Post Christmas, pre weigh in thoughts

Christmas was wonderful. I didn't avoid anything that I wanted to eat or drink, but I didn't go overboard with anything either. That wasn't intentional self restraint, I've gotten to where I don't need to eat something just because it tastes good. We don't steal an item that we can't afford because it looks pretty, why should I do that with food or drink? An odd comparison for some, but maybe a few will look at that the way I do.

I am really annoyed with the Weight Watchers website lately. I'm not against change but the last one had many people complaining while I remained peeved but quiet. Whatever they did to correct problems or improve things (ha!) last week left me unable to log in for days. I finally got that corrected after using Live Chat assistance yesterday but I haven't checked my mobile devices to see if they are working properly now or not. I had to look for the tracking feature on the new site. The main purpose of paying for and using e-tools is tracking. I liked it where it was. I plan to see how others feel at Monday's meeting (day after tomorrow) and may contact corporate after that. It is a lame excuse for not tracking, but that is what happened this past week. I don't like paying for things that didn't work for a week.

On a much happier note, I got mostly clothes for Christmas. It has been ages and ages since I've asked for clothes or given anyone my sizes. My two sons, one daughter-in-law and husband gave me a variety of sweaters and tops and hubby bought me two pair of slacks. None of these were items I would have chosen for myself, but not because I don't like them.

The slacks are the same style in two different colors. Why wouldn't I have tried them on in the store? They are knit slacks. Not sweats, they are casual slacks. I assumed they would cling and show things I don't want emphasized. I'll be honest here (it's my journal!) and say that I constantly see women wearing things that make me wonder if they own a mirror and how the heck can they possibly be comfortable squeezed into something that appears to be way too small. I guess I'm more judgmental than I'd like to admit, but I'd never say anything to anyone about how they look.

I couldn't hide the extra pounds (and still can't, there are still many extra pounds to be lost) but I always tried to choose clothing that covered tastefully. Seams weren't straining and splitting, and knits were tops only, never clinging to rolls.

I tried on the slacks before going to bed Christmas night. I almost did not, I was afraid I wouldn't like how they looked and would depress myself. I gave myself a pep talk, saying that if they didn't look ok now, they'd likely be ok in a few weeks. I can't tell you how happy I was to see them on! They fit well! A size XL....something I haven't worn in slacks in a very long time. I wore a pair of them yesterday with a new sweater but didn't get a picture.

Today I am wearing this top. The top and slacks in the photo are both from Lands End's site. The top not only is cut to somewhat hug the body, it has horizontal stripes. Yikes!

The sweater I wore yesterday is a color I wouldn't have chosen. It is lavender with white mixed into the yarn, sort of a marl affect. Pretty, but I don't wear lavender well. Guess what? There is enough white in it that it works! It still isn't my best color, but I don't like ill wearing it.

The other tops were all items I would have assumed either would not fit at all or would fit like sausage casings. All of them were fine! I didn't really need a boost of encouragement, but these clothes did that anyway. The Christmas cookies (a gift) remain on a plate. The leftover stuffing that came home with us is being consumed by hubby with me only having a pinch of it last night (I really do like it) and nothing else is even trying to tempt me.

I feel better when I eat well. Not smug, just functionally better. Joints move better. Salt and sugar may have been affecting me for a long time without me realizing that.

This journey began because I wanted to be healthier and have more energy. I truly am not vain about my appearance, but I sure am excited about clothes again!

I thought I would try to take selfies wearing the outfit shown above. That was easier said than done. After saying I am not vain, here I am with my head cut off in all the photos. Why? Partially because of having my phone/camera over my face in the shots and because I gave myself a paper cut on my lip that hasn't stopped bleeding and I have Kleenex stuck to my lip. Really glamorous. 

The Lands End model doesn't have to worry about competition from me.

Not quite yet. 

Onward and downward!