Tuesday, January 22, 2013

15 minutes of fame

So I'm ready to share my big news.  Didn't want to say anything before it happened, lest I jinx myself!  It will take a couple of posts, so I best get started.  But first I want to start by saying that losing 122 pounds has been the absolute best decision I have ever made for my health.  Obviously, right?  So now I suppose I'm cured of obesity.  Not so fast. Once you lose the weight, there is still lots of stuff that goes on in your head that is hard to shake. There's the poor self esteem you have to work on.  The constant food temptation and worry that you're not going to be strong enough and fall off the proverbial wagon.  Understanding that you're not just on a diet, but have to commit to a lifestyle change if the weight loss is going to stick. There's tons more emotional things that go on with weight loss  but for me the one that is constantly on my mind all the time is my "inner fat girl".

Now don't get me wrong, she's good to have around because she makes me remember how difficult my life was when I was morbidly obese.  But most of the time, I can't get her out of my head, even when I should.  For instance, I always want to shop in the plus size section of a store. I would never willingly sit in a space between two people (in case I don't fit and make a fool of myself).  Just yesterday I panicked when I took the GO Train from Hamilton to Toronto because I thought I wouldn't comfortably fit in the seat and lean over onto my neighbor.  Silly I know, but these thoughts go through my head on a daily basis.

So, being a person of average size is still pretty new to me and I'll admit I'm waaaaay out of my comfort zone.  Even though I wasn't "comfortable" in the true sense of the word when I was morbidly obese, it was all I knew for the majority of my life.  Learning a new way of life in a new body definitely takes some getting used to.  So I thought it was time to really take a risk and try something that (if it worked) would put me right out there and way out of my comfort zone fo sho! So I did something completely out of character (for me) and sent an email with a link to my blog to the Steven and Chris show on December 12, 2012 asking for a make over.

Tara Williams, the fashion producer for the show, contacted me on January 2nd and asked me if I would still be interested in a make over for an episode being filmed on January 24th.  To be chosen for such an awesome opportunity is a once in a lifetime chance.  I still can't believe that I got picked at all!  But I was definitely going for it, even if it did scare the bejeezus out of me.  It is scary, but in a good way.  This will definitely be a HUGE self esteem builder for me.

Where I got to play dress up for  three hours!

Although the episode is being filmed in front of the studio audience on Thursday (for the reveal), I had a day of shopping and  salon/spa treatments yesterday.  Tara, Jessica Albano (who is also a runner), Jane from Reitmans and our CBC camera technician Ved met me at Reitmans in the TD Center at 7:45 am. I was so nervous, I think I only got about 2.5 hours of sleep the night before. We started the day with shopping and filming at Reitmans.  That is where my reveal outfits come from.  What an experience.  Everyone was super nice and made me feel special and so at ease. I'm not going to lie, I was nervous as hell talking in front of the camera, but as the morning went on, I became more and more comfortable.  Jessica was great fun and I love her style.  She's got such a bubbly personality and exudes such confidence.  She could be wearing a potato sack and make it look glamorous!

Check me out...I'm all mic'd up baby!!!!
The video that was shot in the store was of me and Jessica.  We're shopping, and I'm trying on different outfits so Jessica can help determine what will look best on me.  It was so much fun and I felt like an important person for the day.  Tara said something that stuck with me.  She said that I already inspire many people with my blog, and I'm going to inspire so many more by being on the show and telling my story.  That made me feel real good because if I can help others through motivation and inspiration, that truly means something to me.

After we finished up at Reitmans, Tara, Ved and I headed over to Civello at McCaul and Queen Street West.  There we were greeted by none other than the creative director of Civello salons, Kristjan Hayden.  Kristjan is a very talented hairstylist and makeup artist to the stars.  And he did my hair and makeup!  That's right, I got to rub shoulders with one of fashions great artists!  And he's not too shabby to look at either.  He has piercing eyes and nice teeth (I always notice people's teeth first and his were very white).  He was also super nice and made me feel like I was special.  It was strange to me that everyone knew so much about me already (through my blog), but I knew very little about them.

Ahhhh, the glamorous life!  Wax on eye by Jade,
hair foils courtesy of Ben!

The salon is only open for retail on Mondays, so everyone that was there, was there for me.  Ben came in to put highlights in my hair, Jade came in to do my eyebrows and nails, Kristjan gave me a cut and style and also gave me a full makeup lesson and application.  Ved filmed Kristjan and I for a quick clip when I first got there discussing my hair and makeup routine a bit.  We only had to do it a couple of times because by that time I was feeling pretty chill in front of the camera.  And Kristjan?  Why he's an old pro and could shoot off his dialogue in his sleep.

Lunch was still on plan thanks to Tara!

All in all I had a wonderful day at the salon and I would highly recommend it to anyone!  I'm gonna let you in on a secret.  I have never been to a salon before.  Okay, that isn't true.  I have set foot in one before, but I have never gotten service at one before.  I could never afford it.  I still can't, so this was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for me.  If you live in the GTA and you want a fabulous salon experience, head on over to Civello.  They were fabulous and treated me like a million bucks (even after the cameras were gone)!

So Thursday is when the big reveal is filmed before the live studio audience.  My hubby, son and 17 of my friends and family will be in the audience.  I'm excited, but once again nervous. This is different than being filmed around a few people.  When I watch the show on TV, the audience looks big.  And it will be filled with strangers!  Oh, and I'll be with Steven and Chris too!  Or maybe just Chris.  I think he does the makeover segment.  Tara thinks the show will air on February 1st at 2pm EST on CBC.  Don't quote me on that.  If the date changes I'll let you know.  And if you happen to miss it and really want to watch it, you can watch it online at CBC.ca.  Till Thursday, or maybe Friday.  I still have to run with my clinic after I film the show in the daytime:)  I may or may not be too tired Thursday night!

A little sneak peak without giving too much away.
I was beat by the time I got home last night!