Frumpy

Lately I've been thinking more about the way I look. I've never been one to care too much, but I guess being at home so often and being pregnant has gotten me into a bit of a funk.

With that being said, the first time Jason came to my house, I was wearing pjs. Really. Maybe it's not so much of a recent issue...

So, this morning when I came across To Love Honor and Vacuum's challenge to "Fight the Frump," I knew it was something I should probably take part in. So “I’m fighting the frump at To Love, Honor and Vacuum this week!”

Some of the things that Sheila will be talking about (body shape, proper fitting bras, etc) aren't necessarily for me, but I think I've come up with a few ideas of my own. Today is confession day, so behold, my typical Monday morning look:

 

Super long hair and plain, grey, men's sweater

 

Grey sweat pants and fuzzy socks

I am NOT a morning person. Our typical week day mornings consist of my getting the two middle kids up and dressed, while Jason gets himself ready for work and wakes the oldest. Then I pack lunches and make breakfast while Jason gets Owen dressed and downstairs. We get the kids cleaned up and make a run for the door for hopefully 7:20. Then I spend a little more than an hour driving everyone where they need to be. Seriously, it takes an insane amount of time to drive to two schools and Jason's work.

By the time Owen and I get home, it's 8:30 and time for me to start my work hours. I usually rush to get Owen set up with something while I grab a bowl of cereal and sit down at my desk. If Im lucky, Ill get all of my computer stuff done within 2-3 hours and I can start to get some cleaning done before lunch.

I leave to pick up the kids at 2:30, so the afternoons are a rush of errands and anything I didn't get done in the morning. I need to spend about 5 hours each day on the business, as per my contract so I try to get most of that done during the day.  Once I leave to pick up the kids though, all bets are off. It takes about 45 minutes round trip because Micah is finished 20 minutes earlier than his brothers. By the time we're home, I have about 45-50 minutes to deal with the school papers, get the boys started on homework and chores and put supper on. After that, I make a mad dash to pick up Jay for 4:30 and come home to feed the clan.

Really, I just feel like Im constantly rushing around from the time I wake to the time I get supper on the table.

BUT, I know that time isn't my issue. I can find 10-15 minutes in my day to do my hair, put on some decent clothes, deal with nails or eyebrows, put on a bit of makeup or jewelery. I can find time to pick up properly fitting clothes to deal with my ever expanding belly. I can make an appointment to get my hair done more than once per year. I just choose not to.

I am definitely guilty of thinking that because Im home and doing the kinds of things that Im doing, that I don't need to look good. But that's so wrong.

Jason, is a perfect gentleman in this area. He would never tell me outright that there was something about my appearance that bothers him. So, with that in mind, I've started a few discussions with him over the last year to get an idea of where he thinks I need to improve. He's so silly though.

The only thing that came out of the first talk was my winter coat. He said it looks like a man's coat and it really bothers him.  This was last year and I had every intention of buying something different for this winter. But then I was pregnant and it was a little too easy to talk myself out of it given my changing shape. Really though, I should have just gone and gotten something more feminine. If nothing else than to show him that his opinion matters.

Our most recent talk focused more on my actual appearance and I was happy to hear he and I were on the same page with most of it. My hair hasn't been cut since my bridal shower 10 months ago. It's long and damaged and just needs some attention. This was the top item on Jason's list. Following that were the typical buying myself the clothing I need instead of wearing his or looking frumpy, buying new shoes when I need them and not just whatever bargain shoes I can get away with and finally, loosing some weight. Now, I know some women would take issue with a husband saying this but it really is true. I was nearly 230lbs when I became pregnant. I KNOW I need to make changes and get healthier and I really don't have a problem with him telling me so. I know he loves me regardless and finds me attractive either way.

So after all of that, I definitely think I need to be a part of this challenge this week. Hop on over and join us.