Ugh

Why didn’t I go to the gym for the past three months?!? If you ever think that a “couple of pounds” doesn’t hurt (alright, more than a couple…) just come visit Indonesia packing extra weight.

My self-esteem is officially in the gutter. I knew things didn’t bode well when the driver who picked me up from the airport only comment to the principal was that I was fat, and she wasn’t reluctant to tell me. But no, the humiliation didn’t stop there. With only three hours of sleep I went to the end of school celebration. The parents were more than happy to let me know in hand and facial gestures just how large they think I got. Extra weight knows no language barriers.

The ultimate mortification came at the traditional market. Women working the food stalls, whom I was familiar with were more than happy to comment (i.e. laugh) on my size. Regina was kind enough not to translate, however it was quite apparent what the “joke” was. Regina said, “Just smile, this is how it is in Indonesia.”

Needless to say, I’ve been working out the best I can in 100+ heat and anemic gym conditions. Just promise me, when I get back home, not to comment on my weight- even if I’ve lost a pound or two!