Thursday, December 27, 2012

Coming Out Of The Closet



I am, once again, outing myself. Only three people know so far.  Now, it's time to tell the entire world.


Some girls are born with glitter in their veins.  I was not. Those of you who know me personally know for a fact that I am not a girlie-girl. I do not own a single pair of heels, no dresses, not even a purse.  My wardrobe consists of mostly spandex cycling stuff, a bazillion race t-shirts, sportswear and three pairs of jeans.

70% of my wardrobe


 I was never interested in the accumulation of purses, shoes, make-up, or endless hair products and accessories.  I do NOT like shopping for these items either.  This year I am going to change that!

The other 30%

Years ago, I started wearing only jeans and t-shirts, or sport/casual clothing. Everyday. I got very comfortable.  I wear work-out wear everywhere and to the gym.  I have virtually nothing to wear for special occasions.  I will be 44yrs old this year and have no idea what style/fashion I should be wearing.  Ugh!

I stopped wearing make-up, except for a couple times a year. I don't "do" hair or nails. I have a lot to learn.  Lucky for me.... I know people and they want to help.


This 2013 year is going to be the year of "finding my girl".  She disappeared decades ago and my tomboy showed up.  Don't get me wrong, I like being a tomboy.  However, I want to be a girl too. Is there a happy medium?  Can I find it?

Follow me on my FaceBook page.  It should be quite entertaining.

I did get a jump-start on this process by having my hair cut, high lighted and low lighted.  I had my eyebrows done and bought my first outfit.  I even bought a pair of boots and they weren't hiking boots.  


They have heels even!!


Thursday, December 20, 2012

Pep Talk

With the holidays approaching fast, I wanted to gift you this.....



Hey you,

 You have worked so hard and I am so proud of you.  You should be proud of yourself too.  It wasn't easy getting started, remember your first day?  I know, it was absolutely horrible. How did you ever get through it?  But, look at you know.  You look amazing!  Don't you feel good? You have that sparkle in your eyes.  Losing that weight and getting active was the best thing you could have ever done for yourself, your kids, and your spouse.  How gratifying to have new clothes in your closet in the smaller size too.  You sweated, huffed and puffed, worked hard and earned those threads. Now don't blow it!

I don't want you to undo what you have accomplished so far.  You do not go backwards. You keep moving forward, steady at your own pace. Day in and day out, you have been successful. You are exercising and eating healthy, it's part of your lifestyle now. Do not let Christmas parties and buffets beat you. Do not revert into bad habits.  It's time to stay the course. Keep your eyes on the prize.  You and only you get to decide what and how much you put in your mouth.   You know that if you overeat you will feel miserable and guilty.  You will need to face yourself in the mirror and on the scale to accept responsibility for your actions. You will gain weight and not be able to zip your pants.  Who wants that? Not you!  You are not that person anymore. You said good-bye to that person in 2012. I know something you don't yet.... 2013 is going to be your year! Start it happy and healthy!

Live It Loud,
Wendy


These tips have helped me in the past:


 Gooey butter cake does not have legs.  It will not be on your plate unless you put it there.    

 Make smart choices and watch your portions.  

 Bring a healthy dish to share at parties.  That will also insure you have something healthy to eat.

 Don't arrive with an empty stomach.  Eating a small meal beforehand may .

Be mindful of "liquid calories".  They count too.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Mrs. Big Legs

When I was born I picture God telling the angels what he wants to give me.  He says, " give her blonde hair and blue eyes".  The angel attending to me was a little hard of hearing and thought God said " give her blonde hair and big thighs". Since the angel wasn't entirely sure what she heard, I ended up with blonde hair, blue eyes, and the big thighs.


 Being born in the "twiggy era", the 70's, was difficult for me.  I stuck out like a sore thumb out among all the "you can't be too thin" girls.  They all seemed to have these incredibly long, thin, lean legs. My mom used to say I had big legs because I was German. Well,  I don't want to be German then.

Twiggy 1970ish


In grade school I was referred to as the "girl with the big legs". I absolutely hated it and wished there was something I could do about it.  My legs set me apart from all the other girls. I couldn't wear the cute, slim fit jeans or skirts, hell, I still can't.   I was the butt of several jokes and was teased quite a bit.  However, it wasn't all bad.  I was one of the first kids picked for teams of kickball or dodgeball, so I can't complain about that. Having strong, sturdy legs allowed me to play an entire soccer game.  My legs landed me on the "A" track and cross country team in high school and I lettered my freshman year.  After I graduated I ran several marathons. See, it wasn't all bad.
Me, age 12


Even at my age, 43, I am still a little self-conscious about my thighs.   Most days we get along great, unless I am trying on jeans or dress pants, that is a nightmare. However... when I head out the door for a bike or a run, I have a lot of confidence that my big legs will serve me well. I just wish someone had told me when I was younger that my large legs would make me an amazing athlete, or something along those lines, but no one did.

I also wish I could be in a room with all of those who made fun of me and tell them what my big legs have helped me accomplish.  I would definitely mention that I crushed out over 200 miles of Kansas gravel, in less than a day.  I would tell them of the time I went mountain biking for 24 hours. Finally, I would tell them of a tough trail race I am doing this weekend and smile really big!  



Wendy