When I was at my parents’ house last week, I saw the old growth chart my dad used to keep on the pantry door. It reminded me of when I was a little kid how obsessed I was with being “the biggest.” I remember being excited when my shoe size went up or when I passed all the boys in height (I was the second-tallest girl for most of elementary school. The tallest girl ended up being six foot four.) It was a HUGE deal to me when I passed up my brother in height (albeit temporarily).
Yes. I shrank between 93 and 97. I blame heavy school books.
My grandmother used to have a scale in her bathroom. I vividly remember standing on it and seeing the needle hit 100. I was so excited I went and bragged about it! I was ten and I was stoked.
It makes me laugh to think about running across the street to tell my friends that I’d GAINED weight. I can’t imagine doing that now. But. I woke up this morning and realized that my 30th birthday is five months away. I’m not depressed about turning 30 – far from it. I love my birthday and 30 is a great reason to celebrate. I want to end my third decade on a high note, and start my fourth decade feeling good about my health. I go above and beyond to make sure Maddie eats healthy foods and has healthy habits, but I don’t do the same for myself. It’s time to start.
I’ve gone out of my way to hide my weight from others. Why? It’s not like people can’t LOOK at me at SEE what I weigh. It’s not like someone will suddenly hear my weight and think I’m fat. And really, so what if they do? The only thoughts that matter are my own, and weight is only a number.
A number I plan on only being at temporarily. This morning I weighed 157 pounds. That’s more than I’d like on my five foot three frame. I want to lose twenty pounds. Twenty pounds in five months. I can do it, I’ve done it before. I exercised today and I’m actually looking forward to exercising again tomorrow. I followed a diet and I didn’t cheat. I’ve turned a corner. I have a goal and I’m making myself super-accountable by writing about it here. On June 27th I’m gonna feel great.
I’m a regular Valerie Bertinelli up in here!
Maria says:
I’ve been excercising for the first time in over three years. I started very reluctantly. I’ve always read that it helps with stress/sleep/strength but I’m pretty blown away by how much better I feel. It helps to actually have the time though. When i worked full time I didn’t get home until after 7pm. I never could have made it to the classes I go to 2-3 times a week.
We’ll be here cheering you along for the next five months, lady. I have no doubt that you can achieve anything you set out to do.
ali says:
good for you! you can TOTALLY do this. if you want, i’ll do it with you!
alis last blog post..when the cat’s away…
natalie says:
my 40th birthday is in 6 months. last week i started working on losing the 25-30 pounds i would like to lose before then. we came back to america at the end of november and between eating out at all the places we missed and the holidays i gained about 8 pounds on top of the 20 i already wanted to lose. i finally decided to do something about it!
good for you. and way to put it out there for all of us to read. i’m not sure i could do that! i can say 25-30 pounds, but actually admitting what i weigh…no can do! you’re so brave! and the funny thing is reading what your weight is doesn’t make me think anything, but knowing my number and that it’s too high makes me cringe! why is that?
natalies last blog post..No wonder…
Kristin says:
I am starting this weekend. I need to lose 80lbs (ick) and want to look good for my brother’s wedding reception in September. His bride to be is 4 ft 11 in and weighs less than Meg……
I’m with you. Email if you want support!
Kristins last blog post..Ugh, I hate titles
maya says:
You know I am doing this too. My only problem is my snacking- which has got to stop. I’m doing the gym 3 times a week, and had my personal training session last week- so I know what I need to do now- it’s just doing it. You think we could lose the 20 pounds together by June (since I will be turning 28 then).
I love how truthful you are!
mayas last blog post..My Roots
Cara says:
I’ll be 35 next month and I am heavier than I have ever been and I hate it. Do you think I could lose 40 pounds in 6 weeks? Oh yeah, it’s doable.
Caras last blog post..Circus
Amy says:
Can I join in? I just turned 35, I’m also 5’3″, and I weigh 155. So I also need to lose 20 pounds. I had a baby 4 months ago, but I’m sad to say that I have technically lost the “baby weight”, this is the weight that I had gained before I got pregnant. Trying to juggle the work/mom thing with 2 kids, but gotta find the motivation to lose this weight too. I’ve lost before, but only with WW, and I can’t afford to do that now.
Amys last blog post..Stock Show & the Shock Wave
Kristabella says:
Good for you! That is totally attainable! I’m currently trying to lose 30 pounds. I’m down 3.5 so far! Slow and steady wins the race!
Kristabellas last blog post..Further Proof I’m Three Years Old
Alison says:
5’3″ for the win! Except, you know, the whole can’t-hide-anything-on-this-frame deal. Good luck! As I am super into nutrition, I can’t wait to hear about it. Remember: everything in moderation, and that includes In-N-Out. OK, bad example, since I believe in In-N-Out *all* the time. Healthier choices one can sustain are just the ticket.
Alisons last blog post..Can’t Take Us Anywhere