Irreconcilable Differences

For twenty-five years, I've been overweight.  No sense beating around the bush; I'm the kind of girl that likes to get straight to the point.  I'm too old to be coy and if you've spent enough time to find this blog and decide you're interested in reading what I have to say, you deserve the honest truth.

I'm thirty years old and for as long as I can remember, I've dealt with weight issues.  And I don't just mean physically.  Being overweight is mentally and physically exhausting.  It consumes your thoughts, taints your plans and aspirations, scars your self-perception and can potentially take over your life.  I, my friends, have had quite enough.

For anyone who is a follower of my other blog (shameless plug about to happen...) Lost in Singledom, you know that I've made a lot of changes in my life in the last year or so.  I've broken out of my shell and really worked on who Melanie is on the inside.  I've dilligently tried to make decisions based on what I want and not based on how other people will see me or think about that particular route I've chosen to take.  I've made new friends, reconnected with old ones, discovered what I want and don't want out of this life, and made strides to get there.  So, why is my dating life more important than my overall health?  It's not.  And that's why we're here.

I intend to use this blog as my accountability partner (that means you), my inspiration and my progress report.  For the first time in my life, I will be frank about my weight, my goals, my struggles, my insecurities, and my accomplishments.  And rewards (the fun part).  Together, we'll work to find that skinny girl that lives inside of me (that I've been shutting up with Chips Ahoy for years).

Here's what we'll agree to in an ever-so-not-binding contract:  I'll post regularly about dieting and exercising, and each week I'll update you on my progress with actual, not slanted stats and pictures.  In exchange, you will comment up a storm.  You don't have to sing my praises or shower me with flattering compliments (you know, unless you really want to); I just want a good dialogue about all things weight loss.   Everyone has issues with some part of their body, so let's be open and share without being judgmental or hurtful.  Agreed?  Agreed.

So, since I tend to be known for my dating references, analogies and snide remarks, I decided to maintain that overtone with "Breaking Up with the Couch."  We're through, you comfy, green, microfiber, l-shaped wonder.  You're going to miss me.  And I will surely miss you, but it's for the best, really.  You'll stay looking nicer longer without my behind plastered to your cushions, and I'll definitely start looking nicer by resisting the urge to settle into that Melanie's-butt-shaped indentation. There's going to be a period of adjustment and you might get jealous of the elliptical.  It's natural.  But, I'll try my best not to talk about it or other gym equipment around you and save it for the blog.

Today marks the last day of my relationship with the couch.  We're officially broken up.  Let's do this...

Ever seen a caterpillar turn into a butterfly?  Keep your eyes on me...