Dress shopping semi-success

I went dress shopping for the first time this weekend. I had been putting it off for one reason, I felt fat. I had been planning to "get in shape" for the last 6 months, but that never really happened. I'm sure I'm not the only one who tells themselves the same thing every spring - I'm going to get skinny for the summer! This year was no different, but I had even more motivation this time, I was engaged. OK, so it never really happened, as usual.

Anyway, I was kind of excited for dress shopping, but also nervous that I would look like a fat ass in everything I tried on. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that many of the dresses actually looked pretty good on. Let's be honest though, everything that looked great were the ones with a corset in them. Louie, the dress shop owner, is an expert at tying those things up really tight and sucking everything in. Plus, I had my trusty spanx on! My sisters Jade and Maryann and my mom were there with me. It was a lot of fun too, and they were all really excited to see me try everything on, which was nice. I think I tried on about 12 dresses or so and narrowed it down to 4 that I liked. One thing I think is for sure is that I will be wearing a trumpet style, satin, diamond white dress (the color between off white and white). I know I like all of that criteria for sure. Trumpet style works for me because as Louie stated, I am short and stocky. HAHA he seriously said that! But he was very sweet so I didn't take offense to it. I don't actually think he meant it in a bad way. Anyway, trumpet style hugs the body until the hips and below the hips, it bells out, giving me the illusion of a longer torso. I plan to go one more time and then make a decision.

Don't get me wrong, even though I felt pretty good in those dresses, there's still some chub going on in my arms and chest area. I am even more committed to losing the weight now that I have experienced dress shopping, but at least I know it's not as horrible as I had imagined.

A little note

I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you to everyone who has read this blog already and left such sweet and thoughtful comments. You all mean more to me than you know. I want you to know though, that my intention of this blog wasn't for sympathy. I know you all know that, but I wanted to make sure I told you. I appreciate everything so far, and hope you'll continue to follow me, leave advice or other thoughts, and keep me motivated until June 25, 2011!

Thank you xoxo

WW update

Just a quick update to let you know I went to WW tonight and stayed for the meeting for the first time in 4 weeks. Sadly, I gained .6 lbs, putting me at 143.6 today. The meeting was a good motivator for me though, and I plan to commit to going to them every week from now on.

I feel good about what I did as far as my workout today, body pump this morning and a walk with Carrie tonight. As far as my choice of food, I'd say I did ok, but not great. The last thing I ate was some chips, I could have done without those I know. Otherwise, I did ok. Tomorrow is a new day though, and I fully plan to write everything I eat in my new WW journal.

Gross

Sorry, had to update this post, a colleague of mine mentioned that photos of me in my bra and underwear may get me in trouble, particularily because I work for a school. So, I removed the week 1 photos and from now on, I'll be photographed in shorts and a sports bra. Hopefully that is not a big deal...

OK, I have never taken a photo of myself in my bra and underwear, basically for the reason you see above, it's gross! Look at the cellulite on my thighs, are you serious? Really, I have always felt fat, but in my head I tell myself I am in good shape. To look at these photos and see what I see, reality is setting in...

So, I am going dress shopping for the first time this weekend. I have been putting it off, I think you can understand why. I told myself I would be in shape and feel good by August, that obviously did not happen. Needless to say, I'm not psyched for the bridal appointment I have made.

Today I will be going to Weightwatchers and actually staying for the meeting instead of weighing in, leaving, and going out for a fattening dinner with my WW buddy (who will remain nameless). She actually doesn't have much to lose, but I am glad she's doing it so I have some support. Support is totally crucial for me. I also have a workout buddy, Picca, who is such a huge support system and inspiration for me. She is one of my best friends, and in incredible shape. She is the most reliable workout partner I have ever had, and I am grateful for her. OK, I'll post a weight update after my meeting tonight. I am thinking I probably gained. Although I did go to the gym yesterday AND this morning, so we'll see : )

And so it begins...

So, I'm getting married next June. I'm 5'2" and about 15-20 lbs overweight (according to Weightwatchers anyway). I'm in the center of the above photo with my bridesmaids. You'll notice I have strategically placed myself in the middle so I look skinnier. This is a tactic I use at all times during photo opps. You'll also notice my entire bridal party is skinny girls. Ugh.

I got engaged in December, and so far I have done nothing to get myself into acceptable shape for the $2,300 photo package I have chosen. Seriously, I am not going to spend that much money on photos that I end up hating in the long run. Plus, I'll be standing up there in front of 200 of my closest friends and family and let's be honest, I want to look good! I could say I am doing it for myself, which I am, but I am really doing it so I don't feel like a fat ass on my wedding day.

Anyway, I joined Weightwatchers (I'll call it WW from now on) in July and lost 2.2 lbs the first week. I'm not sure what happened, but I immediately fell off the wagon after that first weigh-in. The next 2 weeks, I no-showed the WW meeting/weigh-in and when I finally returned 3 weeks later (last week), I had gained 1.2 lbs back. OK, I am not obese, or even fat, but I feel chubby and just not toned. My goal is to get rid of the chub and tighten everything up.

I decided to start this blog as motivation to continue with WW and to kick my workout regime into gear. The motivation, however, will come from my followers. So please, do me a little favor and visit my blog once in a while, and maybe even write me some motivational comments here and there. If I know at least someone is following me, it will hopefully keep me motivated.

Stay tuned for some "before" photos of my chubby body...I'll be posting updated photos and weightloss updates each week. Thanks for reading : )

Oh yeah, my starting weight is 143. I am horrified to reveal this, but how else can I be motivated if I don't tell you? My goal is 125-130. Stay tuned!