11/10/10 Fashionista- What Goes Around... (lots of pics)

...Comes Around.

Let's take a walk through fashion history...mine specifically...and all the trends that cycle out and back in.

I'm surprised how much I'm enjoying building a new wardrobe now. Growing up I was never a trend setter with fashion. Coming from a home with 5 kids (4 girls) I was always looking for hand-me-downs...the best was when we got boxes from our older cousins once or twice. Looking back, I actually think I was probably a little behind-the-times. I desperately wanted the latest fashion trend, but I was usually on the tail end by the time I got it. Let's face it, clothes were very expensive then and fabric was a lot cheaper...Mom's actually sewed clothing (thanks again Mom for sewing me the white bikini I desperately begged you for...it's not your fault that I only wore it once...a self-conscious teen figuring out that people are not staring at you because you've got the cutest bikini at the community pool, but because it's see-through when it gets wet was a little traumatic) and most teen's closets weren't packed with nearly the amount of clothing they are now.

I have vivid memories of the few brand new, trendy clothing pieces I received for birthdays or Christmas and I remember wearing them often and until I wore them out.

Elephant bell bottoms...wide all the way from the top of the thighs until the enormous bell-bottoms (I don't think these have ever come back in...too bad as I could have used these when I was fat with my thunder thighs...mine had much looser thighs than these...of course that was when I was stick-thin...I'm always doing things backwards...'skinny jeans' when I'm obese...ugh.);

A midi (mid-calf length) coat made of tan corduroy (mine would have been right in now with the military look as it was double breasted);

Sweater unitard; from my toes to my (turtle) neck in gold cable knit, with a wrap around red-plaid mini skirt...NO this isn't me, just some other unfortunate girl in a unitard who at least had the sense to cover a lot more of the unitard (I was a tall skinny beanpole and I looked like a giant banana...these shouldn't ever come back in...ever...at least in gold).
'Love, Peace, & Flowers' Hip Hugger pants; picture the white one in the corner below and add a bright yellow sash belt and then add neon colored Peter Max style words and flowers (yes, I felt like a flower child in these).
A maxi (length) dress...my first one was red paisley (similar to the one below) and later I had a cream colored peasant-style one.Maxi dresses are back in. Of course I'm behind-the-times again and didn't buy one until I was skinny this summer and trust me, they're a fat girl's dream dress...and yes, they have them with flowy sleeves if you're working on the arms...even the big 'butterfly' sleeves we used to wear;
And here's the cream colored one (I thought I looked like a bride in this)...yes, the actual one I wore in middle school...I told you I'm a saver.And lest you think I can still fit into it...NOT. OK, this made me feel busty for the first time (when we all know I'm in training bras)...maybe my ribs have expanded LOL?
I blame my 'saving' it on my Mom...my DD actually just this week wore this beautiful expensive Peck and Peck dress Mom bought in NYC in the early 50's before she was married...see, most things come back in style (Yes, I wore this in college, and NO, I can't fit even my left pinkie in this thing now...it looks like a sack here, but it has a tiny waist with a flared skirt and is super cute on).

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9/9/10 Updates and Luck

Busy, busy, busy...and our luck is turning...it's all good.

• WOOT! DD got the job! She starts Monday with a Environmental Graphics Design company as an Account Manager. The 'Environmental' isn't a green thing, it's that they plan/complete signage for 'environments'; major buildings, parks, etc. (they take the blueprints and figure out how to number rooms and what signage will be needed for the whole place, including the big signage outside, and take it through completion). They do some things in town (ie. they did PNC Park- our baseball stadium) and a lot outside the state (ie. they've done some jobs for Disneyworld and they're doing some big parks out west now). It's the perfect fit for her as she got the creative gene from me so she'll love being in a creative environment, there's some travel involved, which she loves, and she'll be busy managing up to 30 jobs at a time so the job will change daily...a great fit for her. Thanks for all the good vibes!

• Hell has finally frozen over. DH finally bought a snowblower! It only took him being snowed in last winter with snow up to our hips and the neighbor rescuing us with his snowblower for him to get one. I'm just glad it has a push button start as he's usually out of town when it snows. He also lucked out as we received a great coupon for the store this weekend and when he went to order it, it was on a major sale...ended up being over $300 less than the original price and he couldn't believe his luck.

• We had a 'laboring' long Labor Day weekend. DH decided that 'we' should do some touch-up painting around the house. I must have lost my mind as I know 'we' and 'painting' really means 'me'...d*mn that Art Ed. degree (OK, it really needed to be done...I've been putting it off)! I'm still painting (I've punished him with making him wash down all the trim and doors). The 1st floor walls and upstairs hall walls are done and I'm still working my way through touching up the trim and doors. Here's the good news...that new painters tape with 'edge lock' you've seen on the commercials...it actually works! The stuff costs a fortune, but try it...I've painted a lot and I'm super picky about straight edges and I swear it works. My Dr. Suess quote from Diane may go up today if I get the doors done first. I know, I must be the only person who gets excited that the handprints and scrapes have now disappeared from my stair walls and trim.
  
• We took a break and had an evening out with neighbors this weekend and had a blast.
  

• The company DH works for just got officially turned over to the Saudi company that bought them. He called me to fill out insurance questions...weight and waist/hip measurements...good thing I'm back to being a pear!

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I'm off to paint!

8/16/10 I'm Like An Old Leather Couch

How am I'm like an old leather couch you ask? Let me tell you...

I often 'get a bug up my butt' and start 'projects'. I'm always working on a 'project' around the house (DD looked at me last night working away and then looked at her Dad and said 'What makes her get up in the morning and say 'I'm going to label that closet or redo the couches today? She's always starting a project!').

After our company left this weekend I took a deep breath and realized that although summer had just begun for me a few short weeks ago, it was now almost over. I realized that for the first time this summer that I have nothing on my calendar for the next two weeks...OK, I've got two kids to get ready to go back to school, but other than a day trip 'drop-off' at college this week, I have no trips away from home for two weeks...I haven't had that since February.

So how did I celebrate this moment...I took that deep breath and realized that I'm looking forward to September and getting together my book proposal to start sending out...and then I realized that because I've been gone so much of the Summer I needed to get caught up on a few projects that need doing (and so I won't feel guilty about focusing on the writing).

First, I cleaned out my 'closet cabinet'...it's a deep cabinet in my kitchen that holds a ton of stuff and every time I came home from Mom and Dad's with kitchen stuff from their house I shoved it in there...with company here this weekend I couldn't find anything in there...well, you know my 'almost OCD' wouldn't allow that! Yes, I have a label maker and I'm not afraid to use it!


Then I was on to my leather couches. We have two twin couches in the Great Room that I've been neglecting for a long time...they're about 8 years old and besides the yearly leather treatment they needed, they were now at the point where they needed an 'intervention'. We went to the store to get my supplies and then I went to town. I started with one couch...used the leather cleaner...stitched up any places where the baseball stitching had come undone, ironed patches on any rips in the thin fabric (bottom side of the cushions), opened the cushions and put in new batting and added new fiberfill to the cushions, and conditioned and buffed the leather.


Here's the funny part...after all that work...

...my family is complaining. Apparently, they loved the 'old' couch(es) and it was 'soft', 'comfortable', 'wrinkly', 'relaxed' and 'cushy'...and the 'new' couch is 'overstuffed', 'hard', 'huge', 'stiff', 'awkward', and 'uncomfortable'.

As I fell asleep last night it occurred to me that all those adjectives described the new and old me's as well...I'm now unstuffed and oh so comfortable, relaxed, and wrinkly...I'm like an old leather couch you love...I'm back to my old comfortable self.

Oh, and I'm on to the second couch today...the family will just have to suck it up and do the 'work' to get the couches comfortable again...I'm sure with a little time and hard 'work' they'll both be back to their old, comfortable selves again in no time.

8/1/10 Happy Feet

First, we've received our first SWA Challenge entry here: http://2010snewlife4me.blogspot.com/2010/08/swa-follow-me-im-begging.html Check out the toe rings!...or...whoops...those are toe cuffs anchoring you permanently to your scale, right? What a great tip for all our SWA members Sandy!...d*mn, wish I'd thought of that! I wonder how much it would cost to get them installed post scale-build?

I hope you're all thinking of some posts for the SWA Challenge (click on the logo at the top of the sidebar for details, and check out our new page at the top here/one of the tabs next to 'home')...you've got a whole month to work on it, so I'm expecting a lot...informative, funny, clever, thought-provoking, piggie pics...you know...your regular, wonderful selves! Oh, and I bought my first 'prize canvas' to start working on when I get back...here's a clue...let's just say I didn't buy it at an art store.

My two-headed toe and I are getting ready for our beach trip and that involves lots of sunless tanner for my pasty white stomach (bikini...yikes) and of course I bought a few sandals...no, not for in the sand...with a little 'bling' (see, I told you bling was my thing) to keep me warm for those cool nights in the restaurants with a nice bottle of wine...and they're flat for all that walking and shopping in Cape May (heels don't work with all the walking we do there)...the perfect compliment to a casual sundress...there's nothing like fun shoes to make you happy.

Oh, and BTW...my 'Barney Rubble' feet have shrunk...so start taking new measurements on your feet too (thank G*d my kids all got DH's beautiful long skinny hands, fingers, feet and toes...although they each got a 'slight' two-headed one as well)...so I needed these (these are 8 or 8.5 and I was in 9 or 8.5W).

These are zip heels and look at all those gems...DH says they look like a Gladiator...'For Sparta!'

These are ruffled and blingy...
Because Diamond's are a girl's best friend...

6/15/10 Tuesday Grumblings

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Saturday-
- DH still in Miami Beach from his bus. trip all week (poor thing never had a chance to even get in the ocean...no sympathy...at least he saw the ocean).
- I went the the neighbors for a grad party and enjoyed my GF's and some wine...wore the zebra print halter I showed you.

Sunday-


Monday-
- Migraines suck. That is all.

Tuesday-
- DH left for Denver.

- I have three grumpy children at home and it's gloomy out...I may have to strangle them with my thong if they don't stop whining...my head hurts.

6/1/10 Drivel Scribbles: New Tastes and Foods

First, Happy Memorial Day!

Yes, I know I'm late, explanation of busyness to follow. No, I didn't get my belly button pierced. It's 'the chasm', remember?!  Nothing to be down about as I've cheered it up with another holiday decoration! It's a huge plastic ring, and trust me, the ring part doesn't come close to 'bottoming out' (see below). Oh, and note my tanner belly...no I didn't wear the bikini to mulch (sunless tanner cream), but now I'm ready if I ever get invited to a pool party!

I'm back to writing the book after a long week-and-a-half-off. I spent the first part of that planting new bushes, removing old ones, and weeding. The mulch pile arrived last Wednesday evening (two days early) so DH decided to take off Friday to get it going. DS and DD were away this weekend in different cities so we decided to get our major spring jobs finished up. We spent Friday and Saturday mulching. If we weren't tired enough from that, Sunday was spent taking everything out of the garage...I did that part while DH took DS2 to lunch and a movie (just because we decided to make it a 'working weekend' didn't mean he didn't need some holiday fun). When they got back I had them move the last heavy things out and then we hosed the garage down and put it all back. Monday was partially spent boxing up DS1's college stuff (yes, it was still sitting in my Dining Room), and rearranging all DD's stuff in the Clubhouse out back so we could fit DS1's stuff in (along with the four large pieces of furniture the two of them bought in our neighborhood garage sale). Last night we just enjoyed all our hard work and had a great rib dinner with the kids/others returning home.

So time to refocus on the book. I'm writing now about:
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5/27/10 Thank You Note and 'Support'

Let me get this out of the way first, since someone asked me. Yes, that is my port you can see there...HEY, we were a LOT lumpier before, don't be afraid of a little port bump!

Now onto the main event...Thank you 200 followers! Yes, that punkster is out there again soliciting followers so I'll have to share pictures again... Be careful what you wish for people...your eyes may fall out this time. This is my very warped thank you note;

Three words that strike terror into every woman's heart...Bathing Suit Shopping...never a good time in BG land....but wait, she looks almost...well, happy...

...*cue scary music* DUH, DUH, DUH, DUH...

I BOUGHT A TWO PIECE BATHING SUIT!!! No, I'm not talking about a tank top one that covers everything. As recently as about a week ago I was having trouble buying sleeveless tops and now I'm baring my tummy, scars and all LOL...well, at least in the dressing room. I needed a suit with loose shorts or a skirt (remember my bum and back of my thighs are hideous, alright, alright, I'm getting sick of hearing about it too...hang in there and I'll prove it) and DD convinced me after trying on a few, that the 'grandma style' one piece suits that were like a mini dress were too A-line and none of them hugged my best part (my waist, she said) so they fell outward to my widest part and gave me a Christmas tree shape...I didn't know I had a 'best part', but I went with her theory.

I bought the one I liked best...I BOUGHT A TWO PIECE BATHING SUIT! I can't say it enough...or maybe two-piece isn't quite the right word as I've had other two pieces that covered everything. Can I call this a bikini even since it is skirted? Yes, I think I can...I BOUGHT A FREAKIN' BIKINI!

I haven't shown my belly in a bathing suit in over 20 years...DH bought me a 'loose shorts with bikini top' suit for my birthday after DD was born and she was less than one when I wore it...22 years ago (if he hadn't bought it as a gift it would have been even more years ago)! Can you tell that belly and back haven't seen the light of day in over 20 years? Talk about pasty white! I think a little sunless tanner cream might be in order!

I love that the polka dots hypnotize you into looking upward and then they subliminally make you think I might have some boobage under there, well, at least until I stand sideways and the spell fades. It's Ralph Lauren...and don't you love the navy and white terry coverup that matches above (it has another striped tie bow across the top of the V-Back).

OK, the scars aren't pretty, but I know they'll continue to fade. Now the hard part...this is about as hard as showing those Before photos...you've all done a great job of sharing your jiggly parts and I want those with booty to know they're not alone (no, I'm not trying to scare the he!! out of you). There is lots of sharing and support for people's 'possible tummy tuck' problems, but where's the support group for those of us with deflated booties (Or maybe it's a 12 step program I need? Or maybe just support period...Spanx WHEN are you going to start making bathing suits I believe I placed that order last summer!?)? Plus, I want you all to know that everyone has problem areas (yes, so you can feel better about yourselves while you point and laugh at me).
I'm showing my 'worst skin' part...those awful thighs and bum...it's even worse looking close up, but that's as close as you're getting (unless your behind me on the steps to the water slide)...it looks like crepe paper with soft wrinkles all through it...just weird. I was even nice enough (sorry Andrew, FB, and Andy...overt your eyes now or you'll never have sex again) to pull the suit up over my cheeks. You may not be able to tell from this pic, but I have very long legs...as long as my 6'3" husbands (I'm about 5'8.5", lost an inch)...it doesn't look that way because my bum has now fallen down into my thighs...seriously it's dropped half a foot...trust me my crotch is much higher than those cheeks...they're like others describe their boobs...deflated (and no, thank you, I'm not getting butt implants). So while you're looking into tummy tucks, I'm wondering if there is such a thing as a butt tuck? How about butt lift?...Maybe I can afford one cheek?

I don't even know who I am anymore....showing my a$$ on the internet (who was talking about personality changes LOL). Here's your big 'thank you' LOL...now sing it with me (the group theme song of course, could it be anything else?)...*I like big butts...*

Alrighty then...whose going to join me in 'support'...let the mooning begin...

5/26/10 My Second Vlog!

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5/25/10 Retail Therapy

DD and I went shopping (mainly for her birthday this summer) for 5.5 hours yesterday...that girl can shop until I drop! Get this, I also did some major shopping damage for my first big purchases since reaching goal...

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Just ignore my underwear showing as I know I need strapless bras/tanks underneath for some of these...and sorry no head shots as I just got out of the shower. Yes, I finally bought some sleeveless tops to show off those wings that I've earned (aren't you proud of me?)!



I'm thinking these two need to go back though...fullness right on my hips (my problem area) in the turquoise one and the red one is super thin clingy fabric.


OK, yes, I did buy some black that made up most of my previous wardrobe (and three pair of black and gray winter leggings not shown), but they're sleeveless dresses (and I also bought some other plain colorful tops/tanks not shown). The one on the right is a much bigger size (14) than I wear (8), but I thought it works because it's just a full dress with a belt (and it's Talbots and has a nice separate shift slip underneath).

OK, I'm off to a girls lunch out (in a sleeveless top)...but I wanted to let you know that I also bought something else...I'm thinking you'll be even prouder of me for this one...let's just say that I'll be showing you my bum and awful thighs (can't wait can you)...I'll save that for when I reach 200 followers (since I'm not following much, my followers have stalled...to be expected). Off to lunch!

5/19/10 Thong Th Thong Thong Wrong

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5/18/10 That Four Letter Word...

Rain...

No, that's not the word...I'm starting with some personal updates (rain for the second day is just pissing me off), then we'll get to the LB, and that other bad word...

What's Happening:

- We finish the garage sale Saturday. We got rid of almost 1/2 the stuff and made about $100...woo. Yes, we priced things very cheap...people kept telling us they couldn't believe the deals they were getting (I just wanted it gone). I even set out three boxes of new things with the tags still on them from my 'gift closet' (LOL, things like baby clothes that were the wrong size/season, clothing for me that never fit, gifts I never gave, etc.). What's better than selling 1/2 the crap? Setting 10 boxes of leftovers at the curb and watching the Vets pick them up yesterday! The only thing that could ruin that moment? My two oldest buying four LARGE (we're talking couch and huge tables large) pieces of furniture from other's garage sales (I knew I was doomed Friday morning each time they would come back up the street in my minivan and back into the driveway). DH can no longer park his car in the garage and we're going to have to upgrade my minivan to a U-Haul to move their crap around.

- It was DS1's 20th birthday Saturday. His GF came up for the day and took him to the zoo and then we had a great dinner and family party. Can I just say that my children make me feel old...I just realized I can no longer say 'my teens' in my blog anymore as I now have 2 out of 3 kids that are 20 or older...Ahhh! How dare they grow up so fast and make me feel old...the pain of childbirth has returned to bite me in the butt!

- Sunday DH and I went to four nurseries to buy plants and bushes (all these garage sales have put me behind on my gardening). I decided we needed to redo some of the front landscaping as we lost some bushes from the waist-high snow this winter...plus some of the planting beds were getting out of control (we now have 10 tiny new bushes...and sunburns). We've never lived anywhere long enough to have to replace landscaping LOL...hard to believe we just reached 9 years here! I also have flats full of annuals waiting to be planted, but we've had two days of cold rain... d*mnit, now I have to clean my house (you can only imagine the mess after hauling all that crap out of the basement to sort)...sun tomorrow!

- Blog Comments:
---Thanks for asking, yes, my patio is still (mostly) brown and shiny (ask DD, she wiped out on the slick surface yesterday trying to run to her car in the rain). I'll try to take some pics when the sun is back out.
---Anonymous- thank you for the comment. It's comments and emails like that, that keep me moving forward on the book.

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5/11/10 I'm In Training

It's going to be hard for me to keep writing as much since the weather is getting nicer...my garden calls to me to sit and putter...like I said, it's my meditation. This trying to write in the evenings is not working with all the kids home and the craziness that ensues around here. Since teens are mainly nocturnal (at least mine are...I swear that's why they have big eyes...to see in the dark), I've made a plan though to sit on the patio in the mornings with my laptop this summer and type away...we'll see how that goes LOL. I've been working through the book primarily from front to back, but as things come up in maintenance, I stop and get those down.

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3/24/10 Tell All

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3/21/10 Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

I'm working on my headband today and getting rid of too big/too short pants. Sorry, I already got rid of some before I moved to Blogger. I'm not sure how this works, but in case anyone can use these before they go to charity I'm posting my pile. I'll warn you that none of these sit below the belly button as some have been in my closet for awhile (but a shirt would cover the high waist, so I'm figuring some of you are as desperate for clothes on the way down as I was)...some of them haven't been worn, and all are in great shape except a few minor things and I've shown flaw with a second photo.

I'm 5'8.5" and I have really long legs and need a tall pant; many of these are not talls/longs (I've noted that if they are) so don't get scared if you see they're flood pants on me. I bought them and they were too short (never wore them)...don't ask me why I kept them, but I had a whole section of pants that were too short LOL. Also I'm going to note that some of them do not correspond to today's sizes and I'll note that next to the size they're marked (ie. '12-more like a 10') and I also noted if there is any elastic in the waist and I'll give you the waist size (if it's got an elastic waist I'll give you the min. and max) just so you can be sure (so go measure your waist now).

If anyone wants anything me your selections (use the letter code) along with your name & address and I'll send them out to you (first come, first serve). Send and email to (don't ask, it's not my name, DH set it up and it's his favorite tree-ginkgo) nginkgo@zoominternet.net

Oh, and the last one is just for fun, I'm keeping these to remind me...I found another pair of my 'Before' pants (sz. 22)...never thought I'd be able to get in one leg LOL!

A=14 Tall (more like a 12?), 33" waist, Harve Bernard, 100% wool lined, Black, tighter waist, loose thigh
B=12 Long (more like a 10?), 32" waist, Dockers, 100% Cotton, Tan, Tighter waist, loose thigh, pleated front(taken)
C=14 Long (more like a 12?), 31-34" waist, Lee, Black, elastic sides
D=16 (closer to a 14?), 35.5" waist, Villager/Liz Claiborne, Stretch, Tan w/White and Black thin stripes, small hole near pant hem (*see second pic)
E=16 Tall (more like a 14?), 33.5" waist, Harve Bernard, Poly Spandex, Black, Fringe down sides (*see second pic-Sorry the second one is not in order)
F=16 (more like a 14?), 33-35.5" waist, Requirements, Poly Rayon (non-wrinkle), Black with white dash stripes, front loop missing (need to sew a loop out of thread for the hook *see second pic)
G=1x, 31-48" waist Apparenza, stretch poly Spandex Suede, Black (the jacket or shirt is a 1x also...I'd suggest you wear it with more than a black bra LOL *See second pic (taken)
H=12 (more like an 8 or 10), 29-31" waist, Gloria Vanderbilt, Elastic Back, pleated front, Jean with white stripe
I=16 Tall, 36-37.5" waist Lane Bryant, Hidden Elastic Back, Tan, some pilling in crotch (*see second pic)
J=18W, 39" waist, Lauren/Ralph Lauren, 97% cotton, 3% Spandex, Summer weight, White and Black or Dark Navy (I can't tell) stripes (haven't been worn) (taken)
K=XL, 34.5" waist, Briggs New York, Linen & Rayon (machine washable), full elastic waist w/fake drawstring (you could cut it off even), Black
L=14 (more like a 12?), 29-33" waist, Russ, Elastic sides and back, 100% cotton, Dark Blue
M=10 (or 8?), 28.5" waist Tall Harve Bernard, Tight waist, widewhale cords, Tan
N=14 (more like a 12?), 31-33" waist, Country Suburbans, 100% cotton, elastic sides, Red & Green plaid (these were my Christmas pants LOL)
O=12 (more like a 10?) 30-32" waist, Liz Claiborne Sport, Elastic Sides, pleated front, 100% Cotton, Black
P=10 (more like an 8?), 30" waist, Essential Style, tight waist, Buckle back (*see second pic), 100% cotton, Tan
Q=12 (more like a 10?) 29.5-31" waist, Liz Claiborne Sport, elastic sides, pleated front, 100% cotton, Navy
R=14, 30.5-33" waist, Villager, Poly/Rayon, Gray, small bleach mark front near waist band (can be covered with a shirt *see second pic)
S=2x COAT, Herman Kay, zip out fleece lining, button off hood, only worn a few times

3/11/10 The Incredible Shrinking Woman

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2/16/10 Before, During, and almost After's

Well, I just got back from my Cardiologist check-up and since it was all good news I decided on the way home that I'd post a little blog about it...but then I had a HEART ATTACK!!!!!!!!!

100 Followers!!!! Seriously?!!! AHHHHHH!!! PALPITATIONS!!!! I left the Cardiologist too soon *clutching heart*....AHHHHHH!!!

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I'm only doing this in hopes of inspiring someone else, like everyone's pics inspired me...I don't have the perfect body, but at least it's now a healthy one. Enjoy!

Before----------1/13/09 = 244 (-4 lbs.)
During----------8/2/09 = 195 (-53 lbs.)
Almost After--1/30/10 = 163 (-85 lbs.)








Thank you 100 Followers!

2/15/10 I Hope You're Happy! (238 & 248 Heads)

...I am now going off into my corner to cry...

...and yes, there are three chins in that last pic (yes, I zoomed in close so you can just barely see it)...

...and yes, I was a brunette...for the first time in my life...for a few months...

...I had this fantasy that I would change my hair color and the weight wouldn't be as noticeable in my 'before' pics...

...I liked the additional brain cells brunettes have...they keep you from having stupid blonde moments...where you promise things you now have to deliver on...

...and I'm noticing (Why didn't any of my 'friends' point this out?) I need to buy a powder foundation instead of my liquid one...as I have 'Obese Woman with Shiny Face Syndrome' in every pic...never a good look...fat and sweaty looking...ughhh...

...that is all...

...unless I find way to block new followers I'll be in seclusion....

...Do Not Disturb

2/15/10 218 & 228 Heads

What the heck happened yesterday? I may be back again today posting those last heads...then there's not much between me and the dreaded 'befores' Yikes!

They're getting scarier and scarier...and it looks like I aimed down a little in the 228 one because my chin looks like it shrunk a little, trust me, it didn't...I remember I took that one myself from arms length. I hope you're enjoying watching me grow! It's like a chia pet...no...I lost too much hair for that one...more like one of those sponge capsules you put in water! Enjoy!

2/14/10 Happy Valentine's Day!!!

We had a great movie and dinner out last night for our early Valentine's celebration. I did well on the eating front at PF Changs. I had a glass of White wine, 1 chicken lettuce wrap (with not very much filling), and about 1/2C of Chicken w/cashews & almonds, and 1/2C or less of brown rice. The other couple ordered a dessert for all of us to try, I think it was banana spring rolls and I had 1 section (about 1/4 C max or probably less). So more than I usually eat as it was probably 1.5-maybe 2C max, but we were there for hours, so I ate very slowly and never felt stuffed.

I NEED FASHION HELP!
We ran out of time to take pics before we left, so I had DS2 take these this morning in the outfit I wore (excuse the makeup and hair). I was having a fashion crisis last night and need your advice before I forget for next time (DD is gone until Monday). This was my first time wearing leggings since stirrup pants were in (yes, I tried putting on the thighshaper bodywear, but with the leggings the thigh 'muffin bottoms' showed...I'm thinking I need ankle to neck body armour). I have 3 long sweaters I bought to go with these leggings. DH talked me into wearing flats instead of the heels since it's so icy out. So here's the question...I know some short heel boots would be best (I need to buy some), but can you wear leggings with regular heels? If so, are the knee-high black hose I wore OK, or am I to be bare ankled?

Yes, I'm talking to DS2 through my smile about how to use the camera. Oh, and look at those boobs I borrowed from Victoria! If you ever see my before/after's you'll see those aren't mine (but the 'butt shelf' is) LOL!

Have a great day with your sweeties! Mine is taking the 5 boys back to PSU, but should be home in the next hour or so! ((Love and Hugs)) -BG

PS- Haven't the Olympics been great!!! We got to spend the evening hanging with the boys!

*Edited to add:

These are DD's...I'm going to need 'husky girl' boots as I couldn't even zip these half way up! Does anyone sell them with XL calves LOL?

2/13/10 208 & 198 Heads

Thank you followers 81-85! Well isn't this fun...watching my chins grow!!! Enjoy!

Happy Saturday all! Hope you all watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics last night. I always get a chill watching all the countries march in. In this world of ours with all it's problems, bad economies and wars it's always wonderful to see that we can come together in this way!

Oh, just in case I'm not back...let me wish you happy VD now! No, NOT the STD (although I'll warn you not to get too amorous with people you don't know). Happy Valentine's Day! We're celebrating early going out with friends this afternoon for a movie and early dinner at PF Changs. I'll try to remember to take a photo to post.

DS1 made it back from college late last night and he looks/feels good (just 2 more weeks until the mono should be completely out of his system). He's out with PSU students all day today 'canning' (asking for donations) for childhood cancer (Four Diamonds Charity dedicated to wiping out pediatric cancer through research and caring for patients at the PSU Hershey Children's Hospital). PSU has a modern day 'dance marathon' ('Thon' http://www.thon.org/ ) every February. It's the largest student run philanthropy in the world and they raised over 7 million last year. The students fill the seats of the indoor basketball stadium and they stand and dance for 48 hours (next weekend, that should be fun, hope he doesn't get tired from the mono). They have lots of guests (and families/kids with cancer) come and encourage the students all through the event.

Anyway, we'll be home early so when DS1 is done we'll be able to spend some time with him as DH is taking the group back to school early tomorrow (they all have plans with GF's for Valentine's Day).

Happy weekend all!