I was playing around on the web and decided to go to twitter’s website to check trending topics — I saw too many Chuck Norris tweets and having bought a Chuck Norris book for last year’s office Christmas party exchange, I just had to know.  When I logged in… the number of zeros popped up.  Wow.  1000 followers?  Really?  I’m stunned.

My first thought was how that had happened and I wonder why I hadn’t noticed I was getting close.  But then close friends & family would remind me I could have noticed 950 or 999 and forgotten it because I’m so bad with numbers.   (Sadly accurate. LOL!)  That’s what odd about me noticing this. There are 1,000 twitter accounts following me? Really?  I’ve blocked some spam bots as they came up, and while I’m sure some of those are not really people, it’s a bit disorienting.

And I really am a people person.

It is the combination of people I’ve met through twitter that keeps me coming back.  The stories that get shared and ideas that get built upon — I just don’t think in terms of numbers.  I see faces and names.  The folks who get together on #agchat to talk about ways to get more people engaged with agriculture, raised awareness in topics through trending #moo and #oink, take time to #thankafarmer or tweet when the weather takes another turn for the worst.

And as one tweep and I recently discussed… some of the folks I’ve met through twitter seem to be some of my closest friends.  I never saw that coming when I signed up back in February!

Thanks to all who think what I put out here is interesting enough for a follow.  If we’ve not stayed in touch on the twitterverse, give me a shout.  I’d love to talk about what’s important to you and hopefully you’ll find some benefit to my perspective too.

Stunned and very grateful for my tweeps!

One of the most powerful things I have seen through my recovery is the power of the voice of survivors. When others tell their story, show their determination to recover, and share their hope and successes with others it builds momentum. This is exactly why support groups exist. They have learned that life is so much easier when we do not walk it alone. God designed us this way! He made us want and need others and one of the tricks the enemy uses through abuse and trauma is to isolate, separate, and discourage us.

Hearing the recovery stories of others is powerful. It can leave us feeling that recovery truly is possible and there can be a different future. It reminds us that while the abuse and trauma may be a part of our past it doesn’t need to define us and determine our future.

This week I have been listening to the stories from:

• Adrian at http://recoverandheal.com/ where he has shared about things he has learned and found helpful through recovery.
• Shari Howerton’s new book Breaking the Chains: Overcoming the Spiritual Abuse of a False Gospel is the story of her journey out of decades in a cult, and to a true and real life with the one true and Living God.
• “Lost Sheep” at http://youwillriseagain.wordpress.com/ is taking action to educate others about what Spiritual Abuse is and speaking out about injustice.

These stories give me courage and hope. They inspire me and remind me that the future is different as we walk with God and choose to believe. They show me that it is okay to trust again and that I do not have to live separated, alone, or lost.

Last night I publically stepped on board with a new ministry that is starting near my home. I have been in discussions with the leadership for a couple months and they know my story but they still believe in me and believe that God has changed my life and made me a new creation. Thanks to the stories of others and the unconditional love, grace, and mercy of the Lord Almighty I am able to take new steps and move forward too. My heart is full of hope, joy, and life today. It feels so good to know that the future can and will be different!

I would like for anyone who has joined OE to feel free to submit his or her story of how the Lord led them to hand out OE scripture booklets and what happened during that time.

Motivate Other Evangelists and Share Your Story!

Fiorinda Wilson
Age 64.

Fiorinda is a very special individual, having lived with heart disease for nearly 25 years. Her positive attitude, zest for life and spirited personality makes her an excellent choice for this month’s personal story. Her journey of overcoming fear, setting goals and achieving success is sure to inspire you on the path to makeover your heart.
Thanks Fiorinda, for sharing your Makeover My Heart story with us.

When were you diagnosed with heart problems and what symptoms did you have?
I was first diagnosed in 1985. I did not really believe that this was my problem, but I was full of fluid, (CHF as we now call it.) I was one of those patients that said “It is not me!!!!!!!!!. Thank goodness for my daughter, who is a nurse. I never really put 2 and 2 together -the extra beats of my heart, the rheumatic heart disease that my mom and I both had.
What are some examples of lifestyle changes you made as a result?
At first I was in denial. Tough words to say, but I was only 39 years old at the time, and found it difficult to comprehend that I was in my mothers path. My thoughts were on my daughter and my son and the lack of legacy that I would leave for them. I immediately had to change my diet. Although I never thought that I was a bad eater, I did love my chocolate and pepsi, and the sin of all sins were my smoking habits.
What has been your biggest challenge in living with heart disease and how did you overcome it?
The toughest part was that my daughter would have to stay home with me forever, and that I would probably never see her get married, because I was that sick. I went to Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira NY, where they performed heart valve surgery.
I had to toughen up.
As a woman who worked daily and brought up 2 children to adulthood, I had to appreciate what I had accomplished. Life was tough. I had to learn to slow down, smell the roses as they say, and leave some undone tasks for the next day.
What motivates you to stay heart healthy?
My motivation to stay healthy is never having to spend another night in a cardiac unit. I had to prove that I could overcome my illness, and prepare myself for the future and what it entailed. My daughter got married (21 years now), and I have a fantastic 20 year old granddaughter that has put a lot of spark in my life. I am presently 64 years old, and I want to dance at her wedding, and enjoy my great grandchildren.
How do you stay on track with your goals?
Staying on track with my goals can be challenging. I am my own biggest critic. I really want life to shine on me. I want to do what i need to stay on my best behavior for eating, sleeping, exercising, and most of all follow the directions for my doctors office and get my blood work drawn as required.
How has living with heart disease changed your life for the better?
Living with heart disease has made me more aware of my body. It conditions me to look forward. I want to always be the patient that can get through the tough times. I have had some difficult times with my heart, but they have turned around and made me a better and stronger heart patient.
Did you attend Makeover My Heart?
Yes, i did attend last years make over my heart presentation
How did it help you in your quest for heart health?
My quest for heart health is everlasting. I do my own workouts at home. I am still trying to reach my ideal energy level. I had been sitting on the sidelines for so long that i needed to restart my inner energy level again. Today, you can find me buzzing around. I need to have an anchor strapped to me to slow me down at times.
I try to maintain my home. When i feel that i can not do some things, I dial that magic number, and my daughter is to there to assist me. Please remember that we all need assistance, and to slow down is not a defeat, it is a smart move.
If you could share one piece of advice for other women, what would it be?
One piece of advice for other women is take a good assessment of your daily activities. Always leave a few days in the week for yourself. Most of all if you have a problem, please contact your doctors office, and follow their advice. We have not gotten this far by ourselves.
If, by chance, you wear a frown on your face, please erase it.
Life is beautiful.
Enjoy it.
Do you have a favorite heart healthy recipe?
I have a very simple heart healthy recipe.
Use your Foreman Grill
Grill up a 7oz piece of chicken. Add your tomotoes, greens, cukes, mushrooms and some carrots. Most important, watch your salad dressing.
I just use some wine vinegar, olive oil and possibly a slice of bread on the side

This October, over 100 Moving Beyond the Walls groups are reaching out and serving in our communities. I have heard of groups gathering supplies for the homeless, of groups cleaning up local parks, of groups tutoring children in need.  How is your group moving beyond the walls? Your story could be just the inspiration another group needs to get started in serving!

We had an opportunity to interview Carol Babowicz, a heart disease survivor, to learn what motivates her to stay on the path to makeover her heart.
Carol is a very special individual who exemplifies courage, strength and perserverance. I know you’ll enjoy hearing her story, in her own words. Thanks Carol.
What motivated you to become heart healthy?
Two factors motivated me; first open heart surgery for a totally blocked left main coronary artery at the age of 50 and the loss of both my parents to heart disease.
What risk factors did you have prior to being diagnosed with heart disease?
The signs were there before my diagnosis and surgery. First and foremost, genetics were against me with history on both sides of my family; secondly I was under an enormous amount of stress- a high stress job which I hated, going to school full-time evenings to complete my degree and being a mother and wife.
What has been your biggest challenge in living with heart disease?
I think that my biggest challenge in living with heart disease is realizing that I could no longer be all things to all people. I had to start listening to my body and do what was best for me.
What are some of the lifestyle changes you have made?
First, I had to relieve some of the stress in my life. Graduating from college helped with that. I also found another job with a less stressful environment and started exercising more.
How do you stay on the path to makeover your heart?
I had belonged to a gym for years , but now I had a reason to workout. I try to eat as healthy as possible. Both my husband and I avoid fried foods, fats and high cholesterol foods. I also exercise on a daily basis. I have learned to prioritize the important things in my life such as spending time with my grandchildren, reading, knitting and traveling. I listen to my body and rest when I am tired.
How has your life changed for the better?
I am probably happier and calmer now than I have ever been. I have learned how to relax and it is the best thing that ever happened to me.
What advice would you give to other women?
My main advice to all women is to know your body. If you experience symptoms, insist that your physician listen to you and check these things out. Also, set your priorities. Put aside time each day for you. If you don’t take care of yourself, no one else will. Exercise whenever you can, even if it means walking upstairs instead of taking an elevator or parking in the far lot instead of right next to the building. Try to eat healthy.
What is your favorite heart healthy recipe?
There are so many great recipes out there which are heart healthy and I would like to share this one with you. It is for all the “sweetaholics” out there.
Wholesome Oat Muffins
Mix 3/4 cups regular(not instant) Quaker Oats with 1 cup of buttermilk. Set aside for 30 mintes.
Mix together
1 1/4 cup wholewheat flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
Add 2/3 cup chopped nuts( either walnuts or pecans). I also add 2/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries
Mix together
1 egg
1/3 cup of Splenda Brown Sugar substitute
1/3 cup Canola Oil
Add oat mixture and dry ingredients and stir until mixed.
Bake 11-14 minutes in 425 oven.
It makes 12 good size muffins which freeze very well. I guarantee your family and friends will love them and not realize that they are good for them.

Traders Point Christian Church is coming together this fall to grow, connect, and serve.  We’re Moving Beyond the Walls. What is your story? What wall are you moving beyond?  Getting connected? Growing in God’s word? Reaching out to serve others?

Makeover My Heart is adding a new category to our blog called Share Your Story.
Do you have a story to tell about your experience with heart disease?
Would you find inspiration and motivation from reading the personal stories of women right here in the Mohawk Valley who are living with heart disease?
Then Share Your Story is for you.
Share Your Story will profile women in our community who have been diagnosed with heart disease in one form or another. This could include a heart attack, heart rhythm problem (arrythmia), heart failure or hardening of the arteries to name just a few. We’ll also include stories about the challenges and obstacles associated with adopting a healthier lifestyle.
Share Your Story provides an opportunity for women, in their own words, to share their uniquely personal stories of being diagnosed and living with heart disease, as well as tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying on the path to makeover your heart
I think you will find their message informative, as well as inspirational and motivational.
If you have a story you’d like to tell, please send us an email at:
lisa@makeovermyheart.org

Lisa M Ennis FNP
Founder and Executive Director, Makeover My Heart

We always like to pass along success stories like this one from the La Crosse (WI) Tribune.  Custom Alarm provides the alarm system and monitoring at the Co-op mentioned in the story and dispatched the police who caught the robber.  We don’t always get the bad guys, but this just goes to show that alarm systems are an important piece of the crime prevention puzzle.

How about you?  Do you have any stories of an alarm system catching or scaring off the bad guys?  Please share your stories in the comments.

We want to know what makes you proud about Sorsogon City. Now, tell us by uploading a video, photo or writing a story.

I know this is a start but we need to do more to raise stroke awareness. I was contacted on my blog today by AGA Medical letting me know of their new stroke awareness campaign. Congratulations, this is a step in the right direction, but it is something we should have started years ago. Here’s what they wrote,
“Thanks for your work on stroke awareness with Tedy’s Team. I know you are familiar with AGA Medical Corporation.
We have just launched a new stroke awareness campaign called TacklingStroke on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. It features video testimonials from professional football player Tedy Bruschi, who had a stroke in 2005, recovered fully, and was able to resume his career.”

The post references a video link to Tedy’s PR piece about the stroke warning signs, but the FDA still prohibits AGA Medical from mentioning the word PFO. Here’s the video, it is the same one that has been on AGA’s site except now you view it on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/TacklingStroke

Bottom Line:
We need to do more by getting out there and educating in our schools, so our teachers, coaches and youth know stroke warning signs. Tonight I’m at Lincoln Middle School doing just that. If you think I did A good job, post your comments here. If you think I can improve, I want to know more. If you want to help with my goals, I’ll take that too!!

Drop me a line, I don’t bite….

WordArrangement wants to hear from you. What was the best wedding you ever attended? What was the wonderful detail that stole your heart?

Here are some of my favorite memories from recent years:

I was a bridesmaid for my friend Robin. Standing so close to her while she said her vows was a beautiful thing. I loved being able to see her face while she looked lovingly at her new husband.

At my friends Christa and Jas’ wedding, they had a webcam broadcasting the wedding to his family in Europe. Technology was able to make two worlds one.

Jennie and Matt said their vows in unison. Their “togetherness” was unforgetable. They never stopped looking at each other.

Here are Adam Furgang’s thoughts:

I have never been to a nicer wedding and eaten so well. There was a lobster bar, a sushi bar, drink bar, tai bar, and just about every bar you can think of. The grounds were so beautiful too.

I was also at a beautiful wedding in Washington DC that took place at the Mayflower Hotel. That was where Eliot Spitzer took his “lady of the night” before he was ousted from office. For all I know I may have stayed in the same room he did. That place was beautiful too, as was the wedding.

Here are Elizabeth Schaar Bergan’s thoughts:

Here are Ann Keeler Evans’ thoughts:

Mine was the best! Was it the flower fairies or the dancer? Never sure. The 14 bands? The art work that everyone donated? Amazing. I sure do love making ritual. But the evening wedding along a swedish lake during long swedish night season and the procession through a small mexican town following huge bride and groom dolls were pretty great as well!

Here are Celia Milton’s thoughts:

Boy,Chloe, that is such a hard one to pick (since I have about 300 to pick from, lol…..) . One recent one stands out in my mind; a wedding in a raw prison, on a damp winter night in Jersey.

Six of us, thoroughly frisked, metal detected, x-rayed and patted down entered through the reels of thorned wire and electrified gates. The backdrop, the ceremony space, was the visiting room. Paintings of tropical landscapes, contributed by other inmates, adorned the walls between the notices of “the rules for visitation”.

I performed the ceremony joining these two amazing partners, with an fellow inmate taking Polaroids of the service, we signed the license and put our coats to leave, but before we die, the groom had us all join hands so he could lead us in a prayer service, asking Jesus, to, among other things, lead me back to the parway. All the miles of tuille, champagne toasts, pasta stations, string quartets…..nothing compares to the emotion &love that I felt in that gritty room.

Please use the comments section to share your thoughts.

Identity Theft Hurts

Identity theft victim advocacy, news and financial fraud commentary

John Barksdale chronicle his frustration of  being an ID theft victim.  This site also has a lot of very useful information. 

 John Barksdale personal Identity Theft Story: Read Here