Weight Loss | BulgingButtons

November 2, 2013
by BulgingButtons 18 Comments

No Wonder I Look So Fat

That’s what I said when I watched this video. Ok, I’m kidding. I know the real reason I look so fat is because I am. But at least my videos and photos are an honest representation of me. Now before you read another word take a moment and click on the link above to watch a model transformed before your very eyes.

I knew models were airbrushed, and I knew that they were made leaner. I also knew that their cup sizes were regularly modified. What I didn’t realize is that their necks were stretched and their legs elongated. I didn’t know that their eyes were enlarged and moved about on their faces. It’s rather horrifying when you think about it.

Where do we draw the line between reality and fantasy when it comes to appearance? Cosmetics? Hair extensions? Fake tanning? Those are all very common appearance “enhancers” but some might argue that they’re dishonest too.

My personal opinion is that if you couldn’t be seen in person the way that your image appears, there’s some voodoo going on and it’s not on the up and up. My neck will never be longer, and I will not grow another inch taller, but I might tweeze my brows and put on a little lipstick.

No wonder we women look at ads and then turn a viciously critical eye on ourselves. “She must have more willpower,” we say. Well, yes, compared to me she doubtless does, but she’s also half digitized. In other words, fake.

Here’s to real women of all shapes, sizes, colors, and looks. There are so many versions of beauty that contorting an already beautiful woman into something less than human seems almost profane.

October 30, 2013
by BulgingButtons 9 Comments

Where Do I Even Begin?

No doubt many of you have already seen this little gem by now and have formed your own opinions about it. My first reaction? You have got to be kidding me. My next reaction involved some choice words that I prefer to keep out of print for now.

I think the story goes something like this: a woman in the midwest wants to do her civic duty by proclaiming her neighbors’ children obese and giving them notes to that effect instead of candy on Halloween night. The notes not only explain what a wonderful service she is doing them, but go on to suggest that the parents ration the candy the children happen to accumulate from the disappointing neighbors who might stoop to give them any.

Jeez, talk about fat shaming. This is fat shaming and parent shaming and just plain old nastiness all rolled into one self-serving holier-than-thou pile of crap. Let’s face it, this note is just plain mean.

Here’s the deal, I’m usually a pretty open minded individual. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt, and I generally try to convince myself that people have others’ best interests at heart. In this case I just don’t see it.

If you think giving candy to some kids and mean spirited notes to others is somehow going to improve their health, you’re out of your mind. You’re worried about childhood obesity? Don’t give out candy. Better yet, don’t give out anything. Turn off your light and stay away from the windows. Your neighbors will probably thank you. Especially those with the chubby children who you will target with your ill conceived notes.

Notes which, by the way, you apparently spent considerable time on, including a cute graphic. Which makes me wonder if this is even real. Who shared this with the world? Halloween hasn’t happened yet. Is someone pulling the wool over our eyes? Are we being pranked?

I hope so , because you don’t know every child’s story. You don’t know every family’s story. Neither do I. If they’re letting their kids trick-or-treat that’s their business. If you don’t want to participate, don’t. You don’t get to pick and choose which kids get a treat and which kids don’t. If you don’t have something nice to say, say nothing. Sit this one out and admit that maybe you’re not the expert on everything. You want to help kids? Help your community? Fantastic. This is not the way to do it.

October 23, 2013
by BulgingButtons 8 Comments

Suck it up and JUMP! – Courage in the Face of Fear

My friend Jessie jumped out of a plane. She did it on purpose, and she loved it. I had the extreme pleasure of hearing her retell her experience, with vivid detail. She is an extraordinary story teller. I know other people who have jumped out of planes. On purpose. I’ve never understood what compels them to do this. I’m a chicken. A fraidy cat. A wuss. Whatever. I don’t jump out of airplanes. At least I never have before, and I honestly don’t anticipate partaking in that particular activity any time in the future, but you just never know.

Here’s the thing about Jessie’s story that really made me stop and think: she was scared, really scared, but she did it. Not only did she do it, but she put on a brave face (for the handsome photographer that she was paying to capture the event) and then she actually enjoyed it. Loved it, in fact. Hmmmm. Maybe there’s something to this. Let me see if I’ve got this:

Rock Star Jessie

1. Set a big, but attainable goal

2. Alert the media (ok, friends and other supporters)

3. Show up

4. Allow yourself to be scared

5. Do it anyway

6. Smile big

7. Enjoy the experience

There is definitely a life lesson here. I’ve got some big goals, many of them are posted on the 47 for 47 challenge page. I’m alerting the media (via this blog and other outlets) and I’m showing up. I’m frequently scared (sometimes of failure, but also of success), but I’m putting on my smile, and mustering through it. I just need to learn to enjoy the experience. I’m still not jumping out of any planes, though. At least not on purpose.