I'm not a damn tiger. I'm a woman!

I am sure that you have all seen this photo before, especially if you have a facebook. For the past few months, I have been struggling with my weight. Well, not so much my weight, but the way that I feel about myself, to be honest. So, this picture really got me thinking.

First, let me set this up for you. I have always been a slim girl. What can I say, I come from good genes. My mother, to this day is a size 0 at fifty-years old! (She has had four children too!) As a kid, I was often picked on for being "skinny". Once, in high school I was harassed by a teacher, who verbally attacked me in the hallway - saying things like "You're so skinny you make me sick." I never weighed more than 97-98 pounds, even into my young adult years. It was not until I became pregnant with my first child, that I weighed more than 100 pounds. After the birth of both my children, I breast-fed, and was able to shed the pounds with no problem. Not fitting into a size 0, but a size 2-4.

Two years ago, I visited my family for Christmas - we were all living in three different states. Everyone kept commenting on how much weight I had gained. On several different occasions, they even asked if I was pregnant. [Side note: At that time, I weighed about 117-120] On top of that, I was super emotional, because I had not seen my family in over two years. And so they questioned even more. They questioned me so much, that it got into my head. So much that I even stopped at a local drug store to pick up pregnancy test. (Even though I knew that I was not pregnant.)

Fast-forward 2011 -2012 - My youngest son is now four years old. Since our move to San Antonio, TX I have stayed home with not only my two children, but my niece as well. Before this, I was a manager at a fast-casual restaurant, working 45 hours a week on average, 8-10 hours a shift, usually without a break! Of-course, I have gained weight. I now weigh 125 steady - even though I have done a little to try to bring it down. My family (mom and sisters) are all petite - and I - well, am not. Since being here, I have had a handful of comments about my weight. Including a joke between my mom and dad (who are now divorced) about me being "plump". At first, I did not think it was such a big deal. But in all actuality, it did hurt my feelings. I usually don't care too much about what people say, but it seems to sting just a bit more when it comes from family. Why is it that those that are supposed to love you, respect you, and honor you the most, can also hurt you the most? For those exact same reasons, I guess.

Recently, Christina Aguilera has been in the tabloids continuously for her wight. There are many criticizing her and bashing her. I don't usually keep up with the tabloids, but I read something online that said something like, "Christina is a 30 year old woman now and a mother, not the bublegum-teeny-bopper we once met so long ago". Oddly enough, this comment really made me see things in a different light.

I am a mother - not of one, but to two beautiful, happy and healthy rambunctious boys! I have carried them in my body, which is a miracle in itself, and delivered them with the blood, sweat and tears of both fear and joy that only another mother can understand. My body has been tried and tested - and my strength and my will even more. Yes, I am not the young, inexperienced, and vulnerable girl that I used to be. I am a 30 year old, bold, beautiful and confident woman that has grown into her skin. No, I may not look like the model on the cover of a magazine, who's image has been altered, and touched up to make you believe that she is "perfect". I am not perfect, I have battle-scars (stretchmarks) and am often self-conscious about them, but I am a mother - and I would not change that - ever! I am beautiful! And I don't need anyone to confirm that. I am not a tiger - who has earned her stripes. I chose to become a mother, of my own free will because I wanted to experience one of life's greatest joys - to love and to be loved unconditionally - like only another mother can understand. So no, I am not a damn tiger. I am a woman!

Do superhero's ever retire?

Sometimes I consider "trading spaces", though only with myself. I sometimes wonder what it would be like to stop working on all my little side projects and simply be. I was trying to explain this idea to my husband the other night, and found it really hard to do. So, I will try my best to explain it to you.

Do you ever wonder if Superhero's retire? Usually, they live forever or get killed off, or your favorite tv show gets discontinued, or something like that. But do you they ever retire? Do they ever get tired of it all? Saving the damsels in distress, rescuing tiny children from being crushed by the out of control car, saving the city from monstrosity - Do they ever want to hang it all up?; Trade it in for a little peace and quite or even the occasional party?

Hmmmm.... this is how I feel. Not that I consider myself a "superhero". I'm not out to save the world, only to make a small difference to a few. I know that I am fortunate enough to know my calling. At times, I am super excited! I have ideas - and I have actually seen the impact we make. It's exciting! I feel re-charged with each stride that we make. But then on the other hand, I just want to give it all up. I want to settle down with my family. Buy a small house, have holiday parties, establish some family traditions of our own- ya know? I suppose that it is the ever constant battle between my heart and mind. . . . .who knows.

Family-

I have come to a frightening conclusion. As much as I love my family (mother, father and siblings) - I have determined that it is best that I live away from them - as in not in the same city. I now remember why I moved away - and I think that I was used to that lifestyle - being away. I am somewhat saddened, but somewhat at peace. It does not mean that I do not love my family - because I do. It just means, to me, that I am a better person away from the day to day drama. This experience has taught me so many things.
First, it has taught me to never take things for granted. I am now open to ideas about life that I may not have been so open to before. I am ready to embrace it with the newness that comes with the new year. Secondly, it has taught me to value the times (good and bad) with my children, more than I had before. During this experience, I have been so busy taking care of everyone else in the household (not by choice, at times) that there have been times when I felt that my children came second. This absolutely brakes me, because everything that I do - and want to do is for my husband and my children. It has also taught me that I made a wise choice in marrying my handsome husband. Though there were plenty of opportunities to complain - he has never said a thing! Lastly, this is experience confirmed that I do not really care for the state of TX - and that CO, surprisingly is home. I miss it, the beauty of the mountains and the sky - yes, even the snowy days. I miss our church, and the friends who are like family. I am hoping that we have the opportunity to move back sooner than later. Overall, I believe that this experience has taught me to embrace life - not to just live it, but to truly make the best of every moment. I only hope that I can live up to my new expectations of myself - and soak up every moment.

7 Months Later...

Well, we have been here in Texas for 7 months now - and things have not turned out like we thought they would.
First of all, my husband and I don't really like TX (I am almost quite sure that it's a crime punishable by death to say this while living in TX!). We knew this before we moved, and fought it for two years. But we still decided to make the move for the sake of being near my family. Bless his heart - he didn't know what he was in for.

Secondly, we moved in with my Dad, and my youngest sister who has an almost two year old daughter (as I type this it seems like a recipe for disaster!) . The intention was to help my sister become more settled into "Motherhood", you know - leading by example - and though she has done better - I think we have come as far as we are going to get! The added bonus was that it would be for one year - so that everyone could have a place to live while getting themselves established.

Where to go from there -

When we moved out here, my husband and I decided that I would stay home. My staying home was for multiple reasons
(1) Because my husband and I both agree that we can financially afford to do this, and this is how we wanted to raise our children - at least until they are both in school. (2) I would provide childcare for my sister (free of charge) - This would enable my sister to find a better, more stable job so that she could provide for herself and her child - since she is a single mother.

So, in my mind this would work out just fine. I would stay home, and my husband, dad and sister would go to work. Simple enough. Not - so - much. I will spare you all the details- frankly because there are too many little tedious ones to mention - and in the end, I am really just sparing myself the pain of re-living them!

In the end - Financially, my husband and I are putting in more that what we feel is our "fair" share. At one point, we were paying the monthly groceries - which were totalling (brace yourself) a whopping $900!!! This alone is not something that we can afford to do - so, I had to fix that real quick! Secondly, I have become the maid - and nanny - and nothing more! Even though, I try to ask (more like delegating) most of the time, it doesn't get done - and I end up doing it anyway - simply because I don't want to live in a pig stye! I'm exhausted and cranky, most days - which is not typically my character. I am not happy with this - but feel like I have no resolve, at this point.

My husband and I have decided that we want to go home to Colorado - and we are going to seek to do that as we are entering the end of our lease. Overall, I think that we have got to do what is right for us, despite how that may make others feel. It will be bittersweet. I love my family, but they drive me nuts! I have decided that I am better off loving them from a far. And though my in laws drive me just as crazy - I can somewhat limit the times of interaction that I will have with them.


Overall, I have learned a lot, been tried a lot, and have even been taken to a whole new level of dependence on my faith. I do not think that I would have made it this far (1) without God, and (2) without my husband.

Well- that pretty much sums up where I am on this journey - stay tuned. . . . . .

Jekyll-Hyde Syndrome

I fear good doctor, that I have come down with Jekyll-Hyde syndrome. You see. I live my life as one, but can not help the overwhelming feelings and desires to be another. It is not that I am unhappy in my life, nor that I have endured some kind of tramatic experience. It's just that I tend to drift off and think about what life could have been? Or what it could be like? Kind of like daydreaming, I guess.

"Please explain more", said the good Doctor.

Well, you see, I married quite young - and truth be told, we were with child before we were married. Not that - that was the reason for our marriage. I do love my husband so - and he is a good man - he is quite a good man! He provides for me and for the children, and he cares for us and is never ill with words or actions. He has never raised a hand to me, nor the children. He is a good man. Never drunk with wine, nor critical - and he doesn't ask for much. He is quite a good man.

"So what is the problem?" said the good Doctor.

It's hard to explain. Not that there is a problem, not that I can think. "Bordom", good Doctor. No. That's not it. I just can't seem to help myself. My thoughts tend to drift. I can't stop myself from thinking, thinking, and thinking. Wondering what it would have been like if I would have choosen a different path. Not that I would change a thing now. I am quite happy with my life. I am quite a lucky girl, you know. I know that!

And though I may have impure thoughts, I do try to resist them the best that I can.And I would never act upon them. I know it's not right. And frankly, I have no reason to think this way - and well, I am quite ashamed. Heaven forbid that this conversation should ever leave this room! Thank goodness for doctor-patient confidentiality! So, good doctor, what do you make of this? What is your evaluation. Have I gone mad?

Good doctor takes off his glasses and puts his pen down. "My dear", he begins. "Do you know what is wrong with you?".
"Absolutely nothing".





“I have someone else that takes over when it’s time for me to work and when I’m on stage, this alter ego that I’ve created that kind of protects me and who I really am”.
-Beyonce


"What's an alter ego?" asked Gerard.
"It's a superhero's true but secret identity," said Chip. "You know, the way that Superman is really Clark Kent." "Superman is really Clark Kent?"
"It's pretty obvious," said Penny. "To everyone but you and Lois Lane."
― Cuthbert Soup, Another Whole Nother Story

So lonely I could cry

So lonely I could cry.... Yes, I know that it is a song. In fact I am sure that there is a version by Elvis and also one by Johnny Cash. But unfortunately, it is not the song that I am talking about, but rather my emotions. I have lived in this wonderful state for almost two years now. Acctually, it will be exactly two years in Mid-October. And I have yet to settle in.I have no family here besides that of my husbands. And even worse, not a single friend. Sure there are acquaintances - you know, like from church, kids playdates, ex-co-workers, things like that. But no true friends, you know those are few and far between. My most absolute besties are actually not even in the same state. Celina - whom I have known since high school, lives in CA - and Heather lives in NM. So, as you can see - I am often left with nothing more than phone conversation and emails to express my feelings - and let's face it - media doesn't do you any justice when you just want to scream or cry.............


What about my hubby you ask - good question - what about him? No but really, while he absolutely a wonderful man - a great husband and father - he just doesn't get it. You know, men- while you are spilling your guts out - they just don't understand! Woes me - So, while I am left to deal....... I hope that you can relate - or at least get a chuckle out of this.........

Dissapointment in myself

Like I have always said being a Stay at Home Mom is not for everyone. And definately not for me! Sadly, and ashamed,I know it is the truth. I have come to conclude that being a SAHM brings out the worst in me. While I try my best, I am often defeated. I find myself mad at my husband for everything. I feel like I am always nagging him. I am always upset that the house is never clean, besides my best efforts.And it seems that I am scolding my kids every five minutes. Overall, I feel like such an unhappy and unfifilled person. I realize how lonely I am. And I realize that I am afraid of becoming my mother.I feel like I am a bad mother - but I love my kids more than anything! I pray that I am wrong and that they know how much they are loved. Most of all I feel like a failure. At least in my own eyes. I mean what kind of mother can not stay at home with her kids? Sad.I want to make a difference in this world, I want my life to count for something, but the truth is I can not even make a difference in my own home. Failure.