Laundry day and an attitude of gratitude

[vanillafluffy]

I've got bedding going in the dryer, and I just finished putting away a drawerful of panties. System: The farther back in the drawer, the older/larger they are. I've still got a few pairs of JMS14s, although these days I can get comfortably into a 12 (or 13, I have them too, and they're newish compared to the 14s).

Yesterday, I was absolutely overjoyed to wear a certain blue-and-white cotton skirt to church. The skirt itself I got circa 1988, probably last worn 1990ish---but I love it and kept it, despite having gotten rid of a LOT of other things I despaired of ever wearing again. I'm glad I kept the faith, because it's back in my active wardrobe!

The print is two shades of blue on a white background, kind of palm-frondish. I wore it with a navy tank top. I accessorized it with an asymmetric necklace of mother-of-pearl and coral and red ballet flats. Add to this the fact that my hair has FINALLY grown out enough that I no longer snarl at my reflection in mirrors (It only took three months!).

I don't always feel good about myself. My weight has been see-sawing back and forth, up and down the same five pounds since April, or thereabouts. I'm fifty-something, my skin has lost its firmness, and when I take my clothes off, I look like a shar-pei. My teeth could land me a part in The Grapes of Wrath. I don't wear make-up because there's always something better to spend money on, and between thick glasses and minimal eyelashes, bone structure and thick hair are all I have going for me north or the neck. Well, that and brains, but I don't think anyone but zombies wants to look at THEM.

But one thing I *AM* happy about is the fact that this whole entire year so far, I've stayed under 300 pounds, which is the first time I've been able to say that since circa 1990. And, while the number on the scale hasn't made the downward progress I'd like to see, that five-pound range I've been hovering in is in the low 280s, which I regard as quite satisfactory.

Basically, I'm trying to relate the following philosophy to the status quo:




oxo

Comments

[starhawk2005.livejournal.com]

Well, that and brains, but I don't think anyone but zombies wants to look at THEM.

LOL!

But seriously, don't get so down on your appearance, hon! *hugs* ITA with that graphic. Words to live by!!!

[vanillafluffy.livejournal.com]

Eh, I have mood swings to go with the hot flashes. I'll go from being "I'm awesome" to "Oh god, I fail at LIFE", sometimes within a five-minute window. I'll laugh at something dumb on TV, and wind up with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I'm trying to be honest and balanced, which is hard, and realistic about my priorites. (Also tricky.)

Hey, if I didn't have a few flaws, I'd be a total Mary Sue!

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[starhawk2005.livejournal.com]

Ah yes, the joys of menopause. Hopefully I am a few years away from that yet (at least until I decide whether or not I want to breed again ;) ).

Hey, if I didn't have a few flaws, I'd be a total Mary Sue!

LOL! Well, we can't have THAT! ;)

[adventurat.livejournal.com]

Good attitude about the scale. There are many other ways of measuring success and progress, not forgetting the mental ones. Good on you.

Great news about the blue and white skirt! I love when stuff like that happens.

[vanillafluffy.livejournal.com]

And when it cools down about 20 degrees, I have a short-sleeved, cotton-knit tweedy/heather sweater that I'm longing to pair that skirt with. I've 'only' been holding on to that one for the last ten years or so....

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[ang5fam.livejournal.com]

The Health Dept. has free dental care as does BCC dental program. My dentist volunteers at the Health Dept. a couple of days per month as do most dentists in the area. You should check it out.

[vanillafluffy.livejournal.com]

My experience with BCC is that they're okay for small stuff like s-rays and cleaning, but not so much for major stuff (extractions, root canals, etc). Didn't know about the health dept, though---I'd like to save what I've got left.

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[ang5fam.livejournal.com]

I agree~ I would like to have my own natural teeth when I get old. I go for cleanings twice a year and have had a few fillings in the last year or so. It's always something!

[pwcorgigirl.livejournal.com]

I love that and will print one out to give to the Scale Nazi at my doctor's office. And YAY! for you for getting back in your wonderful skirt. <3<3<3

[vanillafluffy.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'd blow it up and get it laminated and hang it on my mirror, but meanwhile, I'm sharing it as much as I can.

Skirt is love. Mb has just invited me out for Chinese food, and I think I'm going to wear it for that. Hmm, it's all you can eat...maybe something stretchy would be better!

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[fufaraw]

That's an awesome thing to remember. And you're pretty awesome yourself for maintaining the way you have, and for your ongoing fight against the tide of things in your house. All best luck things continue so positively.

[vanillafluffy.livejournal.com]

Thanks, hon---cheerleading is always appreciated!


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[cbtreks.livejournal.com]

I know how hard it is to lose weight and keep it off. I think yo-yoing and plateauing are just inevitable no matter what you do. I'm so impressed with what you've done!

[vanillafluffy.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Every time I start feeling dissatisfied, I remind myself that three years ago, I was 40+ pounds heavier and I was dealing with shoulder issues and was wretched. Yes, things *could* be better, but they could be a helluva lot worse, too!

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