When I jog, which is more like a shuffle, I make sure to always listen to Jace Everett's "Bad Things." For those of you who don't know it, it's the theme song for HBO's True Blood. Furthermore, if you're in the dark about True Blood, it's a series based on Charlene Harris's Sookie Stackhouse novels. One last bit of information: the series is about a southern gal's interactions and relationships with vampires. Yes. Vampires. As I type the word, I still cannot believe it myself. I'm obsessed with a storyline about vampires. Though you don't know much about me just yet, I hope you're confused about the link between the vampire story, the song, and why I listen to it when I work out.
You see, I'm a wanna-be-runner. I've always wanted to be one; I've run a few 5ks and a 10k, but I've never committed. Because, after all, jogging is really difficult for overweight people. And I am. By medical standards, I am obese. I've known it for a long time, and I am aware of my overweight self. So why have I stuck to running for the past month, consistently? What inspired me and continues to do so? Why did I join Weight Watchers? Why have I lost 10.4 pounds since January 6th? Many reasons: I want to be healthy; I want to be happy; I want clothes shopping to be easier; I want to feel more comfortable in my marriage; I want to like myself; I want to be fit; I want to wear tank tops when it's hot outside, and I want to enjoy the beauty of the beach without worrying about my numerous fat rolls. Oh, one more reason: just in case I ever run into Alexander Skarsgard--aka Vampire Eric Northman--I want to be ready.
Who? Eric Northman is the very desirable vampire in Harris's Sookie Stackhouse novels, and Alexander Skarsgard plays Eric in True Blood. Seriously, take a minute and look him up if you're clueless. The thing is, I watched the show before I read the (ten, so far) novels, and I wasn't consumed with the character until I read the books. I know it seems like I've digressed in my connections, but there is one. Thanks to Harris and the world she creates, I am finally able to imagine myself a healthy 80 pounds lighter. Sookie Stackhouse, the main character, becomes involved with two vampires--Bill and Eric. I'm not sure what it is about Sookie, but in her character, I find strength and confidence. I want that. Of course, I've always envied strength and confidence in my friends, but never enough to finally commit, to finally care enough about myself to exercise regularly and really watch what I eat. Sookie is happy with herself, and that's what I want for myself. It may be selfish, but I've realized I need to take time to become content as an individual before I can fully embrace life and create my own adventures (the kind without the appearance of Swedish Vampires).
Deep down, I know I'll never happen upon Alexander Skarsgard on my way to, well, anywhere, but I'm going to keep jogging to "Bad Things" because it reminds me of the beauty and adventure that exists, a beauty and adventure I don't want to miss any longer because I'm overweight. I can change my weight. I will change my weight. I am changing my life. Thanks, Charlene Harris.
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