I still got it!

So, I've been in a slump. After several days of feeling a burning sensation around my belly button, my stomach popped. One day I was able to get out of bed like I always did and then the next, I was trapped until I wiggled my way to the edge of the bed so that I could heave myself up.

Since that morning, I've looked more like an overly yeasted puff pastry than a woman. I can no longer see my toes when I stand upright. What's more, I feel heavy and as a result I lumber like a drunken ape, with my arms dangling at my sides working like oars to propel me forward when I walk.

As a result, I've been feeling pretty sorry for myself. That was until today.

In the mood for miso udon soup, I took the short walk from my office building to the deli about a block away. As I lumbered along, I locked eyes with a polished-looking guy. He then, very obviously scanned me up and down, locked eyes with me again and gave me a knowing smile. It wasn't a creepy once-over and I didn't get that skeevy vibe that creepy guys emanate. While I felt good for about a nanosecond, I shrugged it off, thinking it couldn't be as who, other than a mass murderer with an obscure fetish for pregos, would find me attractive.

But, before I reached the deli, I spotted another polished-looking guy (it seems there are many of these in mid-town Manhattan) - this time much cuter than the first and much better dressed - giving me the once-over. We were walking through a narrow and congested piece of the sidewalk, so I had some time to determine if what I was seeing was really happening or just a figment of my hormonal imagination. As I contemplated the likelihood that this could be happening I stared into his light-coloured eyes and he smiled a sweet smile. Embarassed and timid - come on, I'm married and pregnant! - I diverted my eyes, but as we brushed past each other he said, "You look great."

I was elated!

Other than a few oglers checking out my boobs or those so-called men who desperately try to avoid looking at me, so they don't have to give up their seat on the train, I haven't had any positive reinforcements from the male population in at least 6 months! And, today, within a couple of meters of each other, I scored the attention of two good-looking, non-creepy men, flirted with one of them and got a compliment that will carry me through the rest of the week!