Tuesday Update: Shrinking and Growing.

HELP! I’m shrinking, and the urge to shop is in full force! It hasn’t felt like this in a few months, so I thought maybe the urge was gone for good. It’s coming back due to my new (old) size, liking my body now, and the nice weather. It’s so much easier to go shopping without coats and hats! Still, I live in a world of excess and I want it to stop. Not just with clothing, but with toys, books, and everything.

So far I’ve managed to keep my shopping to consignment/secondhand stores, but I’ve begun browsing at my usual haunts. My original plan was to reward myself with a great dress or top in another 4 pounds, and I’m sticking to that. Clutching, clinging, grasping, actually. Even being a slightly smaller size, my current wardrobe fits just fine. I’ve had tops and bottoms that I was busting out of, so now they’re either just right or a tiny bit loose. This is no excuse to shop! I can’t let this shopping urge grow as I shrink.

Please, readers, keep me accountable!

Tuesday Update: Weights and Jackets.

Yes, I shopped. I couldn’t help it. I am SO HAPPY to be able to button cardigans, blazers, and jackets again! My existing tops are starting to look loose and floppy on me. (Um, pants, will you soon follow? Please?) Now that it’s warming up, I’m back to layering with casual blazer-style jackets instead of thick bundle-me-up-to-my-nose sweaters. I haven’t worn my parka in days! I’m 100% New Englander — anything above 40F means no outerwear needed!

I wanted to pick up one or two jackets in a smaller size and went to a secondhand store on a whim today. I was thrilled to find two jackets, exactly the style, fabric, shape, and size that I was looking for. Really, how often does that happen? This purchase is just enough to make my soon-to-be-too-big wardrobe look better. I can just cinch it!

And of course, the weights. I’m ready to go whole-hog on a free-weight gym setup. For now, I’ve settled for some dumbbells. My mind is shifting to wanting to spend my monthly clothing budget on free weights, but I’m working hard at not trading one superfluous expense for another. I already have a gym membership; I don’t need a home gym.

Do I?