One year ago....

After being employed in an extremely stressful position for almost two years, my manager and I agreed the posisiton wasn't a fit for me and we decided to part ways.  The firm where I worked was very generous with their separation package, if you will. I utilized my employers resources to speak with a career coach to update my resume, I was able to speak with our internal recruiters about current openings, as well as brush up on my interviewing skills.  I did not have a bad experience at my job, the position simply wasn't for me.  In fact, the stress had begun to take it's toll on me and medical issues were becoming more evident.  I've never been one to put things in the 'stress bucket', but I had to own up to the reasons why I wasn't sleeping well on a nightly basis, why the lump in my thyroid was growing and starting to hurt, why I was eating ALL of the wrong foods, and of course, gaining more weight. I honestly didn't know how my job impacted my health until I no longer had to go into the office.

The day I said I would leave, I got the best night of sleep than I had in almost two years!  It was amazing!! 

While I had the resources to assist with my new job opportunity, I found  myself relaxing more and 'catching up' with my life rather than focusing on my next job. It was during my time off that I really began to really think of the things that mattered most along with doing things work prevented me from doing.

During my time off,  I was able to spend time with my niece and nephew on a random Wednesday.  The best time, after surprising them at their taekwondo class, my niece invited me over for dinner.  I hadn't planned on joining my brother and his family for dinner.  I suggested my niece ask her mom if it were okay for me to join.  My niece and nephew were so very excited!  Of course, they asked if I would take them to Lunardi's around the corner from their class for a donut. It would be their desert.  Those kids!  I couldn't say 'no' to them.  There were many random days spent with my niece and nephew.  Attending my niece's drama program, and going to Santa Cruz were all such great moments. I caught up with my 'mom' friends and their children.  I spent time working out. Randomly going to my moms house to lounge on her bed.  Sigh...  I was enjoying life!

I had six glorious months off.  I wouldn't change much.  There were struggles, for sure, but the good outweighs the fear of uncertainity, for sure! 

In January, I got a random call from a manager at my old company.  He asked if I would help out until he found a full-time staff member.  Long story short, I became the full-time staff person.  I'm back at the company I had left, only in a different capacity and department and it's great! I'm still holding onto my stress-free life with no regret!  I'm glad to be back to work and for the organization.

What a difference a year makes.  It can bring a whole new perspective on life and how life is lived! 

 

Plus-girl in a bikini top!

I'm not sure how my head knew to think it was not okay for me to wear a two-piece swimsuit. As in a bikini top and bottom and NOT a one-piece.  

I've always been pretty confident in my own skin and of my plus-size self...until I hit the beach or pool.  I've always worn a one-piece suit or a tankini, once I discovered them.  My belly had to be covered at all times.

Last year, I recall browsing my fashion bloggers and coming across articles on plus-size swimwear and seeing pictures of two-piece suits. Bra tops with high-waist bottoms.  Bra tops with fringe and low bottoms.  My thoughts were, 'how hot are these suits!'  And, 'I can't wait to wear one!'.

As I continue to think out loud. I wonder, if maybe the fashion industry told me it was not okay for me, a plus-size woman to wear a two-piece swimsuit? I hadn't really seen them in my mainstream fashion mags, nor in the blogs I had followed.  Until last year!! 

I told myself that in 2015, I would rock a two-piece suit while in Hawaii next summer. I even started following a few other bloggers who were all about flaunting their curves and 'stealing' a few pics from their websites for inspiration. A few pictures even made it on my 2015 vision board.

GabiFresh introduced me to swimsuitsforall along with her sexy swim line.  I KNEW I had to have one! I found one and can't wait to rock it in Waikiki!  Check it out, here!

 http://www.swimsuitsforall.com/Gabifresh-DDD-Cup-Sea-Reef-Plus-Size-Underwire-Bikini

Target introduced me to Ava & Viv. There were some cute swim wear, but it wasn't until I saw my blogger friend in my head, GarnerStyle rocking the cheveron print bikini top with palazzo pants that inspired me more! I already owned the pants and never would have thought to wear them to the beach as a cover-up, but the top?! Gah!! I died and knew I had to try it on!  I bought it and planned to debut it Memorial Day weekend in Cabo!

http://garnerstyle.blogspot.com/2015/04/just-beachy.html

And so, I did! Wore a bikini top pool and beachside.

At first, I was hesitant and uncomfortable because I only saw the 'traditional sized' woman in a bikini. But after a few seconds, off came the cover-up and BOOM! All my glory was out for all to see. I gave no damns and strutted around proudly in a bikini top!

I expect the same attitude when I debut my Gabifresh suit in a few months, as well.   Giving NO Damns, that is!!