At the Loew's Hotel in South Beach on Sunday
My trip to Florida last weekend was all too short! But, I had a great time visiting with my mom, and we shopped 'til we dropped on Saturday! I was looking for a few new dresses to wear to work to get me through the summer, but didn't find any. Funny... I figured that I'd just magically find exactly what I neeed at the amazing Boca Raton mall now that I'm a size 8 or 10... apparently it's not that easy!
Mom and I, having brunch at the Emeril Lagasee restaurant at the Loew's Hotel
On Sunday, we drove out to Miami to visit Aunt X, and the visit went surprisingly well. She and my uncle were very complimentary about how I looked, but didn't make too much of a big deal about it. I'm probably only about 15 pounds thinner (though a lot leaner because of all the working out) than I was when they saw me in 2001. I'm not sure, but that may be the last time they saw me.
I keep thinking back on why I was so hurt by what my aunt said about my weight in the past. I don't think she ever said anything that wasn't true when she commented on my weight. And, it seems pretty obvious that her interest in others' weight surely had a lot to do with her own severe weight problem. I suppose the fact of the matter is that sometimes it is painful to hear the truth, and that it also is upsetting to feel so judged by family on your external appearance. It's also upsetting and annoying to hear painful truths about very personal things, particularly when you haven't asked for, and don't want to hear, the speaker's opinion.Anyway, all of this was a long time ago, and I no longer feel the same way about my weight or myself. It's very empowering to finally have control over something that had such power about the way I felt about myself, and the way others saw me.
18 comments:
You look great, Catherine. So glad you had a good visit with your mom!
I lived in Boca for 18 months right after graduating from high school - it was my first real reporting job, at the local (now defunct) newspaper. Quite an education, it was.
Happy to hear you had a great time with your mom and that your Auntie Encounter was uneventful. I just received an email yesterday that Saks is having 30% off some of its contemporary clothes online. Pherhaps you can find a few things there:)
You look wonderful Catherine, so relaxed and healthy. I have a personal question for you....do you wear a bra under a dress like that? I have a couple of cute dresses that are similar in style to yours for summer, and don't know what I'm supposed to wear under it! I'm probably small enough to go without a bra, but do people actually do that?!
You just look so fabulous!
I think it's one thing to think bad things about yourself but when someone else says it, it just cuts so much deeper because they're tapping in to your deepest insecurities.
Thanks, everyone! @Kimberly -- I have a strapless bra on under that dress. I think that if you're an A or a small B, nothing wrong without wearing one though!
I know how you feel about the comments and the new weight. It is a tough one. I am glad you got a good reaction and are feeling some perspective about it all. I wonder if your aunt really wanted to figure out a way to help you before? Or did you mom pass on the comments out of concern herself? This weight stuff is a complicated and weighty issue. I know I now want all of my overweight friends and family to feel the success I have-but that is something you cannot do for others.
My first thought in seeing you in that dress was-wow she has avoided boob sag :) I will have to see if there is a strapless bra strong enough to hold my girls up! :)You look GREAT!
Congrats on finally having control over your body and your life! What an accomplishment! You look beautiful!
Christine
www.phoenixrevolution.net
Thank you for asking the bra question. Funny thing....I was planning on asking the next cute looking girl in a little sundress what she had done about the bra sitution. I have never been a fan of the strapless bra and CANNOT go without. As my girls get smaller I think I may be able to tolerate a strapless.
Catherine - you look fabulous. I also have noticed that the people that are battling weight issues themselves have absolutely NOTHING to say to me about my transformation. At first I thought maybe I didn't look that different but now I know I do. I have dropped 50 pounds from my high last year and 2 sizes. The girls I work with have said nothing to me. I am doing it for me!
You look beautiful.. our super model!!
I can definitely appreciate what you said about those who are external judgers. Ugh! I have several family members who fall into that category...part of the reason I keep my lips sealed about the band.
You look great...as always.
Catherine, I am new to your blog after finding it on "Lap Band Talk". I am considering having the band and scared out of my wits with so many reasons why I don't want to do it, but oh so many reasons why I NEED and should do it. You look FABULOUS! I have been overweight my whole life, since elementary school, probably about age 10 or 11 so I sure do not know what it's like to be thin, but would sure like to find out. I am so hung up on what I may or may not be able to have that I get many feelings of turmoil....so much so that I have not even made my appt for consult yet. I have been to two of the seminars. I just wanted to tell you that you are a true inspiration. I want to know all I can before making this decision, so it's great that I found your blog, along with all of the other posters' comments. Thanks for sharing youself to help us not-so-sure ones out here. :0).
God bless. Teresa
I'm glad you had a good time and things didn't go that poorly with your aunt. I guess "expect the worst, hope for the best" and you're pleasntly surprised!
Wonderful news! You look great, as always. I wish you weren't so busy being in your career, as I'd ask you to be my personal stylist... xo
Beautiful pictures - it looks so relaxing! I love that you're continuing to post and share the great experiences everyone can look forward to.
Your thoughts on your aunt make a lot of sense. Its why I've avoided reunions, family gatherings, etc. It just made me feel like a failure - out of control in this one area of my life whereas I'm in control and successful in the other areas.
It feels good to not feel dread seeing people you've not seen in a while. I'm there now but am looking forward to losing more so I feel even better about it. I'm happy you were able to be in that place to see your aunt and also recognize what it was really about.
Sometimes our family just doesn't understand. I am very sorry that you had to go through this. I don't know what I would have done if I had to endure it. It appears that it has only made you stronger and you of course, look great!!
You look incredible!!! I am new to following your blog, I haven't gotten to read everything yet, but I am excited to read your blog!! Keep up the great work!!
Hi Catherine! I just started following your blog and I love it. I went back & read it from the beginning...you are so inspirational! Keep up the great work!
You could totally be a celebrity in a gossip magazine in that first shot! Looks like fun! As always, you're an inspiration!
Heather
gettingbacktoskinnymini.blogspot.com
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