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Wilmington singer hosts Valentine's Day show - Wilmington, MA - Wilmington Advocate

Wilmington singer hosts Valentine's Day show - Wilmington, MA - Wilmington Advocate

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FROM GASTRIC BYPASS TO BLUSHING BRIDE

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.

1/18/10 WLS LOVELY - KRISTY RATCLIFF

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:

• SMS text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts
• SMS text “YELE” to 501501 to Donate $5 to Yele Haiti’s Earthquake Relief efforts
• SMS text "GIVE10" to 20222 to donate $10 to Direct Relief

DIVA TAUNIA'S SUPER-DUPER VALENTINE'S GIVEAWAY!

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

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1/18/10 MUSIC FEATURE: JONATHA BROOKE

One of my all-time favorite singer-songwriters is Jonatha Brooke.  She blends folk, pop, and rock in a way that’s accessible for everyone to listen to.   I first heard her a few years ago when a friend of mine let me borrow her “Steady Pull” album, and I was completely hooked.  After listening to her song for the fifth time in a row, I sang along with her and was completely entranced in the song.  She’s right up there with Paula Cole for me in the “musicians I wish I could be” category – with some of the strongest songwriting skills that a girl could envy.  Her voice is meticulous – she has an instantly recognizeable sound,  very different and unique, and I want to be her.

Jonatha’s music has been featured in movie soundtracks like Disney’s” Return to Neverland “and TV shows like “The Hills,” and “Buffy The Vampire Slayer.”  The first song I played on the radio program was the very first song I ever heard from her, “Linger,” and you can hear it on her website at www.jonathabrooke.com.

In 2006, after being completely obsessed with her music, I saw Jonatha live for the first time with my brother at Tupelo Music Hall in Londonderry, NH.  My  brother Derek has always been a huge music  fan, and very open-minded about music.  Still, he’s also always been more partial to a heavier rock sound, so I wasn’t quite sure how he would react to Jonatha’s music.   His reaction?  He LOVED her, and to this day is a big fan.  In fact, at his wedding this past fall, he played one of Jonatha’s songs “Everything I Wanted”  (from “Back in the Circus”)as part of his wedding music. 

And now Jonatha has that shared connection with us:   I’m also going to request permission to use one of her songs at my wedding next year.  I fell in love with her latest album, “The Works,” and in particular, “King of My Love.”  It’s a lovely piano-focused song that prompts Alice-in-Wonderland-visions of characters dancing.   My fiancée Rob and I are huge poker players, and the card metaphors in this song couldn’t be more perfect for us as a couple starting a new life together.

I could go on and on about my love of “The Works.”  I think it’s a masterpiece for Jonatha.  The lyrics of Woodie Guthrie set to Jonatha’s music with an impressive list of music’s finest musicians (Keb Mo, Joe Sample, Steve Gadd, and Christian McBride).   Every song has magic in it, and it touched me in a way that not many other pieces of music have.   There’s one lyric penned by Woodie Guthrie and delivered musically by Jonatha that particularly comforts me:

“I’ll will never fear the day I will die, because my sunset is somebody’s morning sky.”Those lyrics are from the song “My Battle.”    

In that moment – when she sings this – if it doesn’t prove that there’s magic, peace, comfort and beauty from music, then I don’t know what ever will.  Jonatha is a musical treasure, so I encourage you to stop by her website and purchase many of her CDs.  Buy the works, the whole works.

 

DAMN YOU, MOTHER NATURE!

Last week I started the Couch to 5K program.  If you're unfamiliar with this, it's pretty much designed for lazy slugs like me who do ZERO exercise, to get up and start training for a three mile race.  Yeah, I can't see me doing it either.  And this magical program is supposed to get me running a 5K in just two months.   Part of me wants to place a wager on this - against myself.

BUT.

I have an addictive/obsessive personality.   Whenever I've liked something, I've become obsessed with it, and worked hard enough to get relatively good at it.  For instance:  music, ballroom dancing, poker, eating.  Yes, you read that last one right - hence why I had gastric bypass surgery.  So for once in my life, I want to be able to beat my demons and prove to myself that I CAN exercise, and that I CAN run.  Or at least jog.  For three miles.  Like just about everyone else in my family - including my hubby-to-be.

I figure if I can channel that addicitve/obsessive behavior and energy into this, I can do it.  And do it relatively well.  So WHY is Mother Nature working against me?!

I completed week one last week, took the weekend off.  Was set to start week 2 this week, and yesterday it snowed like crazy.  Today, more snowing.  I own ridiculously bad sneakers and have a penchant for getting ill, so I can't take any silly-snow chances.  And do you know what?  I. Feel. Guilty.

GUILTY.

I should be out there, but I can't be.  I don't have a gym membership right now (note to me:  that would be a good upcoming birthday gift to myself, huh?), so I'm stuck inside.  Feeling guilty.But at least I feel guilty.  That never would have happened before (in the past 37 years), so it's a start.  I'll keep you posted.  Meh.

BEST. FANMAIL. EVER.

I don't generally post fanmail for public consumption, but this one *has* to be shown.  Apparently, Neil/Kneel loves women with see-through pasty-white skin. Do you think I should re-evaluate my engagement to Rob?  I mean, this seems a little too good to pass up...

(Note:  I'm sure this email wasn't exclusive to me on youtube, but still, it made me laugh.)

SUBJECT: I LOVE YOUR NATURALLY SUPERIOR PALE WHITEST SKIN AND YOUR BLOND HAIR DIVA

EMAIL:

I LOVE YOUR NATURALLY SUPERIOR PALE WHITEST SKIN AND YOUR BLOND HAIR DIVA

I ABSOLUTLY LOVE YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAIR WHITE SKIN.
I'm looking for a WOMAN TO PAMPER WITH FOOT-MASSAGES AND PEDICURES-!
I am also looking FOR A LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP THAT COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO MARRIAGE ONE DAY.

MY PHOTO'S SHOULD BE POSTED ON THIS SITE BUT IF YOU WANT TO SEE ALL OF MY PHOTO'S YOU CAN ALSO GO TO MY MYSPACE, BELOW AT:

W W W . M Y S P A C E . C O M / XXXXXXX

MY YAHOO INSTANT MESSANGER IS:
NMXXXX

MY CEL PHONE IS:

4 0 8 - XXX - XXXX.

AND MY DIRECT E-MAIL ADDRESS IS: NEILxxxx AT A O L . C O M

-NEIL OR KNEEL AT YOUR PERFECTLY PEDICURED PALE WHITE WHITE WHITE FEET ALWAYS-!!!

CARNIE WILSON: Unstapled? Unimpressed.

Last night I watched Carnie Wilson's new reality show "Unstapled," and it left me unimpressed. I'm upset that I didn't like it and her more, but I have to give her props for always being so open and public about her weight loss struggles and successes. This Monday's Backstage Pass Radio Program will be discussing Carnie Wilson, her new show, and the struggles that she faces and how we can related. January is "Women Who Kick Much Ass" month, and despite my reaction to her on this show, I still think she kicks much ass for being really strong in the face of public scrutiny. The show starts at 6:00pm EST at www.backstagepassradio.com. Hope you'll tune in (and call-in), and in the meantime, you can listen to my rant here: