Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The subject of which Mr. O is likely growing weary

So you know a substantial weight loss, especially after birthing five children, can result in some major body reshaping - not all of which is pleasant.

Various parts shrink and not necessarily in the order in which you would prefer, skin sags (boy howdy!), wrinkles appear, etc. But one of the best side effects of a major weight loss is that you feel as if you are no longer moving under water. It reminds me of when I was in drill team and we trained for our kicks with ski boots on so that our legs would feel that much lighter with them off and, in theory, our kicks would be higher.

It's amazing the difference 65 pounds makes. I went from not being able to do any push-ups (even girl ones) to now being able to eke out three sets of seven military push ups before finishing off with girl push ups. (Oh and I've gone from belly on the floor to 45 second planks - there's always room for improvement).

A year ago, I foolishly decided to show my daughters that I could still do a cartwheel. Did you know that the truth actually hurts? I landed very ungracefully and didn't quite make it all the way over. At least I provided some comic relief and gratefully, Mr. O was nowhere in sight when disaster struck.

Tonight I decided to see if perhaps I've still got it. Again, Mr. O was safely away and as I told my girls my intention their eyes got sort of large and roundish and they whispered, "Don't you remember what happened last time?"

I reassured them it would be okay, crossed my fingers and attempted a cartwheel. No big deal, right? Actually, HUGE deal. I did it and it was lovely. I decided to go for the gusto and finish off with a spectacular round-off. Wha-bang! I did that too.

Only thing is, when your body has done all that reshaping and you've decided to help nature out with a little extra "support," gravity can be a real downer (if you'll pardon the pun). I had to step out of sight into the hallway and do a little readjusting. Wouldn't that have been something if they'd fallen all the way out mid-round-off? Talk about your comic relief.