's motd Saturday April 19, 2008

[Guest guest]

CRUISE CLOTHES SHOPPING

Saturday, 19 April 2008

After class today, I have to cruise around the city to find some new clothes for the Cruise to Lose. Hey, it's only a week away! Well, I'm supposed to go shopping for clothes to take on the cruise anyway.See, I have to tell you the truth...I hate it, shopping for new clothes that is. Oh, don't get me wrong. I love going into the stores and seeing all of the people who work there or who're also shopping, like me. I love to sing to or maybe even do a little dance for them. But I'm telling you, that's where the fun ends for me.

When I was a child, my father made most of our clothes. He'd make matching suits and ties for Lenny and I. My mother did all of the other clothes shopping and would pick out some really cute things for the two of us to wear. But as I got older and heavier, my parents took me clothes-shopping at only one store and that was Sears. And the only clothes that would fit me where found in one section of the store, the basement, in the Husky Department! "Whoa! You've got a big boy there, Mr. !" (We'd get the same greeting everytime my folks brought me in.) "Looks like he's going to end up being a big football player someday! Come with me son. We'll pick out some things for you to try on."

The salesman would put a few items into the dressing room for me and, when he was done, he'd put me in the room with the clothes he'd picked out. Oh, I just hated to try on clothes when I was a kid. I hated the way they fit me or, more to the point, the way they didn't fit me. My belly hung out. My legs were short so the pants I tried on were always too long. And when I tried on shirts, it was such a horrible feeling. And no matter what sweater I tried on, it would always make me look even fatter!"Come on outta there, , so we can see how you look in one of your outfits!" Hey, nothing like doing a fashion show at Sears while feeling like a big stuffed manicotti! After I'd tried everything on, the salesman would take out that long yellow tape to measure me so that the Sears tailor could make any alterations that needed to be made.By the time I got home, I'd only want to eat something then go lie down in my bed. I would be just sick to my stomach from my little shopping adventure. And to be honest, I still kinda get that same feeling when I have to try on clothes today. "Here , try this on. I'll put it in the dressing room for you."

Just hearing those words can still make me sweat a little. What am I going to shop for? Maybe I'll get some new ties. One tie size fits all. Hmmm, my tank-tops are done. My suits are pressed. I have some brand new slouch socks. Oh look at me, trying to convince myself I should go out shopping. Oh all right...I will!And I promise, I'll try on at least three new things. You see, we all have our fears but we also have to work through those fears, don't we? Are you going shopping today? If you are, don't be afraid to try on something cute!

Love,