I could have been rich, I tell you, I could have been rich! I knew it as soon as I saw it on Pinterest.
You see, several years ago I had a run in with breast cancer. I put in the obligatory year of treatment including the required surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. When the year was over there were a couple of things that stuck with me. One is that it became my reference for time. I now often refer to things as “BC.” Some people use this same time reference, but they mean “Before Children.” In my case, it is “Before Cancer.” Secondly, when the process began, I was a fairly well-endowed woman. But, when it was all said and done, I was left with one boob and one boobette™ (as I like to call it).
Now don’t ask me exactly when it happened, but at some point I started stuffing things in the leftover space. Yeah. That’s right – in the left over space on the boobette’s™ side of my bra. At first I was discrete. I would sneak in my change purse, or my cell phone, or my keys ― just when it wasn’t convenient to carry a purse and I wasn’t wearing anything with pockets. But before long I was carrying all three in there … at the same time … on a regular basis! I can honestly tell you there are few things that did not find their way in there.
The first time I went public, I was in line with a friend in the cafeteria at work. We were in the middle of a conversation when the cashier told me how much I owed her. Without thinking, I reached into my bra, pulled out my wallet and took out my debit card. My side of the conversation did not stop until I noticed my friend blushing at the cashier. I realized what I had done by the look on her face. “Oh. Sorry. That’s just my boob pocket,” was my response to “the look” as I stuffed the wallet back where it came from.
After that, my boob pocket (and a few urban legends that started circulating about it) became public knowledge. I would often move around throughout the work day, from upstairs offices to downstairs studios, green rooms, cafeterias, board rooms, tape libraries and master control. Just as often, I would leave something behind in one of those spots and have to retrace my steps. There wasn’t a room in the place that I couldn’t enter and say, “I can’t find my keys, phone, or whatever … did I leave them here?” and be met with the response: “Did you check your boob pocket?” More often than not, that is exactly where the missing item would be.
The only person who was still uncomfortable with it was “He-Who.” He did not like to talk about it. I will tell you, however, that he is continually handing me stuff and asking me to put it in my purse for him. I could get away with a clutch if it wasn’t for all the stuff I carry in my purse for him. But … he has yet to ask, even once, for me to put something in my boob pocket.
But here is my point. While wasting time researching on Pinterest, I came across a picture that left me with my mouth agape. LuLuLemon has created the ultimate boob pocket bra. It has not 1, not 2, not 3, but 7 pockets for all your essentials.
Seriously, I could have been rich. I did it first!
You may know that walking is now a regular part of my regimen. Well, I had been walking 5K every day and once again was having problems figuring how to carry the stuff I wanted to carry. Have you noticed how hot it’s been this summer! Minimal clothing was the only way to go. No extras like a backpack or a fanny pack were acceptable. There were no pockets in my workout clothes. It was time to get creative again. As it happens, I have a plethora of T-shirts and I don’t wear T-shirts. They are hot, unflattering, and I find them uncomfortable around my neck.
In fact, every year I walk with a team in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run For The Cure.
My Mom died from breast cancer when I was 12, I am a survivor and one of my sisters is as well. It was my sister who started our team. We participate every year and every year we get a t-shirt. But I have never worn any of these t-shirts. Until now.
First, I cut off the sleeves and snipped the neckline. Then I sewed the sleeves onto the front of the shirt creating pockets. Each pocket has lots of room for my phone, keys, ID, a change purse and my inhaler. Just remember, you saw it here first!
This idea may not make me rich but it sure saved me some money on buying special clothing to walk in. Go ahead and dig out those old t-shirts you aren’t wearing and make your own fashion statement while you work out. Oh, and if you want to share some of that money you save with this clever idea and support a good cause while you’re at it, feel free to check out my sponsor page and donate.
My family have been struck by cancer a great deal in the past few years Michelle – good for you!
There are few families that have not been touched by cancer anymore. Some call it “the great equalizer”. Cancer doesn’t care if you are rich or poor, young or old, smart or not so smart.
I hope your family members has your “fight back” spirit and give it a good kick where it deserves.
Thanks
What a clever idea with the shirt! Glad you are doing well and walking. Yes, it has been a hot summer. If I had my way, I’d wear those sports bras all over the place. Not a big fan of t-shirts and their collars anyways. “Plethora”. Now where did I hear that word spoken recently? Lol! 😉 Oh, just the man of my dreams… Many hugs to you Michelle!
Glad you like it Java Girl. I think I will take more time with the next batch as these ones are a little rough around the edges. “Plethora” has been a favourite word since I was little. It was fun to say and learned it because I had a “plethora” of siblings. You will find that word often in my blogs. I’m glad I have something in common with that man of your dreams 😉
A truly wonderful story & so very inspirational. Well done Michelle. xoxo
Thanks Wendy. I know you have been through your own battle and you have been an inspiration to many.
Michelle – I loved your blog. As someone who has several friends battling various forms of cancer today (breast, ovarian, colon) I am inspired by those like you who walk for those who can’t.
Thank you Janet, I am glad you enjoyed the blog. I often find it is easier to just talk about things straight out rather than pretend they don’t exist. I know your friends will appreciate all your support while they are fighting the fight. There are times when it is actually harder to watch someone you care about suffering. I will keep your friends in my prayers.
cool shirt!
It was a lot cooler when I got through with it. T shirts are just too hot! 😉
I totally remember your boob pocket! You were the only lady I ever met that would spend a small fortune on a hand bag only to jam everything down your top!!
You are also the only person who knew exactly how much I really did spend on those purses and upon occasion encouraged my addiction if I remember correctly. They are all good as new though due to the lack of usage. I can’t say the same about my bras. 😉
Did you catch the line in here written just for you?
You are ingenious :-). My mom is in stage 4 cancer and your boob pocket story and the fact you walk for the cause are both reasons for me to smile today 🙂 Thank you.
I’m glad I could make you smile, Stacia. I know how difficult things must be for you right now. I will keep you and your Mom in my prayers.
Cousins Ray& Ruth We loved your story as usual.Keep up the good work.
Thank you both. I am very grateful for the encouragement and support you always have for me.
Great story, great humor, great ideas, great “I wanna start sewing right now.”
Thanks for sharing your story in such inspirational way! 🙂
Made me laugh, Michelle 🙂 … and your T-shirt adaptation is perfect for the job, because you’re right, they’re impossible to wear the way they were designed!
Thanks, Meredith. I’m glad you laughed. I laugh when I think about it too.
Isn’t it amazing that the T-Shirt business generates billions of dollars a year and very few people really like them? I should be able to come up with a billion dollar idea nobody likes! 😉
Now, that made me really laugh – too bloody true !
Now THAT is an idea, Ms. G! I should make one of these for my wife (although I should probably ask her before I randomly de-sleeve one of her shirts? 😉 )! She rarely if ever has pockets and I’ve become the walking carry-all (all her stuff AND mine shoved haphazardly into my pockets). Not the most comfortable. And dangerous. With my luck, one of these days all the added ‘random stuff’ weight is going to cause a very red face.
Heheheheh…it sounds like your wife should meet my husband. How does one person end up being the carrier of all things? Heheheheh…still laughing.
That is hilarious…People asking you to check you boob pocket! I’m so glad you’re a survivor!
Thank you Sherry. I’m kind of glad too 😉
Nothing so bad it’s not good for something (I think it’s OK to joke about something as serious as cancer – in this post at least). I am sure you have gotten some glances from here and there, when reaching for the boob pocket. What a fun and practical idea! But even if LuLuLemon has taken the idea even further, I might not take up on either of them. Besides I am happy you came out so well on the other side after being diagnosed with cancer.
Thanks Otto. Cancer is by no means a joke or a funny thing however, humour certainly can help deal with it. My family has been dealing with cancer since I was very young and my Mom was first diagnosed. I think she set the tone for us on how to deal with it in as humorous a fashion as possible. She did have a great sense of humour but I think her attitude was designed to not scare her children. I’m sure she had her moments of anger, fear and depression but she tried very hard to leave us with happy, funny and loving memories.
Sounds like you mother was a very strong woman.
I guess I am one of those individuals that detest this dreaded disease with every bone in my body. Too many of my friends and a few of my relatives have been struck down by cancer, so I know that when it touches you personally, the mental stress as month after month goes by or in some cases, day to day passes, creates a zone within you.
Sadly, in my experience which to date has left me clean of cancer, there has been few success stories such as yours to share. Rather, the score overall has been cancer 12, survival 2.
It is a good thing that you are winner and your story of the extra pocket was one of the few smiles I have entertained on the subject of cancer. Your shirt creation could be a moneymaker and possibly bring more smiles to those women that encounter a similar situation to what you met and mastered.
There is so much sadness and weariness in this world and particularly with those involved directly or indirectly with cancer. Your story is one of the few from a ratio viewpoint that can heighten hope and it should be passed on to cancer centers [BC and AC] so that those who must enter these offices can enjoy the “extra pocket\boob pocket” tale of two minus a tidbit.
Thanks, Budder
Thank you Bud.
I have to say that I don’t know anyone that doesn’t detest the disease. There isn’t a person alive that has not been touch in some fashion by cancer. Having experienced it first hand and having witnessed people I love suffer from it, I have always maintained that it is easier be the patient than the person who has to watch their loved one suffer. The mental stress can be the thing that is hardest.
My hope for you my friend is that you have had your share and it stops touching your life so strongly.
Well done Michelle. You have a pocket full of miracles. 🙂
Thank you, Joseph. I am very fortunate.
Perfect idea for traveling – you aren’t likely to get pick-pocketed there! Glad you are well now and able to have a laugh.
Heheheh…I never really thought about that. It is the female version of the money belt.
Congrats on being cancer free Michelle! One boob and one boobette… that is priceless. I have a friend who loves putting things in her boobs: cash, car keys, credit cards, etc. One time when we went to breakfast, she pulled a mini pack of Kleenex out of her boob too, and I exclaimed “My God! What else do you have in there, Houdini?! Doves?!” She would love to know that Lululemon now makes a top with built-in boob pockets!
Thank you, Silva Gang. I thing women have been stuffing things in their bras since the beginning of…well, bras. When I was in Highschool I can remember watching the girls shoving kleenex, paper towels, socks (I know! I thought they were a guy thing too.) and various other things in there bras trying to impress the boys. I never had any room to stuff. As I got older it always just seemed to be a handy catch all and I am glad I am not alone in that thinking, even with the girls with a matched set.
Finally, an excuse to look at breasts.
I don’t really think you needed an excuse, but I am sure you have come up with some pretty creative ones in the past.
I’ve heard good things about breasts from friends but I figured it was impolite to look. This finally gives me an excuse to find out what all the fuss is about.
Knock yourself out! You have my blessing. 😉
Well, I have nothing like that. Though I now have cleavage where there was none before (pregnancy, nursing, and now, just fat), and I find that very useful. Keys, pacifiers, bus pass….
Love the t-shirt. I hope you pinned that.
It’s amazing the uses we can find for our boobs.
I don’t remember pinning that I will have to go back and look. Thanks for checking out the post.
I missed this post so ehow. Brilliant idea. If you need any investors, let me know!
Maybe we could market my boob pocket and your pants together. Nobody has done the combo yet.
Two mints in one!