Starting fresh

[MsDowser]

Got up today and did about 1/2 hour of gardening in grubby clothes. Then I took my shower and put on enough make-up to feel good. THEN I cleaned my house. Thanks ladies. When I was working and dreaming about staying home I always said I wouldn't let myself go like "those other women". Then bit by bit (pretty quickly actually) I stopped doing all those little things that make you feel pretty. Now if I have to run out I won't be hoping I don't see anyone I know. Next week I am going to start working out again. This week is too crazy. Last year I worked out for 1/2 - 1 hour 5 days a week for 3 months. Dropped a ton of weight felt great, but was exhausted the first two weeks. I never did get down to the weight I wanted, but still it was good to be heading in the right direction. Then I got a bad flu, deathly ill for a week, another week to feel normal and THEN all that work to catch up on. Never did get back to working out. Also bought a bike and hope to use it to run my errands. Sounds to me like the mother-in-law is jealous that you have your son with you instead of "needing" her to take him. Perhaps you could have her come for coffee and "play" with him while you clean the upstairs or something like that? If she keeps scaring him to get to you, I would encourage you to address it directly and if it doesn't work, stop the 1 day visit. That is the kind of trauma that small children carry with them into their adult life. (Ask me how I know LOL) Hope it all works out well. Sharon

[Crafty Amanda]

Glad to see everyone here! toofatgirl, don't think I've ever been an idol before!

I just finished defrumping (that's what I'm going to call it when I shower, do my hair, put make up and jeans on LOL) and decided to check messages. I need to make my bed and clear up around here. I didn't get to walk the dog around today at the school, was caught up in working this morning. So I'm going to go out and work with her in the yard while the kids play.

I need to get to the post office today too, so I don't want to wait too long to get that done. Later taters! Keep up the GREAT work!!!

[momof_3boyz]

I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH LETTING MYSELF GO AFTER MY 1ST CHILD.I WAS STILL WORKING,BUT I WASN'T GETTING MY HAIR DONE OR MY NAILS.,BUT YOU REALIZE THAT IF YOU DON'T TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF WHO IS GOING TO TAKE OF THE KIDS.YOU CAN GO THROUGH MORE THAN LETTING YOURSELF GO LIKE DEPESSION AND ALOT MORE

[nagymom]

Credit to LOL In The Kitchen newsletter: Also posted on What's for dinner

I am cleaning out my way overstuffed e-mail in-box and ran across this. It's so darned funny that I just HAD to share it! I hope it brings a smile to your day as we de-frump.

Although the chunky monkey female from the second floor knew
she had put on a few pounds, she didn't consider herself too
over-weight...until the day she decided to clean her refrig-
erator.

She sat on a chair in front of the appliance and reached in
to wipe the back wall. While she was in this position, her
teenage son came into the kitchen.

"Hi, Mom," he said. "Watcha doin', having lunch?"

[Crafty Amanda]

OMG!! That's hilarious!!!

[janet]

Nagymom, that is hilarious!

Keep them coming, laughing is good for the soul!



janet

[fatima bento]

guess we all laughed tons with thaat one !! Anymore where that came from ?

Keep on posting

Fatima

[pshoroye]

Loved, and scared by, that funny story! Maybe too close to home.

Just wanted to add my two cents and my thanks.

Had my "Awakening",about a year ago when I too realized that I had nothing decent to wear and realized that my sweats only allowed my more expansion room; Expand I did !

We too, moved last year and with the move out went all my sweats (old and holey from use). I too went to jeans which provided me with a nicer look and a constant reminder to watch how much I'm putting in my mouth (gotta love those waistbands) .

Now, a year later and with the knowledge that I'm not alone, I think it's time to move on again. I saw some dressier but still casual slacks the other day and I always did look good in well cut pants (ala Kate Hepburn ); my ponytailed hair deserves a better fate; my skin doesn't need that much upkeep to get back those "peaches and cream" compliments; and, as far as makeup is concerned, allergies have kept it to a minimum for years and I'm not even sure that I know how to apply it to my "older" skin but I will keep my eyes and ears open and keep it on the back burner.

To Fatima: The ladies are right. Your husband's friend's wife isn't worth your time; you've got so much more to offer to a true friend. And as far as your MIL, she's definitely looking for a confrontation.
You have been polite in ignoring her subtlety for years; which, if she's really the way that she sounds, she is probably using to tell all her friends how stupid you are; because, after all, you don't even "get" what she's saying. I had a person like this in my life once; notice I said HAD.
You now have the perfect excuse to bring it all out in the open and confront her. It may not be easy, but my limits have always been my loved ones. I may let you mess with me, up to a certain point, but "Don't Mess with My Kids".
You've already seen the potential damage that she's doing to your son. I'd let her know, in no uncertain terms, to back-off or else.
P.S. She probably doesn't like your daughter, because your daughter's too old (smart) to listen to her grandmother's sh-t.
Kids cut through the bull sooner than we do. Then again grandma may be from the 'old school' where they think only sons 'count' (this is also sometimes a cultural thing). I always feel sorry for those people; they're missing so much by dismissing half the population and if they're showing so much blatent stupidity...well, it just makes you wonder...
Obviously, I have issues with people like your MIL .

Anyway , back to my many thanks to all of you .

This site makes me smile on a daily basis and always reminds me that I'm not alone !

patti

[RTNRJK]

I did pretty good yesterday on my bedroom. Just some finishing touches and I will have a haven to relax and feel good about myself.

Today is not a good day for me because I have my yearly cancer checkup. I'm sure all is okay it is just nerve racking. And I know the dr. will tell me I put on weight. As if I didn't know that already. But I will try my best to look my best which puts me in a good frame of mind.

Also my sons Highschool graduation is this weekend and all the family will be at my house. I will have to find an outfit that makes me feel and look my best. I can't perform magic overnight but a smile goes a long ways.

I love this site. Everyone seems so nice. I wish we lived close to each other to go for coffee.

Everyone have a good day!!!!

[melnrob5]

You are describing most of the SAHM population! :p
I have been home with my little ones for a bit over 6 years now and have fallen into the same rut day after day.

My husband is always on me to dress up more... Who do I have to impress? The mailman? The phone solicitor? Or is it the garbage man or even the cashier at the grocery store???

I had seen a picture of myself from a party last year and I was thinking the day it was taken I was looking good...
After getting the picture back I was wrong!!!!! I had gained 40 lbs since being married... I knew I was heavy but didn't realize how big I was, and my hair!!!! That was another story! It was down the middle of my back and just sort of hung there, not doing anything but looking bad.

So I joined Weight Watchers in March, cut my hair really short, dyed it and really am now starting to feel better about myself.
I don't always get dressed up, but have gotten rid of the sweats and occassionally wear a long shirt, but like the way my body is beginning to look, curves and neat defination in my arms, I'm even liking my calves again! I have lost 12 lbs and enjoy going down 2 sizes! I do miss my boobs, I lost that first, can I say boobs here??

Good for you Amanda! And all the rest keep up the good work! And keep us posted on your journey!!! I have found keeping a journal or writing somewhere your goals, eating habits and what you have eaten has helped me a lot!! I use my web site as my journal, but I am looking into the one here that someone mentioned... It's nice to know I'm not the only one out there...