Two Words I Never Thought I Would Put Together in a Blog Post Title...

...Or even use in everyday conversation, Sports Bra.

On Sunday I bought my first sports bra and today was the first day I wore it. The entire idea of exercise clothing is somewhat alien to me, especially the garments shown above. In those long ago days when I did any sports, either I was wearing a gym suit or I just wore regular underthings. I'm not even sure when sports bras were invented. Whenever it was I missed it. 

Sometime shortly after the chair yoga debacle, I decided that the yoga group I had joined was too advanced for me and I tabled a more formal exercise program until later in the year. Later this spring I picked up a brochure at the library about a research program studying exercise and seniors. It looked doable for someone with a few infirmities and I passed the screening. My launch date was this week.  

After visiting the Y last week -- a post for another day -- I decided I needed to get a sportier exercise wardrobe, and that among other things, a sports bra was necessary. What an experience! I chose three to try on and promptly got myself completely tangled in the first one I tried on. It had a complicated razor-back and it was definitely for someone with a lot more flexibility. Shades of the chair yoga disaster, but this episode, thankfully, took place in the privacy of a dressing room. The second one I tried on was much too small -- they were all the same size -- but like Goldilocks, the third one was just right. 

After the last few years of surgery, more surgery and lots of physical therapy, being healthier and more fit is one of my biggest goals. For the next six months -- the duration of the study -- I'll be a regular visitor to the Y. I'm hoping that my regular visits will lead to a healthier, fitter and trimmer Buttercup who actually enjoys exercise. I'll keep you posted.

As always, thanks for visiting and take good care. Here's to the sweet days of summer. 

I Can't Believe I'm Writing This Pink Saturday

Once again, I'm happy to join my friends at Pink Saturday, for some Pink Saturday (yes, I know it's Sunday) fun. This is sort of a selfie -- just learned the word -- and you can see one booted foot and one sneakered foot. What I am finding it hard to believe is that I am thinking and now writing how much I miss my exercise classes. These cute pink exercise clothes illustrate my thoughts. I know that even at my most fit, I won't be wearing the blue top or the short shorts, but the pink shirt could definitely be part of my wardrobe. From the first estimate I have at least three more weeks of wearing the boot, and besides the joy of walking unencumbered I am so eager to get back to my classes. I never thought I would say that, think that or write that.

Today is a glorious day in New York City and I enjoyed being outside and sort-of-strolling. I've had a busy few days with a baby shower on Friday for a sweet colleague and spending time with visiting blog buddies from the UK, Sheilagh and Trish.

Happy first day of autumn and happy Sunday. As always, thanks so much for visiting and take good care of yourself.

It Looks Like the Beach...

...but I'm only a quick subway ride away!

I had two projects yesterday. The first was to visit one of my favorite places in Manhattan, the Marina at the World Financial Center. I love sitting at one of the tables in the plaza -- where I took this picture -- drinking coffee and watching the yachts. It's a quick and extremely inexpensive trip to the French Riviera. I didn't make it all last year and this year, because of Hurricane Sandy, there is a lot of construction. But it was a beautiful day and I enjoyed sitting outside and reading the Sunday New York Times. 

  Just in case I was apt to forget I was in Manhattan, if I turned to the right I could see the World Financial Center. This area is built on the landfill from the World Trade Center.

My second project was to try and find exercise clothes that fit. That, my friends, will be quite a project. I know I can order any number of pants and shirts, but I foresee ordering, sending back and ordering in an endless cycle. I knew Century 21 -- the department store, not the realty company -- had a big selection. This is the store where I had the bathing suit debacle, but I didn't let that stop me. I found, unfortunately, that even extra large is generally for extra large tall people. One pair of pants did fit, but after I found myself almost trapped in a pink glow-in-dark shirt -- what was I possibly thinking ! -- I decided to retreat. I have a couple of other in-person ideas and if they fail, online shopping, here I come. I am happy for any suggestions you might have. This is a new predicament for me. On one hand I am thrilled to need exercise clothes. But on the other hand I never thought they would be so hard to find. I don't think I've bought anything specifically to wear for exercise in decades, and it was a lot easier then.   

I resumed my search today, and the store I found online had gone out of business. Two more places to try. Wish me luck!

I hope you all had a more fruitful day than I did and wish you a terrific Tuesday!