Getting out of the frump

I had an encounter the other night that was one of those 'a-ha' moments which has had me thinking about WTF I need to do to bust out of it.

While at a tech event, I ran into a woman who within the past month has had a makeover. Now, I don't know if this was a 'professional' makeover or what, but she's had some amazing photos taken that she's using on her profiles online and she's dressing up more. At this event, I told her, "You're looking really hot!" to which she told me the same. My response, "I don't feel hot. I feel frumpy."

Frumpy.

That word came out of my mouth to describe myself.

Houston--we have a problem.

Another good friend of mine has been telling me for MONTHS that I need to take care of myself and put myself first. I've heard her telling me this and have always responded with "I know...I know" but I think it's time I actually start listening to her and do something about it.

I decided a few weeks ago that I'm in need of a make-up makeover. I can't even remember the last time I was at a true make-up counter. I buy my make-up at Target or Walgreens which is not helping as I'm sure I'm not getting the right colors or tones. I'm tired of the brown/black eye make-up and am ready to bust out a little color on my face.

I recently moved and cleaned out my closets, getting rid of pieces that no longer fit, shrank in the wash, had been collecting dust for 6 months+, had holes or had been chosen as a chew toy by the pup. I got rid of a TON of stuff, which is great, but now I have a smaller wardrobe of not so great pieces that I continue to wear. I definitely want to get back into shopping at Ann Taylor instead of Target. Don't get me wrong--Target has great pieces, but they aren't always the best quality. I'm also going to try to get out of wearing jeans all the time and move into skirts/dresses (with TIGHTS!!) and pants. More professional and more feminine.

I definitely need to get my butt off the couch more often to include exercise and socializing. While I prefer staying in most nights, truth be told, it's a way for me to avoid meeting new people and allows me to stay in my frump zone at home. I mean, why would I dress up when I can wear sweatpants and a tank top at home all day and night? My TV is not my best friend and sometimes I think this fabulous life I'm living is passing me by.

In related news, I need to eat better. This is the only body I have and I'm not being very nice to it. Want to know something sad? I've been in my new place for almost 2 months and have not done proper grocery shopping since moving in. Yes, I've been traveling, but I've also been home at least half of that time. I enjoy cooking and just need to plan for it. One week at a time so I don't have food going bad.

And then there's the relationship frump. I tried dating a few guys and definitely had fun. The problem, none of them were a match which puts me into this downward spiral of "What's wrong with me? Why am I such a loser???" Thanks to never canceling my subscription to an online dating site which just auto-renewed, I figure that's a sign to get out there and try to meet some new men. I know I'm not a loser and through each dating experience, I'm learning more about what I want in a mate as well as learning valuable lessons about myself. Scary, but always worth it.

Last, but not least, is my new place. I've moved into a fabulous Jr. 1 bedroom (more than a studio, but not quite a full 1 bedroom) and I love it. It's all mine and perfect...with the exception of the mess. It's funny how my home reflects the chaos in my life. My goal is to clean this place up and keep it tidy to a point where I wouldn't be embarrassed if someone stopped by for a visit.

So much to do and I've become the master of avoiding it all and living in the frump. But mark my words, it's time to RALLY and dig myself out, one day at a time.