A "Bra-tacular" Food Filled (Again) Weekend with Friends

I have just kind of been laying low the last couple of weeks since I won't start student teaching until February 1, 2012.  So, I decided what better time to get away then now.  I didn't go to far, I ended up in Salt Lake City visiting with some of my dearest friends, Jeremy and Neanni.  I left Wednesday afternoon and was to come home Saturday morning, but the weather blew in a storm and they (and my Daddio) didn't want me to drive home in the storm.  I ended up staying until Sunday.  (Side note:  I'm so, so, so glad I stayed an extra day because it's always hard to say goodbye, and because we got a babysitter and went and saw "We Bought a Zoo" which was SO AWESOME!!!  Seriously people this movie needs to be seen - just saying.  OMGosh I loved it so!!!)

Jer and Jean are new parents and have a busy little 15 month old running around, so I got plenty of time to play "mommy." I even got a few chances to babysit so they could go out on a date - was a great source of birth control.  We of course made sure that we ate some great food too.  We hit up Zupas - which is a must for me when I go visit, Cheesecake Factory - another must (and I now have a new favorite flavor of cheesecake - red velvet cheesecake), and we also hit up 2 Fat Guys - which I had never tried before.  Other than eating, and just hanging out we did try to spend my Christmas gift cards, but didn't have much luck.

Eating - such lovely shots aren't they???

Neanni and I.

Jer, Jean, and I.

Cute little "BooBoo."

**Warning**
This story I am about to share can either be embarrassing, or enlightening.  The men probably won't want to read further, and the women will probably thank me for my learning experience.  Either way, if you are a man don't read on...

Let me talk about clothes and shopping for a moment.  Lately, I have felt so much pressure about my appearance (what girl doesn't), and my sense of style.  I have pretty much just given up - don't care.  But, I also don't have a lot of money to buy me a lot of nice clothes, and when I do have money I gravitate towards, "grandma" type clothes.  Sweater vests, argyle, cardigans, and collard shirts.  That actually doesn't sound bad, but my way of putting things together just doesn't flow...apparently, I've been told.  At least that is what people are saying???  SO, I am trying to change my clothes/style.  Move away from the "same old same" that I wear - argyle, sweater vests, cardigans, and collard shirts.  However, I can't do it - this attire is comfortable for me!  New Years resolution, change my appearance...I guess?

As I am hanging out with Jean she becomes excited to spend my gift cards - who wouldn't be?  We hit up the nearest mall and as we began our search for my new wardrobe I become very discouraged and uncaring only 30 minutes into our shopping.  I keep gravitating to my usual clothes, and Jean, keeps telling me to put it back, and try something different.  I finally quit arguing with her, and let her pick out my clothes. I start trying on her "masterpieces" she is throwing together.  I try on a few things, nothing looks good on me, and basically, it's just "not me."  Finally, at one point, her and I are both completely frustrated as she looks at me funny.  Then she loudly asks me, "Lib, what kind of bra do you have on?"  I suddenly become kind of embarrassed because I know the bra I am wearing is not a good one, or even a bra that should be worn on a normal basis.  I am wearing, and have been wearing a sports bra. Ahhhh!  I know, I know, you cringe at this.  (So do I - now?) I really have known better, but like I have said, I just haven't cared much lately.

Jean tells me to get dressed, and that we are leaving the store for Victoria's Secret.  I once was a regular shopper at Victoria's.  But, because of money, I have turned to the cheap, not flattering bras.  Oh how sad these bras have made me.  We walk through the mall to Victoria's and as we walk through the doorway I suddenly become very nervous, turn completely shy, and any confidence I did have is gone.  I don't have a problem with a lot of things but going into a store like Victoria's Secret I suddenly become very self conscience.  Especially when I know what kind of bra I AM WEARING!!!  Jean loudly (again) finds a worker who happens to be right in front of a huge line to the checkout counter.  She tells the worker I need to be measured for a bra.  The worker then proceeds to measure me in front of a huge line of customers.  I ask her if we can go back by the dressing room - luckily we walk back to the dressing room and she measures me there.  First question she asks, "What kind of bra do you have on?"  I'm thinking to myself - why do I have to be wearing this terrible bra today?  I tell her what type I have on and she doesn't even bat an eye.  She wraps the tape measure around me a couple of times then gives me a couple of sizes to try on.  I will keep the size I ended up with to myself, but clearly size does not matter, what matters is that my "twins" are now in the right spot!!!

I ended up breaking the bank that day, and walked away with two new fantastic bras.  I also walked away with a new confidence - who knew that a bra could do that!  I also learned some fantastic advice from the sweet worker who helped me with my chesticular problems.  Ladies, I am not sure if you knew this, but the most important thing you should know about bras are these, ALWAYS get measured every six months for a new bra!  Women's bodies are constantly changing and the chest area is a very fluctuating area that needs to be watched closely.  Second, when wearing a bra ALWAYS start with the clasp furthest away, then as the bra stretches you can work your way into the closest clasp.  Third, (and I knew this but just never did it) ALWAYS hand wash your bra, and never let it hang to dry - lay it flat to dry - again this helps with the lasting longer.  Fourth, when buying a bra ALWAYS make sure that you buy more than one so that you can rotate each day and not wear out the bra as fast.  Lastly, it is well worth the money to invest in an expensive all-over-coverage bra!  Again, what on earth have I been thinking lately???  I hope this little piece of advice about my chesticular bra problems can help someone.  If I can but help one person, then my job here is done.  If anything, I COMPLETELY HELPED ME!  My twins are now sitting high and mighty, with no more dragging below, where they don't belong!

With all that said, I had a great weekend, and can't wait to go visit again in six months...to get a new bra, or course! ;)