Have you ever wanted to meet new people?  Guess what, it is as easy as just saying "hello" to at least five strangers a day!  For those who are aware of me, know me, or just pop over to read my blog from time to time, I wasn't always "fearless".  Being fearless is something you can actually learn - or in my case - adapt into.

As a child, I hated being touched.  I had issues with people in "my space," so please, no "close" talkers!  It took trying to figure out how to deal with this, as I could tell from friends, I was not the normal one.  Making eye contact was my first big hurdle.  Yup, it is that simple, smile when you make eye contact - and be GENUINE with the smile.  The old saying, "Smile, it'll drive 'em nuts" also works to interest people -- "Why is she smiling?"  People will be drawn in, then you can say "Hello," and maybe make a new connection.

One of my dear friends has issues with shyness.  He loved going places with me, mainly because I easily meet new people.  I challenged him, "Tony, I want you to say hello to ten people a day - TEN."  He started doing this, and told me he sometimes had an easier time than others, but he was sticking to my challenge.  Not that I will take all the credit, but I will be his Best Gal at his wedding this Fall -- since he met his fiance after just saying "hello" to a pretty girl he didn't know.  Your results may vary, but trust me, you will make at least a handful of friends if you start saying "hello" to people.

During one of my support group meetings we had a psychologist come to talk to us.  I actually asked some questions that he didn't expect, as I am not the "normal fat chick".  Having a good self image is learned.  Sure, I was teased by lots of kids, but I actually was told years later, "We only tease you Brenda, because we LIKE you so much..."  To which I remember mumbling, "Well, could you LIKE me a little LESS?!"  I was the fat girl with the curly red hair.  Did I let my weight stop me?  Nope.  I somehow decided to work harder at being good at things - public things - and at meeting new people.  If you meet ten people in one day, the likelihood of making a friend is much greater than keeping to yourself.  Yes, it is that simple.  My problem that I brought to the doctor:  What happens to me as I lose weight & feel the loss of my FAT self image? 

I am carrying around at least two people, so I laugh when children ask me why I am fat, "My personality wouldn't fit in a smaller body."  What happens to my two person personality when I shrink the package?  I guess we are going to find out!  Part of me is looking forward to meeting new people in a smaller body, not having to explain why I can't do something, or just feeling like I am different.  If you are willing to take my challenge and say "hello" to at least five people a day, I will work on my self identity - and not be the "Fat" chick any longer.

Stay Positive!
Brenda : )~

Holy Smokes! I didn't expect the response I got from my Granny Panties question!!!  Glad to see there are some folks out there with their thinking hats on!  GI Joe Parachutes?!  I love it!!!  The sock monkey stuffing idea was FABULOUS, I have so many socks I collected to make the monkey dolls, that did make some sense!  The art quilt/flag/curtain idea is pretty funny, and my neighbors might not be too angry with me (I have a mannequin in my front room to dress up - if that gives you a clue as to how I am seen by my neighbors).  The Pantie Purse idea is funny but a little scary.  What if it became a fashion trend???  I did relocate to the Land of Grunge (1990's grunge bands wearing mishmash of flannel), there may be something in that idea...

Making FLOWER POTS with my panties?!  That one made sense, yet scared me at the same time!  I have toys and plastic cows that live all over my yard.  Oh, and I have squirrels - not just the live ones - all over my yard!  Although, I may turn them into rag pots - like a rag rug, but more like a pot!  GREAT IDEAS!!!

The garage sale "Something for everyone," would I need to autograph them?!  I worry about the person (or persons) buying my Granny Panties for whatever reason!  There must be some lonely guys, somewhere...  Using the panties for straining nut milk or carrot juice is an idea!  I took your idea & went with it!!!  I have been reading about making my own nut milk & carrot juice, I have a Vitamix machine, now all I need is a nut milk bag!  One person said they used cheese cloth to strain their carrot pulp, to which I concluded, "Why not use knee highs?"  Maybe my panties would be good for that?! 

I feel sorry (sometimes) for my family, other times I think they should have to pay a cover charge for my antics!  One thing is for sure, I am not boring!!!  Last night I was telling my friends about the quilt idea, I got a few rolled eyes, but know deep down they are just waiting to see if I actually do it.  Ha ha ha, a car cover for our Beetle would be funny!  All fabulous ideas!

Even with all my weight lost, I am glad I haven't lost my sense of humor!  Heck, I am even MORE thankful that there are other wild minded folks out there willing to share their creative side!!!  To that I say: Why be normal?!

Stay positive!  I promise to SHARE whatever I end up doing with the panties!  I am deffinitely going to do something creative!
Brenda : )~

Digging through all my drawers and through two closets - yes, I have collected a LOT of clothing in my various sizes - has left me feeling a bit better.  I have been getting ready for a garage sale at the end of this month.  For those who do not know me, YES, it does take me a month to get my closets cleared, sorted, organized.  The great news is, I have TONS to sell, and what doesn't sell, I will donate.  But what to do with the Granny Panties?!

Maybe I am misinformed, but Granny Panties are comfortable, but far from being sexy.  I was making a joke yesterday that I should cut up some of my old clothes & make a crazy quilt with it.  Imagine how wrong it would be to use the fronts & backs of panties!  I know, I know, the fabric isn't very thick, it is stretchy, but I just have the craziest thoughts.  I can see in my silly head these panties being sewn together, maybe like some cartoon sail for a boat - I just may have to work on this, just for the humor of it!

Other than rags, what the heck could you use Granny Panties for???  I am serious, PLEASE send me your kooky, serious, inspired ideas -- let's see what can be done with these dreaded articles of clothing!  CHALLENGE!

Brenda : )~

I have always hated the phrase, "feel the burn!" My opinion, if exercise hurts, you are either doing it wrong or doing it too hard.  Then it hit me driving back from my daily swim, "I feel heat through my back and up into my shoulders... THAT must be the burn they are talking about, my body continuing to burn calories..."  Yup, when we exercise we burn more calories after finishing, even when we aren't doing anything strenuous.

Here I am, in Seattle Washington, in what has been jokingly referred to as SUMMER.  What I wore over my swimsuit: Reebok Hoodie & jeans, not your usual summer attire, but necessary in the Pacific Northwest.  When I got home I started reading an article of exactly how much summer Seattle has seen this year... Wait for it, drum roll, any guesses???  78 minutes of 80+ temperatures in all of 2011!  July 2nd we had 12 whole minutes of the mercury exceeding 80 degrees, on July 6th - a real scorcher - a whole 66 minutes!  I need to feel the burn, otherwise how will I thaw out?

One of the things I learned at the OH Conference was about plateaus and how to shake them.  Our bodies have a tendency to stick at a weight we have been in our past - like a set point for comfort.  So if you were at a certain weight for any length of time - months/years - your body gets stuck for a few weeks to even a few months.  When you get frustrated that you aren't doing anything different, why aren't you losing weight -- try doing something different - wink wink!  The more weight we lose, our bodies need less calories - which is scary if you are really diligent about keeping your food journal.  If you aren't spending more calories through exercise, the only other option is less calories -- another good reason I am happy to swim five days a week.

I am naturally cold blooded, well, actually a low core temperature, so I NEED to feel the burn!!! 
Brenda : )~