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| Before: December 2012 Size 18 |
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| After: March 2013 Size 12/14 |
Since December of 2012, I did start as entirely vegan, Now I claim my 95% plant based herbivore :- )
I'd like to show you how I lost 30 pounds in 4 months. 30 pounds in 4 months is awesome, but I am not finished yet!
I'd like to also show you how through much trial and error, research, persistence and motivation, I was also able to lose an additional astounding 2 pounds per day. I was only able to stick to it for about ten days because I got a new job and moved, but the fact that it actually occurred still blows my mind today.
The important thing to remember here is to be educated and have an open mind. You need to be willing to try new things! So before you dive in, I need you to educate yourself by watching my library. I have been asking folks to try my method, and one friend actually did. He had been stuck in the 290 range for months. Through own efforts he was able to break 300 pounds and get down to 290. Over time, he arrived at 275 pounds. However, he could not budge from that weight until he added my method to a Kettle bell workout that he tweeked.
In three weeks, he dropped to a muscle dense 262. And he admits he didn't follow the method every single day. He also is a sweet tooth and admits to cheating "here and there." So imagine if he followed the plan everyday for those 3 weeks.
I love digging for new information. Please feel free to see what is here.
Click the video library tab.
In sum, my progress was based on two steps. Educate, Motivate.
Below you can read my full bio.
How I Did It
History:Nothing ever came easily for me. Everything in my life has been a struggle. When I think about it, I truly become overwhelmed with emotion. I was born with severe food and environmental allergies that manifests itself in the form of eczema (atopic dermatitis) I was laughed, mocked, and ridiculed as a kid growing up when I’d go through my flares. This condition severely impairs physically, psychologically and emotionally the people who have it, and totally debilitates their quality of life. Simple things like cleaning the house, washing the dishes, going to check the mail, or even just sleeping becomes a huge production. I couldn’t sleep uncovered in the winter, or I would freeze to death in the summer so I would embalm myself in ointment, and wrap up, leaving an opening by my face so I could blow the fan directly on my face to keep cool. In the mornings, I always had dry mouth and a dry throat. It wasn’t until a pastor passed a book along to my mom, who in turn passed it to me, that I began to really think about nutrition, and take matters into my own hands. “Lick the Sugar Habit” was the beginning, indeed. I began to read it, and I learned so much. I was determined to abstain from corn syrup. But that was short lived. I used to see amazing improvement with the prescription of Prednisone. That stuff, I took it orally, and it made my skin look like it was Photoshopped. Only, I’d hear voices and see shadowy figures, and I was like...ummmmm No. I stopped taking Prednisone, (which upon research after seeing these appartittions, found it was a powerful steroid) and the skin once again worsened, becoming a combination of lesions, sores, scales, rashes and plaques, all over from neck, scalp, ears down to my very feet. I was prescribed a parade of different drugs and even had a violent reaction to one of them, so much so that one of the doctors in the ER asked me what I was doing wrong. That maybe I was mistaken and that the medication is made to help me, and if I am breaking out from it, I must be eating something I’m allergic to. I assured them I wasn’t and was given the highest does of Benadryl possible. The swelling subsided, but of course, was temporary. I was disgusted by how many doctors liked to see me suffer asking me unnecessary questions, writing slowly, and leaving the room and taking years to return, and telling me they couldn’t prescribe me a larger amount because I used it up too quickly, and my sister almost having to act belligerent on my behalf because she was a med student at the time and asked them if they knew when I came in two weeks ago that the medicine would be used for the entire body then why didn’t they prescribe enough to last longer instead of blaming me for their mistake... (I heart my baby sis)! It was too through with placing my life in the hands of strangers who profited either way and I decided to stop using prescription drugs altogether. I decided to stop using prescription drugs, because if they were supposed to cure me then why did I keep breaking out? What had also contributed to the worsening condition was the strained relationship I had with my now ex-husband. He was verbally and physically abusive, and the stress took a toll on me, which exacerbated my condition. (BTW...That story would take up an entirely new blog, 2 novels, a Lifetime Movie and a motion picture. Anyone who knows me personally knows I am not exaggerating in the least). Anyway, I had a strong urge to look for my own cure. I thought to myself there have to be other people out there who are frustrated like me, or who were frustrated too and don’t use drugs. There just had to be! So I sat at the computer and said I wouldn’t move until I found a cure for eczema. I queried: ‘Cure eczema Naturally’ ‘Cure eczema without steroids’ ‘Natural Eczema cure’ I kept skimming, and kept seeing the word "holistic", and "alternative" so a changed up my search a bit to see if anything new popped up. I saw Shirley’s Wellness Cafe, and literally, the rest was history. I was moved to tears when I read about her struggles with being tired, overweight, swollen, inflamed and going in between dry, cracked skin and oozing, weeping sores. I could relate to her wrapping herself in saran wrap at night just to keep in moisture only to wake up in the morning being none the better. I read about her journey to 98% wellness and how it was directly related to her having a proper diet, by removing the things that caused her to be in a constant state of inflammation. What she said made perfect sense, and I continued to embrace the holistic lifestyle. There was even a company that I had contacted about their so called miracle cure, but as soon as I learned about the gems on Shirley’s site, I ignored all emails for months from them, because their cream seemed superficial, and it looked like I’d need to keep buying it if I was to have the happy life that I saw the people in the pictures having. Well, they were furious and sent me this:
“Hi Nadia, I have done everything I can to help you. I have sent you information. I have offered you support. I have even shown you the one true secret that you could use to eliminate your Eczema forever. There must be some reason you have not done that. You must like flaking, scratching and that burning sensation all over. You must like being alone and knowing exactly why. I am really trying hard to figure out why someone would be so asinine as to disregard the one chance they have at being healthy and happy. It isn't the price, that's nothing. It isn't lack of proof, It's all there. It isn't that it's hard to order and it certainly isn't that the product does not work. My guess is that you are a lazy son of a gun who can't seem to get their life together long enough to find a solution. I am over it. At this point I don't care anymore. I have done all I can, but there are some people who just want to suffer, I guess. Well, have a great life and enjoy that Eczema.”
Well, I didn’t bother to dignify these people with a response. I thought it was just awful for someone to go out of their way to be so rude. I mean, I could’ve died, and not been able to respond because I was well, buried. This company didn’t care. But anyway, I guess that made him feel better to vent. IT also showed me how these companies truly don't care about YOU. They just want to keep you alive long enough to take as much money out of your pockets as they can. It's big money to keep you sick. I was stalking Shirley’s site on a daily basis, and I decided to incorporate organic baby greens in my diet. In 2 weeks, my skin had drastically improved, and the elasticity was coming back. I learned further about Milk thistle and got Dr. Zand’s Liver Cleanse. Boy Oh Boy! My skin was getting better! Sorry Pharmaceutical companies! I was on the Neutraceutical team now! (Let’s go enzymes, Let’s Go!) I continued eating my baby greens until I was sick of it, but I continued anyway. Although I was being healthy, my emotional environment was crippling, stressful and downright negative. I eventually needed to go to a Wellness Center. It was here during these 17 days that I learned about hormones in foods, the importance of early morning aerobic exercise. I was put on a strict diet, and encouraged to drink adequate amounts of water. I got an ELISA test, where I discovered what I was allergic to, did my contrast showers, and absorbed the information and the lectures and lost 9 pounds. But as you will see later on in this post, it didn't stick, and you'll learn why it didn't. Much later on, I did start to use Repcillin, and was amazed at how this could work so well for my skin. But natural doesn’t always mean good, and I felt bad for the crocs, (and my pockets) so I discontinued its use.
A little bit about me:
I’m getting a little emotional as I type this because I went through a terrible split in my divorce. The church I attended mostly sided with my ex husband because he stuck around to save face and live pretentiously. I moved to a different county because I couldn’t handle the stress of struggling with my children then going to a hostile environment, by this I mean church... EVERY SINGLE WEEK, being questioned, not even questioned, but actually, coming to me with hearsay as if they were there IN MY MARRIAGE TO KNOW THE PERSON HE REALLY WAS the whole time. I reasoned that there were too many churches to attend where I could truly rest and Praise and worship for that 1 day of sanctity and sanity rather than for me to put limits on myself through drama. I moved to a different county. Blessings came in abundance. No one understood how I could move into an apartment of my own in an expensive city like New York, with 2 kids. all I can say is BUT GOD!
Change
During that time, I became extremely bitter, sour, annoyed, edgy and I despised everyone, including God. I was angry that he “allowed this to happen”. But over time, I became well aware that He allowed it to happen to purge me of the people in my life that were holding me down and back.
I soon saw who my true friends were, and it was soooo painful. I watched people who I thought were my friends treat me like the plague. And honestly, this competition helped me to become a better Christian. Don’t laugh, seriously, I reasoned that if I could find the strength to go through the workouts, to eat right, to discipline myself to ignore temptations and yet find strength to encourage others, that certainly, I could become more consistent in my home worship, ignore the distractions of the gossip, and be disciplined to hold on to my faith.
I then began to worship in the morning with my kids, study the Word, before my a.m. workout. My mind was so clear, I mean I had supernatural energy, I kid you not. The supplements were extremely beneficial, but having burdens weighing down on your mind literally binds you up, even if you're supplementing and eating right. Having these negative emotions lifted through worship and study, helped me tremendously. I also reasoned that money, fame, looks, and notoriety, will pass and fade, but one thing remains after the dust settles...your character. It’s the only thing I’ll be taking to heaven with me. This competition has helped me to not only lose weight, dropping pounds and inches, but I realized I was holding in alot of hurt that exercise, nutrition and supplementation helped to purge me from. Symbolically and literally the pain and hurt melted away, and although when I think of how I was mistreated, I can think about it as an experience that occurred, and not be flooded with insurmountable and uncontrollable emotions.
Mind my Business
The mind is the most power “muscle” group. It controls everything. It is the vehicle through which every autonomous and voluntary action occurs. This brain was fearfully and wonderfully made...why should I destroy it? Supplements are an essential part of training. The soil is depleted of nutrients...even in organically grown environments. You’re seriously better off growing your own fruits and vegetables. And nourishing the soil yourself. But most people in the U.S. don't or can't do this, so the regular foods just aren't enough.
My mom taught me how to be resourceful. Growing up in North Carolina, we had a 1/4 acre for a back yard. My mom had a garden on a part of it. She raised pumpkin, squash, zucchini, corn, My goodness, parents please watch how you live your life...you don’t know how important it is until they thank you. Seeing her grow food, and freeze them, baking muffins, and bread and making huge batches of granola and freezing it, just so we could survive winter...Wow all I can say is she was extremely thrifty and resourceful and loving. I’ve learned how to make food stretch, and by empowering myself through research, I can be certain that even when the money gets low, I can make my last ten dollars stretch and feed my kids and I. I know which fruits and veggies contain which certain minerals and of course, all fruits and vegetables contain some measure of protein. I know which foods are filling, I mean, I can get a $1.79 bag of cornmeal, make some porridge, add some flaxmeal, add raisins and bananas, that’s cheap, and I’ve spent under 5 bucks making a huge pot of porridge for three people. And that badboy will hang the rest of the week. The lessons she has taught me coupled with the research I had to do in order to maintain the vegan lifestyle while training, has been invaluable. Never ever in the history of everdom have I been able to make this kind of progress in any 12 week period.
If anything comes close it’s the time I spent at a Wellness Center for 17 days.
I lost 9 pounds, and my skin cleared tremendously. I got a blood profile done, (The ELISA test) and they isolated which foods I was allergic to. They said a skin patch test, which I was always getting before by other doctors, was no good because it only measured immediate allergies. They explained that a blood profile is more comprehensive, because it shows what I am truly allergic to, foods that may not cause a reaction until up to 3 days after consumption.
Well, let me tell you, the list is exhaustive! The main culprit for me was sugar cane. I’m allergic, deathly allergic to it. And it’s in everything I was eating. So no more canned anything for me, and they suggested I become vegan.
I agreed outwardly, but was like, “Could I really do this? I’ll give it a shot” went home, gun ho that I could make oat burgers and tofu cheesecake, and feggs, I could make almond milk and make the most wickedest vegan lasagna ever! I did my contrast showers, walked daily, and drank my water..lots of it! My skin cleared up, I looked and felt amazing outwardly, but daily, my high was deflated when I got home. It didn’t stick, only because the support and motivation wasn’t there.
I quickly fell into depression and it wasn’t until later that I realized that all the reformation in the world meant nothing if you returned to a hostile, contrary, counterproductive, toxic environment. I learned this from watching the Biggest Loser where a young girl was surrounded by negativity from her family. These skinnies packed the house with junk food, were not supportive of her changes, and at the big reveal you could cut the hate with a knife...from her own family!
Superhuman
I am in control of my emotions. I am in control of my thoughts.
I am not in control of what happens in life all the time, but I am in control of how I react. I don’t need to curl up in a ball and hold all the pain in pounds for years on end. I can care about people, but not be a doormat. People will treat you how you allow them to treat you, and just because you love someone doesn’t mean they will love you back. When this happens, keep it pressing, and don’t beat yourself up. They already did enough of that already.
People are intimidated by greatness. They are scared of who and what they see in you. It outshines them and makes them feel inadequate. They will find an angle to cut you down, make you feel inferior and question your own sanity and intelligence. They will use their conniving to win over the popular vote, and walk around in sheep’s clothing giving Christianity a bad name.
This is who they are. Spending time trying to show them up is futile. Living life to its fullest on your terms isn’t.
I stand here, stand not curled up. I run today, yes I started by walking. I walked until I was uncomfortable walking. I began to jog. When jogging wasn’t enough, I ran. My goal was to reach a size 10. I haven’t reached that goal as yet. However because I was able to drop from a size 18 to a 12 in 10 weeks, I am certain I will crush my goal by Fall. I will run like a free man and eat steel. I will chew iron because I am a conqueror. I have indeterminable value. My children are priceless gems, and I will live for them, and model what it means to be great.
I flex for my single parents. I press weights for vegans everywhere. Hey, look, I haven’t dropped over dead..I’m not malnourished...I’ve gained muscle! When I workout, and I feel like quitting, I remember how I couldn't lift as heavy in the beginning, how winded I used to be, how my little funny walk, just looked that much more horrible. Then I remember the kiddies. I got to live healthy for them. Hearing their little voices telling me “mommy, you look skinny” Then I go ham on the weights. It’s like I got a shot of Yerbe Mate. I spar for the victims, the ones who aren’t in the news, and the ones who are still alive, but in a dead marriage too afraid to leave, finding every reason to stay in an abusive, relationship, fearing what people will say.
(December 31, January 31 and March 10)
When I supplement, I do it for my health, and my equilibrium. If it weren't for these God sends, I wouldn't be able to function on a normal capacity, and probably make some doctor rich based off my ignorance. When I don't take my supps, I'm off. The addition of L-Lysine to my regimen has been an amazing blessing. And I encourage all to do their research, become informed, don't write off all doctors, but really take in what they say and weight it against sound scientific research.Be open minded, see a nutritionist, and don't frown on something, just because you don't understand it. You may be passing by a diamond in the ruff. People frowned on me, but look at me now :-)
I don't share my experience as a means to elicit pity from anyone. Nor am I doing it because I think it would make for a great story. I am a mostly private person, but when I reviewed the video of last years grand champion, I saw that she spoke about being vulnerable. Oh brother, I had to suck it up, and let go. I am hoping that my pain can become someone else's power. I am amazed that what I may see as an insignificant post, or status update would be inspiring to others. I say to myself, wow! Look at that! If I can inspire and motivate at my fitness level..I look nothing like what's on a fitness magazine cover, I don't resemble your average size 12 girl, yet I've been able to help people on the site through some hard times, even while I was going through mine. I thank you all for this experience. I entered this competition last year and failed miserable because my head wasn't in the right place. Right now, I know I need improvement, but based on the ups and downs of the past twelve weeks, little or no money, 3 days notice posted on the outside of my apartment (not under the door, mind you), stress at the job, illnesses with my kids, and with myself, having to cope and reinvent ways to workout and deal with the eczema, my bum left knee, arthritis in my lower back, and regardless, I think I look and feel pretty extravagant. I've always had issues in my life, like when I had to undergo surgery for a hernia I got because my abdominal wall was weakened from child bearing, but the difference is, how I cope with the stressors and hurdles. I'd usually get hot and sweaty and say I can't workout, I'm allergic to my own sweat. And used that as a crutch for wallowing in self pity and self loathing. But now, I workout where it's well ventilated. I sweat, but that stuff evaporates as fast as it's coming because I absolutely need to workout. I turn on the fan indoors or open a window if I have to. I used to say, well I don't have an elliptical at home. Well, I got stairs in my complex, and I go ahead and use those stairs as my cardio when I can't make it to the gym. I absolutely don't look like I weigh a pound more than 180, and that's a good thing. (Okay well maybe a little more in the pink pictures, but definitely not in the blue jeans pictures)
February Progress pics
Even here at March 14, (217.6 lbs) I look and feel amazing.
I'm not a boss, I'm a general!
(Yes, those are felafels! Sooo tasty when you make them yourself! And those dress pics were taken 1 day before my end date. I actually FIT INTO A SIZE TWELVE GARMENT...NO GIRDLES AND NO GUESSING!) I think I owe my Body Spacers my end of the deal. Last week I said that if I could hit 210 or lose 2 inches by my end date I'd Youtube myself doing a cartwheel. Something I hadn't done in 15 years. Well, neither happened, but I did slip into that coral size 12 dress on Sunday! I'll be a good sport and upload that cartwheel :-D The last time I was a twelve, was in 2005/2006.
Christmas 2005
Obstacles
Mentally, one of my biggest hurdles was myself. I'd look in the mirror and think to myself "There's no way you can lose that in time" or "Who are you fooling? You won't look like those other people" “You have no one to watch the kids so you can't go to the gym and put in the hours like everyone else.” "Just quit now, and don't embarrass yourself." "You're a big girl, you will always be big." That last one right there is a lie unto itself. I have always been tall and only got fat after I went to college and gained the freshman 30 and then later started having children and after that, falling into a deep depression. If it weren't for my posting some pointers on how to retain elasticity on a fitness site, I doubt I would have learned about Borage oil. Another blogger suggested I also include coconut oil by rubbing it directly into my skin. I was reminded of a friend I know who years ago suggested I use coconut oil for the eczema. I thought he was an insano and ignored every word because he was in other ways off the beaten path on alot of things. I figured this was just another one of them. Funny how things can return to you. I researched coconut oil and found that it was used to also treat eczema. Hmmm...Let's see what other oils help eczema because this stuff is making my skin too firm on my hands. Wait..what's this? Borage oil? Cellulose encased you say? I'll order you, come to my home. In 2 days I saw a dramatic difference in my skin overall. The complexion, tone, and elasticity is amazing. I continue to use the coconut oil everywhere else except my hands. I even use the Borage oil directly on my skin at times. It is so soothing!
Music:
This transformation has also gotten me more active in singing. I used to sing alot and teach sign language to kids when I was younger at my old church. Then life happened, and I basically stopped completely. I always wrote my own songs since I was a kid, recording them on cassette tape..Remember those? I had them packed away in a shoe box. Those were the days! Last year I began to write my own songs seriously, but I shared them on the internet. I stayed away from live performances and kept it in the booth. I have since started to sing at my new church and I have started teaching the children there ASL.
Resolution
Even now, I am bombarded with a host of problems. I've learned that I can cope with these issues in healthy ways, directing my attention upward, rethinking what I am doing in my life, being introspective and challenging myself everyday all because this year when I tried to lose weight, my mind was made up to be extraordinary.
The difference between last year and now is my mind. My body is a mere extension of it. If you could measure the mental growth or quantify it somehow, graph it and examine it, you would see tremendous activity in dormant areas of my mind. I've rekindled my love of being alive and although, no one enjoys stress, especially constant stress, my mind is in a different place. I'm transcendent.
Workout Schedule:
Month1:
Morning: Jamie Eason Daily Trainer, Arms only + 2 mile interval walk/jog/run + 15 minutes crunches/leg ups to failure
Afternoon: 2 mile brisk walk
Evening: As time permitted, more arm torture. love love love it!
Month 2:
Monday - Thursday
A.m. 3 days a week Jamie Eason Arms workout only
Twice a week lower body (reverse crunches
Brisk walk/jog 60 minutes (If I couldn't do the cardio in the morning, I got it done after work at the gym on the treadmill. 45 minutes- 60 minutes of HIIT cardio)
Friday & Saturday: Rest
Month 3:
Monday - Thursday:
Day 1: morning: Bizzy Workout A (Afternoon cardio p.m. Elliptical 45 min-60 min ) Strength 15 minutes
Day 2: Bizzy Workout B “ “
Day 3; Bizzy workout A “ “
Day 4 Bizzy workout B “ “
Day 5 Bizzy Workout A. Evening walk
Day 6: Rest
Day 7. Active rest 1 hour nature walk
Supplementation:
Before Meals
| 1/2 hour before meals Nutrilite Slymmetry |
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| Real Dose Weight Loss Formula Number 1 1 capsule (yes, it's vegan!) yippee! |
Morning: (with breakfast)
| 1 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil (Also 1 tablespoon with dinner) |
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| 1 Borage oil capsule 1000 mg - ( GLA 200 Linoleum acid 297 Oleic acid 127 mg) |
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| 2 Maca Complex 500 mg | |
Pharma Pure 1 50 mg Zinc tablet
(Couldn't find a larger image of the Pharma Pure brand, but got the same dose here)
|
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| Super Cortisol Support 1 tablet | |
| Iron 1 tablet (Okay sometimes 2 prior to my monthly cycle) |
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| Inositol 500 mg 1 tablet | |
| Selenium 1 200 mg tablet | |
| Omega 3: vegan DHA 1 200 mg | |
| Vegan Flaxseed oil 2 capsules | |
| This is hilarious I now eat the seeds from the toy I used to watch on TV. I sprinkle this on my food. Yes, an '80's baby! | |
Bullets: shot glass of minced ginger, cayenne pepper, garlic, liquid vitamin D (top left of montage)
Bottom left is a pic of the supps I used to take last year
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Evening:
1 tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil
Morning and Night
(externally) Peppermint, coconut oil and vitamin E oil belly rub.
Pre workout: ( in this order based on preference and availability)
| Rhodiolla Rosacea | |
| Maca Root 2 capsules |
|
| Yerba Mate complex | |
| D-Ribose The serving size is 5, I take 2, those pills are pretty huge. | |
| Or Peppermint tea | |
| Or water |
Mid workout: water
Post workout:
| Vegan Creatine (1 teaspoon per 8 - 10 ounces of water) | |
| Soy Protein isolate <--BCAAs (I'd mix the The Creatine with this) |
WHAT I ATE
Welcome to my vegan world! My diet was pretty much like what the pyramid reflects, only I didn't eat so much bread. I did have grains like oats, and I had fatty acids in just about every meal that I could.

I tried to eat more often, but I just literally couldn't stomach it. Eating frequently just wasn't for me. I felt really sick eating when I wasn't even hungry and I felt tired. So, (like I learned at the Wellness Center) I had full meals, 5 hours apart. I only had a snack when absolutely hungry. Water or tea was consumed before an after each meal.
Breakfast
(Peppermint tea/water before and after breakfast)
| -Granola with almonds and coconut-almond milk -fruit - feggs (fake eggs / scrambled tofu) |
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| Vegan pancake (blueberry, oatmeal, flax/goji berry meal) sugar free preserves grapefruit |
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| feggs, w/avacado and flax meal topping fruits (eating my supps! Quercitin, Arginine and Bromelain! Got the BCAA's from the feggs, the Omegas in the flaxmeal and CLA in the avacado) |
Snack
| Vegan protein balls or sugar free gum with water. (These came out pretty well, and I shared the recipe with a few people on Facebookwho were interested). High Protein, high fiber high energy, and great tasting! My kids devoured these. And I made a different version for a potluck at my new church with Oreo cookies. They couldn't get enough of them! |
Lunch
Weekdays:
Lunch was usually a vegan sandwich or left over dinner packed for work.
Weekends: my lunches resembled my dinner. Please see below:
Snack
same as above
Dinner These are the examples of the types of dinners I had
| Portabella Caps with salad/avacado cubes | |
| width: 50%;">Left over Feggs with a salad and diced apples | |
| Spicy bean patty sandwich with a berry and flax smoothie | |
| Portabella Caps with carrots, dried seaweed and bell peppers | |
| vegan pizza with salad | |
| No hay hay stack | |
Snack (only when hungry, and same as above)
I'm sorry if this post was super long, but I thank you all in advance for taking the time to read it. I just wanted to be thorough in getting the point cross that although I always knew what to do, I finally decided to kick myself in the butt and stop being the lazy trainer, having motivation for others but none for myself and stop letting people and circumstances get me down, and run me over. Now I'm doing the running. :-) Take Care!


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