shopping...

As an obese person, I have not enjoyed clothes shopping in many, many years. Probably about 20 years. And having only lost 30 pounds, I am not ready for "new clothes" yet. I really need to lose some more before it makes sense to buy anything.

BUT

I have a family wedding in two weeks.

And honestly, I haven't bought myself new clothes in well over a year, so I have nothing to wear. Seriously. It's not that I WANTED to go clothes shopping, but rather out of necessity. Just hoping to get something to wear with my black pants.. that is ALL I needed.

So I headed to town today to find something. Store number 1 - NOTHING. I am still very much plus size, and all of the clothes were  - - idk - - - just frumpy.

Store number two - more promising, and as I started to dig in, I found a cute jacket on clearance, a top on sale, and some other things to try on. Still dressed from a funeral, I had black pants on that I planned on using for the wedding anyway. Put on the top I found, and was REALLY pleasantly surprised at how it looked on me! It gave me a waist, made me look good. What a nice surprise. Totally unexpected.

I ended up going home with the top (would love to find black pants now - as mine are big enough that they look funny), as well as a long sleeve tshirt and that fun jacket (casual - totally for me, not the wedding!)

It's been a long time since I liked something I bought. What a great day. :-)

a shot of confidence!

Yesterday I had lunch with a dear friend (four months overdue!). Someone I used to see on an almost daily basis when I worked. Her original reaction when I walked in was JUST what the doctor ordered. While I am noticing the changes in my clothes - loose fitting, hanging funny, I didn't know if it was outwardly noticeable that I've been losing weight.

When she saw me, she immediately said "you look amazing! have you lost weight?"

It made my morning. I really needed that. Because while the scale is showing that I'm down just over 30 pounds, I still doubt myself. Wondering if it's just in my head. So to have someone objective notice without being prompted, was that little reassurance that it is happening.

This woman has been with me through so many ups and downs. Breakfast and coffee with her was just an amazing refreshment for my soul.

Now my big hurdle is this - every time I start getting healthy - and get to this point (ok, this is further than I usually get) - I start to let it go. So I am testing myself. Can I continue? What am I scared of? Why shouldn't I be healthy?

So there it is.

She and I discussed what is going on - and how it's not some crazy diet - it's just a lifestyle change. With eating all fresh, homemade goods - very little processed. And walking to and from work. It's not only changing MY body - but my hubby's - lowering his bad numbers as well. I cook meals for my boys that they take in lunches - no more processed, high fat lunches. Real, home cooking, with a good mix of protein, veggies, and grains. NO PRESERVATIVES.

Getting back to basics is the key for me. And I was so happy to share it with my friend. She is good for me.

he noticed!

On a drive up north last Friday for the football game, the hubby and I were talking, as we do on all of our road trips. I was annoyed that my rings had already begun to spin (every fall/winter, my fingers shrink and my rings get too big), when he said, "maybe it's because you've lost weight". YEAH! He noticed! AND said something. It's the little victories. :-)