Embracing My Inner "Me-Maw"

When you're young your life stretches out in front of you forever.  I knew in my head that one day I'd be "old".  But now that I'm turning that mid-life corner, I'm finding that it's a weird place to be. 

It's all a matter of perspective though.

When I was a teenager I said to myself "Dear Lord, please kill me before I turn 30."  Back when I was a kid, 30 did seem old.

As I was closing in on 30 though, I started back peddling.  "Dear Lord, ignore that young stupid kid.  She didn't know what the heck she was talking about." 

I kept my fingers crossed as 30 came and went and was glad that God has a sense of humor.

So now I'm 50. 

It hasn't been as bad I thought it might be.  As my 70 year old retired surgeon friend said to me "You're a spring chicken compared to me." 

Perspective.

Living in a world that embraces artifice and perfection, modern women (and men) are inclined to fight the aging process tooth and nail  And while I refuse (for now) to Botox myself into Barbie smoothness, I will admit to paying a pretty penny for skincare products and quarterly hair color applications.

What I haven't been able to prevent has been my ever increasing spare tire.  You know, that weird little roll that pops up above your waistband.  Some women will gain weight around their hips and thighs.  Some women gain it in their midsection. 

Pear vs Apple.




Well, I'm an apple for sure.  A few years ago I gained 5 lbs.  Didn't phase me a bit.  I've always eaten pretty much whatever I've wanted to.  Oh, I'd diet from time to time but once you hit middle age you tend to shrug off a few extra pounds here and there. 

Then I gained 5 more over the next year. And then this year?  You guessed it, another 5. 

Crikey!  I'm about 15 pounds heavier than my "usual" adult weight. 

So I figured I'd do what I've always done.  I'd just cut back a bit on the sweets.

Nothing.

OK, lets cut out the wine.

Nothing.

Portion size?

Nothing.

Are you kidding me?  This stuff is like super glue.  It's bonded with me!

Rats! 

I've discovered, just like a lot of you, that if I want to lose weight, I'll just have to exercise.  Or at least that's what they say.  (sigh.)

"But it's HOT..."  I whine to myself.  "My feet hurt."  "My back aches."  "Who has the time?" 

I've got a LOT of excuses.  But I either have learn to embrace my "inner Me-Maw" or I need get off my duff and do something about it.

Mind Over Fatter.  That's what I keep telling myself. 

But being a "Me-Maw" ain't necessarily all that bad either...is it?