Weight loss | BulgingButtons

November 25, 2013
by BulgingButtons 11 Comments

When Pigs Fly

Flying pigs are kind of my thing. I have flying pig socks, flying pig yard art, and flying pig salt and pepper shakers. My Christmas tree has a few flying pig ornaments, there is a flying pig nightlight in my hallway, and there are flying pig magnets both on my fridge at home and my whiteboard at school. I even have a flying pig cookie jar and flying pig duct tape. Lest you think my home is terribly tacky, I assure you it is not. My flying pigs are refined and tasteful, and if you don’t like them, well, frankly I don’t care. They are for me, and I love them.

I don’t love them because I’m a particular fan of swine. I love them for what they represent. The old phrase, “when pigs fly” is a phrase of negativity. In other words, whatever you’re trying to do is impossible. For example, “I’ll get my novel finished when pigs fly.” Here’s another, “I’ll lose the weight when pigs fly.” Those little pigs with wings represent the squashing of all that negativity. Why not? Why not get that novel done? Why not lose that weight? Why always focus on what we can’t accomplish, and start believing in what we CAN accomplish. Pigs can’t fly? Rubbish. Have a little faith. They are flying all about us, if we take the time to notice them.

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 21, 2013
by BulgingButtons 15 Comments

Going Cold Turkey – A Week of No Starbucks

It’s too early. It’s too dark out. I didn’t get enough done over the weekend. I still need to go grocery shopping and stop by the drug store on the way home today. I have a commitment after school. I’m feeling overwhelmed. And a happy Monday to you too.

Some days just feel crazy. They feel like they are swirling around me and I’m left standing in the middle, bewildered. Sometimes they get moving so fast that I just want to curl into a little ball to protect myself, until the storm passes. Of course this is all figurative, and curling into a ball just makes matters worse, the stressors don’t go away by themselves.

One recent stressor is the realization that I’m not doing a good job taking care of myself. My eating habits have slipped and in many ways my good intentions have become deflated. I’m fixing that. I headed back over to SparkPeople, which is a fabulous free website, and created a new profile for myself (BulgingButtons, of course). I also got out and got some much needed exercise yesterday. It felt tiring, but so rewarding.

Now the next step is to extricate the Starbucks habit. I’m hooked, I admit it. I love me some frappucinos. But, man, are those things costly! Both in money and caloric intake. I’ve been sucking down tons of calories, and forking over mega-bucks to do it. Talk about crazy. Today it stops. I’m committing to NO STARBUCKS for a week. Baby steps, people, baby steps. I know it will make me feel better, both physically and emotionally, not to mention financially. Anyone with me?