off (I consciously try not to get pissed of so easily any more – I think it comes from learning that there’s a reason for everything so instead of getting pissed off I try to look at why the situation is crossing my life’s path at that particular moment).  I knew I was ‘BIG’ but I thought, “I’m not THAT big.”  I couldn’t let her know how I felt because we were in a pre-op meeting for HER.  How could I say to my friend, “you’re THAT big, but not me” – so I took the package. 

Well, apparently, I was THAT big.  I qualified for the surgery but then just when I started getting used to the idea of going through the several months of preparation necessary for gastric by-pass surgery the surgeon decided to transfer to another state and that bariatric center closed.  “Oh well”, I though, “guess it wasn’t meant for me to have WLS after all.”

One day about a week after I learned the bariatric center had closed I was in my car with Carmen and we stopped to pick up my mail.  I saw a letter from the bariatric center and opened it – it contained information on several ‘options’ to check out at other bariatric centers.  As I was reading THAT letter an advertisement came on my car radio – the ad was for GEORGETOWN BARIATRIC CENTER – and, of course, GEORGETOWN BARIATRIC CENTER was one of the options mentioned in the letter I was reading at that very moment – HERE’S YOUR SIGN (I’ve come to believe that we’re given ‘signs’ 24/7/365 – they’re just not always that obvious  and we don’t always pick up on them – but they’re there, so start looking for them).

It was amazing to me how everything worked out – I did not seek the surgery, it came to me.  I did not seek out the surgeons – I was simply open to the signs.  My insurance company (thank you Humana) readily approved my surgery with no problems (now if I could just get them to approve my plastic surgery to get rid of this excess skin).  I had met my ‘deductible’ for that year and was told that IF I had the surgery prior to September 30^th there would be no additional deductible charges.

On September 29, 2003 I had the RNY gastric by-pass surgery at GEORGETOWN BARIATRIC CENTER with Dr. G. Derrick Weiss as my surgeon and Dr. John Oldham as his partner surgeon. In my opinion Dr. Weiss and Dr. Oldham are the most handsome and skilled bariatric surgeons in the world – I’d hope you feel the same about the surgeon who is going to do your WLS  – at least the skilled part – if not, I’d suggest you seek out Dr. Weiss and Dr. Oldham.

Around 3:30 p.m. I was wheeled into the operating room and taken into recovery around 10:00 p.m. and Dr. Weiss had performed three surgeries on me:

1)      My gall bladder was removed  — I had gotten sick about two weeks prior to my surgery and gone to my family practitioner who sent me to a “specialist’ who prescribed acid reflux medication.  At my final pre-op meeting with Dr. Weiss the day before my surgery I shared with Dr. Weiss what I had been experiencing. WITHOUT EVEN TOUCHING ME (the other two doctors had performed examinations) Dr. Weiss said, “you have gall stones” – he immediately sent me to have an ultra sound and he was right (this was my first experience of being impressed with Dr. Weiss’ skills – there are other experiences that make me feel this way and I’ll probably get around to telling you about them in future blogs).

2)     Dr. Weiss repaired a hernia he found – I had had a hysterectomy two years prior which had apparently caused the hernia.  Although numerous tests are performed prior to surgery Dr. Weiss makes it a practice to make sure everything ‘looks good’ once ‘inside’ – this is how he found and repaired the hernia.

3)     Dr. Weiss did my RNY gastric by-pass (I love Dr. Weiss – can’ya tell – teehee).

The nurses got me up for my first walk – about 4 steps – around 10:30 p.m.  That short walk was NOT the easiest walk I’ve ever made – but they got me out of the bed about every two hours and each ‘walk’ got easier and easier – and I haven’t stopped yet – as a matter of fact, it’s kinda hard to keep up with my current energy level.

On June 20, 2009, I’ll be 54 years YOUNG.  My life is so improved – actually, my life is quite WONDERFUL – I’m much healthier and much happier.  Many times I’ve said, “If I had known the 50’s were going to be this good I’d done them first.”

 If you’re on Facebook please send me a friend request to Bobbie Roberts Thompson.  I love making new friends and you can see more recent pictures,  learn more about my weight-loss journey, my wonderful life, and my wonderful friends.  BTW – did I tell you I’m a newlywed – married a friend I’ve known for 30 years – that’s a great story too.

Me two weeks prior to my weight-loss surgery.

Today is Sunday, May 10th, 2009 — it’s both Mother’s Day and the birthday of my first born, Brian.  Brian is thirty-something today (it’s still in the ‘early’ 30′s) but what simply amazes me is that HE’s in his 30′s — I feel like I should be thirty-something.  I’ve heard it said of late that today’s 50′s is yesterday’s 30′s, so maybe that’s why I feel that way.  Of course, maybe I feel this way simply because life is so wonderful that it makes me feel young at heart.  Many times I’ve said, “If I had known the 50’s were going to be this good I’d done them first.”

Let me describe my wonderful Mother’s Day — maybe you will glean a little insight about me as you read — and if you don’t I’m sure I’ll just tell you straight out about me as I continue to blog — lol — I think that’s a funny word — blog — makes me feel like I’m about to throw-up — I can see me now in front of my porcelain god and my mouth going, blog, blog, blog – maybe that’s the definition of blog – stuff coming from your mouth — you get the picture — and I digress.

OK, back to my wonderful Mother’s Day — I started my day with a cup of coffee in front of my computer connect to Facebook.  I’m fairly new to Facebook but love it — my very first experience was to ‘sign-in’ and within literally minutes I had a “friend request” from a girl (guess I should use the word woman here, but she was a ‘girl’ the last we saw one another). . . a ‘girl’ I had graduated from High School with (and I graduated from High School in 1973 so it had been some time since I had heard that name) — anyway — I’ll tell you in another blog what happened from there with FB, cause right now I’m telling you about my wonderful Mother’s Day.

After some much enjoyed Facebook time I went out to the driveway where my husband, Alan, was washing his truck — I decided to join in the fun and wash my car as well.  I have a bright yellow (it was a dull yellow before the washing, but now it’s BRIGHT) Neon.  The sun was warm, the water was cool, and the accomplishment of having a BRIGHT yellow car was satisfying.  After ‘showering’ the car I found it necessary to ‘shower’ myself — the warm water there was satisfying as well.

My daughter, Brandi, called to wish me a Happy Mother’s Day — I love it when I get to spend time with my beautiful, intelligent, witty, successful daughter — even when that time consists of just a bit of conversation on the phone.  OK, I gotta be careful what I say about her here — she’s a little more sensitive than my son — sometimes she just doesn’t get where I’m coming from — ‘are you kidding me’ — are words I’ve heard from her before.  But, after we’ve discussed whatever concern a bit and shared one-another’s perspective then everything is good again.  One’s ‘perspective’ — now that’s a topic that I can delve into at some length — but, alas, my focus is my wonderful Mother’s Day.

Some time later my son, Brian, called to wish me a Happy Mother’s Day – I love it when I get to spend time with my handsome, intelligent, witty, successful son . . . a mother can’t be bias, equal ‘whatever’ here.  I do have great children and am proud of them both. 

My son and his family are on vacation in Florida this week, so I’m sure his attention is elsewhere (like maybe watching the bikini clad girls on the beach – at least that’s what he used to do when he was young and we took beach vacations) – digressing again – back to my wonderful Mother’s Day – I’m sure his attention is elsewhere so it made me feel wonderful that he remembered me today – told you I have great kids.  I got a picture via Facebook today of my son and his family on the island – I needed a Landon fix –oh yeah, I haven’t mentioned Landon yet, have I – that’s my grandson, and that’s a WHOLE LOT OF STORIES as I learn more about this blog thing – it just keeps getting better and better.

My husband and I had a wonderful in-home dinner tonight — grilled steak, baked potatoes, green beans, crescent rolls, grilled onions, and pineapple upside down cake.  We watched a movie together in our normal movie ‘stance’ – lying next to one another with his arms around me – did I mention to you we’re newly-weds – got married New Years Eve 12/31/08.  Now we’re back here connected to the universe once again via our computers and learning more and more every day (you never get too old to learn something new).

That’s the story of my wonderful Mother’s Day.  It’s getting rather late now, 11:36 pm according to the clock on my computer.  Alan is telling me it’s time for us to head to the bedroom – could it be this wonderful Mother’s Day still has some good things to come?????

Sending love and positive energy to all.

Bobbie