Almost There!

Day 219

It finally came to me today--I'm at the last stretch of summer reading! And oh what joy and bliss shall abound when it will be over!!!

Fit to Perfect Happiness

Day 218

I had some clothes hanging around that needed exchanging. I didn't want them as soon as I left the store with them, and I've lost weight and inches since buying them 7 months ago. Unfortunately, I had thrown away the receipt. So exchange was the only option. But the whole thing was upsetting, and I put them out of sight to be out of mind. With the move and busy summer, I actually forgot about the clothes!

With that loss of weight, I've been needing clothes, but couldn't really afford them. Recently I started to want clothes, too. I've felt so ugly, unattractive, and sometimes gross in these clothes that are literally hanging on me. And finally I remembered the clothes I could exchange for others.

So, I went. I tried on all kinds of styles and sizes, because I didn't know what would fit or look good on me any more. And was it a shock to see some styles actually look all right on me--for once! Or to see some of the smaller sizes that I was fitting into. Sizes I never in my life thought I would ever be in.

I still had to be very selective, as I couldn't afford all that fit or looked nice on me. And I realized I could employ one of my tricks that I use to help me not buy many other (non-clothes) items. I took pictures. Yep. Had my phone with me, with which I can now take and retrieve pictures. So I took pictures of me in the clothes. A little silly, yes. But I can look at the pictures for a couple of months and see how well I looked. Then after a bit, I'll be past it and still be happy--without being out money I do not have.

However, I did manage to buy some clothes (that still make me smile to think about them), and all for under what I had planned. I can handle not having any new clothes for another year. Besides, at this rate, next year I'll be needing a whole lot more than just a few fitting items to stretch out the already-too-large wardrobe.

It feels fantastic to look good, feel good, fit in clothes, leave a store in smiles instead of dejected self-esteem, and know that I made wise financial decisions, stuck to a budget, and am thrilled with my (early) birthday present to me.

Fame! I'm gonna live forever!

Day 217

From my post on The Thursday Chronicles today.

While we're on the fridge show-off kick, I'd like to add one of my own. Here is an article that came out this week in a community section of a local paper (the same day I was in a completely different paper for a completely different reason, that not only included a picture, but was onTHE front page!):

(I did not include the article, but for those of you who know my name, you can probably google it in some way or just email me and ask me to send you a link.)

Now, I know it was not a Thursday that the original event took place.

And I know it was not a Thursday that the article came out.

But it was a Thursday--namely today--that a librarian from Nova Scotia contacted me, asking me for more details about my mystery program. Talk about unexpected fame and honor!!! I'm completely aghast! I don't know what to do with myself except eat brown rice with broccoli and fresh basil and then look for something in the not-too-sweet sweet side--for they can be rewards as well as stress-easers!

May I Help You?

Day 216

An act of service.

Spontaneous.

Some sacrifice.

Very grateful recipients.

Not much beats that when you need a stress outlet that is not really involved with anything in your life (ie that is causing the stress).

Back to (Scripture) School

Day 215

A full return to Institute. It is such a happy thing for me. Even if the lesson was on marriage. :-)

Welcome back, friends

Day 214

Roommate Star Trek Voyager Marathon--back on trek. I mean, track. Ha ha.

Lessons for Me

Day 213

This is the second time in the last 7 months--when things were not going well for me at all, and then I have to teach a lesson. And the Spirit speaks so much to me in the preparation, and the topic is one I've been needing. And I find more counsel and advice worded just how I needed. And then I have to think on it more deeply if I am to testify of such things while teaching.

I don't know how the others in the room felt, but I know of a surety that the lesson was meant for me.