Pages

21 December 2008

Shoo, Haagen Dazs, shoo!!

Today, as I was cleaning some drawers in my bedroom, I came across my old portfolio... About 25 years ago, when I was in college, I worked as a model for a few years. It never amounted to much, but I had a lot of fun and the pay was decent. For someone who grew up with serious self esteem issues (mostly because my five siblings figured out early enough that my vulnerability and sensitivity made me an easy target for being made fun of!!), this was quite a feat!!!











































































Eventually, I grew a back bone and I can honestly say that I have conquered a lot of my insecurities and have become a strong woman! But, looking at these pictures, I found myself in the middle of an unexpected feeling... Not so much longing for that hot bod (it would be nice, though....), but a certain sadness, as I realized that it has been years since I have looked in the mirror and TRULY felt pretty and attractive!! Mostly because of my weight... I really don't think I have been kind to myself!! Mind you, yes I am a busy mom of four, with very little time to pamper myself, and a wonderful husband who thinks I am beautiful no matter what, but even though I have been talking about losing weight for the past couple of years, the truth is I have had a hard time finding the willpower to follow through!! I can't remember the last time I went to a store, tried out clothes and actually liked what I saw!!! This really saddens me...


So, this is the time I WILL do something about it!! I actually walked by the ice-cream isle yesterday at the store and resisted the urge to buy a pint of Haagen Dazs! One little victory! I'll even go further... I will post my weight loss progress on my side bar!! I don't want to be overly ambitious but I will be happy with a 30 lb loss!! All eyes on me will make it harder for me to cheat! I really don't have a plan, but I think that if I stop eating sweets (my ultimate comfort food!) and start exercizing regularly (remember, my doctor called me a lard ass...), I can see some progress, slow as it may be! So, wish me luck!!! I will stop being like the woman who posted a note on her mirror which read "My diet starts tomorrow!", and would squeal with delight every morning and say "Thank goodness it's not today!!!"

Note: I love my doctor, I've had her for years, she is super funny and it was all in good fun that she made that comment!! No hard feelings, we had a great laugh!!!

19 comments:

  1. Isabel the photos are beautiful. The things we don't know about you , Girl! Next thing you know we'll find out you were a Special Agent for Control ! I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy the treats and start that diet after Christmas - I know I am!

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  2. WOW Isabel!That's incredible! Maybe you are on some of my old mags... !!!;)
    As for the diet, I lost about 30 lb during the past year- now my next challenge is to keep the weight off!! And THAT'S the difficult part!!
    Good luck with your diet!!!!

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  3. Your photos are stunning!

    Good luck with your diet plan, I follow weight watchers so I can understand the trials of trying to loose weight.

    Victoria x

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  4. I love the pictures of your modeling. I have always fought the battle of the bulge, The only advice is dont eat after 6 pm.
    Put a picture you love of yourself on the front of fridge.

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  5. I am thinking postive thoughts for you! But I am also thinking that it may be time to get a new doctor.

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  6. Isabel, your photos are beautiful! Stunning! But you know what? You are gorgeous today!! I am in the same predicament in wishing to lose 20 pounds. After back surgery I racked on the weight and it is so hard to get it off with physical limitations. I find walking helps and at a brisk pace.

    I should join you in your endeavors!! Too bad I don't live close by. Oh and hey, I would be finding me a new doctor - how rude!

    hugs,
    Becky

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  7. I hope you don't go to that doctor again, he sounds like a lousy human who should never be around people. Its because of doctors like him, women don't get checked out every year. What a tool. I would have called him a SOB right then and there. Remember not to take that kind of crap off of anyone. And I wish I only had 30 lbs to lose! Good luck to you.

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  8. Isabel the portfolio is Fab!The little number with the black hat is too cool.Being healthy is cool too,but you are already beautiful! You have already had victory over the HD. So the first battle is yours.Here is to 2009 the year we all get healthier. God bless you and yours. Merry Christmas

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  9. Wow! What a beauty you are. Thankyou so much for posting those pics.Its fun to get to know you better.I discovered your blog not long ago its lovely.Five years ago I too decided to lose the weight that I had gained after sixth child was diagnosed with angelman syndrome. Because I got a little depressed,ok,alot depressed, I started to put on weight.When I emerged from the funk,I wanted to take the weight off. I hate to exercise so I did portion control and kept a food diary of everthing I put in my mouth.I was shocked at how many calories I ate in a day.No food was off limits,just less of it. I've kept the 25lbs off for th elast five years and it sure has felt good to feel pretty again.Good luck and Merry Christmas.

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  10. Wow, beautiful pictures Isabel! But you know what, you are still beautiful, your hubby is right!

    I understand wanting to loose weight so good luck with your weight lose program.

    Merry Christmas!

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  11. Isabel, thank you so much for sharing your photos. You still are beautiful, and I understand the weight thing too. I made the same decision you have made back in Oct. and have lost 10 lbs. by eating more fruits and veggies instead of sweets. In fact, I am just enjoying my first piece of Christmas candy as I write this, but I am not going back to a continuous diet of sweets. Sometimes we just have to decide to change our way of life and enjoy it. I want to lose 15 more lbs. so I am going to cont. this way of eating. I appreciate your honesty and openness. Christmas blessings to you and yours. carrell

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  12. Oh, Isabel, I think you are SO pretty & full of life, just like you are now!! You looked awesome in the old glamor shoots, but didn't we all look more fit & fab in our early twenties????
    I do understand your need to feel better about yourself, but start with smaller goals;- eat & drink healthier & go for walks! The rest will fall into place! Have a lovely Holiday with your family!
    Sylvi

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  13. Isabel I think your pictures are so cute. Good luck with your diet. I am trying to syke myself up to start a diet of my own. I saw this and thought it was funny: Merry Fitness and a happy new rear!!! Pam

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  14. Isabel you look like a Goddess in those photos! I never looked that good in my younger days! NEVER! But guess what? You are still a Goddess, just in a different way! Now you are a wife goddess, a mommy goddess, a creative goddess, a decorating goddess, a goodwill goddess, this could go on for days! I think you are special!

    I lost weight a year and a half ago, but I've had a hard time keeping it off. As we grown older our bodies gear up for the nesting years!

    Hang in there, we are all with you!

    Theresa

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  15. Hi Isabel, thanks for sharing your photos. You were beautiful then and still are today! It's funny how a few extra pounds can really haunt you. I've wanted to shed at least 5 for at least 5 years. I think I'll join you on your attempt, thanks for the inspiration!

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  16. OMG! I too was a model in my teen years, but nothing like you, Girl! I was merely a fitter's model for Jantzen, and we only ever did one photo shoot, and one of my recent grownup friends saw the picture that I had framed, and said "It doesn't even look like the same person." So hurt. She's really no longer a friend either. Hahahahaha! Your pictures of your modeling days are exquisite! I see you as the same beauty. Quitting sugar is the key, darlin'. Quit that and it all falls into place. Dancing is good too.

    Merry Christmas!

    XO,

    Christine ~ Zwee!!!!

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  17. Howdy Isabel! We absolutely loooove these pix. I think I gained 15 pounds in the one week we were in Hawaii...so add me to Team Isabel. :o)

    Jermonne

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  18. Just wanted to encourage you on your weight loss journey and don't forget to post progress on your sidebar!

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  19. Que engraçado! Lembro-me perfeitamente!!
    Espero que estejas a conseguir vencer a tentação de comer gelados.Eu também sou muito gulosa por isso percebo-te bem. Não sei se te consola,mas, apesar de estares muito bonita em todas as fotografias,a minha favorita é a que tens no teu perfil,em nenhuma outra tens um ar tão luminoso e feliz.


    Bjs

    Sofia

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