I don't like the shiny mommies much. Unfortunately for me, I live in the hub of shiny mommies. They are all around me in all of their fit, fabulous, healthy, manicured, coiffed, shiny fabulousness. I had a vague understanding of the time, expense and commitment it must take to be a shiny mommy and knew there was no way that was ever going to fit into my life......
Unfortunately for me I turned 40 in October and as the birthday approached I realised I had myself a problem. Somehow, someway a few, many un-welcomed lbs had graced my bod. Who was responsible for this? Someone, I assure you, had been asleep at the wheel.
An early fall afternoon I found a postcard in our mailbox that read "lose 20 pounds in 12 weeks". Done, sign me up! I joined my local Get In Shape For Women and, well, would you believe it worked? The 12 weeks dragged out a bit due to the unavoidable, Thanksgiving, Christmas and month long back injury. The count to date is 17 pounds. I am as much proud of this accomplishment as I am ashamed that it needed to be so.
The gym and it's program is perfect for me. It's small group personal training where I have 3 scheduled appointments each week. I need someone (gorgeous, fit, tall and nice smelling) to stand over me and motivate. Jay, my boyfriend lover trainer has been nothing short of fabulous. He's nearly made me vomit on many occasions and for that I am incredibly grateful. My BMI has dropped from "over-weight" (wince) to "fit" with the next stop being "athletic". Shocking. It's the psychology in this program. The appointment is what makes me get there, it makes me plan. I can't "push it out", I can't "go later", I can't "go tomorrow". I must show up for my appointment or I loose the opportunity. Not only that, Mr. Sassy Pants is there to make sure I make the most of the precious time I have allocated and tells me exactly what and when to eat. Isn't he dreamy?
It does feel utterly amazing, but there has been a cost. A lot of where I have been over the last few months is at the gym with my lover boyfriend trainer. Not just at the gym, but completely altering my life and the way I use my time so that the gym gets priority. 'Tis the way, I now know, of the shiny mommy. I don't think I'll make it to true shiny status. Maybe I am little more "not too shabby" than super shiny. What I have learned is that it is plain and simply about prioritizing. Deciding what comes first, what can slide and quite frankly, all that can go without doing.
The last few months I have chosen fitness, quality family eating, household tidiness above all else. That in itself has taken every single moment of my available time. It's been peaceful I tell you. I have felt a sense of accomplishment and control that is foreign to me. As I head into the home stretch (with not a single pair of pants that fit me) I am starting to revive some of the old me. Some of my old ways of spending time. Right now as I sit in front of the computer the breakfast dishes sit undone, beds unmade and me in my jammies. That's the old me alright. The modified me will soon dress, run to the gym and get home for the chores before the boys get off the bus.
Perhaps I can do it all, be a slimmer, sassier me who also has time for some other stuff . . . I just may have to be un-showered, certainly un-manicured and hopefully from time to time wearing something other than sweaty, baggy running pants ...
You're an inspiration, Laurie! :D
Posted by: LizInScotland | 04/06/2011 at 09:40 AM
That's great. I need to do that myself. I keep looking at my muffin top and think, I must de-muffin.
Posted by: Pat Cogan | 04/06/2011 at 11:55 AM
Inspiration, muffin topless, all of. Go Laurie
Posted by: Miss Juju | 04/06/2011 at 05:42 PM
so that's where you've been. Good for you! Now you'll fit right in at the PTO meetings (though, personally, I love the "unconventional" parts of you that I imagine haven't changed in the process, I hope!)
Posted by: Growing Muses | 04/06/2011 at 10:04 PM
Miss L- REALLY??!!
You should see the "shiny" mommies in CA.
Posted by: Miss Anna | 04/09/2011 at 08:46 AM
Miss L, you look amazing, and you'll always be to sassy to be shiny! I have to say though, that I do take a wee bit of issue with you posting a picture of me with my exercise ball without asking ...
HA!
Posted by: Miss Jane | 04/11/2011 at 10:20 PM
I'd love a personal trainer but my physical therapist will have to do. I bought new cross trainers (I haven't owned sneakers in years) and was all excited to start walking (etc.) Sadly, my spine and hip have other plans. Le sigh.
Wonder how much it would cost for me to lose 90 lbs in one of those gyms/health clubs. ;-)
Posted by: Barefoot Liz | 04/13/2011 at 08:51 PM
wow! I thought it looked like you were wearing junior size skinny jeans when I saw you for CC night, but you denied it and were sitting down. CONGRATS! I am very proud and very jealous of you. Well done, you should be very proud.
Posted by: S | 04/14/2011 at 10:15 PM