Every woman is looking for the perfect female body. So is every man. ...An old joke that. This is how mine's coming along, bit by bit.
Sports and diet
It's never dull where I live and there are a lot of big events coming up, not least the Winter Olympics based in Milan, Cortina and other Alpine locations. I watched the Olympic torch being carried past last Saturday.
I went to a sport-mad school and did enough sports there to last me for pretty much the rest of my life so I have little interest in them now. As far as winter sports go, I did learn to ski 25 years ago and quite enjoyed it but my calculation of enjoyment vs. cold + discomfort + expense is too heavy on the bad stuff to convince me to pursue it. So, last Saturday, rather than getting into a sporty mood after the torch ceremony, I treated myself at my favourite restaurant. Lifting forks to my mouth is great forearm exercise and I have fabulous wrists as a result of daily practice. I chose the leanest things on the menu: an octopus starter, then fresh pasta with cuttlefish ink and sauce, both really good. I was a good girl and had no wine. I've lost over 3 kilos (half a stone) since New Year so I'm back on track for the body shape I want.
Surgery
Talking of a perfect female body, my friend Roz, who had her gender recognition surgery, facial feminisation surgery and breast augmentation surgery all done last year (but thankfully not all at the same time), tells me she is more proportioned, more feminine and very, very happy indeed. I'm very, very happy for her, too. For once, it seems that someone got good surgery throughout, so a definite win for transition there.
Nails
The one thing that I was looking forward to a couple of months ago was having fun with nail varnish. Unfortunately, shortly after that, I managed to break a nail on my right hand very badly. Half the entire nail was cracked, and the bleeding and bruising were severe. I had to bandage my finger for a couple of weeks, in fact. Strangely, I've no idea how it happened. Other nails are damaged too. It's been over six weeks since the accident and it'll take several more to get back to where I was.
This week I have been sniffing around the January sales. Yes, there are various boring household appliances I need to get but I am looking for that killer dress, yet to be spotted. I'll buy some new nail varnish when my nails are ready for it.
Legs
As for legs, it's not the first time I've enthused about Marks & Spencer Body Sensor 40 denier tights but, as last winter, I have been wearing these most days and they are terrific.
Durable, with a good quality/price ratio, they team equally well with smart or casual looks. Warm yet not too thick, I find they don't slip down even after many washes or as the day progresses, and pill only slowly. I've not laddered any and damage has been only toe holes after long use. Highly recommended, therefore. These are my current Top Tights and probably second best ever (first was John Lewis 15 denier run resistant sheer gloss tights, sadly discontinued). I note you can get them in 30, 60, 80, 100 and 120 D, too, and they're now £9 for 3 in UK stores. I have always opted for opaques in 70D but these do a warming job just as well. So well done, M&S.
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| Wearing M&S 40D Body Sensor tights |
Keep warm
Keep warm and stay pretty this winter. It's certainly warmed up here since last week, which was uniquely cold, and these past two days I've eaten lunch outside. So has this early bumblebee. I've never seen one so soon after new year.
Have a nice weekend. For good mental health, don't watch the news but get into your favourite outfit and feel happy.
Sue x
"bit by bit.." Ha ha.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember if I've eaten anything with tentacles or not, but after reading H. P. Lovecraft I think it better be on the safe side and avoid them. Joking aside, well done on the weight loss.
The sales here were meh too. At least in terms of sparkle and glam. We don't have enough surface space (or sockets) for any new appliances anyway - it sometimes comes down to a choice between the slow cooker or listening to The Archers.
Like Lego.
DeleteWell, the tentacles were not alive so I guess that even if they came from space they'd be harmless ... I think ... ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagen!! ≈¡¡≈
Sue xx
Yeah, the darkness have been a bit meh haven't they? TBH, I'm seeing things that pique my interest on 'new to you' sites, rather than on retailers' ones.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I love seafood - we'll skip the usual pun 🙂 - I've been trying to avoid any squid related items, given the reported intelligence of said creatures. Mind you, that's fairly easy to do if you're completely inland 🙂
If the darkness is merely meh, then it's not dark enough. Thou shouldst seek the deepest darkness, O pallid one, sayeth Obi the Wan.
DeleteCephalopods, like squid, are an ancient class of creatures way older than mammals and some feel they are more evolved than us. Octopuses, for instance, are extremely intelligent, affectionate and trainable. But then so are pigs, who have the added benefit of being compatible with human medical transplants, and most people love those to eat. So I don't have any food taboos based on apparent intellect. That said, I wouldn't eat my grandma, although others would. I've never understood the distinction vegetarians or vegans make between foods since plants, fungi and bacteria can be extraordinary and more evolved, too. Indeed, some Hindus believe that eating any organic thing is a sin, and I can relate to that universal notion better. So I remain a sucker for tentacles.
Sue xx
I hope you succeed in your quest for the perfect female body. I'm also delighted to hear that Roz has had a successful outcome achieving hers.
ReplyDeleteDee xxx
Thanks, Dee. Definitely a work in progress. Sue xx
DeleteSue, it’s always inspiring to see how you balance self-care, style, and enjoying life bit by bit. I loved your description of keeping fit in your own way; “lifting forks to your mouth” made me smile, and it’s a brilliant reminder that small, mindful actions really do add up.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on losing over 3 kilos since New Year, that’s a fantastic start for 2026!
I’m so happy for Roz too, it’s wonderful when a friend has a smooth and positive experience with surgery, and it’s lovely that you share in her joy. Fingers crossed your nails recover quickly so you can get back to having fun with polish, your patience and care will definitely pay off.
Thank you also for the tights recommendation. I can see why you love the M&S Body Sensor ones; it’s so helpful to know about durable, comfortable options that pair well with smart and casual outfits alike.
Have a good week.
Lotte x
Thanks again, Lotte. As you are also exercising and have a weight loss programme this year, we can compare notes.
DeleteI see surgery is a last resort and there are too many horror stories about it to convince me otherwise, especially around GRS. But with Roz it worked out very well and I'm relieved as well as glad for her.
Sue xx
I like winter sports and as long as I can remember ever did. But that´s a family thing...we went skiing even when it snowed and it was frosty. Now I like to go skiing only when sun shines. And I think that I will watch the olympic skiing competitions.
ReplyDeleteIt´s good to hear that the surgeries of your friend make her feel good and happy. For me, as I told you yet I think this is no theme.
I like tights too and I am always looking for good ones that fit and keep warm in winter. I discovered thermo tights that have a sheer tights effect last year. And I like them. Nice picture of you.
Have a good time and all the best
Violetta
Thank you, Violetta. I imagine that you can ski very close to home. There are ski slopes a short distance from here and I'm told the snow is very good this year. I guess if it's part of your family's culture then that helps.
DeleteI don't want surgery either, but for some it's vital. Usually gender surgery goes wrong so I'm happy that this time it went well.
Sue xx