I Was Born This Way, Baby!

There is a song that's been going around the radio stations a lot lately and was covered on a recent episode of Glee (yes, I'm a Gleek, deal with it). If you've been living under a rock (and I know, some of you do - rock may equal house in your parent's basement - no shame in that, where you live is where you live) you may not have heard it. The song is vaguely reminiscent of Madonna back when she was Madonna (let's not argue here, people...the woman should have quit when she was ahead) and has a poppy back-beat that's fun to groove to. The lyrics, however, send a powerful, very important message. Here are the truncated lyrics:


[Intro:]
It doesn't matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M
Just put your paws up
'cause you were Born This Way, Baby

[Verse:]
My mama told me when I was young
We are all born superstars
She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on
In the glass of her boudoir
"There's nothing wrong with loving who you are"
She said, "'Cause he made you perfect, babe"

"So hold your head up girl and you'll go far,
Listen to me when I say"

[Chorus:]
I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way

Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way

[Post-chorus:]
Oh there ain't no other way
Baby I was born this way
Baby I was born this way
Oh there ain't no other way
Baby I was born-
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way

[Verse:]
Give yourself prudence
And love your friends
Subway kid, rejoice your truth
In the religion of the insecure
I must be myself, respect my youth

A different lover is not a sin
Believe capital H-I-M (Hey hey hey)
I love my life I love this record and
Mi amore vole fe yah (Love needs faith)

[Bridge:]
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Whether you're broke or evergreen
You're black, white, beige, chola descent
You're Lebanese, you're orient
Whether life's disabilities
Left you outcast, bullied, or teased
Rejoice and love yourself today
'cause baby you were born this way

No matter gay, straight, or bi,
lesbian, transgendered life,
I'm on the right track baby,
I was born to survive.
No matter black, white or beige
Chola or orient made,
I'm on the right track baby,
I was born to be brave.

Every time I hear this song, I think to myself "I WAS born this way! I need to remember that this is the body and the life I was given - it's what I DO with it that counts!" Then it reminds me that what I am doing IS important - changing my life and hopefully for the better.

My parents have offered to buy me a ticket on a cruise with them when they go again in a couple years if I can reach and maintain this goal. I think at this point it's entirely doable. Then again, I have a ton of positive energy flowing through my veins from just having worked out. There may be something to this endorphin thing.

Yesterday morning I woke up and thought, "Today, as a gift to myself, I'm not going to work out." And I didn't! I took a day off! But....at the same time I felt like I was cheating myself; like I was missing something. An ex of mine said it only takes 12 days of repeating a behavior for it to become a "habit" or "routine". It took me only 5 days.

So today I worked out. I added some weights, did 10 crunches (will STAY 10 until next weekend) and tomorrow I'll up my time on the bike to 20 minutes.

Another thing I was thinking about (rambling, I know I am) was Weight Watchers. I resigned up about 2 months ago on that "3 months for x $$ plan" then about $20/month thereafter. Last time I was on WW I was very dedicated - I wanted to make it work and I wanted to learn what my "food mistakes" were. This time? Not so much. I think it's because this time I KNOW what I need to do (and not to do - nachos yesterday and danishes today) and I'm going to endeavor every day to do it right.

Every day is a journey.

A few days ago an internet friend of my suggested buying something and putting it in my work-out area that would help me focus and concentrate on my goal. She has a dress she bought (I don't know how long ago) that's her "goal" size. Well, this is my goal - I bought it awhile ago for a friend of mine, but I forgot to send it (sorry, Jamie) and then fell in love with it. It's got a cute lil bunny butt. Here's the pic:



So, that's my goal. And hopefully it will remind me that this is why I'm getting up at 5am. Everyone cross your fingers for me! :D