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Thursday, July 26, 2007

Conversations with Mom

So, this afternoon, I was chatting with my mom (biological one) on the phone and she was asking about my marathon training (she doesn't read the blog -- none of the 'rents do, do your guys'?), and I was describing my recent crisis of confidence, which she interrupted to inform me of the fact that it had started raining there -- this is how conversations go with her; the last time we talked on the phone, she described for me some fairly detailed observations about the crows outside her dining room window, so I'm used to her erratic conversational habits.

Anyway, her reasoning on my mental stuff of this week was simple: get more sleep, drink more water, make sure to take a multi-vitamin. This is how my mother has advised me on every single issue of my existence. That concluded that talk, and she went on to tell me about her own exercise schedule, which revolves around walking her dogs every day and riding her bike three times a week -- a solid schedule -- yet, she's frustrated b/c she's not losing any weight, and she's complaining b/c in the course of 20 years, she's gained 20 lbs. Pretty common for someone who's middle aged, but she told me that I really need to be conscious of this because (here it comes) soon I'll be 30 (not until APRIL OF NEXT YEAR!).

My mother is my no means a nag; in fact, she's pretty non-obstrusive, but she does seem to like to remind me that I am getting older (not that 30 is old by any means). I don't know if it's b/c she thinks I should be having children (she never says anything), or if it's b/c she thinks I live an existence that is pretty similiar to when I was 21 (and it's time to grow up?), but she often finds little ways to insinuate that I'm not a spring chicken anymore. This, of course, totally contradicts my image of myself -- I think I am quite springy and chickeny, and I plan on remaining so for the forseable future.

But I certainly am not the 108 lbs I was when I went to college 11 years ago...eek gad, could she be right? Am I on track to gaining about a pound a year until I'm the size of the Stay Puff marshmallow man? Gad, those mothers know how to pick at ya when you're down, don't they? Of course, I definitely feel motivated to run now...

16 comments:

Wes said...

Beer makes you age on the inside faster :-) LOL.... But Gin, now! That's the fountain of youth!!

ws said...

ha! I almost wrote a post about my mother today as well. Maybe tomorrow... I'm always paranoid my family knows the blog exists, but no one has ever mentioned it - if they do know they've learned to keep a secret.

My mother rarely gives me nutrition tips. Conversely, she thinks marriage would solve all of my problems. And once I hit 30, I'll no longer be able to marry, I will slowly cripple into an old lonely lady the day after the big 3-0.

Running, now? Isn't it time for your pre-bowling power hour? It is Thursday after all...have fun on your run and your bowling.

Erin said...

My mother is less sporadic in her conversations but she gently treads around the fact I have put on a ton of weight within the last few years and that I will be 30 (sooner than you) and how they would like grandkids. Taking them to see Knocked Up didn't help matters any.

At least it motivates you. I just want to drink and eat more and stay childless to spite her. Guess that foul mood from yesterday is still following me around.

keith said...

i mostly just said that 'cause if you quit i wouldn't have the kind of inspiration i read your blog every day for. selfish me!

runner26 said...

I, too, feel quite springy and chickeny ;) (It helps that I look about 17) Age is arbitrary, as long as you feel good. I guess one good thing to be reminded of is that you are running and that is good for you, no matter what age.

Glad to hear you're gonna do Chicago. I think that's a great decision.

Marcy said...

Ohhh gawwd you don't EVEN want me to start nick picking about my Mom LOL. Once I start it doesn't stop. Actually my Mom is really cool about my exercise/weight crap. Probably because she does not exercise and is overweight for her height. She actually tells me I look good . . . . for having 2 kids. Always that little barb at the end *sigh*

Alison said...

I'm pretty lucky that my mom never, ever brings up weight, especially because she's obsessed with it herself. When she was younger, her mother always nagged HER, leading her to develop an eating disorder and lifelong issues with food. She's super-fit and skinny, and I think it bothers her to watch me wolf down slice after slice of pepperoni pizza, but she'd never dare say a word. That said, it's kind of depressing when your mom's clothes are too small for you.

Jess said...

Haha gotta love "motivational" talks from Mom!

Neese said...

bless your heart. I totally understand those conversations. my DH and I still bring up the time when I was trying to have deep conversation with my mom she suddenly shouts OMAR IS DOWN!!! because she was watching the Cleveland Indians game while "listening" to me.. i was like WHA WHA? then she proceeds to tell me how he got hurt, etc. lol sigh.

Good for you to feel motivated to run and not let it swallow you up

Junie B said...

ha! talks with mom. just wait. its something i have to build myself up for before i call. as they age, oh man...anyway...
that whole thing about turning 30 yadda yadda yadda. its bullshit.

unless of course you LET yourself go. i made it to 40 before i started having issues and that was because of the thyroid going beserko. now? eh, still get carded from time to time..i think people think if youre in good shape you MUST be young!! :o)

run, jess, run!! it cures what ails ya!

brunettechicagogal said...

I'm glad to know my mother is not the only erratic phone conversationalist out there.

I hate to break it to you, but every single one of my female friends put on weight around age 30. I'd say the average was 8 pounds. Right after I turned 31, 8 motherfuckers just attached themselves to my ass and hips and stayed there until I did Weight Watchers at age 34 and lost about 10 pounds. I maintained that until about 3 years ago (that puts me at age 37), when I gained about 5 of those back. It gets worse when you get into your late 30s. So start watching what you eat, and build in some variety to your workouts. Unfortunately, running by itself (at least long distances) does not help most people lose weight.

The good news is that your 30s are way better than your 20s. I'll give you a report on how the 40s are after I spend some more time here.

miss petite america said...

my mom doesn't even know how to use a computer. no one i know in real life reads my blog, and i like it that way.

my mom is the typical overprotective asian mom. except that there is no pressure to get married or have babies, even though i am the oldest and the only girl. i think she secretly wants me to herself in her old age.

and don't get me started on weight. the woman feeds me as if i am going to die of starvation then asks why i am not losing weight even though i work out "too much". ridiculous!

i seriously wonder whether i am ever going to grow up. i honestly have no desire to, nor do i think i have the maturity to. it doesn't help that most people think i look much younger than i really am, which i'm sure is also the case for you.

L*I*S*A said...

Two words.

Oh
Boy.

Aren't moms great? ;)

Mom tried decaf once said...

My mom can barely answer her email but my step mom does read now and then! :>)

Anonymous said...

My mother doesn't read my blog... but I prefer it that way. I like having a place to write about what's going on in my life and no one I personally know reading it.

Mendy said...

((((hugs)))) Ahhh...

You're doing just fine... but there's always someone that's going to try to get us down (or maybe not try, but still succeed). You know you can talk to all of us all day long.

Have a beer? that'll help... :-) j/k