But I have to work at it. The important stuff never comes easy, Dad says. Like learning my cheer routines. Or memorizing where Japan is for Geography class (it's in Asia, which is near South America, I think). Or getting my bottom into proper shape. Of course, for that I have my Dad to thank.

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It was AGES ago, when I was just starting seventh grade at Collinsville Middle School (Go Tigers!), and I had already turned thirteen. We had moved to Collinsville from the boondocks, and I was getting to know my new school. It seemed like everyone was so grown-up! Like the boys were going crazy about the girls, and talking out loud in the hallways about so-and-so's ass and things like that. I was really scared that there might be something wrong with my ass. What if boys never said those things about me? I'd never have a boyfriend, never get married, and never be a mommy!

Like I said, I was just a kid, thirteen years old. I'm more sophisticated now. I know that even without Dad helping me get into shape, SOME guys would like me. But as it is, ALL the boys like me, and I like THAT tons more.

Anyway, I was starting to get real worried about it. I asked my Mom if there was any way to make my butt grow up sexy, but she just got mad and shushed me, and told me not to even think about stuff like that. I tried to forget about it, but the next day Tommy Howard made some crack about me having a boy's butt as I passed his locker and all the guys hanging around him laughed. I had to do something.

I knew better than to ask Mom again, though.

Dad had turned the bonus room above the garage in our new house into an exercise and workout area. He was (and is!) in great shape, so I figured he'd be able to tell me what to do. The problem was, I was SOOOO embarrassed to ask him. But I did, while he was laying back on one of his machines pushing the weights.

"Dad, can I ask your help with something?"

"Sure, Sweetheart, what is it?"

"I was wondering if you could teach me an exercise...."

"An exercise? Sure, there are lots of exercises a girl your age could do. No time like the present to start some good workout habits."

"Well, um, Dad, I wonder if you know of a particular exercise.".....(cont)