Life in the Boomer Lane has been so busy shoveling snow, losing gloves and stocking up on milk, toilet paper, and the makings of chocolate chip cookies, that she has failed to notice that Spring starts in two days. Spring is the season in which all of LBL’s senses undergo their yearly reawakening, and she is once again conscious that her body does not fit into any swimsuit that has been made for humans to actually wear. This awareness is followed by dread that some kind of water-related event will occur that demands LBL’s participation. This year, LBL has decided to meet the enemy head on. She has done her homework and she now shares what she has learned:
Why is swimsuit shopping so difficult?
Swimsuit shopping is difficult because, while other forms of clothing can change to accommodate aging bodies, swimsuits are mostly stuck on pause. Over the decades, we can switch from sleeveless to sleeved tops, from shorts to crop pants, from high heels to flats. While it is true that we also have the option of switching from bikinis to more modest one-piece suits, LBL is as yet unaware that any swimsuit manufacturers have dealt with upper arm or neck/thigh/knee/calf/ankle coverage.
Is there one fail-safe style that flatters everyone?
The swim burka looks good on everyone. Aside from that, you could wear something that distracts the eye from noticing your swimsuit. Anything with large clusters of diamonds will do nicely. The khaleesi on Game of Thrones cleverly has live dragons perch on her shoulders when she finds herself in a pesky situation and wants to distract someone from killing her. But dragons are hard to come by and they can turn on you.
Is it safe to buy a swimsuit online?
Yes. Just make sure you understand the return policy. Or no. If it can’t be returned, you are a lunkhead for buying it.
What if one is out-of-proportion: big on the top and really flat on the bottom?
Fit the bust area first. This will give you a suit that is perfect for your top and can accommodate all of your beach equipment on the bottom.
What if one is bigger on the bottom?
That makes you a normal woman and LBL doesn’t care about you.
What is the best type bikini to wear for a bikini competition?
LBL doesn’t know how you got in here but she intends to beef up her security in the future. Now leave.
Are there certain styles you should never even take into the dressing room?
Stay away from bikinis, small two-piece sets, buckles, zippers, animal fur, and blinking lights at the crotch area.
What can women do to avoid looking old at the beach?
Bring your grandmother with you. Just make sure she isn’t some kind of 90-year-old hottie.
morristownmemos by Ronnie Hammer
March 18, 2014
Here’s the problem: we’re all competing with those absurd bathing suit models who all gain weight the minute they stop modeling. Have you ever noticed the change in last year’s Miss America when she crowns the new one? A lot larger, almost always.
Life in the Boomer Lane
March 19, 2014
Oh my, I hadn’t noticed that. Must be all those food-laden appearances they make throughout their year as queen. I wonder if they horrify themselves or are grateful to finally be allowed to eat.
jlheuer
March 18, 2014
I just stay away from water related events. It’s bad enough finding a decent pair of shorts.
Life in the Boomer Lane
March 19, 2014
I honestly think shorts are worse than swimsuits. A swimsuit says, “I have to wear this because I am near/in water.” Shorts say “Ooh, look at me. I could be wearing pants but oh noooooo, I am so cute in shorts.”
jlheuer
March 19, 2014
You’re right and shorts cut your leg in half so it looks really stumpy. Think I’ll just roll up my cuffs and go wading.
wordsfromanneli
March 18, 2014
I love it. But my 92-year-old mother-in-law would look better than me on the beach so I’m leaving her at home.
Life in the Boomer Lane
March 19, 2014
I do hate those 90-year-old hotties. My friend’s mom is 99 and dresses better than me.
joeyfullystated
March 18, 2014
I LMAO! Excellent post! AHAHAHA! Love it!
Life in the Boomer Lane
March 19, 2014
Thanks, Joey. It makes up for the tears I shed in the dressing room.
Almost Iowa
March 18, 2014
Just stopped by to say that us LBL guys are suffering too. While just about anything fits us – because we don’t give a flying fart… we suffer because the women in our lives suffer and thus make us suffer.
All I can say is that we sympathize and wish you wouldn’t get all wrapped around the axle about what others think – cause we love ya the way you are.
(Of course that don’t mean we’ll stop staring at the twenty year olds….. heck, we would do that even if you were twenty.)
An Ordinary Man (the novel)
March 18, 2014
amen
Life in the Boomer Lane
March 19, 2014
Well said, AI, well said.
A Simple Village Undertaker
March 18, 2014
It is so much easier being a guy…especially a 54 year old guy. It just doesn’t matter. Thanks for the funny story
Life in the Boomer Lane
March 19, 2014
You are welcome. I am always gratified that the tragic occurrences of my life bring joy to others.
Nancie Nelson Bartley
March 18, 2014
Just say no.
That usually works for me.
Life in the Boomer Lane
March 19, 2014
Thanks for that wise comment, Nancie, and thanks for visit Life in the Boomer Lane.
Snoring Dog Studio
March 19, 2014
Avoiding water, other than what comes out of the shower faucet, is my way of deciding on which bikini to wear.
Life in the Boomer Lane
March 19, 2014
Laughing.
pegoleg
March 19, 2014
All good points except I must disagree with the online shopping advice. Who wants to buy a swimsuit that somebody else probably already wore and returned. EWWWWW!
Life in the Boomer Lane
March 19, 2014
Peg, that’s completely disgusting. I like that. Hey, can you come up with someone to interview both of us?
pegoleg
March 19, 2014
B-man seems to have gone into semi-retirement, so that idea is out. How about Huffington Post? Got any friends down there, Renee?
Or how about WordPress? As Recommended Humor Bloggers we’re both giant stars in the WordPress firmament, so they’re always looking for new ways to make us happy, right? Right?
Life in the Boomer Lane
March 19, 2014
He is in semi-retirement? I’m a Recommended Humor Blogger? How did that happen? How would I even contact anyone from WP? I could set myself on fire in front of my computer screen and I doubt they would notice. Same for HuffPo. Who are the funny bloggers you follow?
pegoleg
March 20, 2014
He’s not really retired, but not hitting it hard lately. I went through a spell like that in the fall, and I think you did the prior year, didn’t you?
You’re kidding so I can reassure you how fabulous you are, right? OK, here it is. I assure you that you are, indeed, fabulous.
http://wordpress.com/recommendations/humor
derb523622013
March 19, 2014
So funny! Thanks for the giggles. Although, as I recall this during the day, I know I will become anxious about the impending summer and exposing those areas in a few short months, even as I ache to see the first crocus of Spring. Aargh.
Life in the Boomer Lane
March 19, 2014
I used to fret about my belly. That area has expanded all the way down to just past my knees now.
izzimac1
March 19, 2014
Thanks for the tips and blog, especially how to use the under utilised bottom of swimsuit for the pesky equipment. 🙂 Personally, I am a big fan of the sarong; any bit of material will do and can be worn anywhere…on the hips or head depending on mood.
Life in the Boomer Lane
March 19, 2014
I totally forgot about the sarong. Yes, good idea. And when you get home from the beach you can use it as a tablecloth.
Elyse
March 19, 2014
I think I’d have an easier time buying a new body, thank you very much.
Life in the Boomer Lane
March 20, 2014
Damn, I wish I had thought of that line to put in the post.
Elyse
March 20, 2014
I consult, for a price ;). Actually my own posts haven’t been quite so funny lately …
Jill Foer Hirsch
March 20, 2014
Reason # 863 why I prefer winter to summer, regardless of how cold it is and how much snow we get. In this swamp we call DC, summer is just too ugly.
Life in the Boomer Lane
March 20, 2014
All those unrestrained breasts… Oh wait, that’s them, not us.
Valentine Logar
March 20, 2014
Or you can do like I do, I simply do not care. My body has settled into its comfort zone, zaftig.
Airstream Nancy
March 26, 2014
OMG! This is so funny. Every 2-3 years I spend $100+ on a bikini…..and I never wear it, until it’s time to buy a new one. That’s when I try on the 2-3 year old one, and discuss with myself how the new one will be better!
Life in the Boomer Lane
March 26, 2014
This gives me a great idea. If I never have to wear them, I can buy bikinis also!
Airstream Nancy
March 26, 2014
Yep! Exactly! I just saw some real cute ones in Nordstroms the other day. Now, go shopping!!
benzeknees
March 26, 2014
This LBL body hasn’t seen the beach in many years & it probably never will again (unless I wear shorts & a huge tent t-shirt)
Airstream Nancy
March 26, 2014
Wetsuit. The answer to your problems = wear a wetsuit. Of course, this will mean that you have to only go to cold beaches, but what the heck! You’ll be at the beach, going swimming, fully covered from neck to ankles!!