One of My Forgotten Life's Pleasures

Warning: Self Indulgent Post Ahead!

A huge downside to running LM was that the business literally took over my life. Always something to do, never caught up, and feeling like any waking moment should be dedicated to LM. And it really was - I would feel tremendous guilt taking almost any time for myself. And thus how it became so unhealthy for me. Stress is not my friend.

One of the most exciting things for me resulting from my weight loss this year and the greater amount of time to myself  has been shopping. I always used to love to shop - not necessarily buy, but see what fashions are out there, try things on, hunt for great deals, etc. The last time I remember taking the time to enjoy this was pre-LM, when I lived in Southern California, had a regular full time job, and would stop on my way home from work to browse or look for something at the mall or the fabulous outlet stores that were nearby. So, we're talking 8+ years!  I wondered if I had forgotten how, or if I would still enjoy it as much.

Well, I'm back from 4 blissful hours of shopping to tell you that I enjoy it even more now - and the only thing I actually bought was a chai tea latte! Of course my enjoyment could also be a result of the fact that I can now fit into REGULAR size clothing! Those of you who are now or have ever been in plus sizes really understand what an amazing feeling this is. Bye-bye Lane Bryant, bye-bye 'Women's' Department!! WOO HOO! This is HUGE for me. The last time I was shopping at regular size stores I was in my early years of college - so we're talking maybe 1993?!

I tried on half a dozen pants at The Limited - thrilled that every single size 14 zipped right up and looked pretty good (although seriously, those new skinny jeans, aka jeggings? - I'm thinking they're meant for size 6 and under!).

Snug, but Size 12 pants at Loft!

Went in Loft for the first time ever and tried on some pants there as well - OMG! in one style I am between a 12 and a 14 -  I couldn't believe it was actually me asking the sales girl to grab me a 12 to try.

At Macy's I wandered around the entire women's floor in wonder, with a smile on my face, that I could actually try on anything in any department there, without the nagging voice in my head telling me I didn't belong even looking in that department. I tried on a bunch of jeans (after all, all my jeans have been Lane Bryant brand for the past 15+ years!). Fell in love with a black pair of Not Your Daughter's Jeans - get this - in a size 12 (a little tight, but buttoned and zipped and felt great on!). 

Size 12 Not Your Daughter's Jeans at Macy's

Since I have been going down in sizes so quickly, I have kept my wardrobe to a bare minimum, only buying when it's something I need to go somewhere (although I do have a good collection of yoga pants and workout clothes, but those are worn often). Cleaning out my closet has been a cathartic experience, one that has made both Thad and I realize that we really desire to simplify many aspects of our lives and find great joy in that. I know, that sentiment seems so at odds talking about my enjoyment of shopping, right? The difference in my life now though is that I had a great time today, but also came home happy to have not bought things I really didn't need right now and happy to have not spent $ from our tight budget - kinda seems like the best of both worlds to me. As cooler weather approaches I will need to get a few things, but plan to buy with the knowledge I won't be wearing for long, so I'll look at Marshall's, Kohl's, Old Navy for some inexpensive transition clothes. Doesn't mean I'll stop shopping just for fun though :)