Just Keep Swimming, Swimming, Swimming

Call me unusual or unique...but I've always liked putting on a swimsuit. I've been up and down the size chart, anywhere from 8 to 18. It never mattered how much I weighed, I've always been happy with any opportunity to get in the water, whether it be a pool or the beach.

I don't know why I'm that way. I've certainly had my insecurities on other occasions, ones where I'm wearing much more clothing. Other women feel comfortable when going anywhere else, but have panic attacks when they need a swimsuit. They're not even at the beach yet...they freak out when they are alone in the dressing room trying them on. And these woman are from all walks of life and different sizes. A lot of women who are on the covers of magazine, or look like they could be, still hate bathing suits.

Whatever the reason, I'm glad that it doesn't bother me. I think about all of the times that I would have missed out on the fun if I had refused to go out in a swimsuit. Even though I haven't learned how to swim yet, I still enjoy exercising in the pool and cooling off. Swim lessons will be coming shortly, so I can enjoy myself to the fullest and get over the fear. We got pool passes for this summer, and I'm loving every minute of it. I walk around the pool proudly, without a T-shirt covering me, and without a towel or sarong wrapped around me. There are women of all shapes and sizes at the pool, and we are all there to have fun. I spotted a lady about my size today wearing the most adorable suit with cherries all over it. I had to find out where she got it. She was so happy when I told her that she looked beautiful in it, and gladly told me her suit came from Pinup Girl Clothing (www.pinupgirlclothing.com). After I got home I checked out their site, and they have really beautiful and sexy swimsuits, plus other gorgeous clothing. I didn't order the suit yet, but I hope to soon. (My husband just got a job after having been laid off for over a year...so money's still tight, but I will get that suit yet!) I know I will order other items from them too when I'm ready.

So remember, most people are way too caught up in their own insecurities to be worried about how you look in your swimsuit. They are too busy judging themselves. Pick out a rockin' suit, put in on, and flaunt what you've got. This is one awesome way to live huge...have fun in the water!!!

Day in the Sun...and Exercise!

Yesterday it was finally such a beautiful summer day here in Ohio, and the natives were getting restless. By this I mean my 10 year old son...and me! We were starting to get cabin fever from so many rainy days in the last couple of weeks. We both agreed that a day at the beach was in order here!

We ate a healthy lunch at home before we drove to Huntington Beach, walked down those steps and spread out our towels. (For those who don't know...the steps at our beach are a killer workout!) We put on our sunscreen and got to having fun...playing football and frisbee in Lake Erie and running in the sand. My son swam while I went in up to my knees, walking around in the water and toning my legs. We were both exhausted after a few hours, but in such a good way!

There is an ice cream stand at the beach, and we got a small cup of mint chocolate chip and shared it. That was the extent of my sugar for the day. We went home and showered off all of the sand and sunscreen, then made a healthy version of pizza for dinner.

I did watch More to Love on Fox last night, because I was curious to see how they would portray the plus size women and the man they are all vying for. I knew with Emme as host, it wouldn't be too awful, because she would not involve herself in this type of project if it was going to ridicule people. I really did like the show...it is similar to The Bachelor so there will be the usual catfighting and antics, just like the size 2 girls pull on each other on the other shows. I liked the way mostly everything was handled. The only thing I didn't like was having each girl's height and weight posted on the screen. If the premise is that size doesn't matter, then why do the numbers have to be up there?

Anyway, we had such a well-needed break yesterday...and proved that you can have a day out and still get plenty of exercise and plan so you don't overdo it on the food either. Here's to healthy good times!