Back to Life, Back to Reality

The blog has been sitting silent now for years. In that time I have gone through a couple different periods in my life, some good and some bad. I currently now am coming through a period of really not feeling right, not feeling like myself. Possibly a period of mild depression, though I don't know because I haven't been diagnosed. I hesitate to talk about it but a friend of mine said something that made me realize that I have to. She said "What if there are other people out there going through this that think that no one understands how they feel because we never talk about it. So now, I have to. I have to talk about it for my health and for anyone else it might help.

Changing it up

I felt like I lost myself in these last few months. Changes at work and in my life made it very difficult for me to feel like myself. And perhaps that was a good thing. I recognized a lot of unhealthy things I was doing to myself and how it was affecting my performance and relationships. I'm coming out of this period of my life, I think, a little better for having gone through it.

Having said that, there are changes around here at Falling Off the Blog. I started this blog with the intention of it being a source for plus sized gals. But I think that I wasn't doing anyone any good by pigeon holing myself and my readers. Being plus sized is not the only thing I am and by only highlighting that side of me I was not doing myself justice. So, henceforth, this blog is just that, a blog. A place for me to have a daily journal and talk about things in my life. I am not going to take down my past posts. They are still things that I find relevant. But moving forward will be a more positive voice and a more rounded view of who I am. I hope you'll stick around and grow with me!

-Christina

BMI, running, and a new pair of shoes

Lots of changes in my life over he past winter caused me to gain weight. I normally fluctuate around the holidays, but most of this was due to stress and I was, in a word, unhappy. For the first time in a long time I didn't like the way I looked and felt the anxiety I used to feel being a teenager all over again. I knew I had to do something.

I decided to start slow. I started putting everything I eat into Livestrong.com. Livestrong.com calculated my calories, my BMI, and tracks my weight. I was terrified at first. Having to face those numbers, admit that I stress eat, and see how out of control I had gotten was not fun. But it was what I needed.

I have started running. I never thought I would again, and it's still hard for me. But, I got myself a fancy new pair of Nike running shoes and I've been going down to the track at the Recreation center near me. It's been a big change.

It will take me years of changing my habits to get me out of plus sized category, but I am a big advocate for being healthy. I knew when I decided that I was unhappy with the way I looked that I was now unhealthy in more than one way. Now it's time to practice what I preach and get my mind and body in better shape.

Has Marie Claire Lost Their Minds?

I can't believe that I would do this story any justice by trying to summarize so I'm just going to link you to it.

"Should Fatties Get a Room?" article in Marie Claire

Christina Hendricks, a Vision in Lilac

Fans of Mad Men or undoubtedly jazzed about the show's recent Emmy wins. And surely those fans have also caught a photo or two of the three actresses from the series photographed on the red carpet. While January Jones went super modern and a tad risky, Elizabeth Moss and Christina Hendricks went ultra glam. But it's not actually what Christina is wearing that has my attention, but the body underneath.


It's no surprise that Christina has been reporting having difficulty finding a designer dress in her size. Last year she reported the same problem drawing some attention to her already eye popping figure. So, you would think this year would have been easier for her, since you know, she's super famous now. Get it together you designers out there! Who wouldn't want this vixen shimmying down the red carpet in one your gowns?

Some articles are actually reporting Christina's size which, for most of us would be horrifying. But supposedly these estimates are from a dress she donated to an auction that was measured. So I guess I can't get too mad at the media for that one. So, girls, here they are:

Christina Hendrick's reported size is somewhere between a 12 and 14. Don't we all have a few different sizes in our closet? Her measurements are reportedly 39-30-39 and her bust is either a DD or DDD. Take a good look at those numbers. Christina's body is beautiful. She was voted the sexiest woman in the country. She plays the role in Mad Men of the sexy, smart, office manager, who is often sought after and flirted with. She is bigger than many of the actresses on the show and she was chosen to play the voluptuous and fiery Joan. And on top of all of that, she says she is just fine with her body and declined the request to lose weight early on in her acting career.

You are beautiful and a role model, Christina! Congrats to you and your cast mates on the Emmy!

Taking it All Off

Whitney Thompson, the first plus sized winner of America's Next Top Model has recently stripped down in support of Love Your Body Day. Thompson, an ambassador for the National Eating Disorder Association is making an attempt to show women they can be beautiful at any size. Check out the photos as well as more information about this cause, and get ready to love your body for one day (and hopefully beyond) on October 23rd.

Crystal Renn gets "Shopped"

Hastily gathering my things to run out the door this morning I had one ear on the television set when I heard a teaser for a story involving Crystal Renn. I ran out of the bathroom to see what news Crystal Renn was involved in and why The Today Show was airing it. Unfortunately all I got was the general summary that Crystal Renn was upset because some of her most recent photos had been Photoshopped. I had to leave for work before the full story.


So here is what I could find online of what's going on. Apparently the people over at Glamour and Passion for Fashion think Crystal Renn is perfect for their campaign. Just not as perfect as they could make her with a skilled retoucher. Crystal says she was "shocked" when she saw the retouched photos and is being very open with the fact that she has not shed a bunch of weight. Still shots from video of the shoot have been posted up against the retouched photos to prove Crystal is still the plus sized gal we all love. Read more about the ordeal at the frisky.