Vacation Planning

We're starting to plan our next vacation. In 2009, we went on a cruise as a family and we all loved it. What I didn't love, however, were the pictures of me on the trip. Traditionally, I am the one behind the camera, though I'm not a great photographer. I just don't care to have photos taken of me.

We're going on another family cruise in 2011 and I'll admit I'm vain enough to be thinking about what the photos are going to look like. We're wanting to go in early August. So that means I've got about 8 months to get my ass in gear. Now understand I'm not wanting to lose weight just for the trip. That would be pointless. Once the trip was done, I'd probably go right back to the way I was. I want to lose weight so I can ENJOY it more, certainly - but I want to lose the weight to be healthy. To take a run when I want to. To play with my kids more fully. To be more present in their lives. To kick some of the depression I get that creeps in. But man, oh man. Those pictures will be nice.

The picture above was taken on that trip - on a shore excursion to some Mayan ruins in Mexico. Trust me, it wasn't easy to climb even up to where I was, especially with the kids. I don't want to choose shore excursions according to what my size will allow me to do. I want to walk on the beach in a swimsuit and not feel like everyone's saying, "Holy shit, look at that fattie." I want to swim with my children in the ocean free of shame. I want to not hinder their experiences because of my weight.

Bahamas in August 2011? You're damn right!