Graduation Robes Aren't Supposed to be Tight and What about Rude Sales Associates @ Sephora!

Today was graduation...I never thought about my robe being too tight. I have to wear my Master's regalia each year when the high school I work at has their graduation. So, I was expecting the same ol' thing when having to wear it once again today...I mean, it fit when I received it in 2006 and every year since. It's a robe; they're supposed to be bulky and eternally fitting, right? Well....not so much. I couldn't believe my regalia was snug! I felt a fool, but I remembered to try and not be self criticizing. Yeah, that didn't last long! Amazing how cruel I am to myself!! I wouldn't say the things I say to myself to my enemies, so why do I say them to myself and even out loud to anyone kind enough to listen to my ranting? I need to explore this about myself...

Also, I have noticed people treat you differently when one has a changed physical appearance! Some people are always kind and those who like you for just you, well, they treat you as they always have! But, some treat you as if you have a communicable disease. As if the fat may transfer to them, they almost shun you (think of the scene in 12 Angry Men when each of the jurors begin shunning the bigot of the group...I'm not a bigot, just chubby)! Could it be that my personality has changed as my body has morphed into its present state? Is this the cause for the public rejection...could be a piece of the puzzle, I have no doubts. Simultaneously, though, I think people are, quite frankly, that shallow and judgmental. Despite my altered perspectives and thoughts, I always make an effort to smile and strike up a conversation. Of course the tete a tete isn't always reciprocated with certain others. Instead, I receive awkward silence for my olive branch of discourse. I must be accepting of this phenomenon; I will remember those who treat me differently today because of my weight...

Even sales people at stores will treat you differently if you're overweight. I was blatantly ignored at Sephora today...I walked in and headed toward the Nars counter. No one said hello, then, I heard the, who I suppose was the, manager tell a couple of the young ladies to greet the customers. I was maybe 3 feet away from them; they walked passed me to talk to the women on the other side of the store (No, I'm not a customer, just the invisible chubby lady looking at lip gloss).

I heard one of the sales ladies tell a customer about the free makeovers they were doing. Of course, this perked my ears up because I love FREE!! I walked to the thin, tall, and blond 20-something sales associate, and I said with a smile "You're having free makeovers." She just about rolled her eyes but I could tell she put some effort into stopping herself and reluctantly told me that they were as she was walking away. She couldn't even have a face to face moment with me! As an ex sales associate for Express (and assistant manager to boot), I don't ever remember treating overweight clients this way. Even if I knew we didn't have their size, I did my best to find something for them if they asked!!! I am quite appalled at the treatment I received today! At least the associate at Victoria's Secret treated me respectfully...

Curious how only a hand full of people can make you question your self, your integrity, your right to be in their presence, your right to live in this body image driven society. This teaches me to ALWAYS be kind! Always return an effort for a little conversation. Always put judgment to the side...Always show respect (even though you may not receive it in return).

I love the quote by George Hebert, "Living well is the best revenge." I suppose I shall see the true people in my life soon enough, then (truth be told, I already know who they are)!

My prayers and good thoughts go out to those who graduated high school this day! My prayers and good thoughts go to those who treated me unkindly this day! I will begin anew...God allows us to push the reset button of our lives at any time we need to begin again! I think it's time to push mine and begin writing a new story! See you in the next blog...

Peace~

Shabby Chic Lady

You Don't Need All That...

I had this thought while I was reading Facebook statuses, listening to my friends and coworkers, reading magazine articles, and watching t.v. All these messages are being put out into our society (messages that people are taking to heart), and I simply don't believe that "you need all that."

I want to be an example to the people around me and the world in which I live that we simply don't need all that...we don't need the fad diets, fancy gym memberships, latest trendy clothes, blah, blah, blah! The madness is saturating our culture, our society, and we as the human race must STOP and ask ourselves, "Who am I?" "Why am I doing this? saying this?? believing this???"

When all is said and done, all we need is peace of mind; a control over our egos!

That is all...

What Great Playing!

Good Things Arriving Daily...

I'm a believer in what you send out, you get back in spades. You curse a driver who cuts you off on the interstate, and you actually bring a curse upon yourself. You take a breath and say a prayer that comes back to you as well.

Each day I'm getting better at focusing on what I want instead of what I don't want, and good things arrive daily! I'm making a concerted effort to remain present when it comes to my body and my health. And, what happens? I receive free samples and healthy living information from Patricia Bragg. Yes, I requested this information weeks (and weeks) ago, and I almost forgot I requested it from her website. A few days ago, I thought about it for a few seconds then I get the letter in the mail today!!! I am quite inspired by the message she sends, and the information she discusses are all things I've thought about for my own life, my own quest.

She continues a health crusade that her father began, and I feel that my quest doesn't seem that silly after all! She recommends advice that seems a bit "out there," but if one stops and thinks about it, the information makes sense (and could transform one's life!)....

For example: she recommends fasting once a week (still taking an apple cider vinegar tonic 3 times daily) in order to help the body cleanse and heal; choosing "clean" and organic foods (releasing fattening & greasy foods, white flour, white sugar, hydrogenated oils, fructose corn syrup, etc.); simple exercises EVERYDAY; authentic sleep; etc.

Essentially, simple! simple! simple! I have been desiring this in my life for a long time, and I'm getting the resources in order to be able to establish this in my life. Too extraordinary! God is good!

Before I part this evening, I want to wish my Catholic family a happy Holy week! I pray it's full of blessings!

~Shabby Chic Lady

Never Going Back Again

Landslide!

The Week Ahead...

This week should be an interesting one. I have a hair appointment on Tuesday at 7:30 in the evening (too close to bed time but it's merely a trim so shouldn't take too much time). There is the "great confession" on Thursday at my church which I think would be great to go to so I can get some spiritual monkeys off my back and maybe start going back to mass...

From haircuts to confession...equals an interesting week for me. I hope for the energy and the focus to get through this week. I'm 32 years old, and I feel at times I have the energy of a sick 90 year old. I will focus on getting more energy! Focus on the healthy and good things to do.

I actually don't feel like blogging right now...I'm too distracted...Happy Sunday!