Today

I'm not a size 2. I'm not even a size 10.

I'm not 22 or even 32.

I'm not blonde or tall or tan.

I have freckles, scars on my left cheek and left thigh, and I have big feet. I still have a retainer.

But... I have more confidence and comfort in my own skin today than I've ever known. As much as I joke about calling in the plastic surgeon the second that I need to, I'm trying to age in a healthful way. I'm eating better than I have my whole life. I'm walking daily and even working out a few times a week. I'm drinking a ton of water. I'm smiling, not afraid of the wrinkles that doing so might bring. I'm making new friends, taking lots of photographs, getting plenty of sleep and hugging everyone I can get my arms around.

Today I will walk the streets of NYC and say hi to strangers. Today I will eat a cupcake and not worry about the calories.

Today, I turn 39. And for some reason, I'm loving it!

(Many thanks to 666 Photography for the fun photo shoot. Makeup by Lisa, photos by Gayla. This is a before-40 gift that every woman should give herself.)

My Real Age, Revisited

Just for fun last August, I took the Real Age quiz to see what it had to say. At the time, I was 34.9 years old with a "Real Age" of 32.9. I didn't think that was too bad, and I wanted to do it again six months later.

Well, I forgot to do it six months later, but I did requiz myself almost exactly a year later (a few weeks ago). My calendar age is now 35.9 and the Real Age system told me I was 32.9. So, according to the calendar, I've aged a year (don't get me started on turning 36), but according to my fitness levels and diet and the way I care for my teeth, I'm holding steady. I think that's good!!!

My points for the day:

Breakfast: Smart Ones muffin: 4 points

Mid-morning snack: yogurt: 1 point
1/2 cup Cheerios: 1 point

Lunch: English muffin pizzas: 5 points
pineapple: 1 point
WW/Whitman's candy: 1 point

Afternoon snack: mini bagel: 2 points
peanut butter: 2 points

Dinner: pork chops: 4 points
apple: 1 point
parmesan: 1 point
snack cakes: 1 point

TOTAL: 24 points. Tomorrow is weigh-in day. Wish me luck!!!