A popular question posed by interviewers of famous people is, "if you could say something to your 16 year old self what would you say?" I've often pondered that question. My first instinct is just to plainly say, "it will all work out in the end" Or, "Don't sweat the small stuff". But this journey to health this year has brought up so many things inside of me that I would have to write myself a book.
With all the horrible bullying that is going on in our schools and neighborhoods, it makes me reflect on my jr. high/high school days. To be honest, no one gets away from it. If your fat you get picked on in life. If you "too" smart you get picked on in life. If you have sex in those years you get picked on. If you don't have sex you get picked on. And believe it or not if you are a cheerleader or plain out seem "to have it all together" you get picked on. Maybe not to your face. But it is happening.
Its ugly. Its sad. I look at my two girls and want to do EVERYTHING I can to protect them from it. But I know it will happen. Because even if they are not picked on by their friends or schoolmates, the media will tell them they do not have the right body, or nose or complexion. Something will always be wrong.
On reflection, what I would like to say to my 16 year old self. That boy (that you secretly had a crush on) that called you and ugly lard ass as you left the school bus. He ends up divored and alone. He can't mantain a relationship with anyone. That girl that made fun of you on the beach during Senior skip day? She dropped out of college, lives with her parents and is addicted to meth. Almost EVERYONE that picked on your weight, now struggles with their own. I am not saying these things to laugh and say, "ha, ha, you got yours." I am simply saying no one knows how things will turn out for people. Just like the bullies who didn't know that girl or boy would go home and take their own life because they couldn't take anymore.
Another thing that people may find shocking for me to say to my 16 year old self. "Someday, you will look back and be thankful you were overweight." Shocking I know. But I can tell you that nothing like struggling with a weight/health issue can give you compassion for others. I see people that are hurting. I feel their pain. I don't like to see anyone embarrassed. I like to make everyone around me comfortable and to know that it is O.K. to just be yourself with me. It makes you see others as God does.
Now, those of you who know me, know that I have yelled and been angry at God for my situation. I have envisioned a life so much better if this was not my struggle. But as I move to clarity of my mind and taking better care of my body, I can honestly say to my 16 year old self. "Don't wish for something else, this will lead you exactly where you need to go." I leave you with one of my favorite verses in the Bible. Roamans 8:28."And we know ALL things work together for good for those who love Christ and are called according to his purpose."
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Friday, October 5, 2012
Diet Coke please light ice!!!
I know it has been a while since my last blog but life is always busy and this happens to end up last on the list. I mean I think my children and husband should be fed and have clean clothes to wear before I am blogging away about my crazy self....call me old fashioned!
Since my last post, I have visited a new dr. and nutritionist and am happy to say they have listened and gave me an action plan in my weight loss/health journey. Things are moving in the right direction so I feel hopeful that I can turn this ship wreck around. This new dr. believes in mind, body spirit health. I like the fact that he see the whole person as all being connected and not just willing to throw a bottle of pills and me and tell me to lose weight. He is actually giving me the tools and support to do so. WOW. Such a difference to what I've experienced in the past.
During my first meeting with the nutritionist, she told me I was built for famine. SEE, all along I was right. I have said for years my ancestors lived where they only got a couple of meal a year so they stored it all as fat and held on to EVERY calorie for survival. I also happen to believe they were in a cold climate, therefore having to produce tons of body hair to keep warm. Yep, my family is full of hairy fattys. (BUT WE ARE GOOD PEOPLE)
I realized after my first appointment with the doctor, I forgot to mention my dirty little addiction to Diet Coke. Of course, I quickly scanned the "acceptable" drink list they gave me and guess what? No Diet Coke listed. So this last appointment, I fessed up. I thought he would brush it off as no big deal. But he says, "oh?" And I heard. "You will die by midnight if you drink one more." But then he tells me they give it to lab mice and they get fat and no one really knows why for sure. So I set out a plan before him of how I plan to kick the habit. My plan is not to buy it at home, therefore forcing me to have to go out to get it.
Fast forward a week later, when I am hurling curse words (under my breath, I have children in the car) at the construction workers at McDonald's for putting up the stop sign and letting the other traffic move right when I was getting ready to pull in the drive-thru. I mean I almost got the shakes here. It is 3 in the afternoon and I have not had a Diet Coke for over 24 hours. So I finally get my "fix" and as I drive away with the first sip sliding happily down my throat with its familiar burn and sachrianny taste ( I am pretty sure sachrianny is not a word, but give me a break, I blog not write masterpieces) one of my favorite songs from the Black Crowes comes on the radio, its called She talks to Angels.
It is about a women with an addiction. As I turn it up, I hear this line...."theres a smile when the pain comes, pain gonna make everything alright." OH HELP ME LORD!!! I am officially a Diet Coke addict. I literally smile and take a few deep breaths with my first sip every time. I smoked for years and cigarettes never gave me that kind of feeling. I got it bad people.
So, being that this blog made me do a 5K, due to the fact that I am a person on my word. I have chosen a date this month (with another addicted buddy who shall remain nameless) to kick the habit.
That is my plan. Its now out there for the world to know. I am a person of my word. So I have to do this.
Since my last post, I have visited a new dr. and nutritionist and am happy to say they have listened and gave me an action plan in my weight loss/health journey. Things are moving in the right direction so I feel hopeful that I can turn this ship wreck around. This new dr. believes in mind, body spirit health. I like the fact that he see the whole person as all being connected and not just willing to throw a bottle of pills and me and tell me to lose weight. He is actually giving me the tools and support to do so. WOW. Such a difference to what I've experienced in the past.
During my first meeting with the nutritionist, she told me I was built for famine. SEE, all along I was right. I have said for years my ancestors lived where they only got a couple of meal a year so they stored it all as fat and held on to EVERY calorie for survival. I also happen to believe they were in a cold climate, therefore having to produce tons of body hair to keep warm. Yep, my family is full of hairy fattys. (BUT WE ARE GOOD PEOPLE)
I realized after my first appointment with the doctor, I forgot to mention my dirty little addiction to Diet Coke. Of course, I quickly scanned the "acceptable" drink list they gave me and guess what? No Diet Coke listed. So this last appointment, I fessed up. I thought he would brush it off as no big deal. But he says, "oh?" And I heard. "You will die by midnight if you drink one more." But then he tells me they give it to lab mice and they get fat and no one really knows why for sure. So I set out a plan before him of how I plan to kick the habit. My plan is not to buy it at home, therefore forcing me to have to go out to get it.
Fast forward a week later, when I am hurling curse words (under my breath, I have children in the car) at the construction workers at McDonald's for putting up the stop sign and letting the other traffic move right when I was getting ready to pull in the drive-thru. I mean I almost got the shakes here. It is 3 in the afternoon and I have not had a Diet Coke for over 24 hours. So I finally get my "fix" and as I drive away with the first sip sliding happily down my throat with its familiar burn and sachrianny taste ( I am pretty sure sachrianny is not a word, but give me a break, I blog not write masterpieces) one of my favorite songs from the Black Crowes comes on the radio, its called She talks to Angels.
It is about a women with an addiction. As I turn it up, I hear this line...."theres a smile when the pain comes, pain gonna make everything alright." OH HELP ME LORD!!! I am officially a Diet Coke addict. I literally smile and take a few deep breaths with my first sip every time. I smoked for years and cigarettes never gave me that kind of feeling. I got it bad people.
So, being that this blog made me do a 5K, due to the fact that I am a person on my word. I have chosen a date this month (with another addicted buddy who shall remain nameless) to kick the habit.
That is my plan. Its now out there for the world to know. I am a person of my word. So I have to do this.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Thats All Folks...or is it?
Two years ago when I set out on this journey to run a 5K, I figured this blog would be a kind of accountability. See, I am a person of my word. If I say I am going to do something I will do it. Several times on this journey, I have wanted to just delete this blog and go away quietly without ever even signing up for a 5K.
Actually those thoughts were running through my head as I limped through The Color Run in Indianapolis July 28th. Actually at one point I thought I just have to make it 2 more colors and then this whole journey will be over and done with. I will never speak of it again.For those of you who aren't familiar with The Color Run, look it up. Its slogan is "the happiest 5K on the planet" and I have to say I agree. With each kilometer, participants are greeted by several people holding ketchup bottles full of a colored cornstarch powder that they throw at you. It sounds kind of brutal but everyone was very nice and not pelting you in the face as you go by. Although, my sister did say I had a blue Hitler like mustache and blue teeth thorough most of the run.
The excitement of standing there with that many people getting ready to do something you never thought you would even attempt is amazing. I actually shed a few tears in line waiting to start the run. The excitement quickly ended for me as I started out jogging and quickly found out how unprepared I was for the pavement. Almost immediately I began to feel like my feet were on fire and my legs were going to break like rubber bands. So I quickly backed off and realized, I wasn't running this 5K.
I am harder on myself than most people and I began to hear the voices in my head that I could not do it and never would. That I had wasted the last two years thinking I could do this when my body wasn't about to let me. I thought lets just get it over with. I am still proud to say I finished. I couldn't be more blessed by the team that went with me that consisted of my sister and her husband, two of their daughters and a family friend. God bless my sister (who never planned on running) for hanging back with me. She could have left me in the dust several times, but she faithfully stayed by my side.
I actually said to her, maybe running wasn't for us during the 5K. "biking she said, maybe we should bike?" No that just makes my ass hurt thinking about it. I once had a bike with butt pads that still didn't help the situation. You know me bony butt, chubby front. I invented the fat transfer YEARS before I found out they actually offer that up at plastic surgeons. If I could just suck it out of my gut and put it in my butt things would be great. Of course I wouldn't want all my front in my butt, that would make even Sir Mix a Lot think red beans and rice should have missed me. I could give the excess to the plastic surgeons to use as filler on the Hollywood A-listers. So every time I saw an actress with a pair of lips like the back end of a baboon in heat I could think, "hmm, wonder if she is sporting some of my excess chub! Wow, did I just digress. Back to the 5K experience.
The rest of The Chubby Runners had finished before us, but when we came around to the finish line there they were. I asked them if they had finished and they actually said, "we came as a team and we will finish as a team" What an amazing group for me to experience this with. I will be forever grateful for each of them.
So I did it. I can shut this blog down and move on to new things. However, I can't give it up. Call me bull-headed, determined or just plain stupid, but I knew the next morning this wasn't the end. I know that I will be back next year to do this again. I am just crazy enough to say I will return until I can run the entire thing. I know what to expect now and what it will take from me. The fear is gone. The anticipation of the unexpected is gone. But one thing remains, my sheer will and determination to continue on this journey.
Maybe someday, I will be such a fitness guru that I will have to change the name of this blog but for now, The Chubby Runner will remain. If nothing else, I hope I have encouraged people...or at least made you smile every now and then.
Actually those thoughts were running through my head as I limped through The Color Run in Indianapolis July 28th. Actually at one point I thought I just have to make it 2 more colors and then this whole journey will be over and done with. I will never speak of it again.For those of you who aren't familiar with The Color Run, look it up. Its slogan is "the happiest 5K on the planet" and I have to say I agree. With each kilometer, participants are greeted by several people holding ketchup bottles full of a colored cornstarch powder that they throw at you. It sounds kind of brutal but everyone was very nice and not pelting you in the face as you go by. Although, my sister did say I had a blue Hitler like mustache and blue teeth thorough most of the run.
The excitement of standing there with that many people getting ready to do something you never thought you would even attempt is amazing. I actually shed a few tears in line waiting to start the run. The excitement quickly ended for me as I started out jogging and quickly found out how unprepared I was for the pavement. Almost immediately I began to feel like my feet were on fire and my legs were going to break like rubber bands. So I quickly backed off and realized, I wasn't running this 5K.
I am harder on myself than most people and I began to hear the voices in my head that I could not do it and never would. That I had wasted the last two years thinking I could do this when my body wasn't about to let me. I thought lets just get it over with. I am still proud to say I finished. I couldn't be more blessed by the team that went with me that consisted of my sister and her husband, two of their daughters and a family friend. God bless my sister (who never planned on running) for hanging back with me. She could have left me in the dust several times, but she faithfully stayed by my side.
I actually said to her, maybe running wasn't for us during the 5K. "biking she said, maybe we should bike?" No that just makes my ass hurt thinking about it. I once had a bike with butt pads that still didn't help the situation. You know me bony butt, chubby front. I invented the fat transfer YEARS before I found out they actually offer that up at plastic surgeons. If I could just suck it out of my gut and put it in my butt things would be great. Of course I wouldn't want all my front in my butt, that would make even Sir Mix a Lot think red beans and rice should have missed me. I could give the excess to the plastic surgeons to use as filler on the Hollywood A-listers. So every time I saw an actress with a pair of lips like the back end of a baboon in heat I could think, "hmm, wonder if she is sporting some of my excess chub! Wow, did I just digress. Back to the 5K experience.
The rest of The Chubby Runners had finished before us, but when we came around to the finish line there they were. I asked them if they had finished and they actually said, "we came as a team and we will finish as a team" What an amazing group for me to experience this with. I will be forever grateful for each of them.
So I did it. I can shut this blog down and move on to new things. However, I can't give it up. Call me bull-headed, determined or just plain stupid, but I knew the next morning this wasn't the end. I know that I will be back next year to do this again. I am just crazy enough to say I will return until I can run the entire thing. I know what to expect now and what it will take from me. The fear is gone. The anticipation of the unexpected is gone. But one thing remains, my sheer will and determination to continue on this journey.
Maybe someday, I will be such a fitness guru that I will have to change the name of this blog but for now, The Chubby Runner will remain. If nothing else, I hope I have encouraged people...or at least made you smile every now and then.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Couch to 5K....two year plan!
A better name for this blog may be the morbidly obese jogger, but the Chubby Runner sounded so much nicer. That was the first line of my first blog entry more than two years ago when I set out to run a 5K. Who would have known what the journey would bring. I know I didn't. First the surprise pregnancy that landed me in the hospital having a baby two days after I turned 40. For all of those who have been following from the beginning, my goal was to run the 5K before 40. Well after much struggle, stops and starts, the 5K is this coming weekend.
The last few weeks have been filled with a sense of depression concerning this journey. I have been in a funk that has been at times overwhelming. The reasons being so many. The fact that injuries have caused me to fall behind in my training. And mainly the fact that I never lost a large amount of weight during the process. This is for several reasons some self induced some not. My main focus has been on the "here we go again" mentally that I have always had concerning my weight. I will just say, this time there are some things that are different. I set a goal to run a 5K. I have fear, anxiety and self doubt about how much running I will actually do. BUT, this time, I WILL FOLLOW THROUGH. Regardless of the outcome. I WILL DO THIS! No backing out.
I have had several people ask me the last few months, "Why are you doing this?" I could probably answer most of it with the fact that I am doing this for selfish reasons. For the fact that a lot of people don't think I can. For the fact that maybe even I myself don't think it is possible. So why will I be running this Saturday?
I will run for....
The last few weeks have been filled with a sense of depression concerning this journey. I have been in a funk that has been at times overwhelming. The reasons being so many. The fact that injuries have caused me to fall behind in my training. And mainly the fact that I never lost a large amount of weight during the process. This is for several reasons some self induced some not. My main focus has been on the "here we go again" mentally that I have always had concerning my weight. I will just say, this time there are some things that are different. I set a goal to run a 5K. I have fear, anxiety and self doubt about how much running I will actually do. BUT, this time, I WILL FOLLOW THROUGH. Regardless of the outcome. I WILL DO THIS! No backing out.
I have had several people ask me the last few months, "Why are you doing this?" I could probably answer most of it with the fact that I am doing this for selfish reasons. For the fact that a lot of people don't think I can. For the fact that maybe even I myself don't think it is possible. So why will I be running this Saturday?
I will run for....
- Every chubby person who has ever starved, made themselves vomit or abused laxatives to lose weight.
- Every chubby person who has felt "less than" because the BMI chart showed they were "more than" they should be.
- Every chubby person who was picked last on the playground for a sports team
- Every chubby girl that was forced to go prom dress shopping with their skinny friends.
- Every chubby person that was embarrassed by the fact that they couldn't climb that damn rope in gym class
- Every chubby person who has endured stares, giggles and rude comments.
- Every chubby person who has been forced to buy clothes labeled plus or husky.
- Every chubby person who has cried in a dressing room.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Move over Old Country theres a new Hog trough in town!!
First start right off with an apology. Why? You ask. Because due to the fact that the 5K I signed up for is less than two weeks away, I am in full panic mode and eating more protein than should be humanly possible and limiting all carbs, sugar and Splenda, oh and just for poops and giggles, I've given up coffee and Diet Coke (once again SIGH) for the next two weeks so I am a crabby patty. AND that last sentence was what I believe English teachers call a run on sentence!!!! But I don't care to fix it give me a break people.
My subject today is nothing about my training or 5K. It is about the fact that a Golden Corral is coming to my area. For those of you that don't know, it is a buffet restaurant. I have never been there before but from the sounds of the chatter going around town the excitement of its impending arrival is quite the talk.
So, let me fill you in on something a bit scandalous. Sit down. Take a deep breath. Are you ready? O.K. here goes. This chubby girl HATES buffets. No more like DESPISES them. I know it is hard to believe. Don't get me wrong, there are times I have taken "all you can eat" to the extreme. But usually that was in the privacy in my own home or at a family get together. And if there was cake involved....now thats an idea a cake buffet. That could change my mind, but I digress (fancy word)!!
First let me state the obvious. Everyone watches the fattys at the buffets. BEFORE you argue with me GET REAL with yourself. Even I in all my fatness have witnessed someone at the buffet and had a fleeting thought that they REALLY shouldn't be there. I know the times I have gone I have had my visits to the "hog trough" counted by curious onlookers. By the way, I refer to all buffets as hog troughs. I even had a Asian dude tell me, "don't eat it all" when I returned for seconds. Oh yes, people are that rude and mean. I think me being fat gives them an excuse to be rude. I wanted to scream, I just wanted one more pot sticker, and some General Tao's chicken and oh some more of that vegetable low mein...got to get my veggies in.
Another reason I hate the hog trough is the "ick" factor. Anyone who knows me, knows I am not a germaphobe. I would go as far at to say I would have more of a ten second rule than five. So I am definitely not "one of those" people HOWEVER, those plastic guards they put up are not protecting my food from the gross people of society. The "dirties" the I'll poo and run and not wash my hands. The "snotties" who wipe their nose with their hands. I have seen with my own eyes people sneeze right under the plastic guard. I have witnessed a man have a spaghetti noodle that did not want to leave the buffet, use his own fingers to snap it off his plate back into the bin for unsuspecting diners. I witnessed a girlfriend, get a piece of lettuce off her plate WITH her hand and toss it back into the salad bar. Can we all say GROSS together people?
All this being said, I will occasionally let my husband, or the crowd I'm dining with talking me into the buffet. But, the whole time I am filling my plate I am saying in my head, "don't think about it, don't think about it." Not to mention most of the food tastes like its been frozen too long. So this was my rant. I must also put a disclaimer on here. I hear The Lady and Sons which is Paula Deen's restaurant in Savannah has a buffet. I would eat there and never complain or be grossed out. Because I am pretty sure butter kills all bacteria in the world.
My subject today is nothing about my training or 5K. It is about the fact that a Golden Corral is coming to my area. For those of you that don't know, it is a buffet restaurant. I have never been there before but from the sounds of the chatter going around town the excitement of its impending arrival is quite the talk.
So, let me fill you in on something a bit scandalous. Sit down. Take a deep breath. Are you ready? O.K. here goes. This chubby girl HATES buffets. No more like DESPISES them. I know it is hard to believe. Don't get me wrong, there are times I have taken "all you can eat" to the extreme. But usually that was in the privacy in my own home or at a family get together. And if there was cake involved....now thats an idea a cake buffet. That could change my mind, but I digress (fancy word)!!
First let me state the obvious. Everyone watches the fattys at the buffets. BEFORE you argue with me GET REAL with yourself. Even I in all my fatness have witnessed someone at the buffet and had a fleeting thought that they REALLY shouldn't be there. I know the times I have gone I have had my visits to the "hog trough" counted by curious onlookers. By the way, I refer to all buffets as hog troughs. I even had a Asian dude tell me, "don't eat it all" when I returned for seconds. Oh yes, people are that rude and mean. I think me being fat gives them an excuse to be rude. I wanted to scream, I just wanted one more pot sticker, and some General Tao's chicken and oh some more of that vegetable low mein...got to get my veggies in.
Another reason I hate the hog trough is the "ick" factor. Anyone who knows me, knows I am not a germaphobe. I would go as far at to say I would have more of a ten second rule than five. So I am definitely not "one of those" people HOWEVER, those plastic guards they put up are not protecting my food from the gross people of society. The "dirties" the I'll poo and run and not wash my hands. The "snotties" who wipe their nose with their hands. I have seen with my own eyes people sneeze right under the plastic guard. I have witnessed a man have a spaghetti noodle that did not want to leave the buffet, use his own fingers to snap it off his plate back into the bin for unsuspecting diners. I witnessed a girlfriend, get a piece of lettuce off her plate WITH her hand and toss it back into the salad bar. Can we all say GROSS together people?
All this being said, I will occasionally let my husband, or the crowd I'm dining with talking me into the buffet. But, the whole time I am filling my plate I am saying in my head, "don't think about it, don't think about it." Not to mention most of the food tastes like its been frozen too long. So this was my rant. I must also put a disclaimer on here. I hear The Lady and Sons which is Paula Deen's restaurant in Savannah has a buffet. I would eat there and never complain or be grossed out. Because I am pretty sure butter kills all bacteria in the world.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Thank you, please come again!!!!
Years ago I worked in retail. Sometimes the very word retail can make me shudder. Working in retail can be fun I guess, but that would require you to love to work with the public. I used to think I loved people. Then I went to work in retail. Then I went to work at a credit union. You think people are crabby when you mess their sale up at the register, you should see people when you are dealing with their money.
One job I have never done, nor think I could handle is a waitress. People also get very crazy about their food. So I can sympathize with those working with the public. Its tough. However, I also think you should probably be good with people to do these types of jobs. If you aren't you better well sure know how to fake it.
Lately, I have been noticing more and more the poor customer service in the stores I frequent. I know as you age you have a sense that "things were sure different when I was young", but I can tell you, I would not have lasted in retail for a day if I wasn't able to communicate and be helpful and friendly with the customers.
Case in point, have you noticed the people who wait on you and barely speak? I think I have been grunted at a couple of times. What happened to hello, thank you? What ever happened to "going the extra mile"? And seriously, you better make sure whatever you have has a price tag on it, because that throws them over the edge. They don't seem to know how to find the price, they have to call a manager, call the department, call security. Its is annoying. The other day, I returned a pair of shoes that broke a strap the first time I wore them. The lady at the service desk, looked and said I've never seen these before. Then she stammered around looking for the code until finally I said, "do you want me to go back and get another pair"? AND she let me. Seriously, isn't that YOUR job?
I also find it disturbing when the cashiers or workers talk bad about each other to the customers. And while I'm at it, QUIT, rolling your eyes, sighing, telling me you have worked for 14 hours straight or 14 days without a day off. It's none of my business you are going through a divorce or fighting for custody of your children or you have a fungus on your left foot that itches. JUST RING UP MY GROCERIES PLEASE.
I think I must have a face for it. Strangers like to tell me their "stuff". One time while running the drive thru at the credit union, I had a lady tell me through the speaker (this was before head phones) that her husband was cheating on her. Sometimes I walk away from a store or restaurant and think I am owed a fee for counseling.
Today was another example. I was in the yogurt section while a gentleman was stocking. I was talking to my daughter about how I was looking for unsweetened Greek yogurt. He pipes in. "that stuff isn't any better for you, its harder to make and more expensive thats all." I thought, "oh I guess since you put it on the shelves, you are a yogurt expert". Then somehow it came up about living until you are 90. "I don't want to live until I'm 90 he said, there won't be any social security for us anyway". I said, "well maybe by then I will be financially independent"...."yea, right like that is gonna happen he says". By the time the conversation was over, I wanted to walk over to the milk open the freezer and slam it on my neck until I ended it all.
Look for those of you who really know me, you are aware negativity is a thing I struggle with a lot. I mean call me on a bad day and I will make you want to gouge your eyes out and jump off a cliff. I'm just saying, if you work with the public, at least fake it people. I used to think the scan it yourself idea was horrible. BUT the more I deal with the workers the more I think we are on to something. We are so horrified that machines are taking over and replacing jobs but I gotta tell you, I would rather have a robot wait on me sometimes.
One job I have never done, nor think I could handle is a waitress. People also get very crazy about their food. So I can sympathize with those working with the public. Its tough. However, I also think you should probably be good with people to do these types of jobs. If you aren't you better well sure know how to fake it.
Lately, I have been noticing more and more the poor customer service in the stores I frequent. I know as you age you have a sense that "things were sure different when I was young", but I can tell you, I would not have lasted in retail for a day if I wasn't able to communicate and be helpful and friendly with the customers.
Case in point, have you noticed the people who wait on you and barely speak? I think I have been grunted at a couple of times. What happened to hello, thank you? What ever happened to "going the extra mile"? And seriously, you better make sure whatever you have has a price tag on it, because that throws them over the edge. They don't seem to know how to find the price, they have to call a manager, call the department, call security. Its is annoying. The other day, I returned a pair of shoes that broke a strap the first time I wore them. The lady at the service desk, looked and said I've never seen these before. Then she stammered around looking for the code until finally I said, "do you want me to go back and get another pair"? AND she let me. Seriously, isn't that YOUR job?
I also find it disturbing when the cashiers or workers talk bad about each other to the customers. And while I'm at it, QUIT, rolling your eyes, sighing, telling me you have worked for 14 hours straight or 14 days without a day off. It's none of my business you are going through a divorce or fighting for custody of your children or you have a fungus on your left foot that itches. JUST RING UP MY GROCERIES PLEASE.
I think I must have a face for it. Strangers like to tell me their "stuff". One time while running the drive thru at the credit union, I had a lady tell me through the speaker (this was before head phones) that her husband was cheating on her. Sometimes I walk away from a store or restaurant and think I am owed a fee for counseling.
Today was another example. I was in the yogurt section while a gentleman was stocking. I was talking to my daughter about how I was looking for unsweetened Greek yogurt. He pipes in. "that stuff isn't any better for you, its harder to make and more expensive thats all." I thought, "oh I guess since you put it on the shelves, you are a yogurt expert". Then somehow it came up about living until you are 90. "I don't want to live until I'm 90 he said, there won't be any social security for us anyway". I said, "well maybe by then I will be financially independent"...."yea, right like that is gonna happen he says". By the time the conversation was over, I wanted to walk over to the milk open the freezer and slam it on my neck until I ended it all.
Look for those of you who really know me, you are aware negativity is a thing I struggle with a lot. I mean call me on a bad day and I will make you want to gouge your eyes out and jump off a cliff. I'm just saying, if you work with the public, at least fake it people. I used to think the scan it yourself idea was horrible. BUT the more I deal with the workers the more I think we are on to something. We are so horrified that machines are taking over and replacing jobs but I gotta tell you, I would rather have a robot wait on me sometimes.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Me and my BIG mouth.
So first a disclaimer....I should probably not post after having martinis. But oh well, so here goes.
I find myself totally mortified by ever saying I would run a 5K. I mean literally, what the heck was I thinking? By all accounts I should be having people bring me loads of food while I bask in my fatness in my bed (specially made to handle the enormous weight load) I mean isn't that what morbidly super obese people do?
Before you think I am judging those people, let me just say I am not. I have learned in the last 10 years NEVER judge a person, because it seems as if every time I do, WHAM, I am in the same situation. But really what was I thinking? FAT PEOPLE SHOULD NOT RUN. It causes issues. I mean it is a wonder my knees and ankles haven't revolted and broken in mid run. So this week I find myself 6 weeks away from Chubby Runner D Day. When the thighs hit the road with others who actual consider themselves athletes. I am freaking out. What have I gotten myself into?
My only comfort this week was thinking of my newly signed up brother-in-law, who has decided (on a whim) he will give it a go with the rest of us. Now the rest of us have been training, or at least unlike my brother-in-law walking to someplace other than the fridge. I love the man but he it a total FOODIE! With a capital F. This is one of the reasons I love him sooooo much. But I was thinking well at least I will beat him RIGHT? Until my sister informed me that when he went to the track with her one evening a couple of years ago he ran the whole time she walked. THIS IS WHEN HE SMOKED 2 packs of cigarettes a day. He doesn't smoke anymore. He is currently planning out where we should eat the night before the race. He is thinking brats and beer. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? "Runners need to carb load he says".
I find myself getting bitter. I thought when I started running I would actually start to love it. Which some days I do (for a brief moment) Then I get irritated thinking of the random stranger who gazed into my cart to see some Oreos and gave me the look like "honey put those back". Sometimes when I am hoofing it on the treadmill I think of those people and how they have no clue my 'super obese" butt was up at 5 a.m running on a treadmill while you were probably driving to McDonalds to get your two sausage biscuits.
This whole weight thing is not fair. And training for a 5K has proved even more unfair for this chubby girl. My body hurts and I want to give up. Not to mention, I continue to struggle with very little weight loss. BUT I am doing it. I have shaved 4 minutes off my mile. When I started running I could only run at 3 miles an hour now I can do 4 miles an hour. One things I dislike about myself is how bull headed I can be. But in this case it is the driving force that keeps me running on those painful days.
So July 28th comes quickly, and I can tell you, if my brother in law tries to pass me during the run, he will get tripped. But I really find that unlikely when he will probably be trying to eat a brat during the run. I love you droopy dog BUT YOU"RE GOING DOWN!!!!
I find myself totally mortified by ever saying I would run a 5K. I mean literally, what the heck was I thinking? By all accounts I should be having people bring me loads of food while I bask in my fatness in my bed (specially made to handle the enormous weight load) I mean isn't that what morbidly super obese people do?
Before you think I am judging those people, let me just say I am not. I have learned in the last 10 years NEVER judge a person, because it seems as if every time I do, WHAM, I am in the same situation. But really what was I thinking? FAT PEOPLE SHOULD NOT RUN. It causes issues. I mean it is a wonder my knees and ankles haven't revolted and broken in mid run. So this week I find myself 6 weeks away from Chubby Runner D Day. When the thighs hit the road with others who actual consider themselves athletes. I am freaking out. What have I gotten myself into?
My only comfort this week was thinking of my newly signed up brother-in-law, who has decided (on a whim) he will give it a go with the rest of us. Now the rest of us have been training, or at least unlike my brother-in-law walking to someplace other than the fridge. I love the man but he it a total FOODIE! With a capital F. This is one of the reasons I love him sooooo much. But I was thinking well at least I will beat him RIGHT? Until my sister informed me that when he went to the track with her one evening a couple of years ago he ran the whole time she walked. THIS IS WHEN HE SMOKED 2 packs of cigarettes a day. He doesn't smoke anymore. He is currently planning out where we should eat the night before the race. He is thinking brats and beer. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? "Runners need to carb load he says".
I find myself getting bitter. I thought when I started running I would actually start to love it. Which some days I do (for a brief moment) Then I get irritated thinking of the random stranger who gazed into my cart to see some Oreos and gave me the look like "honey put those back". Sometimes when I am hoofing it on the treadmill I think of those people and how they have no clue my 'super obese" butt was up at 5 a.m running on a treadmill while you were probably driving to McDonalds to get your two sausage biscuits.
This whole weight thing is not fair. And training for a 5K has proved even more unfair for this chubby girl. My body hurts and I want to give up. Not to mention, I continue to struggle with very little weight loss. BUT I am doing it. I have shaved 4 minutes off my mile. When I started running I could only run at 3 miles an hour now I can do 4 miles an hour. One things I dislike about myself is how bull headed I can be. But in this case it is the driving force that keeps me running on those painful days.
So July 28th comes quickly, and I can tell you, if my brother in law tries to pass me during the run, he will get tripped. But I really find that unlikely when he will probably be trying to eat a brat during the run. I love you droopy dog BUT YOU"RE GOING DOWN!!!!
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