Today, ladies and gentlemen, I am going to talk about boobs and the devices we call bras that really are just ways to keep said boobs perky. As I've gained weight, my bras have truly not been fitting. I've been getting the 4 boobs look (where too much is sticking out of it), or the bra just feels uncomfortable, and sadly, they haven't been looking or feeling perky. I have been a 34C for over 6 years, but realized with the weight gain that I think some of it has gone to the boobs. I needed something to LIFT and SEPARATE if you know what I mean.
I decided to go and do the dreaded: getting measured at a store to find the right size. I went to a department store and walked up and asked if there was someone who could measure me. This little woman, the bra nazi, nodded and said follow me (in a very thick accent). I walked to a dressing room where she quickly measured me and said: 36. Okay fine. Then she measured for the cup size - D!! WTF!! I can't possibly be a D! So I proceeded out of the dressing room after saying thank you and picked out several bras to try on - some in 36C and some in 36D.
As I'm back in the dressing room, minding my own business while I try on my bras, the bra nazi comes back and asks how things are going. She jiggles the handle of the door to try to COME IN! Not wearing even a bra, I quickly put a bra on and opened the door. She looks down at my boobs and says: What size? 36D I say. She says - YES, you a D. Wouldn't you know - the 36D fit pretty perfectly.
HOORAY I thought. Not so fast. Did you know that companies don't make cute bras for those with larger chests? I searched and searched for any bra that looked somewhat cute and didn't make me feel like a 75 year old (no offense to 75 year olds. I'll be glad to wear one of these bras at that age - but I'm only 26). Ian helped search and he had no luck either. So I ended up buying 2 bras (and got a 3rd for free!) that are quite ugly. Sorry hubby - my boobs may look good with clothes covering the bra, but once the clothes come off, not so hot. (By the way - it seems like I am the only one disappointed by the growing breasts - Ian - not so disappointed.)
And good God - all I could think of yesterday when I heard D was how big my boobs will be once I get pregnant. I might need a crane to help lift those puppies. So any of you larger chested ladies out there - what types of bras do you recommend??
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Clam Dip
It looks kind of - scary - but it tastes delicious!
Clam Dip:
Ingredients:
1 package of philadelphia cream cheese (I use 1/3 less fat)
1 small can of minced or chopped clams (right next to the tuna fish at your grocery store)
1 small onion
1-3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
1 bag of Fritos
Directions:
1. Set cream cheese aside in a medium size bowl to warm up a little.
2. Chop onion (you probably won't use all of it - you can use as much or as little as you want.
3. Using a fork, mash the cream cheese up until it becomes smooth.
4. Drain almost all of the juice from the can of clams, then add the clams to the cream cheese, along with the onion.
5. Stir the clams and onion into the cream cheese.
6. Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the cream cheese mixture. Stir. Taste and add more as you desire.
Serve with a side of fritos (seriously the saltiness of the fritos makes this dip amazing). Perfect for parties - super quick and you can make it a day ahead.
Clam Dip:
Ingredients:
1 package of philadelphia cream cheese (I use 1/3 less fat)
1 small can of minced or chopped clams (right next to the tuna fish at your grocery store)
1 small onion
1-3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
1 bag of Fritos
Directions:
1. Set cream cheese aside in a medium size bowl to warm up a little.
2. Chop onion (you probably won't use all of it - you can use as much or as little as you want.
3. Using a fork, mash the cream cheese up until it becomes smooth.
4. Drain almost all of the juice from the can of clams, then add the clams to the cream cheese, along with the onion.
5. Stir the clams and onion into the cream cheese.
6. Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the cream cheese mixture. Stir. Taste and add more as you desire.
Serve with a side of fritos (seriously the saltiness of the fritos makes this dip amazing). Perfect for parties - super quick and you can make it a day ahead.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Change
I changed up the colors because I don't know about you, but every time I had to read anything on my blog my eyes were doing something funky reading the white on black!
Random Happenings
*I want to thank people for the comments/emails/calls I received after my post about the weight issues. It's been an incredibly frustrating process but I'm determined to get answers and it helps to know that I am not alone!
After a week of trying to contact the endocrinologist group my doctor had recommended, I finally gave up on them. I had left 2 messages and called about 10 times over the past week, all to never get a call back and I was never able to get in touch with a human being. So I called my regular doctor back and he suggested someone else. I called the someone else and they are able to fit me in next Thursday. I'm thrilled to have gotten such a quick appointment! And even better, this doctor is in the same practice as the well known pulmonologist who treated me when I was in the hospital when I was 19 for both lungs collapsing. I have a lot of faith in that doctor so I'm hoping I will have good luck with this guy.
I've been busy this week preparing to head back to classes next week. I'm about as excited to go back to school as Tessa is when she goes to the vet. That is a really random comparison but my brain is dead at the moment. She starts shaking and drooling and whining and puts her tail between her legs and wants me to hold her and puts all four legs straight out and pushes back as if to put the breaks on. Yep that's me - except the drooling part.
I just am sad to go back because over the summer I finally started feeling like "me" again. I was able to laugh and spend time with Ian and Tessa and family and friends without that little voice in my head saying Katie, you have reading and outlining and more reading and notetaking to do. I was able to let go of that guilt that had accompanied me during the school year. I could be spontaneous and decide to go run errands whenever I felt like it, and go for hour long walks just for the hell of it. I'm going to miss all of that!
On a positive note, at least I'm 1 year down. And on the bright side, instead of taking 16 credits each semester like last year, this upcoming semester I only have to take 12. I don't have classes on Tuesdays and Fridays which is SWEET. My earliest class during the week is at 1:05 which means I can work out every morning. 2 of my 3 classes are ones that I WANT to take, and aren't required which should make readings a bit more interesting for me. And an amazing opportunity came into my life a few weeks ago - but I will go into that in more detail in another post.
I feel so much more prepared for this year - more relaxed as well. I know what it takes and also have some things I'm doing differently. Mainly, I am starting my reading way in advance so that I can better plan some down time for myself. This strategy allows for nights that I am too tired to do work, or a weekend day to not do any work. I also am planning on outlining as I go so that I don't end up stressing at the end of the semester. So more preparation I am hoping will make for a little less stressful semester. And that is what I'm going for - so that I can still laugh and enjoy life without that little voice in my head making me feel guilty.
After a week of trying to contact the endocrinologist group my doctor had recommended, I finally gave up on them. I had left 2 messages and called about 10 times over the past week, all to never get a call back and I was never able to get in touch with a human being. So I called my regular doctor back and he suggested someone else. I called the someone else and they are able to fit me in next Thursday. I'm thrilled to have gotten such a quick appointment! And even better, this doctor is in the same practice as the well known pulmonologist who treated me when I was in the hospital when I was 19 for both lungs collapsing. I have a lot of faith in that doctor so I'm hoping I will have good luck with this guy.
I've been busy this week preparing to head back to classes next week. I'm about as excited to go back to school as Tessa is when she goes to the vet. That is a really random comparison but my brain is dead at the moment. She starts shaking and drooling and whining and puts her tail between her legs and wants me to hold her and puts all four legs straight out and pushes back as if to put the breaks on. Yep that's me - except the drooling part.
I just am sad to go back because over the summer I finally started feeling like "me" again. I was able to laugh and spend time with Ian and Tessa and family and friends without that little voice in my head saying Katie, you have reading and outlining and more reading and notetaking to do. I was able to let go of that guilt that had accompanied me during the school year. I could be spontaneous and decide to go run errands whenever I felt like it, and go for hour long walks just for the hell of it. I'm going to miss all of that!
On a positive note, at least I'm 1 year down. And on the bright side, instead of taking 16 credits each semester like last year, this upcoming semester I only have to take 12. I don't have classes on Tuesdays and Fridays which is SWEET. My earliest class during the week is at 1:05 which means I can work out every morning. 2 of my 3 classes are ones that I WANT to take, and aren't required which should make readings a bit more interesting for me. And an amazing opportunity came into my life a few weeks ago - but I will go into that in more detail in another post.
I feel so much more prepared for this year - more relaxed as well. I know what it takes and also have some things I'm doing differently. Mainly, I am starting my reading way in advance so that I can better plan some down time for myself. This strategy allows for nights that I am too tired to do work, or a weekend day to not do any work. I also am planning on outlining as I go so that I don't end up stressing at the end of the semester. So more preparation I am hoping will make for a little less stressful semester. And that is what I'm going for - so that I can still laugh and enjoy life without that little voice in my head making me feel guilty.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Vitamins?
I have never been good about taking vitamins. About a year ago, I tried to regularly start taking a multi vitamin, but found that I always felt sick to my stomach after I took it. I tried it with food, water, milk - you name it. Any suggestions? I want to start taking a multi-vitamin but would love some suggestions as to what brand/kind you take. And have you ever felt sick afterwards? Any suggestions are much appreciated!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Body Test
I know I have mentioned several times that I've gained some weight over the past year. All summer I have been regularly working out and been very conscientious about what I eat. I had a full physical about a month ago and raised my concerns about my weight once again to my doctor. He ran blood work to recheck my thyroid and once again it came back in the normal range. But this time, my cholesterol had sky rocketed. I went back for a follow-up and another weight check and sure enough, I'd gained more weight. I am not starting on cholesterol medicine though which I'm happy about. He thinks the cholesterol is related to the weight gain, and my good cholesterol is really high which is a great thing. But in total, in 1 year, I have gained about 24 pounds. So next on my list is to see an endocrinologist for a suspected hormone inbalance.
Well I am willing to try just about anything to test my body to see what helps! Except for starving myself, or throwing up. So maybe not ANYTHING but you get the point. So I've met with a trainer at the gym a couple times and have a couple more appointments with him. I'm sticking to an every other day cardio workout, and alternate circuit training in between the cardio days.
To test my body further, Ian and I went vegetarian and ate a clean diet for 1 week. For me this meant cutting out all processed sugars, most dairy, all fish and meat, and eating low carbs. I also cut alcohol and sweets. I ate a lot of veggies, fruit, plain oats, soy milk, and made a delicious quinoa vegetable dish. I have a new found respect for vegetarians - it was tough! And the results - NADA! That's right, I did not drop a pound. I think this was just complete confirmation that something is wrong with my body, because obviously eating like that and working out should create results. So on this test, my body failed.
I am so sick of having temper tantrums in my closet because I have so few clothes that fit. I hate taking pictures which have me in them because the weight gain is so noticeable to me. I'm embarrassed because I know people see me as being overweight and I hate being labeled as such. I work out and eat healthy and the correct portions - but I know when people meet me or look at me they don't see that. I'm tired of all of it - and I wish my body would respond to the good things I've been doing. So I truly hope I get some answers from the specialist. I have been calling and calling the specialist to get an appointment - but it seems like I might not get in with them for another couple months. But whenever I go, I just hope to have some resolution as to what's going on - and hope there is something that can fix it, because I am at a breaking point.
Well I am willing to try just about anything to test my body to see what helps! Except for starving myself, or throwing up. So maybe not ANYTHING but you get the point. So I've met with a trainer at the gym a couple times and have a couple more appointments with him. I'm sticking to an every other day cardio workout, and alternate circuit training in between the cardio days.
To test my body further, Ian and I went vegetarian and ate a clean diet for 1 week. For me this meant cutting out all processed sugars, most dairy, all fish and meat, and eating low carbs. I also cut alcohol and sweets. I ate a lot of veggies, fruit, plain oats, soy milk, and made a delicious quinoa vegetable dish. I have a new found respect for vegetarians - it was tough! And the results - NADA! That's right, I did not drop a pound. I think this was just complete confirmation that something is wrong with my body, because obviously eating like that and working out should create results. So on this test, my body failed.
I am so sick of having temper tantrums in my closet because I have so few clothes that fit. I hate taking pictures which have me in them because the weight gain is so noticeable to me. I'm embarrassed because I know people see me as being overweight and I hate being labeled as such. I work out and eat healthy and the correct portions - but I know when people meet me or look at me they don't see that. I'm tired of all of it - and I wish my body would respond to the good things I've been doing. So I truly hope I get some answers from the specialist. I have been calling and calling the specialist to get an appointment - but it seems like I might not get in with them for another couple months. But whenever I go, I just hope to have some resolution as to what's going on - and hope there is something that can fix it, because I am at a breaking point.
Monday, August 24, 2009
I Need Another Weekend
Friday night's all-ladies draft night was not what I expected. I thought we'd all just relax and have a good time - but realized as soon as we all sat down to start the rounds of picks that the ladies had done their homework. Everyone pulled out their stat sheets they had printed, a pen to cross off names as they were picked, and their serious faces. We started picking at 8:00pm and I left there at 11:45pm! 15 rounds of picks and here is who I ended up with:
Matt Schaub - QB
Ronnie Brown - RB
Brandon Jacobs - RB
Larry Fitzgerald - WR
Santana Moss - WR
John Carlson - TE
Ryan Longwell - K
Titans - D/ST
Reserve:
Jason Campbell - QB
LeRon McClain - RB
Knowshon Moreno - RB
Chris Chambers - WR
Justin Gage - WR
Brian Robiskie - WR
Visanthe Shiancoe - TE
I have no idea what will happen next - but that's at least who I'm starting with. I have a feeling I could become a little obsessed with this, but I'll try to keep football talk to a bare minimum here!
On Saturday, after Ian ran 12 miles, we headed to Red Star Bar to have brunch with Ian's parents. I had heard good things about this Fells Point place, but was pretty disappointed. I actually had to send my pancakes back - they were not good. The one positive about this place, which is why I think it gets so many raves, is that they have bottomless mimosas and bloody marys. Although I do have to say that Ian and I were limited in terms of choices because we went vegetarian for a week - so maybe this is a place to go if you are not vegetarian.
Saturday night we went to The Wine Market in Locust Point with my Mom. We had gone there once before and liked it and were pleased again this time!
We started our Sunday with hot yoga, then grabbed lunch at Pasta Plus in Laurel with my Dad, then headed to church at my college.
All in all, it was a jam-packed weekend, but we had a blast. Now I think I need another weekend to recover from the weekend!
Matt Schaub - QB
Ronnie Brown - RB
Brandon Jacobs - RB
Larry Fitzgerald - WR
Santana Moss - WR
John Carlson - TE
Ryan Longwell - K
Titans - D/ST
Reserve:
Jason Campbell - QB
LeRon McClain - RB
Knowshon Moreno - RB
Chris Chambers - WR
Justin Gage - WR
Brian Robiskie - WR
Visanthe Shiancoe - TE
I have no idea what will happen next - but that's at least who I'm starting with. I have a feeling I could become a little obsessed with this, but I'll try to keep football talk to a bare minimum here!
On Saturday, after Ian ran 12 miles, we headed to Red Star Bar to have brunch with Ian's parents. I had heard good things about this Fells Point place, but was pretty disappointed. I actually had to send my pancakes back - they were not good. The one positive about this place, which is why I think it gets so many raves, is that they have bottomless mimosas and bloody marys. Although I do have to say that Ian and I were limited in terms of choices because we went vegetarian for a week - so maybe this is a place to go if you are not vegetarian.
Saturday night we went to The Wine Market in Locust Point with my Mom. We had gone there once before and liked it and were pleased again this time!
We started our Sunday with hot yoga, then grabbed lunch at Pasta Plus in Laurel with my Dad, then headed to church at my college.
All in all, it was a jam-packed weekend, but we had a blast. Now I think I need another weekend to recover from the weekend!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Soaking in the Fun
I am soaking in all the fun I possibly can before I start back to school a week from Monday! This weekend we have so much going on that I'm super excited about. I joined an all ladies fantasy football league - and I'm heading to the draft party tonight to make my picks. I grew up watching the Redskins, but truly didn't get into football until a couple years ago. But I still have a lot to learn in terms of knowing more about each team and certain players - so I figured this would be a perfect way to learn. I'm not really close with the girls in the league, but I think it'll be a great way to meet some new people. I can't help but feel like I'm at the first day of school again when I am nervous I won't fit in. Amazing how those stupid insecurities come out when we're faced with new situations.
Tomorrow, Ian has to run 12 miles in the morning, and then we are going out to brunch with Ian's parents for his Dad's birthday. Tomorrow night we are heading out to dinner with my mom. Sunday Ian is going to hot yoga with me (he doesn't know this yet - hehe).
I'm trying to squeeze as much family and friend time into my last week as possible - and that also means lots of blogging which explains why I did 2 posts in one day!
Tomorrow, Ian has to run 12 miles in the morning, and then we are going out to brunch with Ian's parents for his Dad's birthday. Tomorrow night we are heading out to dinner with my mom. Sunday Ian is going to hot yoga with me (he doesn't know this yet - hehe).
I'm trying to squeeze as much family and friend time into my last week as possible - and that also means lots of blogging which explains why I did 2 posts in one day!
Dearest Hubby
As I've had more time this summer to sit and relax, it's given me a lot of time to realize how lucky a lady I am to be married to Ian. I regret to say that I was so wrapped up in law school that I had failed to see all these things Ian does that I truly appreciate. For example, we just got back from vacation (a whole other post that's a-coming) and I noticed the following:
- He carries my luggage down the steps. Not that I'm incapable of doing so, but sometimes my bag is freaking HEAVY! And then you add the August heat, and I would be sweating like a mo-fo. I am grateful he does this without me even asking.
- He packs the car. I know this seems silly. It's another thing that I'm capable of. However, he does it on the first try and manages to fit in all kinds of crazy things we take on vacation.
- He takes out the trash and likes to clean before we leave. This is something I love - I HATE coming home after vacation to a messy house, and so does he. So we like to clean before we leave so we come home to a clean house.
- He puts the worms/minnows on my fishing line. We fished a lot on vacation and I squeemed like a little girl every time I tried to put the bait on the line. He did this without a flinch.
- He unhooks my fish to let it swim. I caught lots of fish on vacation and I got freaked out every time. We just caught and released them, but honestly had he not been there I'm not sure if I would've been able to get the hook out of them.
- He takes out the trash...every time. I can't remember the last time I took it out. And he puts it out for the trash people to pick up. I have to admit that I don't even know the trash schedule because somehow it just gets done.
- He's great with directions. I'm not so great with this and the fact that both Ian and my Dad got me GPS's for the same holiday should explain how bad I am with directions - so I'm happy he can get us where we need to go without a GPS.
Hubby, I love you for taking care of us, and taking care of some of the icky things that don't really come as naturally to me. You're the best.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
It's up to you, New York, New York!
We decided to go to visit my brother and SIL for the 4th of July weekend, which also happened to be my brother's birthday. He lives in Hoboken right on the Hudson river and as luck would have it, it was the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's travels along the Hudson River so the fireworks took place in front of my brother's apartment building on the water.
One of my favorite things about going to the NY/NJ area is trying lots of amazing restaurants! We went to Cucharamama, a south american tapas restaurant and had the most amazing tamales I've ever tasted. Not that I'm a tamales expert - but it was freaking delish! The weather was perfect while we were there, so we spent a lot of time walking down the main street browsing shops, eating Rita's and catching up. Since Ian has a major sweet tooth, we also checked out Crumbs, which is known for cupcakes! We tried some while we were there and even brought some home - so good! We tried oreo, grasshopper, caramel apple and peanut butter cup.
Then came the fireworks. Ian and I had never seen fireworks together, and I have to say, it was worth the wait. These fireworks were the best I've ever seen! We set up shop on the balcony and took lots of pictures. Here are pictures from our visit:
One of my favorite things about going to the NY/NJ area is trying lots of amazing restaurants! We went to Cucharamama, a south american tapas restaurant and had the most amazing tamales I've ever tasted. Not that I'm a tamales expert - but it was freaking delish! The weather was perfect while we were there, so we spent a lot of time walking down the main street browsing shops, eating Rita's and catching up. Since Ian has a major sweet tooth, we also checked out Crumbs, which is known for cupcakes! We tried some while we were there and even brought some home - so good! We tried oreo, grasshopper, caramel apple and peanut butter cup.
Then came the fireworks. Ian and I had never seen fireworks together, and I have to say, it was worth the wait. These fireworks were the best I've ever seen! We set up shop on the balcony and took lots of pictures. Here are pictures from our visit:
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Hello, is anyone out there?
I am not sure if anyone is still out there, but I'm back! I am trying to get caught up on all any news I've missed from blogging pals - but if I haven't written on your blog and you have big news, fill me in! I don't really know what happened, but I just didn't get around to blogging because I've been enjoying my summer! I have to say that nothing too crazy occurred over the past 2 months, but I'll try to pick up where I left off.
Now where was I? Ahh yes, our 1st anniversary celebration! It seems like we had been talking about our first anniversary for months, and then poof, it was over before we knew it. With me not able to take vacation time, we knew we'd only be able to go away for the weekend as opposed to doing a big week long vacation. After we dropped Tessa off at my mom's, we drove through the beautiful country (and lots of rain) to a little place called Washington, Virginia. It's in the middle of nowhere, and the town's main street is about 1/4 mile in length. I have always raved about a restaurant there but knew we'd have to go for a very special occasion. We decided this was the perfect occasion and I am SO happy we went there.
Now where was I? Ahh yes, our 1st anniversary celebration! It seems like we had been talking about our first anniversary for months, and then poof, it was over before we knew it. With me not able to take vacation time, we knew we'd only be able to go away for the weekend as opposed to doing a big week long vacation. After we dropped Tessa off at my mom's, we drove through the beautiful country (and lots of rain) to a little place called Washington, Virginia. It's in the middle of nowhere, and the town's main street is about 1/4 mile in length. I have always raved about a restaurant there but knew we'd have to go for a very special occasion. We decided this was the perfect occasion and I am SO happy we went there.
We checked into a beautiful bed and breakfast called Middleton Inn, where we stayed in an adorable rustic cottage. The Inn had 2 yellow labs and 2 horses - and I adored all of them! We then went Gadino Winery where we had lots of ...wine! We sat out in the sun and drank a glass each after the tasting.
Afterwards, we headed back to our B&B where I took full advantage of the extra large bath tub while Ian took a nap. Once we were all ready, we took a 5 minute walk to the restaurant we had been anxiously waiting to eat at: The Inn at Little Washington. We arrived and started looking at the menu while we had some champagne, and found that the restaurant had printed on the front of every menu a congratulatory message to Ian and I. Much to Ian's disappointment, the reservation was under my last name, so it said "To Mr. and Mrs. [Katie's last name]. Regardless, the gesture was lovely. The food was phenomenal. I wish I had the menu handy to give you a list of what we ate. But my mouth it watering just writing about it!
On our way out of the town, we stopped by Gray Ghost Vineyards and had one last glass of wine before coming home. It was a fabulous weekend, and since I's so late writing about this, I'm excited to say we are only 10 months away from our 2nd anniversary, when we can hopefully have just as an amazing weekend as this was.
Here are some pictures from the weekend!
Wine tasting #1:
The Inn where we stayed:
Our cottage:
Me and my cute hubby at dinner:
The view from our cottage:
About 20 feet from the front of our cottage, there were two horses. We walked back to our cottage from dinner at about midnight. I kicked off my heels and strolled over to the fence. Sure enough, both horses made their way over to Ian and I. It felt like a movie moment - the stars were out, it was silent as can be, and there we were all dressed up, petting horses. I loved it!
Here's the chef (who had just brought us breakfast in the cottage) playing with one of the labs:
Winery #2:
When we got home, we made a delicious dinner and then ate the top layer of our wedding cake. And surprisingly, it was exactly how it tasted on our wedding night!
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