(Tuesday, March 31, 2009)

There is an email in my inbox from Catharine Russell (Cat’s Eye Photography) with a few samples of my after shots. They are beautiful. I am beautiful.

I have never felt that until today.

(Sunday, March 15th)

I am getting ready to head off on holidays for 10 days in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, but I wanted to post about my photo shoot before I head for sunnier skies. I met with Rose from MD at the clinic Saturday morning to do make up. It was way more make-up than I am accustomed to, but she assured me that it would look great in the photos.

Cat arrived at the clinic and I had a chance to chat with her for a while before we got started. It was nice to have time to become familiar with her before stepping in front of the camera. I am not comfortable having my picture taken and I know it took time to loosen up.

We used downtown Victoria as the backdrop for the photos, but it wasn’t the typical Empress or harbour shot. It was crazy, random spots in back alleys and doorways, places only a talented photographer with an amazing eye for art can pick out.

The morning was fun and light-hearted even if freezing cold! I was glad for the jacket that we picked as part of my outfit. There were times that I felt a little like a movie star when tourists were stopping to take pictures of my photo shoot or someone asked if I was a model.

It was the perfect end to a perfect prize.

(Friday March 13)

I am in the home stretch and it has been crazy! Let me walk you through my week:

Monday: On Monday morning, I went to Babin Dentistry to have my teeth cleaned. I am embarrassed to say it had been a couple of years and my teeth loved me for having it done. It was by far the gentlest cleaning I have ever had. Even with the amount of build-up, it was an almost pleasant experience. As pleasant as dental work can be anyhow.

Tuesday: Tuesday morning was Zoom time! Teeth whitening is a very different experience. It starts with a process called “isolation”. Seems simple enough, but it involves a plastic gagdet to hold your mouth open, lots of gauze and goop to protect your gums. Once that is complete, the actual whitening treatments are quick and easy. I even fell asleep during one of the applications. Overall, the procedure was fine, however, the sensitivity was pretty bad for the rest of the day.

Wednesday: The tooth sensitivity is all gone! Yay! It was such a weird sensation and I am glad it is gone! I went for my first IPL treatment today. Unfortunately, IPL machines are hot on the black market and the machine was stolen just before I started this process. (It’s back and fully operational now!) I’ll get to continue with the subsequent treatments after my reveal though. If the tooth sentivitiy from the whitening process could be likened to eating hot peppers (slow build and lingering), then IPL can be likened to eating wasabi. There is an initial shock of pain, but it instantly disappears. It was worst on my nose and upper lip, but again, the pain goes away immediately.

Thursday: I got my hair done!! It looks incredible. I had no idea that highlights could make such a dramatic difference. We chose beautiful shades of gold and copper. John did an awesome job of cutting my hair. It is dramatically different, but so flattering and easy to maintain. I could not have asked for a better cut or experience. The staff are great and the results match!

Friday: Andrea took me to Tulipe Noir to pick out an outift for my photo shoot. The store is so quirky and fun and original. The pieces are spectacular and unique. You certainly aren’t going to run into someone with the same outfit at your next party. It was fun trying things on and even better to find out that I had dropped not one, but TWO dress sizes! (Woot! Woot! Shout out to Michele and BDHQ!) We settled on a terrific outfit.

And that folks, is a whirlwind week of makeover madness!

(Friday March 6th)

It has been a month since beginning this journey and it has been incredible. I have never won anything in my life and I can’t think of anything that I would more appreciate. The outward changes have been wonderful, but the slow return of my confidence is the most valuable prize of all.

My confident return has been in no small part thanks to Michele Shorter and her amazing team at Body Dynamics. I have been participating in her “Biggest Winner” program. It is simply the most motivating and comprehensive weightloss/wellness program there is in Victoria. I have a significant amount of weight to lose, but I have never felt intimidated or shy in this group. I am working out 4 days a week with a supportive group of women who are all striving for the same goal of healthier fitter selves. Michele is the perfect combination of Bob and Jillian from the Biggest Loser on TV. She is tough as nails and doesn’t accept excuses just like Jillian, but at the same time, she is completely emotionally invested in each success and failure, just like Bob.

The weight is coming off every week and I feel stronger after every workout. Thanks Michele!

Week three has been a little less of a whirl wind, but no less fun. I had my hair consultation with John at Carriero. The staff seemed really excited and it was so nice to meet John. I loved that they asked if I wanted a subtle change or something radical. I appreciated the chance to have some input. If I were 15 years younger and not working in a professional environment, I would have gone completely radical. Straightened, crazy colour, you name it. But being 36 and an executive assistant, I chose to remain more subtle. I want a change, but I still want to look like me, just a new and improved version. We decided on a cut and highlights. I have never had highlights and I am excited to see how it turns out.