by Linda L Kinyon

Created on: September 08, 2010

It started out so simple, I needed a new bra. I researched how to check my bra size (just to make sure nothing had changed since the last purchase) and proceeded to measure carefully. Nope, nothing had changed, that task out of the way I proceeded to my nearest Wal-Mart. Here is where my plan failed.

As I approached the bra section I observed the cutesy little sets with matching panties, upon closer inspection I realized these were not going to fit me, my skinny neighbor perhaps, but not me. Not being all that large everywhere else I was rather frustrated at this turn of events.

I perused the aisles as an inspector, kneeling to look at the lower sections of the shelves and standing to peruse the upper sections to no avail. I simply had either out grown or not grown large enough for a Wal-Mart special.

I rounded a corner and located a larger section. Upon closer inspection I found my size. Delighted with this turn of events I proceeded to search through the various choices only to realize that they were all yellow, or orange, or both. Neither color is flattering to me and I look like I need emergency care when I wear those colors. I put them down and continued on determined to find my perfect bra.

Sadly, I must report that there were no other options than yellow or orange or (horrors) both in the same bra. I was doomed. I sighed and proceeded to the (gasp) boxed bra section. Sure I would at least find a serviceable model amongst these I proceeded to browse through the boxed section. Again, no bra in my size, just above my size, and just below, but not mine.

Leaving that department I decided to move along on my shopping list. About this time my cell phone rang and it was my friend. She asked what I was doing so I told her, then I rounded a corner to find a teenaged boy and his dad trying to hide their giggles at my dilemma. I pulled myself together and moved on.

Upon arriving home I checked the mail and found a catalog for bras in the mail. I perused the catalog and found several good candidates for my new bra. I got online and perused the details and found several great options to choose from. As a mother of 5 I had decidedly grown since the purchase of my first bra and was rather frustrated that the cutesy ones I used to wear were now in my daughter's drawer awaiting her blossoming into them.

After about an hour of perusal online I found two that I absolutely loved. They looked comfy and pretty at the same time and even had those new little petals that are supposed to provide more modesty. I submitted my order and waited by the mailbox the following week for their arrival.

Upon arrival I opened the package and oohed and awed at my new found treasures. My girls were finally going to get a lift. Waiting for my sons to be busy elsewhere I snuck into the bathroom to try them on. I adjusted the straps and hooked them only to discover that the petals (sewn in permanently) are at the tippy top of the bra and provide no coverage whatsoever where my now mature body lands.

I adjusted the straps again thinking perhaps that would help resolve the issue. To no avail. Those petals are made for a perky teen and I am a middle aged woman with 5 children to my credit, unless I plan to wear the bras down around my belly button, adjustments are not going to accomplish much for this issue. The bras are very comfortable though so I kept them, I just make sure to adjust the girls periodically. Maybe they'll be trained in time to stand more at attention and hide where the petals land, until then, its off to the other room where no one is right now for an adjustment.

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