The world according to Sarah

[Stottie Girl]

Keep strong Sarah.

I know you know when you are getting fitter and stronger you don't need to eat the stuff that puts weight on.

Those cravings do go away and the feeling of better health is empowering.

It is really hard to start with but as you lose weight the loss in circumference is exponential.

My wife is going through this at the moment and she can't believe the size loss compared to the scales.

What I notice is how much more exercise she can do and wants to do

This is round two for me Petunia. I used to be 24 stone then dieted and excersized my way down to 13 stone and kept it off for 17 years then it came back on again as I went back to 23.5 stone. I'm back down to 19 stone and falling now though. Depression is a nightmare when you comfort eat!!!

[Stottie Girl]

We gave up.  We bought nice sofa covers made out of very stretchy material.  The stretchy fabric makes them fit well and look good, but the best part is that the cover stretches when the cats claw at it.  Their claws still get through to shred the fabric of the sofa itself, but the stretchy cover is undamaged.  Now we need to get a similar cover for the sofa in the TV room, because it is now their favourite scratching post. 

The actual purpose-made scratching post will outlast all other furniture in the house, as it gets very little use.

Nah, if I cover them then she has won!! Besides I like the zingy lime green colour!

It's not really costing me anything I suppose. I got them for free from my aunt who has decided to live permanently in Florida now so she had no use for them.

[Stottie Girl]

The spray works for when you are not there to keep an eye on her.

But I have found that the best training tool is a spray bottle full of water.

The first couple of times, they might get a blast in the face. The next time, just the sound of the bottle spraying is enough to make them stop what they are doing.

Later, just seeing you with the bottle and they mind their manners. Eventually, you don't need the bottle as they learn what "NO" means.

Oooh, you are so strict Lori!! If I tried that she would either give me the puss in boots look and I would melt or she would look at me in such an evil way I would be frightened to go to sleep lol!

[Stottie Girl]

I once had a cat that scratched everything including the carpets and peed on them too. That's how I ended up with a house that has no carpets anywhere apart from two locked rooms. Gave up trying to stop it as nothing worked. They can certainly be very annoying. One cat lives in the kitchen now as she destroyed my sofa by peeing on it!

They're still worth it though aren't they.

[Stottie Girl]

I have always been a fan of long straight hair on women, so I naturally wanted that for myself. Every time I lean over it gets in the way, and yes I have dipped it into my food, and paint. I tried the curling iron but never mastered it so when working, I wear a cap or tie it back in a pony tail. I also wear a hair clip most of the time. When going out I use hair spay and style it around my face. When we get settled in our new house, I plan to try the iron again. The stylist makes it look so easy, why do I have such a hard time?

I've given up for now. You are right it seems like a nightmare. I will get the hang of it. Apparently stylists will give you lessons on how to do your own hair if you ask. Not sure if that is true or not.

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

I've given up for now. You are right it seems like a nightmare. I will get the hang of it. Apparently stylists will give you lessons on how to do your own hair if you ask. Not sure if that is true or not.

They will show you exactly how to do it...using half a dozen expensive salon products that'll bankrupt you, and the benefit of working from an optimal position.  You'll quickly realise your attempts to recreate it are futile. You'll wonder if you'd have had more success if you bought the £100 worth of salon products on top of your £70 hairdo 😃

[Lori Dee ✅]

You could try Tammy's idea. Install Gravity Boots in the sunroom. Hang upside down for half an hour while your hair dries. Wear a bra so you don't suffocate yourself or get a black eye.

[tammy753]

Hey I grew up in the Aquanet laden 80s. It does work but only if your head has spare room for the blood to run into and I do.

[Stottie Girl]

Chillout night tonight. I cannot be chewed with makeup. Looking in the mirror, I think I might be starting to pass without it now. At least I think I'm getting close anyway. I cannot believe how much my shoulders have changed. I found an awful old pic of me from 2019 when I was slimmer. I look like a totally different person! But look how boxy my shoulders were compared to now. HRT changes you in ways you don't really think about.

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

You look lovely in both of those pictures! And great that you confidently pass without makeup. Much nicer when it's a pure choice to use it for your own happiness rather than necessity!

[Stottie Girl]

You look lovely in both of those pictures! And great that you confidently pass without makeup. Much nicer when it's a pure choice to use it for your own happiness rather than necessity!

Thanks Charlotte. Means a lot. I normally feel pretty dysphoric without my face on but lately I've been getting more comfortable with it. I think spending most of my time now as Sarah when at home is making a difference in my confidence.

[tammy753]

I agree I don't think you would have any issues passing. I think when you try it will be over and you will never go back.

[Stottie Girl]

I agree I don't think you would have any issues passing. I think when you try it will be over and you will never go back.

I hope you are right Tammy. Very kind of you to say that. Mind when I try it I will absolutely be wearing a makeup! I'm not going out the house like this!

[Lori Dee ✅]

I agree. You have nothing to worry about.

Great pics!