New Experience

I normally shop by myself because I don't like to keep other people waiting while I pick through hundreds of sales racks. Yesterday a couple of friends of mine who are race car drivers were up here testing a car on one of the tracks. I haven't seen these guys in years, but always had a great time with them when we hung out before. Frankly, I stopped hanging out with them because of all the weight that I had gained about 3 or 4 years ago. I never told them why, but just quit answering their phone calls and e-mails and dropped out of life in general. I was fat, miserable and hated trying to keep up with them or anybody else. One of the guys just hung in there, sending me an e-mail or calling every couple of months and tried to stay in touch in spite of me. So a couple of weeks ago, the guys got in touch with me again and I met them for a race last weekend. They were in town again this weekend so we hung out again. Friday was dancing all night and Saturday was a day at the races. Here's the funny part... We had a couple of hours between heats yesterday so I was going to run into town to try to find a coat and other clothes since I'm down to 2 pairs of jeans, 2 dress slacks and just a few tops. The guys decided to come with me. Now never in my life have I allowed a man to come clothes shopping with me. I'd sooner die than let them know what size I wore. I never went clothes shopping with female friends for that matter. So here we are in the outlet mall, two big, athletic, good looking guys with me and they're going through racks looking for my size. They're holding up clothes, picking out colors and as we're walking through the mall, they're carrying my bags. Eleven months ago, I was holed up in my house, avoiding people, avoiding life and now I'm shopping with men. Connie

Connie, I love your soul. This post touched me deeply -- you are the best friend anyone could have on their side. Thanks for always, always being there for us. Love to you, Reenie

What an incredible experience for you....reading it made me feel all warm and fuzzy. Shopping, in and of itself, is an amazing experience for us who have gone through this transformation. I used to shop with my best girlfriend all the time because we were about the same size...actually I was bigger. She is like a sister to me. I went shopping with my daughter today...lots of sales...and now I'm down to a size 5/6, and I feel terrible going shopping with my girlfriend now. I love her so much and don't want her to feel bad about herself....she's a beautiful woman. For me, I think it's all about accepting who I am now...I'm the one with the issue, not her. Have fun with your cute guys.....you DESERVE it! Joan

That is indeed quite the experience Connie! I never thought I'd see the day I felt comfortable around others like that either. But you know it's funny, I almost don't care telling others how much I weigh now! I am pretty free with that info lately! Dina

It's the little things that make such a big difference. I tell everyone I meet pratically that I weigh 180 lbs now and am a size 14- you sure the hell didn't hear me handing out that info. at 270 lbs and a size 26. I guess we are just so proud of our accomplishments we could care less what anyone else thinks! Dawn