Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Start at the Top and Work Inward

As you can imagine, I haven't felt my "prettiest" over the past seven months.

I have neglected my appearance, my body, my health and my skin.

If you knew me three years ago and saw me today, especially after my great escape, you would ask yourself "my goodness what happened to her?".

Does she smoke a carton of cigarettes per day? No.

Is she drinking dark whiskey? No.

Stress is a bitch and will age you overnight. If you don't believe me, just look at pictures of the Presidents on their first day on the job, then compare them to pictures six months later.

Astonishing.

The most noticeable (to me anyway) is the area around my eyes. Dark circles and wrinkles that were not present last spring.

The last seven months, I had two things on my agenda . . . keep the kids away from vileman and the divorce. I was able to check those two things off my list over a month ago, and now it is time for some self-love/self-care.

Before you think of me as a whipped dog, I must be honest and tell you that I started getting over six hours of sleep in September. This occurred after a few therapy sessions and the relief of talking it out allowed me to relax a bit. Unfortunately, the insomnia returned a few weeks before the divorce hearing and I'm still not back to six or more hours. But, I think once I'm exercising on a regular basis and taking better care of myself, I'll be snoozing like Sleeping Beauty.

One natural mood enhancer that occurred, was I got a haircut in late October. And a good one. Infact, it is probably the best haircut/hairstyle that I have ever had and I've maintained the cut by getting it trimmed every five weeks. The almost 45 years of bad hair days, including my years as an infant and toddler have, hopefully, come to an end.

Time to stop eating crap. The reddish brown dog loves to eat crap. He likes kitty cat crap, horse crap, and his new favorite . . . goat crap. Reddish brown dog craps a lot too. Keeping him away from crap on a small farm isn't easy.

I'm no better than reddish brown dog when I end up eating half a family sized bag of Doritos, washed down with a diet pepsi. It's crap. It won't be easy, but I can have self-control to say no to crap snacks and instead eat healthier.

Last week I walked four times. Today is the first non-rain day, so I will be out walking after picking up the kids from school.

I purchased my favorite face creams, luxuries that I did without for many months and decided what the heck, they make me feel better. I also picked up a multi-vitamin and a large bottle of glucosamine for the joints.

The DVD player is set up in my bedroom with my favorite exercise DVD's handy along with a 10 pound set of weights.

So, I have a hairstyle that I like and can maintain, I bought my face cream and eye serum (though I think only surgery is the answer at this point). Vitamins and minerals will be consumed. Walking is happening.

Need for improvement: food choices and weight training.

Wish me luck!

16 comments:

Unknown said...

I bet you look better than you think. I am constantly changing what magic potion I use on my face in the hopes of not looking 38 (or older). More sleep, better food, and exercise will work wonders, I'm sure. Consider the face cream a heatlhcare purchase, especially if it has SPF.

Anonymous said...

Nothing beats a great haircut!! And you just reminded me that I need to take my vitamins - thanks!!

You are on your way up girl!!

Michelle said...

It sounds like you're off to a good start! I need to start walking. I do jumping jacks throughout the day, 20 at a time. lol Usually after I go to the bathroom. Just a little something to get me moving. :)

Debbi said...

When you figure out how to make weight training a regular thing, do let me know. It's the one thing I've never been able to do consistently, and it's certainly a big part of anyone's successful weight maintenance plan. You're doing great ... and you have lots of support, in person and virtual. It's great to see you turning a corner.

The Fat Foreigner said...

Sounds lovely! I wish we could see pics of your new hair, but I totally understand why you wouldn't want to connect this blog with your real face with everything begin how it is.

Anonymous said...

fish oil has done wonders for my skin.

Hey, Malibu takes an over the counter pill-well actually Hubcap takes it so Malibu woun't eat her poop. What is it with those dogs!

So glad you got a great cut!

Anonymous said...

Hi Doc, I had to laugh at your 'dog eating crap' analogy. And, I bet you will be surprised at the improvement in your face when you start getting enough sleep, and some of the stress starts to go away. I have had several work friends retire and I am always surprised when they come back to visit and look about 5-10 years younger!

Patience said...

Sleep and a good haircut. Can't be beat!!

Pictures??

Anonymous said...

You're doing great, girl.

And I'm assuming you're drinking tons of water, right? That does wonders for the skin, too.

4 walks in a week is fabulous. Keep up the great work!

Anonymous said...

You're on a mission, bouncing back to better than ever. What a relief to have time again to focus on your needs beyond the emergency ones related to the Evil One.

When I am in my foulest mood, or when I am most worn out, those are some of the times that exercise does me the best, even though that's when I usually don't want to go do it!

Cammy@TippyToeDiet said...

No luck needed, you are on your way! Good for you for getting back in gear and focusing on yourself for a bit. You earned it, chica.

Cindy said...

I am glad you are doing things that make you feel good. I have a crap eating dog, too. I call him poo-breath sometimes. I like your analogy. Maybe next time I reach for the icky foods I will think of the crap eating dogs! Thanks for all your support.

Helen said...

You sound like you are doing great...I am glad you are treating yourself the way you should! :-)

Hanlie said...

Well done for looking after yourself!

Lora said...

You are so right about the stress. When my sister went through her divorce she aged about 15 years!

You'll bounce back. She did! (A new hair cut does wonders!)

Diana Swallow said...

I'm so glad you're finally taking care of you! You're so right about stress. So now you need to stay hydrated and eat right and those dark circles will be a thing of the past!