Aixerona - I'm the poster child!

Wow, that was a longer break than I realized.  It really makes me feel loved to receive so many notes TELLING me to get back at it.  Thanks y'all!!!

Erma Where Are You?

We all have one kind of skeleton or another in our closet.  This one of mine didn't come to life until after I had our first born.  Prior to that I didn't even know it existed.  While I'm not making light of eating disorders, people have to realize there are many different kinds.  And that leads me to say: Hello, my name is Michelle Baker and I suffer from Aixerona. These days the airwaves, social media, television media, print media, schools, and counselors are all talking about body image issues, disorders, and the diseases associated with them.  We all know their terms, for the most part.  But you NEVER hear about "Aixerona".  It might be because I coined the term back in 1989.  That would be the time period after I gave birth to our firstborn, but surprisingly the 79lbs that I gained didn't miraculously disappear the way it surprisingly arrived. 

I am the opposite of anorexic.  When I look in the mirror, I think, wow - looking good!  I can see myself from all angles and think - and SEE - I definitely look good.  On some occasions I've even seen myself as DAMN GOOD. And that image stays in my mind, until I see of PHOTO of myself. OMG!!  What happened?  I know when I left the house I was looking FINE.  

I'm not sure how or what happens when the camera snaps.  What scientific process occurs?  How can I instantly be transformed from "Wow" to "WTH"?  

How do I deal with my disorder? Well, I've found the only way to combat it is to stay out of photographs. That's why you will almost always see me on the other side of the camera.  And IF you do see me in a photo, I try to position myself crunched in the middle or better yet in the back row. (And that's a rather tough feat when you're a healthy 5'3" tall.)

Example: That's me in the far back to the right of my friend the bearded pirate.
(Pre-Blonde)

In the end it doesn't really matter where I show up in a photograph as long as my family and friends want me around and in their photographs.  I'm extremely blessed.  I'm very happy, healthy, and who knows what the future brings......

There will always be haters. You just have to remember your self worth is only dependent upon your SELF!  And I look like a million bucks (in a non economic downturn, strong dollar economy kind of way)!!