Today a friend invited my husband and I for coffee. I had tea. This friend (who is a size 2) has not seen me since just after my surgery three months ago. I just got a new haircut as well, so when she saw me, the overall effect was pretty startling. It was great to see her and her enthusiastic response to my new body would have been enough, but we meet up at the halfway point between our homes which is at an outlet mall. She, of course, was interested in shopping so we went. I have always admired some of the clothes that she has worn, but of course, my options have been Lane Bryant, Avenue, and Dress Barn.

Today we stopped at The Loft, and I saw an orange dress that I really liked. She encouraged me to try it on, and I deferred knowing that it would NEVER fit. My husband also encourage me to at least see how close I was to the XL (the biggest size at The Loft), so I could get a better of where I am size wise. I decided it couldn't hurt, so off to the dressing room I went, silently hoping that I could fit it over my hips and not tear the material.

Well, I came out of the dressing room in tears, not because it looked bad, but because it fit! It was even a little big! I was speechless! An XL fit me? I do realize that each store is different and not all XL's will fit, but it was amazing to go into a regular size store, get something off the rack, and be able to get into it.

Since it is a spring dress I bought the large. By the time it is the right weather to wear, it will be the right size. I'm just hoping that it's not to big by then!

I am still smiling! :happy: