Girlfriends are Great

I love being a girl. I love that I have so many choices when it comes to clothing. I love all the fun things that I get to do, like get manicures and put on makeup. I love that it's perfectly acceptable for me to announce, "I need a hot bubble bath tonight after my kids go to sleep to help me unwind." (In 12 years, I have never heard my husband say that.) I love that I was able to give my kids something that no one else can give - life. What I don't like is what they gave me in return: STRETCH MARKS!!!

Most of you know that I have lost a lot of weight over the past 6 months. You probably also know that I workout 5 days a week. You might also know that I am going to Hawaii next week. Because those three events came together at precisely the right time, I decided that I needed to buy a bikini. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't even think about wearing a bikini, but how many times in my life will I go on vacation in Hawaii? And like all women I know, I have some body image issues. So, that's why I decided to bring a second (honest) opinion with me on my hunt for a bikini. Are you wondering what my issues are? Cellulite? No. Tummy rolls? No. It's that gift my 4 kids gave me. STRETCH MARKS. But it's not only stretch marks, it's a saggy, baggy belly button too. (TMI? Maybe. But you chose to read it.) So, we went. I tried. I failed. I guess it's comforting to know that it's not all in my head (though I was hoping I was just crazy). My best girlfriend thinks my saggy, baggy skin is gross too. She didn't tell me that. What she said was,"Maybe a bikini isn't the best choice for you. A really sexy one-piece is definitely the way to go." Isn't she great?

And that's why I think girlfriends are great. I am blessed to have some of the greatest friends in the world. Each one of them is unique and, for lack of a better explanation, serve a unique purpose in my life. I have the girlfriend that I call when I am having a crappy day and need a good laugh and a little perspective. I have the girlfriend I call when I am in a spiritual slump and need someone to gently remind me to pray for help. I have the girlfriend that I go to when I am frustrated about something and need someone to listen to me rant (cuss). But last night, I needed the girlfriend that I know would give me her honest to goodness opinion. She did and I am thankful I won't be sitting on the beach in Hawaii thinking I look good in my bikini and really looking EEEEEW.

You girls know who you are. I love you.