Lowering the Bar
I forget to tell you in the Week in Review that I plan to take it a little easy for June. I’m not feeling right. It’s not just the overwhelm, I think there’s a physical element as well. I realized last week, after taking it Super Easy for some time and still having crashes, that I was feeling kinda like I did right before my diagnosis two years ago – the extreme exhaustion/fatigue, heart pounding way too hard after even the most minor exertion, dizziness, etc. And that was all due to being severely anemic. That’s why I ended up in the hospital in the first place. And after filling me back up with blood, the question was why. Why was I so anemic.
Well, then it seemed an easy answer. I’d been bleeding almost nonstop for several years. And in hindsight, I’d had cancer for much of that time – but I didn’t know that then. Now, I don’t really know what the reason would be, but it feels very much the same. I’ve added iron pills and my sister recommended Vitamin B…and I’m making a point of eating more high-protein, iron-rich stuff, but none of that seems to be making much difference in how I feel. Anyway, I’ve made an appointment for a full physical and will hopefully get to the bottom of this.
But in the meantime, I am lowering the bar for myself. I’m going to back to 3 posts a week (Mon-Wed-Fri) for the time being (unless some idea is just pouring out of me)…and I’m taking a little ebay break now that I’m done selling all my friend’s things. I’ve grown accustomed to Box Hill in the living room, although now that I have a little extra $$ from those ebay sales, I’m going to reach out to someone on Task Rabbit to see if they’ll come assemble the bookcases…and then all the contents of the boxes can go on the shelves. It won’t be a lovely, styled bookcase vignette (oh Instagram you have ruined me for real life) but it will be neater than Box Hill.
All that said, today’s outfit is the result of a little bar lowering as well (who’s the Queen of Segues? Come on, who?). I’ve been buying and returning like crazy, trying to get some summer clothes and it has really been a challenge! But when June 1 hit I started feeling a little panicked…any day now it’s going to get HOT. Like for real hot.
So when these green linen pants arrived…and this blue linen popover, while neither are the items of my dreams, one of my worst nightmares is showing up at work naked, so…I’m Gonna Make Them Work. I’ve wanted army green pants for years. These are a little more on the yellow/olive side than I like but BETTYE YOU’RE TOO DARN PICKY they’re at least in the range of green I wanted…and they were on sale for $14…and so far they seem to fit alright. They’re hiked way up high…
…ha ha, but I’ll always wear a shirt out over that, so…DEAL WITH IT BETTYE. I kept them on for a bit after the shoot on the patio just to see if they stretched out too much (linen stretches out a LOT) and didn’t stay up. They’re a button fly with no drawstring, so waist stretching was a concern. But after shooting and sitting (largest stomach situation) for a couple of hours they seemed okay.
The blue top from Woman Within is nicer than I expected. The linen is nice and soft, it has side slits for a little extra grace in the hips/tummy area and there’s no button gaping at the bust. Since I’m me, I will point out my dislikes as well: the three-quarter sleeve length and something about the collar/neckline just feels a little matronly…it’s too big and it’s a little prone to laying flat and not standing up against my neck like a proper collar. But there ya go, it is what it is. It is June 9 as I’m writing this and the heat is coming. I need to lower the bar just a tad so I actually have clothes to wear to work and out with friends.
Sometimes you can keep your standards high for just so long. Then you gotta live the real life that’s in front of you.
What I Wore
- Woman Within French Blue Linen Popover Tunic, size 1x (Woman Within has weird sizing)
- BP Olive Green Linen Pants, size XXXXL. Available in straight and plus sizes
- Sam Edelman Cognac Thongs, old. Comparable here
No one’s to blame for these pictures today but me, ha. It is REALLY green out on the patio so I was fighting green-tinged skin…and I didn’t have the energy to reshoot the photos that are not quite in focus. Consider it a dream state shoot. Remember where my bar is. Thank you.
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Nancy
You should have become a book writer. A scary children’s book writer! I mean scary books…… Not a scary writer. I read it and it looked strange the way I wrote that, anyway! Good of you that you made an appointment. Better save then sorry. When is your appointment?
bettyewp
Ha ha, I’M SCARY! The appt is at 9:30 this morning. Ugh. I hate going to the dr.
Clover
All good wishes for your appointment! I hope that it’s something easy to remedy and you’re feeling better very soon!
I really like this outfit! The blue is fab on you and the pants are good and super versatile. This is a pretty, cool, pulled together look!
Yes, instagram can be inspirational and it can be a thief of joy. Good for you for earning some $$ and now clearing the stuff. Enjoy the lightness that brings.
Be well!
bettyewp
Thanks, Clover. Well, he did prescribe something for mild depression (who, me? Ha ha) that he said might also help w weight loss (also recommended). We’ll see. He sorta tried to tie all my issues into my weight and I don’t know that I buy that for EVERYTHING. I’ve been fat all my life and know the difference between normal fat feeling and NOT normal fat feeling. We’ll see what comes out of the tests.
Barb
Prayers that all you need is a dose of Geritol! (thatshowsmyagedoesn’tit?)
bettyewp
Geritol! Gosh, I forgot about geritol. I think my ex husband gave me a bottle for my 30th birthday. Funny guy.
Debbie from Illinois
Love the outfit, you look ready for summer. Wishing the best with your Doctors appointment. 💕💕💕
bettyewp
Thanks, Debbie. I felt ready to face the heat!
Chris Jargowsky
Good morning. First super happy you made a doctors appointment to get checked out. Also love the flow of the outfit. Very light and breezy fabric wise.
bettyewp
Thanks, Chrissy. The dr sorta whooshed me through my list, ugh, but he’d spent a lot of time trying to scare me with his own things.
Zaffi
Hmmm, this is pinging my highly sensitive radar for weight bias. I am a regular reader Bettye, and you have a significant medical history completely unrelated to your weight. I gently urge you to see how the discussion goes after the test results. If you do not feel heard, consider hunting for another doctor.
https://www.self.com/story/weight-bias-and-health-care
Blessings,
Zaffi
bettyewp
I hear you, Zaffi, and I’m getting a little more annoyed at the way it all went yesterday. I will certainly wait for the test results and re-assess at that time. I was starting to feel like if I said “I have a hangnail,” he’d have been like, “well, you know, your weight.” Ugh. Thanks for your message!
Marceline Miller
Thinking of you and saying a prayer this morning.
Pictures are lovely (what else is new?? haha) Love the one of the fern.
bettyewp
Thanks, Marceline. I’m not sure what room I’m in now, what awaits me here. But I’m
anxious for lunch!
julia
Ok, keep us posted on your results. I’m sending you strength vibes. And you are the queen of segue! And I love how you have a built in photo shoot area right outside your door. It’s always the footing that makes the biggest difference in my opinion. Also, I went back to three a week but I think part of that is because summer is my least favorite season for clothes. I really just feel like I need to just push through it as sweaty and bare as I can stand! Then when fall comes and all those cozy sweaters are back then I can up my frequency. Might be something to think about — it’s a seasonal thing! Ok, be best!
bettyewp
Ahh, you’re a footing girl. I’m more “environmental.” I kinda like being in a location with things going on around me, like the village street. But yeah, the humidity puts a real damper on shooting. Sweaty faces and frizzy hair, bleh.
julia
Look at me coming back to see your response. I get environmental. It’s more interesting to have that street scene especially with the vanishing point background. My next place I move to will be 100% based around good photo ops right outside the door!
bettyewp
From the little glimpses I’ve seen it seems like you have good photo opps right outside your door!
Iris
Good morning – can’t believe I’m actually reading this not long after it came. How did I do that?
I’m so sorry you’re feeling poorly but so proud of you for going to the doctor!!! I don’t think many people enjoy that activity, but sometimes it’s just a necessity. I’m praying for a good report!!!
That said – I LOVE THAT OUTFIT. The whole thing is very flattering and the top is very slimming. The pants look good as well. You’re too hard on yourself!
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
bettyewp
I wore the pants the rest of the day and they’re going to need to be taken it at the waist. I found myself pooching my stomach out all afternoon just to keep them from falling day. And that’s not a really good look!
I just had a head sonogram ? That’s a new one on me.
jodie filogomo
I’ll be interested to hear what the doctor’s visit reveals. It’s scary and frustrating when you don’t feel your best.
And you are picky?? I have to laugh because I’m just the opposite. Especially with color. I like them all!!
That shirt is in no way matronly, Bettye. You just need us to tell you to get over it (with love of course) LOL!!
XOOX
Jodie
bettyewp
Well, I prefer “particular” to “picky,” but yeah. Little bit 😉
It’s just the collar area. The matronly bit. Ha, so funny how we get certain things into our heads!
Sarah
I’m glad you’re seeing the doctor. I totally understand white coat syndrome so kudos to you for not giving in to it. Also glad you’re listening to your body with regards to the self-imposes demands. You’re pretty cool Bettye. If I live closer I’d come over and assemble to heck out of those bookcases for you!
bettyewp
Ha, thanks, Sarah. I actually found someone to come tomorrow for the bookcase, so excited!
Maggie
I’m sorry you’re not feeling up to snuff, Bettye! I’m glad you’re getting it checked out. I love the outfit today!
bettyewp
Good news about drs office is I have time to read and respond to comments! So far I’ve peed in a cup and had the dr say “not to scare you, but…” half a dozen times…and now I’m waiting to do bloodwork and I’m STARVING! It’s a fasting physical and I had dinner like 5pm yesterday, that was dumb!
Karen
Bettye, I so enjoyed your post for today. Hoping your doctor appt. and tests will help find out what’s going on with you! You were courageous to go and I think you know yourself and that something feels different. Wish doctors more closely listened to what their patient says and take that prominently into their assessments.
I love your outfit! Your shirt collar doesn’t look matronly to me. Funny I just bought a dress online where the collar lays down like that and so I googled “spray starch” to see if they still made it. Haha. They do. I’m going to buy a can and see if that helps–not that I want to iron, but will just starch the collar if it helps since I like the dress otherwise!
bettyewp
Aww, thanks Karen! Yeah, Dr Rush Through His Agenda So I Didn’t Have Time for Mine was a little annoying, grr. And I have a hard time standing up to doctors so it’s a little stressful to go when I have THINGS I WANT TO DISCUSS. Anyway. We’ll see what the tests say…the good news is I’ve felt pretty okay the past couple days.
Oh SPRAY STARCH totally still a thing, I use it all the time! I love a crisp shirt (when I have “crisp” type shirts, ha ha), but I even use it on linen to give it just a little body. It doesn’t really last long, but…
Good luck with your new dress!
Daenel T.
Oh, Honey, take care of yourself. I remember when I was feeling “off”, it turned out that I also had cancer — thyroid cancer. I hope whatever is going on with you is easily fixed. Also I NEED linen pants!
Chrissy
Love the way your popover denim top lays. Such a nice fit. Also, your ferns are gorgeous!! Mine is in sad need to tender care, but my silk plants look fabulous. Anyway, I hope your doctor appt goes well and that you’re feeling better soon!