My Head Is Gonna Explode

January 8th, 2009

CNN called me again yesterday. Two days in a row! I’m almost expecting Larry King to call today. Or Montel Williams. Okay, maybe the local public access television show. Or maybe my former therapist.

I did a phone interview with the Naamau Delany (who is gorgeous) for CNN Live and she asked me why I put the video on iReport “for MILLIONS to see.” Uh … I didn’t really think about it that way. In fact, thinking about that kind of makes me feel terrified and nauseated and joyful and ecstatic all at the same time. Seriously. It’s one thing to blog along and have your friends and family read it and have hopeful aspirations to make it big like the other ladies on Momversation. It’s another thing to realize that lots and lots and lots of people from all over the world are reading what my internal monologue is saying. This is the thing that you think will grow at a slow and steady pace over a long period of time. Not 7 days into the new year.

Don’t get me wrong though, it’s exactly what I’ve been dreaming about when I first started my blog. KABAM! It’s here! On with the dog and pony show! A big HELLO WORLD! Welcome! Normally I’d offer you seat, make a Maker’s Manhattan for the two of us and give you hors d’ourves like smoked salmon on toast points with creme fraiche, but nowadays all I can offer you is some water and those dry crackers with hummus on a bed of unicorns. Sorry, it’s all I got.

At the end of yesterday I received so many nice emails and comments and Twitter messages that I told my friend Teresa said that I had a “joy” headache. I want to print all of them out so I can wallpaper my house with the nice words that people said, encouraging me to stick with my goals. I’d be lying if I haven’t been giddy and smiling all day. What asshole wouldn’t be moved by people telling them that they’re inspirational? [My friends are sticking their fingers down their throats right about now.]

Another benefit of being in the weight loss famous category: I also received a lot of emails about the magical weight loss properties of acai berry. And fat burning supplements. And protein shakes. And meal replacements. WE CAN HELP YOU. WE WANT TO SPONSOR YOU. If you didn’t see my other iReport video, please know that I do not have a personal trainer (I can’t afford one) – I just plan on working my ass off at the gym. I also plan on staying away from “white foods” and refined sugar. That’s it.

Oh yeah, I am also trying to eat as “cleanly” as possible. I think that processed food is the devil. I am cooking from scratch a lot. Cooking is the devil too.

Oh and I can’t give up rice. I’m Asian.

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31 Responses to “My Head Is Gonna Explode”

  1. Michelle Says:

    January 8th, 2009 at 12:54 pm

    Sounds like you got a great plan for the weight loss. One piece of advice…..portion control. Enjoy & good luck!

  2. Mir Says:

    January 8th, 2009 at 1:34 pm

    I think the unicorns are very festive and hostess-like.

    Also, brown rice is full of fiber. :)

    (I am also trying to get fit this year, albeit without CNN or anything, because not everyone can be as cool as you. I shall have to settle for my Wii Fit jumping with joy every time my BMI goes down by a tenth of a point….)

    Mir´s last blog post..Things that happen when I get dressed

  3. Aimee Greeblemonkey Says:

    January 8th, 2009 at 2:25 pm

    Let’s not forget the little people who knew you back when, OK? Or at least 5 minutes before you became famous.

    Aimee Greeblemonkey´s last blog post..The Mirror

  4. Giyen Says:

    January 8th, 2009 at 2:45 pm

    The little people? You and Mir are the blogging veterans, I’m still a little person. With about 6 minutes of fame left! : )

  5. Christi Says:

    January 8th, 2009 at 4:57 pm

    I, too, am trying to lose weight — again.
    Just be yourself and tell the truth whether it’s funny or ugly.
    Thanks for being willing to put it out there.

    Christi´s last blog post..Sisters Night Out – with no kids!

  6. Lisa Says:

    January 8th, 2009 at 7:29 pm

    Giyen it sounds like you are at a great turning point in your life. It is so exciting. Last year was mine. My daughter was a Freshman in High School and I realized it was now MY TIME. In 2008 I trained and did the Danskin Triathlon in August. I HIGHLY recommend the Danskin; it is a small distance event and for REAL women! For me it was personal goal that represented so much change in my life & attitude, and ended up being so much fun. When you do it you become a different person. It is life changing and I hope to do it again this year. Think about it….

  7. Asianmommy Says:

    January 8th, 2009 at 9:40 pm

    You’re right! I’m Asian, too, and could never give up rice. :)

    Asianmommy´s last blog post..Fruit & Vegetables (Mandarin)

  8. Jim Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 5:34 am

    If you need inspiration for your writing career, read “The Artist’s Way,” by Julia Cameron. All the best to you. Jim

  9. Rachel Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 5:37 am

    I just watched your video on iReport and I think u r really brave and can speak really well. Not all bloggers can face a camera like you.
    I can’t live without rice too and I love my oatmeal porridge with honey breakfast. u can sprinkle with some raisin as well :)

    Rachel´s last blog post..Snowy Icy Winter

  10. Gwendolyn Tundermann Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 6:06 am

    My husband just forwarded a CNN article about you and your journey because I am going through a similar life changes with my career and personal goals. I look forward to adding you to my blog roll! Thank you for sharing your story and being such an inspiration. It’s not an easy thing to do!

    All the best to you in 2009! : )

  11. griggs Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 6:33 am

    CNN.com is my homepage and I trust the source for quality news/reporting. I would not have linked over to your story from most other sites. I wish you the best of luck on your goals. I have bookmarked your blog and hope to find things of interest here. Regards.

  12. Kristina Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 6:48 am

    Way to go, girl!

    I have decided that 2009 is my year to feel fabulous!

    I am, also, ready to lose my post-pregnancy weight (My son is 18 mos. old). I hope to lose 45 lbs.

    I will, too, be writing more… For pleasure.

    I have various other things that I would like to accomplish, as well.

    Have you checked out the http://www.43things.com website? It’s kind of neat.

    Anyway, again, WAY TO GO! Keep it up! And, I hope that 2009 brings you joy and peace. Keep on being fabulous!!!

  13. Etta Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 7:08 am

    I’ll totally settle for your hummus, yum! I’ve been doing a little backblog reading and your posts have made me smile. Wishing you luck on your goal, I have a feeling you’ll keep a large and devoted following (me included.)
    Cheers, Etta

  14. MizFit Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 7:34 am

    girlie Id be honored to be yer virtual trainer so know you can always ask away.
    love your notion of a joy headache which all leads me to wanna know:

    if you have a vision board?
    a gratitude board?

    all that.

    xo xo,

    Miz.

    MizFit´s last blog post..MizFit Motivational Matchups. Need an accountability partner? A cheertasker?

  15. Kris Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 7:52 am

    Read the article about you on CNN

    Very interesting story, look forward to reading your blog.

    Love bacon!

  16. Lon Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 8:06 am

    great blog, and congrats making it on cnn

  17. Jay Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 8:15 am

    I am glad CNN has created a multiple of platforms for us to connect. What a great story! I can relate Giyen since last year was a huge transition year for me as well. Thanks for sharing your story, it’s very inspirational!

  18. Suzanne Houlden Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 8:26 am

    Wow. You are an inspiration not only for losing weight and feeling great in ‘09, but for starting a writing career too. I’m proud of your approach, but I would urge you to be openminded about trying some of the products other’s have written you about. Dieting doesn’t have to be boring, you want to make it something you can stick with over the long haul so the pounds won’t creep back. I’ve lost about 20 pounds so far on Arbonne’s weight loss products, and I can still eat some of the foods I enjoy, even the occasional bacon.
    Out of curiosity, do you a writing background, either through education or experience, or is it that you just love it?

  19. Zoey Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 8:45 am

    Hi Giyen! I saw your story on CNN also. I bookmarked your blog right away, read all of your past blogs and plan on continuing to read it. I am on the same journey! I wish you and I (and everyone trying in this New Year) the very best of luck!

  20. Joe Chavez Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 8:46 am

    Just saw your story on the front page of CNN. Congrats! I can totally identify where you’re at in life and how you’ve arrived to the place you are. Completely understand how you seem to live to others’ (parent’s) expectations and never follow your dreams. That’s me and I’m determined that 2009 is the year that it all changes. Will be following your blog now!

  21. Mark Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 8:48 am

    Do Weight Watchers and I guarantee it will work. My father lost 60 pouds and Ive lost about 25.

  22. La Tonia Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 8:51 am

    I was very drawn to your article on the CNN main page because of the title. I’m delivering a sermon very similar “Getting to YES” and it was like one of those confirmations we (ministers) get. My sermon will be focused on using The Law of Attraction via yes. So, often we are saying NO, Not yet or I DON’T want more than we simply say YES! Then, I found common ground with your desire to write full time and motivation from you QUITTING YOUR JOB!!!! You go girl.

  23. Laura Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 9:13 am

    Hey, maybe we can do this together. (* ^_^ *) Not to add any more pressure, ’cause as I’m sure you’ve found too — pressure makes it harder!

    You’ve probably already heard some of these suggestions, but nixing high fructose corn syrup helps bunches. It’s hard to find things that don’t have it, but cooking for yourself makes it easier. Also if you can come up with one or two recipes for meals that are fast and easy and really good that you can throw together when you’re in a bad mood and don’t wanna cook or eat “thin” food — it helps reduce cheating. I do tomato quesadillas or tomato/broccoli/garlic alfredo. (Keeping a bag of frozen broccoli around that you can throw into anything is also really helpful.) They’re really good, albeit probably fattier than what most dieters would allow themselves, but it’s “clean” food (nothing processed, no chemicals,) and it keeps me away from pizza. Which is NOT easy to do.

    Also, if you’re anything like me, you probably find yourself eating because you’re bored or because you like the feel of it — I dunno, maybe I have an oral fixation. Something that I’m trying, which I HOPE will help, is hard candies. (Green tea candies from Chinatown, so no high fructose corn syrup!) Kinda like cigarette smokers chewing gum to keep their mouths busy so it’s easier to quit. Just a thought.

    Oh. And also, I’ve replaced my computer chair at the office with a yoga ball. Makes it easier to keep moving throughout the day, when I’d normally be completely stagnant. It’s still not enough, but it’s better than nothing.

    Good luck to us both, honey!

  24. kim Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 9:57 am

    what drew me to look further into your story was reading that it was your childhood dream to be a writer; then once i read more, i thought ‘wow, we sure have a lot in common’ (including snowmageddon, i’m in PDX, i hope we dont see any of THAT $#!T again for along time!).

    in second grade, after truly accepting and believing in my heart the praises i received for “The Walking Apple”, i experienced a moment where i KNEW i was going to be a writer when i grew up. it became a part of who i was and would be; just as much a given as knowing i’d always have big-ass feet (not so big a revelation considering that at that time i was ALREADY wearing a WOMAN’S size 7!).

    unfortunately, for some reason, at that time i was too shy/insecure/afraid to share that belief about myself with anyone. but when in 5th grade my screenplay “Trouble on Vegetable Island” was received equally well, there was no more denying it or keeping it to myself, and i was encouraged to pursue writing by the adults in my life.

    but writing is personal and demands introspection i wasn’t willing to do, and life experiences made it become too painful.

    if you care to share, i’d love to hear what your “childhood dream” was, and if you know why NOW, what was the catalyst that gave you the guts to pursue the life YOU wanted now.

    we share other dreans and goals too: i also want to lose weight and raise myself—as i’m raising my wonderful kids—to live the life I want!!

    and, oh yeah, i LOVE Ak Mak crackers too…it’s like we’re twins!

    i wish you all the best, giyen. i’ve never found celebraties to be inspiring, i’ve always drawn inspiration from my friends and other “regular” people who overcome difficult times and/or have the guts and confidence to follow their dreams and passions! i believe that it’s never a mistake to follow your passion, and when i have for brief periods in my life the universe provides me with REMARKABLE support, “coincidences”, and circumstances.

    with all that has come from it, the universe has certainly shown you that scary as it might seem at times, you have made the right decision, for you and for your daughter who now only knows a life where pursuing your passions is the way to go. i’m excited, happy, and envious i must admit, for you—-HAVE A FREAKING BLAST WITH IT, GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    kim

  25. Annie Trinh Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 10:12 am

    Hi, Giyen!
    It was so nice reading your article on cnn.com. My boyfriend stumbled upon it and forwarded it to me. I’ve been soul searching for the past few years and haven’t really found my “place” in life. I’ve worked jobs that don’t really make me happy just for the financial stability. This existential crisis thing can really be tough. But I’ve always wanted to be a writer and your article was really inspiring. Thanks for showing us that sometimes keeping your head in the clouds is the best place to be. Good luck with everything! Thanks and I look forward to keeping tabs on your blog.–Annie Trinh, acornninja@hotmail.com

    Annie Trinh´s last blog post..No one there

  26. Christie Rat Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 10:13 am

    BRILLIANT!
    I’m a would-be writer, mother of 3 who is in definite need of what you just decided to do. Pounds must be lost, if for no other reason that I’ve decided to go for a 2nd degree black belt and if I don’t lose weight before the work outs start, I may indeed just die.

    However, I love both bacon and rice (i’m not aisian, just like to eat cool foods) (hey-isn’t there a festive dish with both?) but I’m suddenly finding that I may well be able to build a sensible eating plan around them both. Funny how coming across CNN in the break room at work lead me to your blog and now I have more fuel to the fire to get off my widening butt and get something done.

    Super kudos to you for sticking your head up out of the crowd, giving the fashion industry the proverbial finger with your non-zero size and announcing to the masses “I am woman, asian, and becoming physically fit… hear me roar”

    THANK YOU!

    If ever you’re passing through central Ohio, lets have some coffee. Or, well, green-tea :)

  27. Greg Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 10:23 am

    Hi

    Good luck with the new career. I applaud you and will be following your blog. Smiles

  28. Abi Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 10:55 am

    Amen to you! Asking an Asian to give up rice is just plain wrong. That’s like asking a Mormon to skip church. Good luck with the weight loss and your new-found famousness. :)

    Abi
    ~I *heart* bacon!

  29. JLoVeS Says:

    January 9th, 2009 at 11:19 am

    That’s awesome that you’re doing this. Anyway, you are actually a spitting image of one of my good high school friends. She was also on a weight loss plan and she did great. I think you guys should definitely talk since she’s also up in Seattle. It might help motivate you. Message me!

    Good Luck with your mission!

  30. Coco Says:

    January 12th, 2009 at 1:06 pm

    I know how you feel about the rice. I switched to brown rice but it really didn’t fly with a Cuban husband and a Guatemalan housekeeper so we’re back to white…

    Coco´s last blog post..

  31. Kat Says:

    January 13th, 2009 at 1:17 pm

    I must admit, CNN is where I found you! And it was at about the time I was asking myself, “I wonder who else is making a public spectacle of their weight loss?” I don’t know about you… but potentially answering to ANYONE with an internet connection is just enough fear to keep me on the wagon!

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