Shopping!

I must admit something. I love to shop! Me. Yup. The chick who always hated to shop now loves it. I dreaded changing seasons and being forced to order clothes online. My size was becoming larger each year and I just dreaded trying to find clothes. I also hated spring and summer. It's so much more difficult to hide behind spring and summer clothes than it is fall and winter. My husband and I spent Friday together and headed to the mall in Burlington, MA. We had the most wonderful day hanging out and shopping. I just love being with him! I bought a spring jacket in a size large. I couldn't believe it! I tried on the extra large but it was kind of roomy. I thought that I would try the large just for fun. It fit! I also bought a bangle bracelet. Not the extended size. But a regular, off the rack, bracelet. I could shop in ANY store for ANY item and not worry that I wouldn't be able to find things that fit. It's like a whole new world has opened up. I'm teetering on the edge of size sixteen but am not quite there yet. I hope to be there in another month or so. I really can't describe the happiness that I felt on Friday just walking around the mall knowing that I could actually shop. I think my husband really enjoyed watching my expressions as I tried things on. I bet we were the smiling-est people walking the mall that day! I posted a picture of us in my profile that was taken last week at a wedding. It isn't often that we are both semi-dressed up at the same time. Still smiling, Stephanie

You look beautiful! and very thin!! You're skin is so pretty, you're all glowy! Must be all that exercise from shopping I know what you mean about having hated spring and summer--it just meant sweating beneath the layers I tried to hide behind! terrible! Congratulations on the large! I have to really watch myself now w/the shopping. $$$$ I LOVE it! It blows my mind that we can shop ANYWHERE and everywhere now! Not good for my wallet! So many beautiful clothes, so little time. Have a great day!

Rebeka, thank you so much. You're so sweet! I can relate to the budget issues. I just want to buy, buy, buy! I try to limit myself but it's tough. At least I'm enjoying the process! Hugs, Stephanie

sounds like you had an enjoyable time at the mall! Do you get there often? I think some people from the mass message board are trying to form a walking group at the mall. glad you had fun with hubby and bought clothes off the rack!!

This was the first time we've visited that mall. It was nice! It's two hours away so I probably couldn't make it with any regularity, but it was a nice way to spend a day off. We did have tons of fun! Can't wait to see you and Barbara next month! Hugs, Stephanie

Stephanie, I am so HAPPY for you. I remember the times when you were discouraged and thought you would never "arrive" and now you have. Good for you. I am so proud of you. Life is great, Rick

Rick, thanks so much for the encouragement! If I could bottle that joy I felt on Friday, I'd be a wealthy woman and wouldn't need to worry about budgeting! Hugs, Stephanie

Aww Stephanie, I could feel you beaming with joy and happiness from your post. You brought tears to my eyes. I am so happy for you and so proud of you. You are so beautiful. You look so thin in your picture! Your husband looks so proud too. I am sure he was just as thrilled as you were while shopping. I must say that I didn't enjoy shopping before because it would wear me out physically, not to mention that it always depressed me. Now I can shop for hours and still go home and do housework, cook, have fun, etc. It's great!! Congratulations! Hugs, Robin

Robin, thanks so much for your sweet words! I hope that my husband is proud. I know that he enjoys watching me experience life in a new way. I've never been this small of a size in the thirteen years we've been together. Isn't it great to have the energy to have fun and get stuff done? I love it! Hugs, Stephanie

Sounds like you had a wondeful time on your shopping trip. Isn't it great to have the energy to do those kinds of things now!!! Thanks for sharing your pictures....you and your husband are a very lovely couple. Laura A.