Just a Little Rant from a Self-Proclaimed Feminist..

Ok, so this is not what you think... I was reading a book review on a site I go to to find new books to read, (My old method of going to the library, sitting on the floor in the aisle, and reading random pages from the middle of the book for hours at a time to figure out if I think it's something I would like... isn't conducive to my lifestyle anymore.) when I came across a book review about Twilight.

Now, think what you may about Twilight.. that's not what this is about...

I read several reviews, some of them loved it, some of them hated it... but one of the reviews really sucked! Some of the review was pointed and objective, and I could see where she was coming from... until I laid my tired eyes on this little ditty of an excerpt:

"This is such a profoundly antifeminist novel. And it's funny, because I think Meyer has no idea that it's antifeminist. I mean, she has a female heroine! A heroine who reads Austen and writes essays about misogyny in Shakespeare! Surely she's kicking butt for all womankind. Um... no. She cooks, she cleans, she looks after the man in her life! She needs male characters to protect her from the big, bad, scary world! She falls headfirst into a disturbingly dysfunctional relationship with a man 90 years her senior without the slightest amount of worry!"

Ok,... I know this girl...because I used to BE her! I get it, cooking, cleaning, looking after the man in her life... these are all female roles, traditionally speaking, of course. And, once upon a time, I would have been right there with her.. I mean, being a feminist means you don't cook, clean, or take care of anyone!... right? Traditional roles are for weak people who can't make up their own minds, right? Strong independent women don't need anyone, right?!!!?

So disillusioned... It is concerning that this not-so-new wave of misunderstood feminism is perpetuated in women today. Feminism is so much bigger than this. True feminism isn't just about females at all... it's about a more gender-equal society for everyone! Gender roles are nothing more than a social construct.

So the heroine in the story fills a portion of, what we consider, traditionally female roles... that part is undeniable, but to say this is antifeminist.. is actually an antifeminist statement in itself. Stay with me...

Feminism is about breaking free from the social constructs that, previously, held women AND men in their respective "places." (I'm going to break off from involving men for the rest of this rant, because I think you get the point.) I think any true open-minded feminist would agree, this is the goal of the feminist movement.

So, if the goal is to break down social constructs that have confined women throughout history, then wouldn't the obvious solution be to simply not honor social constructs?

I have always been hard-headed, hard working, and independent. All my life, and all through college, I was obsessed with graduating college, getting a corner office, and having dozens of minions to do my bidding.

I wanted these things, not because I truly wanted them, but because I bought into the falsity that this is what would make me a strong woman. Who sold me this treacherous idea of strength?... the feminists. Not true feminists, women who took one idea from the feminist movement, and turned it into an additional form of oppression. These women have created a whole new social construct for women to fall subject to if they wish to be viewed as strong and independent.

So... thanks? If I honor social constructs, which I do not, I can't claim "feminism," because then I am a man-hating bitch who can't cook or clean,... and I can't cook, clean, or take care of my man, because then I am a weak antifeminist woman incapable of independent thought.

Isn't that the opposite of the desired result?

And, since when is it antifeminist to accept help when you're in need? I call that resourceful..
Is it "antifeminist" to fall in love, with wreckless abandon, with a super hot, mature, well-read, worldly being with an impressively eclectic taste in music?... I think it's just nature at its finest. A passionate biological reaction to sex appeal that we, as a species, happen to enjoy as a whole.
Is it "antifeminist" to have a relationship with someone older than you?... or is that just another socially constructed brick we'd like to stack on top of the wall of shit that keeps us from living life the way we choose... or the way we would choose, if not for being pulled in a confounding mass of directions.

Come on ladies!... get your head out of your vagina. Why are we creating (or re-creating) a society in which women have to constantly defend their lifestyle choices??

The most depraved part of this whole antifeminist-feminist movement, is that women are no longer fighting for equality with men... we are at battle with each other. We shouldn't have to defend our lifestyle choices... least of all to other women. Support each other, and put an end to this self-righteous glorified form of same-sex bullying we are mistaking for feminism.

It doesn't have to be obvious!

 

I don't like taking Leo for walks or jogs during the day now that it is so hot and humid. We, of course, do all of those things at night, but we are an active pair, and we are always looking for ways to spend our day!

I got this bike for my birthday!... thanks to my loving husband, who knows me too well.. We love going for rides, even on the hot ones! This way we get some wind blowing through our hair, and the hot doesn't seem to swallow us. Leo looooves it. He sits back there and kicks his feet and laughs, (I don't know what he is laughing at), and when we go down hills, he grabs onto the tail of my shirt and holds on for dear life!

This doesn't feel like exercise!.... but it is! This bike has no gears, so it's all-leg powered.. or should I say, thigh and butt powered!..Cause' those are the parts that burn like hot asphalt.. and when I go up hills and stand up on the pedals, I can feel that same sweet burn in my abs...

Riding a bike seemed like second nature when I was a kid, but I had to literally relearn how to activate the necessary muscles to power this thing! I was so shocked... I am pleased to have found one more way I can exercise and spend time with my guys... and for me, the best exercises are the ones I can enjoy and even make memories from. I'll gladly drown in these memories someday....

To The Moon, Mom!

 

I am so happy I make an effort to stay in shape... I can't imagine missing this just because I lack the energy or agility. Some people really don't get to experience things like this with their babies/children... I don't want to take it for granted, even if I can't imagine it any other way.

There's Something Wrong With This Wagon...

There must be something wrong with this dam*ed wagon, cause' I keep falling off! I swear, sometimes you fall off the wagon, and get right back on, and then sometimes you fall off the wagon, and it just rolls right over your fat a**...

How do I know I fell off? Well, it happens to be easy to tell.

Long story Long: I had to TEMPORARILY cut out the personal training sessions (I'll be back soon, Joe), and that's where the trouble began... I had my workouts on Mondays. It was a great way to start my week off on the right foot, and I always knew that no matter what happened the rest of the week, I at least got my butt kicked one day. On the other days, I would go to Body Shape and rock out, or I would do HIIT at my house, and things were hangin' nicely, if you know what I mean... not too shabby, ... didn't mind the mirror at all... back that thang up... hey baby, how you doin...

And if you know me at all, you know what I am about to tell you is kind of a big deal.... I bought daisy dukes. I mean.... full blown.. shorts. Now, this is where I don't know what to say! I have no idea what happened! I feel like I am in a parallel universe and someone stole my body, ate a bunch of nasty sh**, and then gave it back to me... and now I am here like.. ewww I don't want this. Take it back...

It's funny the little half-truths you tell yourself though isn't it?... like oh, I am just retaining water, or it's just been a while since I used the restroom, or the sun must just be shining at a weird angle... or my personal fav, I just didn't NOTICE my thighs rubbing together before because it wasn't as humid as it is now... Well honey, the sun can't put moon craters on your thighs, and your thighs don't know it's humid, and if you're retaining THAT much water... all over your body,.. you might wanna hook up to a shop vac.

It was a sad day when I put the daisy dukes back in the drawer and opted for a more reasonably-lengthed pair of DIY jorts, and told myself it was because this is how mothers should dress... I REFUSE TO ACCEPT THAT!

I am not saying I am going to sashay around town with all my goodies on display, but I am a young, vibrant, awesome woman,... who happens to also be a mother, and that's how I am going to dress... any way I dam* well please... until Leo gets old enough to be embarrassed.

So, I am taking my shame, and my mom jorts, and climbing back up on the wagon... Joe... I'll be crawling back soon.. I need you to nail my jorts to the bed of this illusory wagon.

Can I get a HOLLA HOLLA HOLLA??!!... ANYBODY??... ok.

Barney

 
I found this old picture of me and my cat Barney and thought I'd share it with the universe.
I got Barney when I was 6, and he was attacked by a pack of jack russel terriers when I was 20. I had him for 14 years! Fourteen wonderful years! RIP, Barney!

A little cloudy outside

Well, it is a little cloudy outside today, which makes it perfect for a bike ride!... maybe we will even get stuck out in the rain! I have been taking Leo out to play in the rain. It's very funny because he doesn't know where the water is coming from... he holds out his little nugget fingers and just stares while the water hits them, and then looks at me for affirmation.. too adorable.

Today is a busy one for us here at the Massie house.. I have a chiropractor appointment, we're going to shampoo the carpet downstairs, do laundry, and some cleaning... then LEG WORKOUT tonight at Body Shape!

I have learned some pretty great leg workouts, but I'm sure there are lots more out there to learn! (ANY IDEAS WELCOME.. AS ALWAYS) Body Shape got a new toy! I don't know what it's called.. It is a platform... you can use it for several things, but I use it to jump up on!... So I am always excited for leg day!

Well..we're gonna get to it now!... Talk at ya later!

Progress so far

 

Ok, here is a collage of my progress so far.. I have a looong way to go, but I have come a long way too!.. So I'm not mad! Thank you, Joe Daniels, for showing me the way!

Need more information

Ok, so I don't like to get caught up on how much I weigh, because it's all a mixture of muscle v. fat, and I like to think I am building more muscle blah blah blah,

BUT!...I just weighed myself out of curiosity (in my bathroom), and I am at about 117-118! It's hard to say with that needle on the scale bouncing around like a wet noodle, but that's pre-baby weight people!

I don't know how this happened?! I just got back from vacation!!... A little birdy told me that I might have kick started my metabolism by eating a couple of nasty things then going back to eating well??? Maybe?.. I don't know. I am not asking questions.. I don't care!

Now, my scale's accuracy is questionable.. So I need to go to the gym and weigh myself on the digital scale there to get an accurate reading... hopefully it gives me good news!

I will keep you posted!..Good or bad!

Day 1

Ok, let's get this party started.
Today was the first official day of me officially taking my goal seriously.

I had a pretty serious workout yesterday with Joe, and I am sore as heeeellll today, but I also had KFC for dinner, so I am not counting yesterday.. because before KFC, I had an oatmeal cream pie (the shit), so yeah, yesterday doesn't count.. because after KFC, I had a zero bar, a fudge round, and a brownie...so yeah.. today is definitely day 1.. ok 1.5 because I deserve credit for my workout...

I have done ok with eating today, as in I haven't eaten anything that will give me onset Type 2 diabetes... but good not great. I had only 2 meals :/ both of them were turkey and veggies/fruit, but that's not enough food for me! I have been really busy today, and didn't make the time to make sure I ate properly.

I have a food plan that Joe gave me, and I need to stick with that!

On another note.. I ran my daily 2 miles with Leo. It was sooo hot. I could feel my thighs chaffing with the additional moisture..

I always enjoy my runs though, because all the moms in the hood walk together in the evenings with their strollers, and they always say some varied version of, "oh, we should be doing that too!.. good for you!" every time I zoom by.

It makes me question my character though, because I can't help but love the attention, and the way their envy motivates me! I start running faster just to rub it in a little more...I mean really dig it in there. omg. What is wrong with me that I feel that way?? What is wrong with me that I am admitting it to anyone who pleases to read this blog?!

I also cleaned out our closet, tidied the whole house (I cleaned it this weekend), vaccuumed all the floors, made a few important calls, made a huge announcement to the world, trimmed some shrubs at the house, did some laundry, played with Leo, made dinner, and worked on my classes.... I think I can hang my hat on that!


Oh bother.. anywho. Just ate, and am getting ready to lay down for some R&R with my loving husband.. Day 1 is a success in my book blog!

This is a big post for me!

 

Ok, so this is proabably my biggest post yet. I mean it.. This is a really big deal for me.. Ok, here's the "skinny..."

I am posting this photo of myself from our recent vacation to Myrtle Beach as a step.. A small step toward a biiiig ol' dream!
I have come a very long way.. 40lbs to be exact,and I am very proud of myself, but that's not the point. I don't care about losing "pounds," I care about losing fat, and gaining muscle.

It took a lot of guts for me to post this photo..I would never have posted a picture of me in a bathing suit even before I had a baby!.. Ok I know the suspense is horrible! It is tearing you apart...

This has been a long time coming, but I haven't let anyone know.. I AM GOING TO COMPETE IN A BIKINI COMPETITION!!

There, I said it,..in public. So it must be real now... right? I need something to keep pushing me. I have always wanted to do this, but I just never have! I have actually wanted to do a "figure" competition, but with breastfeeding, I can't cut that much fat.. it wouldn't be healthy, and would probably hurt my milk production... but I can do bikini!

Just for clarification because I have had some people ask... I am doing a bikini competition, not a bikini contest..
It is a division of body building.. It is like figure, but with less definition. So it is still a very muscular look...

My body is very different in a lot of ways now. I honestly think it's BETTER! I have curves.. and I am not talking about fat curves,... I am talking about not looking like a pre-pubescent 12 yr old boy anymore!...I am talking about a womanly shape, and thanks to Joe Daniels, most of that shape is, or is turning into, MUSCLE.. it just has.. a healthy dose of ... fat on top of it.. Which is where only I can take over!...
Don't misunderstand me.. I have a long way to go, but I need to know where the tunnel leads.. wow.. I ramble..

So I don't have a show in mind yet.. I don't have any dates, and I don't really know a shi* ton about it, but here's the plan for now..

I am going to continue doing what I do, only doing it more often and doing it harder..that's what she said..

I don't have a definite goal time yet, but I want to start heading in that direction so I can maintain at a normal level, but then just step it up a notch when a show comes around. I want to get the routine and the lifestlyle down pat, go to a show or two to see what's expected, then BAM! I will compete..

Now that you have seen me in a bikini, you kow what I am starting with... Well you don't know the full scope of my mountains and hills, but... you get a basic idea, (no way in he*l am I ready to show you the backside..) and you will be able to see my transformation.

I am putting myself out there because it makes me feel accountable to myself... and it has worked for me so far. So follow my journey or not, it will be here ... good and bad... and there are going to be a lot more posts.. an obnoxious number of posts, so if you get updates through your email.. I'd go ahead and cancel that, and just check in randomly if you feel compelled...

Thanks for tuning in...Stay tuned!

I love my little nugget

 

I know I haven't really blogged in a while... Truth is, I have kind of been in a funk. I have been working out, and am still continuing to lose fat, but just haven't been "feeling" it as much.

So how does Whitney get her groove back? By looking through photos, and seeing pictures like this that remind me that working out and eating right aren't just about being skinny and looking amazing in my fav pair of skinny jeans, or my cutest little summer skirt... I work out and eat healthy so I can keep up with this little guy! He is getting dangerously close to crawling, and will be walking after that!

I don't want to sit on the sidelines.. I wanna be the ketchup in my little nugget's life. Smothering him with a little zesty fun and excitement. I don't want to watch him play in the back yard, I want to army crawl through the grass and hide from imaginary tigers, and I want to fly that space rocket/refrigerator box.

I did get my new bad a** jogging stroller for mother's day.It plays all my booty busting tunes out loud, and is a ballin' shade of green...Brandon asked if I wanted a Bentley, but I politely declined...I love my new stroller. It really has given me a good kick in the pants, along with the girl who works at the tanning bed at the end of the street who has legs from here to Spokane....Thank you legs, I think of you often while I run.

So ladies, find what gives you a kick in your posterior... I am happy to note that I started this blog several days ago before I got my stroller, and since then have been rockin out with my muscles out.It only takes a small change in your routine.

I have re-pimped my ipod playlist, and can now jam like the fierce diva that I know I am.... Just as an aside... If anyone is reading this and would like to share your hottest workout tunes, we welcome any suggestions.

What it's all about

 

What's That Pre-Pregnancy Pants?...

What's that pre-pregnancy pants?.. Yeah..SUCK IT!

Ok, so they are extremely stretchy jeans, and it's only one of like 10 pairs.. but I don't give a shiz-nit. They fit!

I'd like to thank my mom and dad for decent genes..

I'd like to thank my baby Leo, for making me happy.. happy people lose weight faster. I have nothing to back that up, but it makes sense.

I'd like to thank my husband.. for good... lovin.

I'd like to thank Joe for good advice, and amaaaazing work outs...

WHOOP WHOOP.. Pull over that a** is too... NOPE! Not anymore!

One small step for me, one giant leap for birthing thighs everywhere!

Confucius

"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated."

My buddies

 

We all love our fitness!.. It's a Massie thing ;)

OMG Easter...

So I am feeling concerned about this weekend... It is one of those holidays that everyone celebrates with food. LOTS AND LOTS of food... and candy.

What sucks is this.. I never had that much of a sweet tooth until I was pregnant. I would much rather have had the salty Easter ham over the creepy chocolate bunny.

While I was pregnant, I developed a real sweet tooth. I think it was the danger that drew me in. So now I am facing this food-filled weekend, and if given the opportunity, that creepy little bunny will become my dessert, arse
(English for a**) first.

What's a girl to do?.. sigh!

So here is my plea family, friends, and strangers: If you see me with a chocolate bunny arse in or around my mouth area, could you give me the stank eye?

Where I'm comin from

 

Ok. So I am not ready to post my "before" body pics that actually show my body, but when I get some good "after" pics... I might feel better about it..

I realize that my actual weight is not HEAVY, but it is on me.. I am a small person, and it's mostly fat.. As I build more muscle, I might stay around 120, but I will look a lot different!(Right, Joe?) Most importantly, I will FEEL great.

So enough with the comments, girls! You know who you are... I know I'm not a fatty patty or anything! I am just like any other woman who indulged in a few too many snacks and fast food while preggers. There's nothing wrong with how I am.. I just want to be better!!

No Shame, No Glory

So I think I'll start out these shenanigans with a confessional...

Yesterday I went to the grocery by myself. I was starving.. which I know better! You never grocery shop when you're hungry... you will throw the nastiest things in your cart.. horrible things... shameful..things.

So I am going through the produce making all kinds of great decisions, when I pass a table of small cakes. I thought they looked pretty special, but I was able to move out of dodge..

So I do a little more shopping and end up right in front of the bakery counter where they have lots of special individual little cakes and brownies and all kinds of other evil little things. At first I was just going to admire them from afar..

I looked them over appreciatively, noting the hard work that must have gone into their preparation, and wondering who decides which ones get sprinkles?, flowers?, little plastic butterfly figurines? Why are they so chocolately?.. and why is my mouth watering?? Maybe I should just get something special for me.. A special little treat for all the hard work I've done.. because nothing says "pat on the back" quite like flushing all my hard work down the toilet...

Before I know it, I have my own special tray with a giant brownie, and something called a "devil dog?" I don't even know what an effing devil dog is!!! All I knew was this special tray of mine was going to get distasterized first chance I got to be alone...ok, it didn't end there, sadly... I also picked up a slice of cake.

So I ate the cake in the car before I even left the lot. I carefully tied the bag around my remaining treats, and hid them in my car.. Yeah, I said I HID them. What kind of psycho am I becoming at this point?? Who is going to search my car for brownies?... no one. I hid those suckers like the Russians were coming..

However, I am proud to report that I confessed my sins to Joe today at the gym. Getting it out in the open helped me to take action! I couldn't let that delicious tall, dark, and handsome devil dog wrap itself around my thighs... not a good idea! So, I gave the bag to my mom. Those treats are long gone, and I am so glad.

Moral of the story: Eat before you go grocery shopping, and stay away from the bakery counter! I won't lie to myself ever again.. "Oh, I just want to look at the cakes.." NO YOU DON'T YOU LIAR! YOU'RE GONNA TALK YOURSELF INTO BUYING ONE, AND THEN CONVINCE YOURSELF YOU DESERVE IT! Well I love myself, and I owe it to ME to skip the brownies!!