Believe it or not…there is a lot that I don’t share about myself. Like for one…my relationship status. I’m separated. I have been for over 2 years. I married a wonderful man who I still love and is an amazing father to our children. I was very sad for a long time, and maybe that is why I can write about this now…because I’m in a better place…a more peaceful and happy place. He was and is the love of my life…at least for a part of my life. See…when I was 12…I always wanted to be Gina Lovato. I was in love with an Italian boy named Mario, who I first laid eyes on when I was 11. He was so handsome with his wavy brown hair, hazel eyes and white t-shirt. Well, to make a long story short…I got the boy. We had a beautiful wedding in Hawaii. And when I stop to remember that day…it was like a dream. We did what all married couples do…bought a house, had some kids, and a sexy little doggy named Rocco…I thought I was on my way to Happily Ever After. But sometimes things don’t work out like you plan. I love Mario and I always will…and I know he loves me too…because I can still see it in his eyes. But for us…our story has ended. As I am moving forward with my life…I stumbled across this album I made…my wedding album. I can now look at it and not be so sad…because we did have an amazing love story. And I can now appreciate it. So I’m going to let you into this special part of my life…my beautiful wedding. This is something I made for my children to share with my grandchildren. Aloha…
2011 is here!! The end of one year, and the beginning of the next. We get a CLEAN FRESH START!! And every year I take the time to think about what I want in life.
Resolutions are a funny thing. And I think most people are hard on themselves if they don’t get the results they want. I just read an article in “Mother Oprah’s” magazine about making goals and bringing them to life. The one question we may not ask ourselves is “why?” It reminded me of an exercise I did at a Leadership Conference last year, where we asked “why” 5 times. For example, I want to lose weight. Why? Because I want to be a size 8. Why? Because there are more options for clothes…and I love fashion. Why? So I can feel good about myself. Why? So I can be healthy. Why? So I can live a long life with my children and my grandchildren. I have always tried to be driven…and I want, want, want. And I want to remember that question. I want to accomplish and be everything, but do I always remember to ask myself “why” do I want these things?
Here’s my list for the New Year…and the why…
Continue to work on my spirit, body and mind
This is an ongoing project. And it’s easy to let outside things distract you. I truly believe that when you are feeling beautiful inside, you will feel and be the same on the outside. I am always searching for ways to seek peace and joy to feed my spirit. That energy always flows to the ones around me and the ones I love. Working out makes me feel good and it always centers my thinking. If I feel strong, I feel more confident to take on anything. And I’m a size 12, I need to be an 8. I’m always going to be curvy…and I’ve learned to work with what God gave me. Life is better when you love your body.
Expect what I deserve
I discovered this last year from my previous District Manager. We had a discussion one time about why I wasn’t getting the results I wanted. I discovered that I don’t expect what I deserve (at the workplace and in my personal life). That changed for me last year…and boy did it really make a shift in my life. I want to continue to use that as a filter, because it’s amazing how much your life can change when you do “expect what you deserve.”
Be Brave
I’ve always been very outgoing and make friends with anyone and everyone. But there is a timid and fearful side of me that I don’t like to address. I’m not very adventurous at all and love routine…I also vowed I would never travel abroad because I don’t want to leave Chula Vista! But this is the year that I am RFA! Ready for Anything!! Life does not end when you are 40 people! Why do I want to be brave? Because I have realized there is a whole world out there that I want to see…anything can happen and I need to be ready for it!!
Be respectful with my finances
Money, money, money…yes a sore subject sometimes. We all need it, and we all want it. I now view money in a different way because of a Money Study I took at my church. I never thought of God and money together. Did you know that there are over 2300 verses in The Bible about money? Neither did I!! I need to plan my spending and my savings. I’ve been putting this off for years and would let my husband make all the heavy decisions. No more check book balancing in my head. I want to be respectful of my finances because of the values money can bring me: independence, freedom, security, peace and happiness.
Put energy into important relationships (my friendships)
I love my inner circle and there are a lot of you in there. You are all important to me and I want to make sure you know that I love you. You were there when I went through the darkest and toughest time in my life. And because of you I came out of it a “SHINING STAR.” I am truly grateful!! I want to protect and nurture my friendships because they mean the world to me…and I need them.
Be a blessing to others...my church and my community
I have been working on serving for a few years now, and I am amazed at how much joy it brings me. It’s something I can share with others and my family. This is the one way, through my actions, that I can show how thankful I am for a blessed life. Serving others has placed some wonderful people in my life that I would have never met otherwise. I want to serve because it warms my soul.
Build and create a beautiful life with for my family
This sounds so simple. But I have realized it takes effort. Just like every other family, we have also been through trying times and struggles. I want to be more connected, more present in my children’s life. And I want to be the best mother I can be. I am a working mom…and I will probably always be. But I want my children to know and feel that they are the most important and the best things in my life. I want them to have a happy childhood and I want to create a wonderful environment for them. I want to remove all the obstacles that prevent me from being the best I can be for my family, because I want a meaningful and loving relationship with my children and Mario.
Put God first and in the center of all my decisions
I had this on my list last year, and have been working on surrendering everything to our Lord. Each time I do, He always shows up. I need to remember that there is nothing too big for me to handle because God is always with me. And if I’m going through something difficult, He is going to be there for me to lean on. Putting God in the center of all my decisions helps me move forward and gives me peace.
Be inspired and Believe
In my 30s, I became all of these things…I was married, became a mother, and had a mortgage. I left one job for another to live a balanced life. I used to feel that after becoming a wife and mother, that this was it…life is as it will be. I’m married, I have kids, the house, and now I have to live for everyone else. But I wasn’t happy. I have always felt a yearning for something else. What I discovered was that I wasn’t really living my “Best” life. I gained a lot of weight, hated my job, didn’t have the perfect marriage, and felt defeated. Why was I feeling this way? I acknowledged that I was the common denominator. I had to make changes or else I would drown. I slowly started placing small things in my life to make changes in my perception. I forgot all about hope and dreaming. So I started to use inspiration to pull me out of my rut….I did this through being creative, surrounding myself around all things that I love. And I saw that my belief system changed. As long as you can still dream, there are possibilities for amazing things to manifest in your life. I want to be inspired because I want to dream big dreams and believe that I can have all that I want.
So there you have it…my list of what I want for myself. I’m starting a New Chapter in my life and I’m so excited for the New Year…2011 is the Year to Be Brave!! I’m excited because anything can happen…new experiences, new challenges, and new adventures. I hope you will join me in making your life the best it can be. 2011…HERE I COME!!
xo gina
December 29, 2010
Working on a new blog post for 2011. What do you want in your life for the New Year?! I'll share mine on New Year's Day. :)
Many of you have asked how this whole thing happened with me and Jimmy. I know that some of you know the story and have seen me post comments about it, or heard the radio interviews. And many of you see the questions coming through from our new friends. So here is the story…the extended remix of how it all happened.
Prayer The week of Halloween, I was frustrated with a few things in my life. Overall, my life is amazing and I have so much to be grateful for. But sometimes life feels like its too much to handle, and I was having one of those weeks. I was looking for a place to move to, I was reflecting on the last two years of where I was personally and professionally. I was questioning my faithfulness to the Lord. I prayed about it. I prayed to God about my faith and trust in Him and to take all my worries away, I prayed for God to put something in my path so that I could provide more for my family, and I prayed for love and peace in my life. Here’s how God appeared…
News Feed It was a Monday night November 1st, I just got off of work. I was tired. I logged on to FB to unwind, it just after midnight. I am a “fan” of the JKL show, I saw a post in my News Feed that said something like “do you update your status several times a day? Do you and our friends spend hours on FB?” I was really tired but I decided to respond to it. I think at one point I even debated about emailing them later in the day.
So I wrote the show. It wasn’t even an interesting email. It was simple. It said something like…I update my status several times a day. I am on FB so much that people have complained about me in their News Feed, and I’ve had to tell them to “Hide” me if they don’t like seeing me. I also told them about how me and my friend FB a lot. I mentioned her status updates, and how she is quicker than some of the local news channels. I gave them a little bit of stats about me: 42, Mom, General Manager at the Gap. The email wasn’t clever, it had little information and I didn’t even really think about if I was going to get a response.
12 Hours Later I heard back from the show through email. I was at work, on break. I was excited!! They said they were interested in seeing my page so I had to “friend” them, since there were other “Gina Lovatos”. So I friended them and went to lunch with my Assistant Manager at Cheesecake Factory (Robin Thick and Mashed Potatoes). I wondered if they were really looking at my page. I just went about my business, doin’ my thing.
November 3, 2010 So yes, I am really moving, which is so funny about this whole thing. On the day I actually spoke to the show, me and my friend, Rosemary, were packing my things and cleaning out my closet. I spoke to the show about 1pmish. Everyone that I have spoken with at JKL is so nice and gracious! The first conversation went like this:
JKL: Hi Gina. So Jimmy loves your page. Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I remembered feeling like I was being put on the spot. I wasn’t really sure what to say about myself. I’m cool and hip! Holler!! That’s what I was thinking…lol. But I think I said this:
Me: Well, I’m 42. I have 3 kids who are 11, 14 and 15. I work for the Gap. My life is pretty simple and normal. I live in Chula Vista (in San Diego) and I rarely leave my town. Oh yeah, and I volunteer a lot in my community.
I hung up and looked at my girl, Rosemary and was like…did I sound stupid? LOL So we went on about our day (eating other people’s food). I also got a call from the place I am moving to confirming my move in date!! Holler!! I was excited!
Release Form Then I received another call about an hour later.
JKL: Hi Gina. So Jimmy loves your page. What else can you tell me about yourself? What do you do in your spare time? Do you have political views? Are you religious? If we needed you to come to the show could you?
Me: Yes, I've been to the show before, in the Summer. I could change my schedule if I needed to. What do I do in my spare time? Uh…well, when I have extra time, I love to scrapbook. I LOVE Twilight. I love to be with my kids. I love to shop. I'm not politicial at all. I love celebrity gossip and yes, I'm religious.
JKL: Oh wow. Did you come to the Twilight Show?
Me: No. I wasn’t able to get tickets. But I went to the Peter Facinelli show. I loved going to the JKL show, loved the studio. The audience warmer Link, put me and my friend in the front row.
JKL: Cool. Okay, well are going to send you a “release form”. Fax it back to us when you can.
I had to wait for Mr. Lovato to get off the computer to print release…aaagggghhh!! After waiting an hour, I printed the form, signed it and then me and Rosemary went to the nearest postal annex place to fax.
5pm JKL called again, asking me who was in the photo with me. It’s my 15 year old daughter. They needed a release form for her.
JKL: Okay, send it back to us and make sure you watch tonight. There is a POSSIBILITY your page MIGHT be on.
I ran to Office Depot, sent it off. Then went to my Money Study Class at church. At the end of our class, I told my group to watch the show and that I might be on.
At 8:30pm…me and the kids were driving home I was talkin about my conversation with the show. They said…”stop talking about Jimmy Fallon”…LOL! Wrong Jimmy kids!
And then I said to them: I wonder if I’ll get any friend requests.
9:23pm (Pacific Time) I was in my bed, with my little Vivenne Tam netbook on FB and my BB on vibe. All of a sudden my notifications and friend requests EXPLODED!! My phone was vibbing like crazy!! I jumped out of my bed and kicked my daughter, Dalena off of the computer in the other room. Immediately there were 34 friend requests. They all had messages. I felt excited, nervous, and scared. WTH did Jimmy say about me? I didn’t even think about what I should do. I ADDED EVERYONE. CONFIRM, CONFIRM, CONFIRM. The comments were funny and so were the wall posts:
Jimmy said I should be your friend
Tell Jimmy I said hi
Jimmy’s just jealous
Congrats on being famous
You’re the NUD Poster Child
Are you real? Do you know Jimmy?
Ooh Jimmy is talkin’ about you
Did you know your profile is on Jimmy Kimmel?
Why did he pick you?
My status updates are just like yours.
I had no idea what NUD was or how they were going to use my page. Here is what played that first night:
I think by the time JKL played on the west coast, I had about 50 new friends.
Traffic Since this whole thing happened…the East Coast people watch Jimmy as it airs. On the West Coast the requests came in slowly. They DVR it (I’m assuming) and I didn't really get requests from the West Coast until the following day. So typical of west coast...laid back. By the next day I had 707 friends. The show called me the next day:
JKL: Hi Gina. Well you’re quite the popular girl. What did you think of the show?
Me: OMG…I loved it. It was hilarious. I was scared of what Jimmy was going to say about me…but I thought it was funny and clever.
JKL: K…well watch again tonight.
I was thinking…oh no…he’s going to show me again. I have always updated my status a lot and have used Four Square, Miso and Twitter. I was posting through all the social network outlets. I couldn't even imagine what he was going to say.
It was so strange to hear him talk about me, but I loved it. HOLLER!! He said GINA LOVATO!! I thought it was so funny that I was ruining his "cause" with my smart-ass-e-ness.
Again I received tons of requests from everyone. By the next morning I had about 1100 friends. I went from 545 to 1100 in 2 days. I was averaging several friend requests ever 10 to 15 minutes.
Monday The weekend came and went. Monday had arrived. Everyone on my page was all about the feud between me and Jimmy (who I don't know personally and have never met). It was crazy. But I was dying to see what he thought when he saw that my Friends list grew to 1400 by Monday morning. I have to say that when I got to the thousands, I started to get a little bit nervous about my FB postings. I shut down, and I didn't even want to post. Like I was scared that everyone's eyes were on me and my page. So I didn't post. I decided to do what I always do, post when I felt like it. If Jimmy didn't talk about me anymore, that was fine by me.
But I was wrong...JKL called me again.
The Show thought it was so funny people were adding me. From what I was told, there was a buzz about me at JKL...what's going on on Gina's page? How many friends does she have? The writers are loving it and think you're funny.
JKL: So originally we were going to feature different people's pages everyday. But since you are so popular, we are going to feature you again. Jimmy is going to do a political message. Watch tonight and tell us what you think.
I am not political at all. So I couldn't even imagine what he could possibly say about me involving politics??? Here's the political message...
Gina Hate-vato Omg...I couldn't believe what he did..he just told everyone to friend me!! CRAZY!! Everything was so right about it...the red eyes, the HOLLERing all over the place, Laundry or Ashton? (Ashton will always win that one) After this segment, I received a ton or requests and stopped keeping track. And the were coming in from all over the world! Unbelieveable!!
I wrote JKL my thoughts on the show. Here's a little bit of that message:
Hello Jimmy and JKL friends,
I LOVED IT, LOVED IT!! Jimmy is a genius!! Lol and as you can see by my growing list of friends, the JKL audience loved it!! My favorite was the HATE-VATO!
Here's what tonight's segment also brought me:
A long, very long poem.
2 requests for a radio interview.
A marriage proposal.
People trying to sell stuff on my wall? WTH? This ain’t a SWAP MEET people.
Personal Ads on my wall
Had to reboot the blackberry 3 times!
Countdown to NUD Every night it was...is he going to talk about me? is he not going to talk about me? I was thinking about Jimmy and Facebook all the time! I didn't have time for this with my 3 kids, my store and with Black Friday coming up. I needed National Unfriend Day to hurry up and get here. I knew that people were "friending" to "unfriend". I realized that I was helping make great television. I couldn't turn back now. I hadn't even thought about what I was going to do on National Unfriend Day. Do I "unfriend" people? Well, I had made the decision not to unfriend...till we got to the eve of National Unfriend Day...my highest was at 4177 friends.
Haters This is the only time I will address this. Negativity is toxic…that is why I don’t allow swearing or any negative comments. At first I didn’t address this verbally, I just deleted. But then the number started to climb pretty rapidly and fools were coming out of the woodwork. I don’t feel the need to be malicious, but I’m also not a coward. In real life (outside of the internet) I’m gracious in the way I speak and in my body language. I’m very aware of how I might make someone feel with my words and actions. However, I’m also quick to tell someone to step off. Jimmy said that NUD doesn’t need to be a “mean thing”. Obviously these fools don’t listen…surprise. I had to NUD several people for various reasons, rude comments, rude to me, and rude to others. And when you are managing a large number like this, you have to block in order to make sure people don't come back through and try to rain on your DOUBLE RAINBOW. As people were deleting me, they were being mean. Just delete me, don't nobody know who you are anyWHEY. It's December 1st and NOT ONE, NOT NO ONE is saying anything about "Oh member when Jason, John, Scott, David, Michael, Trevor NUD'd you Gina! Member that!!" Uh yeah...NOT NO ONE is talking about ya'll!!
I think Katt Williams said it the best...(proceed with caution, extremely explicit language)
National Unfriend Day It was finally here. I woke up at 5am to do several radio interviews around the country. One of them was supposed to be with Mancow, but scheduling was all screwed up on his end. Thank goodness, because I love Howard. It was cool talking to all the different cities across the nation: Salt Lake City, Chicago, Denver, Boston, Grand Rapids, Palm Beach!! So my number was going down mostly, but I was still getting requests. People were adding me to delete me. I was completely engaged on my page. It was like a loose cannon. I had to monitor it like crazy...people were just saying whatever they felt and I had to keep it under control. I didn't even care at this point if Jimmy mentioned me. He didn't mention me the night before...and in my head I was thinking "Really Jimmy?? I have to deal with this alone??!! Your fans are out of control!!"
Here is the finale to National Unfriend Day...my favorite segment!!
Hahahah...Uncle Frank 19 million!! And "it sucks to be you!" So there you have it...Jimmy and I were friends to the end. Because of that airing I received 450 friend requests in one night.
This is from the East Coast airing alone:
My all time high was at 4177 and on November 17th, I thought I hit as low as 3400. But Jimmy reported 3000 (hope he didn't get that number from Uncle Frank). Today I have 4036.
During the week of November 15, 2010, JKL's total viewers were 1.81 million. Holler!
So there you have it! My 15 minutes of fame...14 days of fame..."Jimmy made you famous" fame!!
Before the JKL Experience
Yes I have 545 friends. I don’t know all of them personally, but I know about 97%. I’m one of those people that know everyone and run into people all the time when I’m out and about. I ran into a friend, while on vacation, in Downtown San Francisco Nordstrom Women’s Shoes…yeah just randomly.
I know all about the Power of Suggestion, I have it, and I use it. I’m in sales.
I love to connect and communicate through Facebook, and I think I do it well.
I have a thing for italian men.
Holler isn’t a word I made up…everyone says it. And you will rarely hear me saying it out loud. Some genius on my page said "Holler" was so “3 years ago”. Thanks for the news flash. Get your own word and post your “it will never make it into trivial pursuit” pursuits on your own page.
During and After the JKL Experience
I’m the same girl. My friends don’t really talk about this “Jimmy” thing.
No one comes into my store to stalk me.
I got my Latina girlfriends to watch Jimmy Kimmel Live!! "Como se dice Yimmy Kimmel who?" JOLLER!!
I will still Foursquare. It’s all about how and when I do it. If you go on my page posting “someone is going to stalk you”. You bess believe if I’m missing, you will be the first person the police will be looking for.
During the JKL Experience, I did the Happy Dance in my bathroom.
I never wrote a song for anyone…except Jimmy Kimmel.
Happily Ever After
I’m not sure where this will take our friendship to. I have enjoyed adding each and every one of my friendships.
This couldn’t have arrived at a better time in my life. I really don’t feel famous or popular anywhere except my page. All of my new friends have made me feel a bit more brave, a bit more confident and a lot more peacefulness and happiness.
Yes…you did this to me, gave me LOVE from all over the world!! And I know we have God to thank for that. Remember to always have dreams, no matter how big or small, or how old you are...and to have faith. When you pray, be specific….then wait and watch to see what happens.
I’m so glad you all have decided to stay and be friends with me. You can stay as long as want, just don’t ---beep--- it up for yourself!! Hahaha...I’m playin’…not… Holler!!
xo gina
November 29, 2010
Dusting off the old blog. Tune in on Wednesday, December 1st. I will finally be sharing my version of the JKL Experience on my blog! xo gina
I feel like my spiritual journey began in November 2006, right after Thanksgiving. I just got the Oprah 20th Anniversary DVD...and I hid from the rest of my family and watched the entire thing in my bed, on my little personal DVD player. After watching this one segment about being grateful, I began a Gratitude Journal. It has helped shape me and has changed my perception on a lot of things. As I look back almost 3 years ago...I know I was yearning and searching for more. But not sure what...I just did what I felt was natural. I went to Walmart, bought a journal for under $6 and began to write everyday.
As I began this...I made a deal with myself to try it out, and just start small...by writing 5 things I am thankful for. The first day I wrote over 5 things. Here is my entry...
Monday – November 27, 2006
I’m thankful…
that every night my husband makes a yummy dinner for our family.
for great moisturizer.
for the time I spend with Amina tonight—watching Heroes and mini facials.
for my new lemon butter cuticle cream and almond hand lotion.
that Airborne made me feel better.
that Mary took the time in the middle of the day to see how I was feeling.What a thoughtful message she left me.
that Jeremy loves to read and that he missed only one on his practice math test.
I wrote in it almost everyday...even when I was having a horrible day, this journal made me find the good. And I found that it didn't take much to uncover. No matter how down I was feeling, I was able to see what really mattered. I was thankful for my children and their love, my happy doggy Rocco-who loves me no matter what, a DVR, that I have a home, or even that I had a great "hair day"..silly I know!!
This Gratitude Journal really helped me find a happiness inside myself that I didn't know existed. It brought to the surface all the wonderful things in my life and around me. If I was ever feeling down or sad, I automatically began to see that it's not as bad as I think.
Now that I am going through a difficult time in my life, it’s like my lifesaver, keeping me a drift.Everyday, now matter what pain I might be feeling that day, or how sad I feel…there is always something that happened that gives me peace and joy.It’s truly amazing.
Update...June 26, 2009...
This is an old blog entry that I wrote in on January 24, 2009, but never published it. I still write in this journal, and it still continues to shape and change my life. I used to be only thankful for only good things. And I've found that I'm also thankful for difficulties, struggles, challenges and accepting change.
Let's share beauty tips. If I tagged you, it's because I admire your beauty...and I love to talk makeup shop. This is the year to look and feel great...so let's get started...
My Foundation:
Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich Foundation SPF 15 (Warm Natural).I’ve been using BB foundation for almost 8 years.Love it!!
My Blush:
Bobbi Brown French Pink (but they don’t make it anymore) and Apricot
My Day Cream:
My ALL time favorite when I can afford it is Borghese.When I turned 30 my skin started to feel and react different.I knew I needed something else.I used to work at Nordy’s and Frida at the Borghese counter pulled me aside and asked what I was using, and I said Clinque.And she told me that I wasn’t 18 anymore and that I should start using something different since I am older….she said “Clinque is for young girls!”LOL!I never use Clinque anymore.
So here are my favorites:
Borghese CuraForte Moisture Intensifier
Borghese Cura Di Vita Protettivo Protective Moisturizer SPF 15
Boots No. 7 Advanced Hydration Day Cream SPF 12
My Night Cream:
Borghese Cura-C Anhydrous Vitamin C Face Treatment
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair
Boots No. 7Advanced Hydration Night Cream
My Gloss & Lipstick:
Bobbi Brown Crystal Lip Gloss
Bobbi Brown Raspberry Shimmer Lipstick
Bobbi Brown Nude Lipliner
Victoria Secret’s Fineapple Lip gloss (no joke…LOL)
Boots No. 7 Nude Stay Perfect Lipstick
My Essential Beauty Product:
Borghese FANGO Active Mud.This stuff is to DIE FOR!I haven’t found anything else like it!I never get facials anymore because Fango takes care of everything.(And it’s great for a girl on a budget).It refreshes your skin and you look renewed every time you use it!It’s the best thing ever…I try to use it once a week.
My Favorite Product:
I don’t just have one…LOL
Bobbi Brown Pink Shimmer Brick Compact...LOVE This!!
All of my make up brushes…could not live without…powder, bronzer, concealer, eyeliner, blush, face blender, eye blender, and my eye smudge brush.
And lastly, my Anastasia brow brush!!
My Perfume:
I don’t have a signature scent.I just wear whatever I am into at the moment.I sometimes wear Estee Lauder’s Pleasures, and right now I love Gap Body eau de toilette Mandarin Jasmine.And I love to keep it simple and just wear a body splash scent when I get right out of the shower….Love Spell by Victoria Secret or Love Shack by Gap Body.
My Nails:
Natural and short.I don’t really take the time to go out and pay for a manicure.But I always file and buff once a week.When I do wear color, it’s usually clear, French manicure, black or coral.
My Feet:
I use Aveeno cream on my feet.Coral polish on my toes and use pumice stone daily in the shower.
My Hands:
Burt’s Beeswax Hand Salve.My lastest and greatest find!!Found this by mistake.Takes care of dry hands and works great on your cuticles too. Make your hands look brand new.You can pick this up at Target for under 8 dollars.
Three Products To Take On a Desert Island:
Bottled Water, Sunscreen & Mascara...and if I could add a 4th, it would be Elizabeth to do my brows!! LOL
Women I Admire For Their Beauty:
Cindy Crawford (my hair goal, LOL)
Kim Kardashian (you can't deny that she is a knockout, gorgeous make up, I love how she is over the top)
Jennifer Lopez (love her style and her make up)
Eva Mendes (she reminds me of Sofia Loren back in the day…she’s smoking hot and has such a unique look)
Reese Witherspoon (so simple)
Gwyneth Palthrow (simple and chic)
Jennifer Anniston (love her hair and she has pretty hands)
My Ultimate Beauty Dream:
Is that one day I will have someone to apply my makeup and blow my hair out every morning!LOL
Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose up to 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.
(To do this, go to "notes" under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag up to 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish).
25 Random Things About Gina Lovato
1) The name on my driver's license is Gina Lynn Peynado Lovato. I couldn't decide what name to drop when I go married, so I keep them all.
2) I am a native San Diegan...I was born at the Balboa Naval Hopsital.
3) My dad told me I was named after Gina Lollabridgida.
4) And then found out I have like 2 or 3 other cousins named "Gina Peynado " too! WT?!
5) I come from a family of all girls (Maria, Annette & Gina)....3 of us. I'm the baby...my parents always spoiled me and made me feel special :)
6) I love being a Mom!! I have 3 children who I absolutely adore!!
Dalena Destiny (13) my Executive Assistant and Stylist Consultant (girl has style...I totally value her opinion)
Jeremy Aiello (12) my Agent, Life Coach and ego booster
and my baby girl...Amina Pilialoha (9) the Boss...I tell her she should be in sales because she is all about the ABC's... "ALWAYS BE CLOSING"... and she's my lovebug!!
7) When I was in the 8th grade I used to write my future name "Gina Lovato" or "Mrs. Mario R. Lovato" all over my folder.
8) I can sing well.
9) I am crazy about MEN! Well...actors, celebs and/or fictitious characters...LOL...Yes...I am married, not blind.
10) I'm not really interest in traveling to another country. I've been to Hawaii several times...I know it's not another country, but they have their own alphabet and language!! And royal soil...LOL
11) I am not AT ALL interested in any sports. I don't get it...BUT I LOVE CELEBRITY GOSSIP and I always want to know what my girl Britney is up too!! Maybe I should get some Britney car flags and strap them to the Yuk and drive around town...LOL
12) I have a great sense of humor...especially inappropriate behavior...I mean humor!! LOL
13) I love when I buy something impulsively because of the color, and then come to find that it goes with EVERYTHING in my closet!!
14) I wear Bobbi Brown because it's the best!! Everyone should own a shimmer brick!!
15) I am on the Jenny plan...love it. Don't think I will ever give it up!! It's changed my life and my perception of food!! I owe it all to JENNY and MJ, my consultant!! LOL
16) I feel like I am at the best I have ever been in regards to spirit, body and mind.
17) I stay out of the sun as much as I can...and always wear sun screen. I don't let my girls tan at all.
18) I believe if you don't get at least 8 hours of sleep it shows on your face.
19) I'm not adventureous at all. I don't like to try new things. It makes me uncomfortable.
20) I get along with everyone. If we don't get along, then you have a problem...LOL j/k
21) I LOVED my 20s, hated my 30s, and feel right at home being 40!
22) I manage my checkbook mentally in my head. Am I the only one that does this?
23) I LOVE HAMBURGERS!
24) I kissed a boy for the first time when I was 12...Gemielle, girl don't you comment about this please!! LOL
25) I haven't read not one Harry Potter book, I don't like Lord of the Rings...but I LOVE (EDWARD) TWILIGHT!!
I've been working on this post for a long time. I have so much to share and want to get it right!! This last year has been filled with new horizons, let downs, disappointments, pain, sorrow, victories, triumphs and happiness. What I have learned is that you need all of that to feed your spirit. Pressing forward and finding joy is what it's all about! So where do I start...I'll start with God...
I have always believed in God, but never felt that my faith was strong. "Strong" meaning, didn't really talk about it or shared it with others. I always felt embarrassed about saying God or Jesus. And I began to see that I needed to reach out and be with others to learn and grow. I always admired people who said they went to church or that they prayed. I knew there was a yearning inside me...but I wasn't sure how to reach out.. And then it happened, it was right after Thanksgiving 2007. See all this time, it was around me. My husband and my sister, Annette, always talk about their relationship with God and I have a friend, Kathy Stow, who would always tell me she was going to church, or that she was scrapbooking with friends from church. And one of my dearest friends, Mary...I always admired how she leads her life, putting God first. I knew that I wanted that too...but wasn't sure how to get it. So after talking with Mario, he suggested I try out Eastlake Church. I told Kathy that I would like to go, and that I was going to bring my sister and my kids.
I was nervous and didn't know what to expect. I knew that I loved the service, but I was more observing then feeling. I loved the music!! I was surprised how interesting and engaging the service was, yet I put a shield up around me. I didn't want to really let go when I was there because I felt at any moment someone would know I was new. But at the same time...I felt like Pastor Mike was talking directly to me. I continued to go, week after week. It has changed my life and my family's life. Little did I know that my sister had been praying for us to go to church together, and there we were. Side by side, together...her prayers had been answered.
My relationship with God was in the works...well, actually, it had always been there...and I just realized it. How lucky I am that God loves me so much!! I never understood that he was working in my life all this time. It really changed my perspective...I was open to so much more.
Each week I continued to go...it was a beautiful and natural progression. It was automatic making it a part of my life, and my children's life. And then wonderful things began to happen to me after only going a little over a month. It was the end of 2007, the last service of the year, December 30. Pastor James was speaking at the service, and it was about "Starting Off Right." What was said that day had such an impact on me...I still have the notes from that service...
Do the right thing-To act justly.
The problem-we often pursue achievement in gratification over character.
Character: The will to do what's right, regardless of the cost.
Christian character: The will to do what's right, as God defines right, regardless of the cost.
Show compassion-To love mercy
Keep God at the center-To walk humbly with your God.
When I heard these words I knew that I had to take action to make changes in my life that I was so unhappy about...the number one thing on that list was my job. I worked at a desk 6- 8 hours a day in a cubicle...no people to really talk to except for on the phone. I had been doing this job for 6 years. I left the beautiful incandescent lighting of Nordstrom to have weekends off and live a balanced life. And what was happening to me, was that this desk job was sucking the life out of me. I stayed for comfort and convenience. I was never challenged at that job, and I knew that I definitely didn't want to move up or get into management. I would feel anxiety when I would get in the car and drive 21 miles (one way in a Yukon) to work 5 days a week. The funny thing was I actually had 2 jobs..about a year before, I took a part time job with Gap, Inc...first with Forth & Towne, and then with Gap at Otay Ranch. I loved my job at Gap...it was fun...and duh! I LOVE CLOTHES!! And another bonus, the people were awesome!! What I didn't realize was that I wasn't taking responsibility for staying there in that miserable job, making myself and those around me miserable too. I was blocking my blessings. And so I prayed...I prayed to God to bring me a new opportunity...to take this misery away. And then I began to recognize how God was working in my life...amazing things began to happen...
5 days later...it was Friday, January 4, 2008. I woke up depressed because I was going to work. I was so unhappy, and still thinking about how I am going to make a change and leave my desk job. Not sure how or when I will do it. I didn't want to be at work, I didn't want to take calls. I had a mini anxiety attack and was on the verge of tears...I took my phone off of "ready" so I wouldn't get a call. And then all of a sudden, Mario called me at 11:15am. My husband, never calls me ever, and never calls me when I'm at work...so I thought I should pick it up. He called to tell me that he has tickets for our entire family to see Joel Osteen that night. Amazing...what great news!! I forgot that I was sad!!
Then at about 2:30pm, Clarinda, my GM from Gap called me. She wanted to ask me if I was interested in interviewing for the assistant manager position in our store. I was shocked!! I knew she was down a manager, but not sure if she was even going to fill the position. It was the opportunity I was waiting for!!
That day ended on such a high note for me and my family at Joel Osteen. We were all together, Mario & I, our children, my sister Annette, Greg and Adrianna (and Amy Richter & Alex were there too!).
What happened to me was the beginning of my relationship with God...allowing Him to protect me, take the worry away and open myself up to the possibilities of His love.
I had an amazing interview and got the job! And gave Cox my notice on January 15, 2008. How fantastic is it that just over 2 weeks prior, I was miserable...and if anyone would have told me....oh don't worry...you are outta here by the end of the month...I would have NOT believed them!! Lol!
Since I left Cox I lost almost 30lbs, I have a more balanced life, I eat right and exercise, I volunteer more when I can...and I'm a happier, more peaceful girl and still attend ECC!!
We all have sorrows, disappointments, set backs, and stresses in our lives. And for me, God being in my life made these things seem smaller. Even today, as I write this...not everything is perfect in my life...there are parts of my life that are falling apart...so yeah...it is far from perfect. Yet, His love and my Faith just over powers everything else. I am just trying to press forward and find joy. And I am so grateful for my experience at Eastlake Church...it has changed me.
