Much like Oprah, I’ve struggled with weight my entire life. Most of my childhood memories include some variation of being called these names: Fat. Whale. Obese. Fatty. Shamu (This a slightly less offensive term than Whale, because at least you get a proper name). Big Girl. Massive. Huge. Beast. (I am OK with this now … Continue reading How I Changed My Life and Lost 100 lbs
Getting Back Up
Last week, I pitched my weight loss story to a writer for The Dr. Oz show / magazine. I started picturing myself on his TV show, sharing how I've almost lost 100 lbs. I imagined myself sharing the story about how I transformed my body so much in one year. I would tell a story … Continue reading Getting Back Up
A Lesson on Rejection
"Will you go ask him if he likes me?" I asked my elementary-aged best friend. She ran across the playground in a full-sprint to the "hottest" guy in our grade. I couldn't tell what was happening, but he awkwardly looked at me and gave me a small smile. Moments later, she turned around and starting … Continue reading A Lesson on Rejection
What Surprised Me the Most…
He woke up crying at 4:30 a.m. No, please no, I begged. It's simply too early. I let him cry for a few minutes, but he stood up in his crib. "Shhh," I said into his monitor. "Everything will be OK buddy. Night night." He didn't like that answer. He started screaming and tried to … Continue reading What Surprised Me the Most…
It’s Not Goodbye, Indianapolis
"It's not goodbye," I said, as we all sat around sharing our favorite stories from high school. "It's see you later!" I was 18 years old and I didn't want to say goodbye to my best friends. The next day, I was moving away to college. I was wildly excited about attending Ball State. I had … Continue reading It’s Not Goodbye, Indianapolis
Broken Like a Puzzle: Living with PCOS
The sun was beating down on my pale legs. I was starring out the patio window as I held back my tears. "I just wish I could do something," Justin said. "I am a problem solver. I like fixing things. And I just want to fix you." He said with tears in his eyes. Earlier … Continue reading Broken Like a Puzzle: Living with PCOS
If You Think of It…
I was anxiously waiting for the plane to take off. My buzz was starting to kick in from the extra strong margarita I ordered earlier at the airport. "What would you like my dear!?" the waitress asked me an hour ago. "Something strong that'll put me to sleep on the plane!" I said. "Coming right … Continue reading If You Think of It…
The Busy Moments Are the Ones You’ll Miss
Most of our evenings go like this... I try my hardest to avoid hitting rush-hour traffic so I can pick up Coop from daycare on time. We get into the car and he's a hot mess because he's hungry. I give him Cheerios or a veggie pack to hold over his appetite. However, 75% of … Continue reading The Busy Moments Are the Ones You’ll Miss
I Feel Complete
"I love your top side," I said. "I love your bottom side." And that's when he did it. He placed his head under my chin, just above my heart. A piece of my heart exploded as I kissed his forehead and continued reading one of our favorite books. Tears filled in my eyes as I … Continue reading I Feel Complete
Why Not?
My story begins 16 years ago. I was 12 years old and enjoying my summer vacation with my sister at the local city pool. We would ride our bikes down the block and spend our summer days splashing around with other kids, even on days when we had softball games. We were such rebels. While … Continue reading Why Not?
