Losing the Extra Me

I've been on the heavy side for most of my life. I was a normal sized kid but as soon as I hit my preteens, I started to get "pudgy".

Plumping a little is normal in children before they grow taller. It tends to even-out the taller they get. I didn't even out, I just kept plumping.

As soon as it started, I became self-conscious of my weight. I was ashamed of the way my body looked; I even hated it.

By the time I got to high school, I was 165lbs. I wanted a change, so Istarted exercising a little. I wasn't dedicated to it; it was really a halfhearted try.

I lost a little weight and my lowest scale reading during this time was 160lbs (yeah, 5 whole pounds). Not great, but not as bad as my heaviest; which was 187lbs.

At my heaviest, I was dating a guy that was completely unsupportive in my quest to lose the excess weight. In fact, he would get upset with me if I tried to exercise or eat more healthy; he would accuse me of "trying to look good for other guys". I was about seventeen years old, I had low self-esteem, and I felt lucky to have a boyfriend (even if he was a jerk). It took awhile, but I realized that I was better off without him. So I ended that unhealthy relationship, but I had already formed some pretty unhealthy habits.

Running away from Creepers

Running has become part of my weekly routine. I've even started running farther than my usual 3 miles (now I'm up to 4). One of the hurtles that I've had to get over is my fear of running in public. I used to get so upset when people (usually men) would yell at me out of their windows or when they would honk the horn at me. It was enough to make me cut runs short.

Steven has been a great encouragement for me while trying to deal with my anxiety from this. He runs with me, he bought me an mp3 player and music so I didn't have to hear it, and he encourages me to continue, even when I get yelled at. He says, "Ignore it and keep going." It's gotten me to a point where I don't even acknowledge drive-by catcalls anymore.

 A few weeks ago, Steven injured his knee and hasn't been running with me as often. He isn't pushing his knee anymore than it can stand. This has left me alone during some runs. I cope by running during the day, in crowded places where I feel as safe as possible.

But yesterday... Oh yesterday...

Axe Cop Wedding Invite/Postcard from Ethan Nicolle

One of the neat things about being a part of a community is being able to help those in the community and vice versa.  

Ethan Nicolle, creator of  Axe Cop  asked for help to raise money for his wedding and Steven and I jumped at the chance to pitch in. We've enjoyed the free web comic and we wanted to help make his and his bride's wedding a special one. 

We bought an Axe Cop "wedding invitation" with a hand drawing of  Axe cop on the back.