It's a known fact that most fat girls hate getting their photos taken. Who can blame us? Creating proof for the history books that we are or were overweight... sounds like lots of scrapbooking fun.

Whenever cameras come out... honestly... overweight women (with low self-esteme) shreek inside and ask themselves "How can I manage to not be in this photo?" A common excuse often used... "I didn't do my hair?" (but that only works so many times) or offering to take the group photo instead of being in it (always a good one to use). When forced to be part of the photo, you'll see overweight girls stand behind large objects like other adults, small children or if sitting on a couch have a pillow on their lap to hide their torso (which just exudes self-confidence doesn't it?). Don't believe me? Look through your photo albums on the hunt for large ladies and check out the poses.

Exhibit A: Review the picture on the left (2 years ago) - I only had this picture taken because I realized that my children had very few pictures of me with them... it did cross my mind... that if I was to suddenly die (which thankfully I didn't)... I wanted them to have some sort of documentation that I actually existed (even if I looked like s**t)! Photo on the right, is me a month ago (85lbs lighter). Big difference in the pose wouldn't you say? And I look a wee bit more energetic and happy too.



Exhibit B: Look at the difference in how much my profile photos have changed on facebook from left to right. Slowly... I revealed more of myself (but it took 2 years). When I joined facebook the headshot involved a turtle neck (to attempt to mask the double chin and a headshot to hide the body)... again on the right over the holidays at a party I had no problem showing off that I actually have a waistline now and liked the photo enough to post it on facebook as my profile photo. Note the difference in the neckline... I'll be honest... I show off "the girls" as much as possible now... definitely an asset... and like they say... if you've got it... flaunt it!



If you are photo-shy... it's a sign you need to do something about how you look. It might not even be about weight... your hairstyle might be outdated, your clothes might be frumpy, you may feel like a "plain Jane" because you can't wear make-up... whatever... if you don't like how you look... CHANGE IT!

If you are not sure where to start... ask hot friends. Real friends will tell you the truth. Two friends of mine, Rena and Dimitra told me they thought it was great that I had lost so much weight but gave me a dose of truth serum that I really needed to update my look. Rena cut my hair to look saucy and Dimitra patiently showed me how the hell to apply make-up so I actually still looked natural! Both of these girls are trained in the beauty industry and always look amazing so I trusted what they told me. Everything they did and showed me was right-on.

A few months ago, someone told me I was beautiful... it took me off guard... because it actually was the first time in my life that I remember hearing that. Even now... it's hard to see myself as beautiful but I'm getting there, because honestly I've never felt beautiful before... but more and more people are using words to describe me like pretty... beautiful... and my 2 personal favorites... HOT and BOOTILICIOUS... and to be honest... I'm starting to believe them... and it makes me feel good when people realize how hard I have worked over the last 2 years (so keep the compliments coming)! I've accepted that I'll never be a runway model (I just don't have the right nose and cheek structure *shucks*)... but I feel good about myself and how I look... probably for the first time in my life.

On a weekly basis, Devin and I reflect back on how I looked when I first came to him 2 years ago. How he didn't think I was hopeless case I'll never understand... but I'm glad he didn't. I seriously could have been a contestent on a weight loss show like The Biggest Looser.

My husband Gordon laughs and (as a clean freak) is patient with the current state of our bathroom vanity (piled with hair and beauty products) and how high-maintenance that I've become. He doesn't complain, because I walk out the door about 2 inches taller than I used to... because of my increased confidence. Now when I go out... I always do my hair, most of the time I wear make-up, and I never wear sweats in public (well except at bootcamp). It only takes me about 20 more minutes to get ready... but I feel 200% better about myself when I make an effort.

About 2 years ago (during a complete low period in my life)... I managed to reach my full pregnancy weight (but I was no longer pregnant)... one night... I was in a foul mood, I went out with a friend to just get out of the house... and I ran into a complete fox of an ex-boyfriend that I hadn't seen in years (to add insult to injury I was drenched from the rain, in my sweats, and was wearing possibly worst bra that I owned - you Mamas out there know what I'm talking about). Certainly... not a high-point for me. We all know when we see people from our past (especially ex's)... we want to look good. I've vowed after that day to make sure it doesn't matter if I'm running to the grocery store or just bring the kids to swimming that I'll put myself together so then if by chance I run into someone I know... they'll see I feel good about myself and I won't avoid eye contact in hopes that no one will recognize me (oh yah I've done that)! Honestly, haven't we all?

Now if I see someone from my past and they don't walk away thinking DAAAMMMMMMN (she looks good for 35) then I'm highly disappointed! *smiles*