I’m the kind of jen that when I don’t like something about myself or a situation that I’m in, I go to work on changing it (where applicable). Right now, I’m at an all new point. Let’s take for example, this soft and gooey center that I have developed. I’d like to play innocent and say shockingly, “I have no idea where this came from!” But the truth is, hell yes, I know where it came from. It came from the parade that starts with Halloween candy and marches along the fall lines of entertaining, snacking, appetizers, drinking, desserts, cookies, and more sugary delights that strut along from Thanksgiving through to New Year’s. I know this and still I’m surprised about the consequences. Historically, when I’ve gained weight I add more to my bootie and saddle bags. I’ve reached the point where I have to slide in and dance around to get my jeans up over my ass. You’ve been here, haven’t you?
Bootyliciousness is my biological destiny. If you’ve ever met my Mom, you could see. She’s got a big butt and that’s where she gains her weight (she’d also say her arms, but those stay hidden most of the time). She can’t hide her behind. It’s not as bad as Jennifer Coolidge’s character in Robots, Aunt Fanny, but (pun intended) you get the picture. (btw, Robots is one of my favorite kid animated movies, a must see if you’re a parent!)
I’ve been up (size 12) and I’ve been down (size 6) through the years and certainly child bearing has contributed to the coming and goings of my fat. But this time around, I have a new flab. It’s my squishy center. Not unlike that box of See’s Candies that I shared over the holidays. Yes, my stomach area was permanently disfigured when Baby was born. (Oh SOAM, I love you so). However I believe that after you reach a particular age you shouldn’t wear a two piece bathing suit anyways, so I’m okay with it. SoCal Moms will loudly disagree, but I wasn’t raised here. Can I blame this new blob on Baby? Maybe a little bit. Is this a part of aging? Ugh. I’m not ready to accept that quite yet.
Living in SoCal is a double edged sword. It’s extremely beautiful here. While many of you are dealing with freeze and snow days, I’ve got my back patio door open as I write this. However, people think too much about what they look like here. Simple fact is that we wear less clothes year around. I never get to wear my turtlenecks here and I never put away my sandals or tank tops. Our bodies simply show more. Our summer starts sometime in April before the May Gray or June Gloom sets in and then it lasts well into September (no, I’m not kidding). Frankly, this was one of the reasons I was scared to move down here. You have to think about your body more than where you can hide it under heavy sweaters six months out of the year. And vanity screws with my sanity.
Well the good news is that I know what to do. It’s simple, but not always easy. Get rid of the sweets in the house (working on it, ahem), drink more water (check), walk more (check – Sanity Friday 3 mile beach side walks with Lola), and eat less (shake weekday mornings, chews for snacks, more salads for lunch and sensible dinners). I know I can’t fight the battle of the bulge by only walking one day a week. But where to fit in exercise when I’m a SAHM? How do you Moms do it?
I’ve got to find a low cost, (or preferably no cost) way to exercise. Yeah, I’ve got DVDs that collect dust and no, I’m not pushing BigBoy and Baby in a stroller. Maybe I’ll have to reconsider that; the beachside walk is extremely nice. I want to add dance back into my life. That’s been a BIG missing since marrying Husband. It’s not his fault, I know that dog don’t hunt. So here’s my next mystery, Scooby Doo. Find joy in exercise. I’ll find it if dance is involved because to shake my bootie puts a smile on my face. And I’ll keep coming back for more. I know myself. Dance brings me great joy. So I must find a way to do this. I’m open to suggestions. Let’s hear it, friends. I’m going to do some research with my glass of Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc tonight. Because that’s one piece of sweetness, I’m not giving up. Cheers!
call me anytime for those beach walks and ass dancing events.
I found (when I do exercise) that “right” workout right on my tv at home. Not sure if you have ON DEMAND, but on my tv I go to free and mylife and exercise tv and there are a BUNCH of workouts. My favortie is the Biggest Loser one, but there are so many to choose from and they are right at my fingertips, just have to start one….haha….not today.
I hear you. My mom pointed out to me last year that I was getting “soft and goey” in the middle and ever since I have been so self conscious. I think it comes with age and now with the start of the new year going to get back in shape. Planning to do a 50 mile bike ride in March and happy to join you for salsa in encinitas. Check out the library maybe they have videos to choose from or better yet maybe a meet-up group, why stay in side when you can work out outdoors in beautiful San Diego.
Dana, thank you for reading and posting a comment! I really appreciate that. And what a great tip! I had no idea exercise was a part of my tv programming! So very cool and should help with the variety.
Thanks Diane for reading and posting a comment. Don’t you just love Moms? They always have your best interest at heart and they sure can tell you how it is, huh? Glad to hear that you’re getting back on that bike. I know you found a lot of joy riding last year. ‘Fitness Fun’ is a great new word on my vision board this year! I’m also committing to doing a big feat – I’m gonna do the SD 3 Day this year. Cheers, girlfriend!
I was never run for running. I mean I loathed the thought if it, until last fall when noticed another Mom friend of mine would run home from pre-school instead of taking the bus. (NYC). I copied her and slowly fell in love. I couldn’t believe how amazing I felt afterward and within the first week my husband aid he noticed a difference in my body. I now live in a new city and my new schedule doesn’t allow for running so easily. However, I have found that making the time and explaining the importance of this, sometimes numerously, to my husband sends a message to my psyche that reminds me how worthy I am of this. I have just decided to try to run a half marathon in April.
What a great accomplishment and goal Jen! I hope you will soon get back at it. Clearly, we both need it. I think the lack of regular exercise is contributing to my insanity. I’m looking for the way. Thanks for the comment, girlfriend!
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