CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED LIVE ON-AIR ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH!
CLICK THE HEART LOGO FOR ENTRY RULES, PRIZES, SPONSORS, AND MORE INFORMATION! CONTEST RUNS FROM 1/25 thru 2/08. GOOD LUCK!
CLICK HERE FOR CONTEST INFORMATION PAGE
divataunia.com | youtube.com/divataunia | twitter.com/divataunia
SCROLL DOWN FOR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW!
Ok, I'm not going to lie: this is mostly a package recipe, but I've doctored it up a bit to make it divalicious and super-easy to make. And this is extra spicy, because you know how I roll!
INGREDIENTS:
DIRECTIONS:
NUTRITIONAL INFO*:
The totals are (for the entire chili - minus any cheese and/or sour cream):
This makes about 6 really good size portions, or 8-10 mini diva portions. At SIX servings, the totals per serving are:
It's hard for me to not think of things in those terms: gastric bypass bride. I've always hated the notion that only thin girls can find true love - because it's completely inaccurate. Part of me feels guilty about all the happiness that I've found post-surgery because it only perpetuates that theory, but the other part of me knows the truth: I am happier. Every part of my life is better...my health, my energy, my spirit, and yes, the way I look.
I think the truth is, I wasn't happy as a fat person. I pretended to be, but I wasn't. The smallest things make a huge impact on my disposition now. Being able to go out an not fear that I won't fit it seats, being able to shop in any store, being able to comfortably be able to wear a seatbelt, these things have all impacted me. And no doubt that when my disposition began to change, that was reflected both inside and out. And for those of you ready to say, "would Rob have loved you when you were heavy?!?" The answer is yes. He met me when I was almost 90 lbs heavier.
This is all leading up to something that is bittersweet for me: my wedding. I had told Rob that the most important thing for me wedding-wise was that it happened while my Dad was still able to walk me down the aisle, and my grandmother was able to be there. Both things will happen, and I couldn't be happier. The only thing that I wish is that my Grampy could be there too, to see the new me, but he will be in spirit.
My grandfather, Carl, was a striking, stoic, tall man that made a lasting impression on my family. The one time I have ever seen my father cry was at his funeral, when was gave an incredibly moving speech about the man that had adopted him and become his father. My Grampy meant everything to my dad, and he meant everything to me. I was very close to him, and I'm also very close to my grandmother, Nora (who I call Auntie Nora - don't ask, long story).
At our family get-together this weekend, my Auntie Nora suggested that I look at her wedding gown. It was one of those very giddy moments with girls in the family. We looked at the gown (which did NOT fit me - despite my weight loss - lol), and then I asked to try on the veil. This was one of those pull-over-your-face veils, very old-fashioned, very beautiful, with all the original beading on the headband in impeccable condition. I put it on and realized that this veil was something special: she had worn this when she married my grandfather.
I asked her if I could wear it in the wedding and her response was, "I would be honored." She was beaming with pride, and I knew right then and there that my dress doesn't matter: this veil does. She said to me, "You know, Taunia, you had a special bond with your grandfather. You were very special to him, and you are very special to me." Cue waterworks. I was a blubbering idiot, but I don't think I've had a happier moment (other than my proposal, of course) in my life. This veil means everything to me: family, celebration, tradition, and love.
And now my grandfather, the Great Carl T as he would often refer to himself, is part of my wedding. I'm wearing the same veil that was worn by my grandmother at his wedding, and that connects both of my grandparents to me in probably the most special way I could think of. And to me, that's what I want this wedding to be about. Not the poofy, Cinderella stuff, but the celebration of family. My old family sending me with love into my new family. That's love.
The timing of this feature could not be more relevant. Not only is Kristy an inspiring weight loss surgery community member, but she's also an adoptive parent to Spencer, a young orphan from Haiti. In the wake of the tragic earthquake that hit Haiti, Kristy offers a unique perspective on how people can help, and also how strong the people of Haiti truly are.
Kristy had her surgery on October 23, 2007 at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center Boise, Idaho. After over thirty medical procedures related to stomach and mentrual issues, Kristy and her husband Alan decided to be proactive about her health and looked into gastric bypass surgery after it was suggested by her doctor. She had been diagnosed with PCOS and she an Alan were unable to conceive. Little did they know just how dramatically the surgery would change their lives.
During this time, they also adopted Spencer, Spencer was born in 2003, to loving married Haitian couple who couldn't afford to feed him,or care for him, they had 5 other children. Thy wanted him to have a better life,and they they placed him in a Christian Orphanage Called New Life Link and Hope for the children of Haiti run by Dr. Jacob Benard.
Kristy says, "I want people to know about the people that were there before the earthquake helping Haiti and the people of Haiti, there are so many people from all around the world that have been there for years and years dedicating their lives taking their family's to Haiti to help. Please go and visit people's sites, see the work they have been doing and if you can sponsor someone or a family then please I encourage you to do that so they can continue their work there. Here is a family that I would love everyone to go check out and support even if it is just a comment or email, they took care of Spencer for 10 months while his forever home was being found and approved and they were touched so much that, they sold everything packed up their kids and moved to Haiti, to help Haiti and the people of Haiti and have been there Since Aug 2007, And they are still committed there. Please visit http://bleshblog.wordpress.com/"
Kristy's life was already blessed with the addition of Spencer, but soon she and her husband Alan would also hear of another miracle - this time, as a result of her choice to have gastric bypass surgery. She recently found out that she had become pregnant, and it is a baby girl that they have already name Skarlett.
I asked Kristy how life had changed for her, and she responded, "How has it not? Everything has changed. Weight loss surgery changes everything in your life and everyone in your life. Life is good! I thought I was active at over 400 pounds, I was active for the life style I as living I guess, but my family and I can do things that I was never able to do, I can get on the floor with my son and play, be involved with him and his school, be involved with what my husband can do, pretty much anything they want or I want. EVEN CONCEIVING A BABY."
Now baby makes four. What an amazing family, and an amazingly inspirational woman.
The
following organizations are accepting SMS donations in the US only:
