So I'm Back Again... Again. HA!

Oy!!  I'm such a bad blogger!!  Good thing I didn't get that GMA job, huh?  So, what have I been up to?  Let's see...

On the down side, the entire family has been down about the loss of our first grandchild, "Peanut".  He/She was lost at the 12th week of pregnancy, and was due in November of 2011, so we had to struggle through several anticipated milestones that never happened.

ADVICE FOR ALL:  A miscarriage of a wanted child can be as traumatic to the family as the loss of a known (aka, living) child.  Never underestimate the love people can develop for a child expected.  We all loved our little Peanut and have mourned the fact that we'll never get to hold or know him/her.

Since then my son has broken up with the girlfriend, met a wonderful new girlfriend, moved back to the states, and started back to college.  My younger son has started driving (God help us all!), and my younger daughter is as sharp as ever.  My eldest daughter is the one with the exciting news.  She is going to be a mother in July!!  She's into her second trimester, so we're feeling pretty secure.  AND her ultrasound indicates a strong possibility of a baby girl!   I could go into all of the technical stuff that shows why we think it's a girl, but just trust me on this.  =D

So what have I been up to myself?  LOSING WEIGHT!   Big hoorahs for me!  Last spring the entire family decided it was time to get healthy.  We decided to only use poundage as a marker for our improvements, but to focus more on eating healthier and exercising more.  My initial doctor's exam showed me doing "OK", but not excellent.  My bone density test was right on the cusp of being strong, so I want to improve that along with everything else.

In the process of this, I have lost 40 lbs!  Yes, yes, cheers and bows, but I have to confess, I gained 12 lbs of it back over the holidays.  CHOCOLATE IS BAD.  But I'm going to get back on track now.  I'm hoping to be rocking it like a 20-something by next Christmas.

So, What Got Me Thinking?

I was reading my girl, Michelle's, blog.  You can click on her name here, or follow her badge (Rage Your Way Thin) down and to the right of the screen.  Anywho, she inspired me.  (Thanks Michelle!)  I went simple; cut out the things I knew were killing me (fried foods, sweet tea, sugar), and started the things I knew were healthy (fish, chicken, rice, steamed veggies, whole grains).  Before I knew it, I felt like walking, lifting weights, and doing more.

So I haven't been negligent on purpose, I've just been busy with other things.  Don't even get me started on what we've been doing remodeling the house!!  (unless you really want to hear the sordid details! lol)

But after talking to several friends about weight loss, I've decided to start a group to encourage other women to support each other.  Who doesn't want to be healthier, right?  As soon as I have it up, I'll edit this and give you the link!  OR I'll just start a new thread introducing it, who knows, right?

I'm Baaack!!

Have you missed me?  I got back online to find several messages in my email and Facebook account asking where I was. 

As some of you know, I've been wrestling with cataracts for about a year now, then they started getting bad enough that I couldn't see enough to use my laptop.  You can imagine how bad that was for me, it was like telling me I couldn't eat!  So I broke down and had my surgeries.

The first one was three weeks ago on my right eye.  I had it done in Evansville at the Tally Eye Care Center.  They were W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L!!   Patient, funny, calming, and I only had a little discomfort through the procedure.

I had the left eye done this week at Fairfield Memorial Hospital by the same surgeon.  The pre-op staff were great.  The nurse that did my eye drops (FYI:  there are TONS of eye drops for a cataract surgery), but something was different.  The eye drop used to numb your eye must have been different than the one they used in Evansville because half way through the surgery I could feel it.

They had told me that if I felt pain tell them and they would give me more.  I told them and the response was, "No it's alright, it's just a little discomfort."   EXCUSE ME?  I think I know whether or not I'm having pain or discomfort.  The surgery in Evansville had discomfort, the surgery in Fairfield had PAIN.

Another huge difference.  I'm a twitcher.  I have trouble getting comfortable and laying still.  I told the staff this in Evansville and requested that they restrain my head.  They obliged by taping my head down.  It wasn't going to stop me if I was determined enough, but it was enough to gently remind me.

In Fairfield I told them the same thing and they said they would restrain it for me.  When we got to the OR I was simply told, "Don't worry, you'll be fine."  Apparently after the pain set in I did start moving, because I suddenly felt somebody leaning on my forehead.

But enough of the complaints, I had some really fun side effects that apparently are occasionally part of the healing process.  With my right eye I saw red for days, literally.  It was funny, because everything blue was purple, and everything had a red or pink tint to it.  It past after a few days, and I didn't have the same thing with the left eye.

Now I can see!  I currently have 20/30 vision, and my doctor says it will continue to improve every day.  I have to use reading glasses, but that's alright.  The idea that I can drive without glasses is amazing for me.  Now I can get some of those adorable sunglasses that I couldn't get before because I had to have my glasses to see at all.  =D

Congratulations Liz Pryor!!

I'd like to send out my fondest congratulations to Liz Pryor for being the Advice Guru selected by Good Morning America!  I haven't had the opportunity to talk to her myself yet, but I have heard from another former contender that she is a wonderfully friendly person.  I've seen her on GMA and she seems so well suited for the job, I think they made a great choice.  Go get'em, Liz!  =D

Do u have AIM?? Also did u know about this site lol www.j.mp/e37Mjh it actually works they mailed an iphone to me for free yesterday I'm getting it this week

No, I don't have AIM. I have my hands full with so many other sites that I communicate with others through, I don't think I could handle another! I'm fairly happy with my current cell phone, so I don''t need a new iPhone, thanks.

Ask me anything

What's your favorite quality about yourself?

HHhmmm.... tough one. I would have to say my integrity. If I make a promise I do my best to keep it. I've been feeling guilty lately because I haven't been able to follow through with a few promises because I'm having vision issues, but I intend to complete them as soon as I have my surgery to correct my sight problems. I have interviews to finish!

Ask me anything

UPDATE on ME

UPDATE: My vision has deteriorated to the point I can barely read my computer any more, and I can't proof read my blogs. So, I'm going to be on here less and less until after I get my cataract surgery done. Then I'll be back with a passion! I go see the doctor to schedule the surgery next week. =D

"Fireflies" in ASL

I know I've been out, I'm still getting my strength back up, but I found this video and just had to share it.  A YouTube user that goes by ChrisCalifornia does these great videos that are creative, eduational, and entertaining!  I hope you love it as much as I do.  For me, sign language is beautiful as dance.  =D

Here is Chris' version of "Fireflies" by Owl City with his interpretation and translation in to American Sign Language.

Have You Missed Me?

I apologize for not being on to post anything recently, but I've been sick as a dog for a few weeks now.  I had to interrupt my sick time to speak out on the Tuscon shooting, but other than that I seem to be doing a lot of sleeping, coughing, sneezing, and generally feeling sorry for myself. =D

I'm beginning to think I'm going to have to go to the doctor about it, but I promise that as soon as I can regain my concentration I will be back to resume interviews, exchanges with all of my friends, and bringing updates on Gabby Giffords and the ABC advice guru contest.

Thanks for checking in on me! I'll be back!

Congresswoman Giffords Shot in Tucson, Innocent Child Died

I'd like to open with offering my deepest, sincerest sympathies to the friends and families that lost somebody in yesterday's shooting. Especially the family of Christina Taylor Green.

Christina Taylor Green, Washington Post

Little Christina was born on September 11, 2001, just two months before my own daughter. So for me, her death is two fold. She was one of the 50 miracle babies born during the nightmare that changed the shape of our nation. For her life to be cut short feels like an attack on our survival after that great tragedy. Was that the intent? I doubt it, but that is still how it feels to me.

The second part is the death of a small, innocent child. A child just like my own. Had I not been able to give my daughter a hug and kiss last night I don't know that I would have been able to get up this morning. For me, focusing on the adults that were the focus of the attack will be difficult, because an innocent child was caught in the crossfire.

This attack was focused on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ). Was it because she is Jewish? Was it because of her political views? Only time will tell. But one thing we can be fairly certain of is that it was because somebody, or a group of somebodies, fed into this man's pre-existing mental illness.

Meet Sophia Venable!

Before introducing you to Sophia, I'd like to take a selfish moment. Since I started this series of interviews I'd had the opportunity to chat a bit with several applicants. Some made the finals, some didn't, but all of the people that I've had a chance to talk to are extremely down to earth, so easy to talk with.

Not just to talk with, but to laugh with. These are people you fire up the coffee pot and sit down to talk and laugh with for hours on end until the children think you're both gabby and a bit nuts. You know what I mean, you see that look on your own kids faces when you and your best friend get together.

They really are average people, some not really knowing why they stood out in the crowd with the producers, but thrilled to get the chance at the position. And they've all contacted me, I didn't have to go begging for an interview with some famous, or quasi-famous, person. They're every-day people that felt I was doing something really nice that they'd like to be a part of. Like the rest of us, they're just looking to connect with people, and I'm honored to help them do that.

Sophia with her daughters this Christmas, 2010.

NOW...

Meet Sophia Venable! Sophia, Sophie, or just Soph, she's a riot to talk to. She's very casual, very laid-back, and as funny as they come! When she isn't working, doing household chores, or spending time with her kids, she loves to dance! It's her outlet, her stress relief, her touch-stone to her childhood. Dancing is her personal passion.

Family and friends are very important to Soph. She wants to do what she can to help others, and while her friends and family are included in those she wants to help, they are also the ones that keep her grounded and give her the strength to offer help to others. She can help so many because she's been through some of the same problems they face, she's been in the position to learn from her experiences.

Here is Sophia's interview with me, your chance to get to know her through her own words.  Enjoy! =D

GMA Advice Gurus Narrowed Down to Top Seven Finalists

This morning GMA announced the Top 7 Finalists for their Advice Guru competition.  Meet the finalists!



Carla Barnhill from Minneapolis, MN



Carla Barnhill



Author

Parenting guru on "The Doug Pagitt Radio Show"

Former sex and dating advice columnist

Blogger at themommyrevolution.com

Former editor of the now-defunct (not her fault) "Christian Parenting Today" magazine

Actress and show-tune singer

 

Liz Pryor

Author

Professional giver of advice both on radio and online

Write a parenting column for Munchkin Baby.com

Regular monthly guest on Leeza Gibbons nationally syndicated radio show Hollywood Confidential



Dr. Fran Harris



Fran Harris from Dallas, TX

 

Author

PhD

Public speaker

Life coach

Recently hosted "Home Rules" on HGTV

WNBA & NCAA Champion 
Former Fortune 100 sales executive

Blogger



Bette Alkazian

 Bette Alkazian from Westlake Village, CA

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology with an emphasis on Counseling and Guidance.

Author, a speaker, a nationally recognized parenting expert

 

 

Amy Kean



Amy Kean from New York, NY

Former advice columnist, New York Post

Television reporter/ contributor/ love advice expert (programs listed below)

Blogger

"My TV credits include: The Today Show; The Early Show; CNN; Fox News; VH1; Good Day New York; Maury; Politically Incorrect; Entertainment Tonight; Living It Up!; The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch; Geraldo; Montel; Good Morning America (!); and The View which I co-hosted seven times when I was chosen as a co-host finalist by Barbara Walters."



Cooper Boone

 Cooper Boone from New York, NY

Two masters and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology

Award-winning song writer and performer

Online show called Cooper's Kitchen

 














Philip Van Munching


Philip Van Munching, from Darien, Conn. 

Author, humorist

Heir to beer distribution company

Liz Pryor from Studio City, CA

Second Cut Coming Tuesday on Good Morning America

Good Morning America will be making their second cut during Tuesday morning's airing of their program.  Go to the Advice Guru pages and cast your votes on their answers, on the candidates you like the best, and comment on their pages.  Share your thoughts on the candidates in their comment sections.  Help bring your favorite candidate to the forefront!

Check back tomorrow for a list of the second cut finalists.  Best of luck to all of them from me and all of my readers.  We're rooting for you!

My interviews will continue to run with the candidates, those that have made the cut and those that haven't.  Get their thoughts on the process and on life right here.

Happy New Year friends!  =D

Have an amazing 2011 !!!!! Looking forward to keeping in touch and learning from you. Carla

Thanks, Carla! I hope you, and all of my other readers, have a wonderful 2011!

If anybody would like to do an interview with me, you can contact me directly at gayla.tanner@gmail.com =D

Ask me anything

formspring.me

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/GaylaTanner

Hi Gayla. I'm a GMA finalist for advice guru and I think you're terrific. Happy New Year. You're great to do this blog. Well done! Warmest, Alan Fleischmann

Thank you so much for saying so, Alan! Perhaps I can pick your brain as well! =D

Ask me anything

Meet Annie Zirkel!

Meet Annie Zirkel!  I've only talked to her a few times online, but one thing about her that becomes glaringly apparent about Annie is that the views of others are important to her. With that, I don't mean that she measures herself by what others think, but rather that she is aware that there are multiple ways of handling many situations, and the ideas and methods of others are just as important to her as her own.

Annie Zirkel

Annie has expressed more excitement about the people she's met during this competition than whether or not she gets the position. She has a gift for appreciating the little things in life. Life doesn't just happen while she makes plans, she appreciates all of the nuances along the way.

She isn't a guru in the “know all, be all” sense, but in that she is willing and able to get the multiple options to any question. I think that if Annie had her way about it, there would be multiple advisers for the position of guru just so that viewers/readers are able to get various perspectives, to get all of the best possible answers.

Annie is a very warm, generous, energetic, and positive person. These attributes come through in everything she writes, and I for one hope that her prospects with Good Morning America are better than she thinks.

Click here if you would like to check out her website, and click here if you'd like to read and rate some of her answers for Good Morning America.

Meet Deborah "Dr. Deb" Rouse-Raines!



Our first advice guru interview is with Deborah “Dr Deb” Rouse-Raines. I'll admit somewhat of a bias because I've had a chance to really get to know Deb. She contacted me after I posted my first blog, and we've been emailing ever since.



Used with permission by Deb



A warm, friendly, funny woman, Deb instantly makes you feel like she's the kind of friend you could turn to in your time of need. You feel as if you could cry on her shoulder easily and get comfort, and that's just from talking to her through emails.



Deb never comes across as a “know-it-all”. She has great insights, but she's not afraid ask for advice, or offended at finding out she's wrong about something. In my opinion, that makes her wonderful person, but also an exceptional doctor. The medical world truly lost an exceptional asset to their field when Deb was forced to close her practice.



So let me introduce you to Dr. Deb as she answers questions about herself, in her own words, free of word limits.

What I Learned About Christmas

Christmas has always been a special time of year for many. And not always for the same reasons. For some it's a religious time, for others it is a time to bring families together, and others a time for having celebrations with friends that they've missed.


Image borrowed from 
christmastreedecorationss.blogspot.com





For me, it has become a time of longing. Being reminded of loved ones lost, whether in death or simply drifting apart, lost none the less. This year my mother is gone, yet in exchange I have gained nieces and siblings that I haven't heard from in years. Even though I think my mother would have liked to have had the opportunity to reconnect with them, I can't help but feel grateful that at least I have them back.

The children I adored now have children of their own. Children I hope to connect with, I hope to give cause to remember me when I'm gone. And while looking at my over-burdened Christmas tree, I think I've found a small way to give them a reminder of me, and perhaps get reminders from them.



My tree is full; there are ornaments on every limb. There are some Hummels and Disneys that I collected many years ago in order to have something of value to pass down to my own children one day, but those don't seem as precious anymore. The ones that strike me as important are the home-made ones. There are ornaments that my mother made, ornaments that my children made, and a few that I myself have made. I point at the little painted wooden puppy and tell my children that Granny made that when I was 4. There's the painted snowman that Aunt Shana made. Or the cross stitch ornaments that I got back after my grandmother died, the one I made for her.

My tree carries heritage. So many ornaments on it have a special meaning, or came from a special person. There are so many special people that aren't represented on the tree, but I can fix that. I can make ornaments in their honor. Whether I use photos or mementos to make the ornaments, I can create ornaments to commemorate my mother, my father, my grandmothers, my grandfathers, even my aunts, uncles, and cousins.



But is it necessary to commemorate those still here? Perhaps not. Perhaps I can suggest a new family tradition. An exchanging of ornaments instead of gifts. Whether they are purchased or home made, we can always look at them and say, "this person gave that to me." And these ornaments can be passed down to my children, along with the stories of the people who gave them.

I find my tree pretty satisfying right now. Every limb is full. And I know that it is nearly time for my children to start venturing out into the world on their own because I have ornaments to pass down without my tree turning sparse. So I can pass on memories to my children soon, without losing any on my own tree.

To me, Christmas is about family; past, present, and future. And if I can connect my children to their ancestors, even those still living, then all of the fuss and hub-bub of the commercialized season is worth the trouble.

Happy HannaKwanzaRamaMas!

Merry Christmas

There, I said it. But that doesn't mean I'm pushing Christmas off on you. I want to hear people say whatever suites them, not just what is politically correct to say. If you celebrate Chanukah, say “Happy Chanukah!”. Say, “Happy Kwanzaa!” “Feliz Virgen de Guadalupe!”

I'm tired of the political correctness of the holidays, I'm tired of people being offended when you address them with the wrong holiday. If somebody wishes me a “Happy Chanukah,” I take it to mean “I'm having a good day and I hope you have one too.” I hope that when I say “Happy Snow Day!” People get the same intent.

Also, I like the mix-'em-up greetings. “Merry HannaKwanzaMas!” I realize there may be some that find this demeaning to their individual belief system, but I don't see it that way. I see it as an effort to include any and all beliefs into a single greeting.

I would also like to say something on behalf of my atheistic friends.  Celebrating this time of year isn't strictly for those with faith.  Millions of atheists and agnostics do as well, in their own ways.  This is the time of year to reconnect with friends and family, to remind others that you care about them.  Atheists have friends, family, and joy in their hearts. 

My holiday is a hodge podge of beliefs. Like the ancient Druids, I bring in evergreens like a tree, mistletoe, and holly. We light it like the ancient Germans. My tree is decorated with stars, pictures of loved ones, ornaments made by friends and family, angels, and special mementos of all shapes and sizes. We light candles and tell the children stories of hope, love, and history.

Christmas became a huge holiday in America because of good, old fashioned commercialism, but we each make the holiday, the time of year, our own special event. We give the season the special magic that makes it important. So whether you're celebrating Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Christmas or whatever, doing so with people that are important to you is what makes the season what it is.

So if you're a Christian and somebody wishes you a “Happy Kwanzaa!”, smile big and offer them a “Merry Christmas!” Share the warm feelings and well wishes no matter how they come.

Deborah "Dr. Deb" Rouse-Raines ~ Our First Advice Guru Interview

Meet Dr. Deb!  Deb was the first finalist for the Advice Guru position on Good Morning America to give me an interview.  Deb currently has a position as medical contributor on FOX 19 News out of Cincinnati Ohio where she gives medical advice to viewers on a weekly basis.

Deb had a thriving practice as a gynecologist and obstetrician (OB/GYN) until her malpractice insurance company increased her insurance premiums to the point where they cost more than her office was bringing in. When faced with unexpected unemployment, Deb created a new outlet for her medical training, she created her “Dr. Deb” website and started offering her service and experience as a public speaker and news contributor. Click here for a video link to her segment for FOX 19.   My interview with Dr. Deb will be coming soon!

***Add comments and Facebook "Likes" to help your fav guru.  Their ABC profiles will be expanded soon.  Click here if you would like to show support to Deb.***

Are You an Advice Guru?

I was very annoyed when Good Morning America announced their 20 finalists and I saw a majority of them with some type of PhD or other work experience that would put them over the top as picks for their advice guru. Then something changed. I got to know some of them.

Talking to some of the finalists through email I've come to realize many of them are just as “every day” as those of us that have gained our advice-giving experience simply through being trusted by those around us. They've had their trials and tribulations, they've gone through their tough times. And face it, in this economy degrees and previous experience don't guarantee that they're living high off of the hog and looking to live higher. Some are just as concerned about simply finding a steady pay check as I am.

So I've decided I want to help advice gurus, the finalists and those that were rejected by ABC, to be known better. Share their human, every day, average Joe sides. Even if you never submitted an entry but you'd like to let people know you're out there to help, I'll help show the world what a great person you are! The part of the person that gets missed in the mess.

I'll run an interview/bio spot for anybody interested in sharing, including a link to that person's blog, website, or other contact information. All you need to do is contact me. I won't hassle anybody that doesn't want featured, but I will help promote anybody that does.

So to all of the advice gurus out there, established or just starting out, send me an email and let's introduce you to the world! gayla.tanner@gmail.com