My Community Work ~ A rewarding experience!

One of my favorite quotes by Martin Luther King -”A man hasn’t started living until he rises above the narrow confines of his own needs to the needs of the greater community” is my reason for doing what I do. I am living my life by serving others and it is one of the best experiences Ive had!

I am the Chair of the Harry Jerome Awards, the largest award show celebrating excellence in the black community. With over 13 award category, we award individuals who exemplify excellence in various categories: Arts, Media, Entertainment, Leadership, Business, Young entrepreneur, Academics, Athletics, Lifetime Achievement, Trailblazer, President’s Award,  My role is to manage the various pieces of the show – from managing the relationship with the venue, ensuring the call for nominations is sent out, dealing with the food, ensuring that the planning committee is in place and every one is geared to go! Production & Audio is handled by two amazing individuals – Karl Hutchinson and Cleve Sandy. They make this job a whole lot easier!!:) Along with Michelle Ambrose, Flozel Lewis, Kim Nemhard, Nevelette Diveney, Pat Gloudon, and many other amazing individuals help ensure that the attendees have an amazing experience! You guys are really the best!!:) THANK YOU.

One of the most challenging part is finding the right volunteer with the right skill set. All positions on the planning committee including my own is a volunteer position and most importantly these individuals need to be able to work under pressure and changes as they come along.  It requires lots of dedication, passion and energy to not only work on this event, but to also work with various individuals from different backgrounds.  I am lucky to work with these amazing individuals, whose dedication to giving back shows in the level of commitment and quality of the work they provide.

My experience is a rewarding one -  I develop my leadership skills, enhance existing skills and develop new ones which may not be possible on my regular day job. This year the keynote speaker was the Right Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada. Here are a few pics..Enjoy and hope your volunteering experience is as rewarding as mine:) If not change it! Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Until next time, Be Inspired and Celebrate YOU.

Karlyn

My Workout Routine

Hello…sa ka fete?

So I’ve been going to the gym at least 3 times a weeks now..started last year fall..I’ve also fallen off a few weeks but I’ve made a conscious effort to ensure that I make it a part of my schedule and not the other way around:)  I found it really hard to stick to it before, until I saw the unwelcome dimples on my thighs along with a muffin top which actually went away in the past when I sucked it in. Now no amount of sucking in hides it..:( YIKES! Now before you guys go off and yell that I don’t have any, go look at some of these celebrity pics with those skinny girls with cellulite (such a bad word) I prefer dimples or cottage cheese. It’s real!

I believe it was Ciara who said that half of the work happens outside the gym, it’s what you eat, how you eat etc. So true! Everything in moderation will ensure that you maintain and keep your figure slim. I try to take the stairs at every opportunity, when I go grocery shopping, I walk home with the heavy bags, and most importantly drink lots of water!!

I’m no expert but will share interesting tidbits and facts with you as I go along. My personal trainer has changed my diet – no more Special K. This has been replaced with Oats (like the really natural one) not the one with maple brown sugar or vanilla almond & honey – these contain way too much sugar!!! The  areas I would like to tone are: stomach, legs and yes a firm butt.  The exercise in the video below tone your legs and  stomach. You can also do this at home if you have a stool/low chair:) Remember to drink lots of water!!

See video here 10817324

Remember to be inspired and celebrate you:) You’re worth it!

Karlyn