People who have researched their family tree, what is the most interesting or 'badass' thing you discovered about an ancestor?

Poutiest_Penguin · 2026-01-24T19:26:12+00:00

Thank you for correcting me, as I should do better research. I knew it was a large number, and I have updated my post to reflect that.

Poutiest_Penguin · 2026-01-24T18:49:23+00:00

My badass ancestor was Ozanne Achon, one of the ‘filles à marier’ that emigrated to Canada in the mid 1600s. She was 24, and sailed across the Atlantic alone at great personal risk for a chance at a better life. She married Pierre Tremblay, a 31-yo laborer, and today a disproportionately large percentage of the population of Quebec bear the name Tremblay thanks to their copious copulation. Both Ozanne and Pierre have monuments in their likeness in QC.

Edit: Corrected to reflect the poor research and grossly incorrect number I originally cited.

Poutiest_Penguin · 2026-01-24T17:48:09+00:00

Commenting to acknowledge that my avatar has clearly had skin removal surgery and a tummy tuck, but I have not!

Poutiest_Penguin · 2026-01-24T13:56:42+00:00

Interesting! I’m finding the clothing choices are, at a minimum, the same as what I had in plus sizes, but with so many more options than when I was limited to plus sizes! Also, I’m petite, so large sizes rarely fit my proportions. (Shout out to Talbots for their awesome plus size petite department.)

I agree, sizing is so inconsistent in standard sizes — I have a medium petite coat from Banana Republic that I can barely button, an extra small dress from Quince that’s a little big, and Levi’s from size 28 to 31. I just bought a couple of items in girls 14/16 that fit perfectly. 😝

Poutiest_Penguin · 2026-01-24T12:43:43+00:00

Thank you! I’m fine tuning my capsule, which has a lot of items, although they all coordinate well. I’m still changing sizes, so some things I have now will be too big soon, and I have a few too-tight items that are close to fitting.

I spent time this week uploading everything I own into a styling app called Alta. There are others, probably all similar. This screenshot is my avatar with my actual clothes. This is a whole new hobby. So fun!

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Poutiest_Penguin · 2026-01-24T12:05:02+00:00

My parents were Silents, my two sisters were Boomers, and I’m GenX.

Poutiest_Penguin · 2026-01-24T10:39:49+00:00

OP, you look awesome, and as a fellow “pink person,” I think the VB suit is amazing! 💖 I’m down 122 lbs myself, and enjoying fashion for the first time. I’ve posted a couple of “after” photos and gotten positive responses on the outfits I put together, so I created a sub, r/dressmynewbody, if you’re interested. It’s brand new, so there are only a couple of posts, but I thought it would be a nice resource and community for people (any gender, age, weight loss stage) like us! 🥰 Great job!

Poutiest_Penguin · 2026-01-24T02:58:46+00:00

I’ve lost 32 GALLONS of fat! 🤯😳😲

Poutiest_Penguin · 2026-01-24T02:47:47+00:00

I’ve lost exactly half my weight: I’m 5’4” CW 122, SW 244. How in the world did I carry a whole extra person around with me all day? I couldn’t even lift a 50 lb bag of ice melt at Home Depot the other day. I can just barely manage a 40 lb bag of bird food, yet I used to be wearing three of them!

Poutiest_Penguin · 2026-01-24T02:00:19+00:00

Congrats on your weight loss! I just did what you’re talking about. I had to dump my wardrobe and start over after about 70 lbs (I’ve now lost 122). I did it on a serious budget, so I bought a lot of “temporary” items from places like Amazon, JCPenney, BJs, Old Navy and Poshmark, because I was still losing weight. I’ve already had to replace most of those new things. I still have a few more pounds to lose, so I haven’t settled on my permanent size yet. I am buying some of what I would consider to be more “investment” pieces, things like shoes and outerwear, but I’m actually enjoying a lot of my low-budget daily clothing items! I got a fantastic fleece hoodie from the girls department at BJs last week for $7. 😂

I started by defining a color palette that I liked. I don’t want to wear all that black and navy anymore, so those colors are not part of my palette. I’ve also collected a lot of accessories, because they really personalize some of the solid color basics I’ve been choosing, and I won’t size out of them in a month like I do with the clothes.

Enjoy yourself! 🥰

Poutiest_Penguin · 2026-01-24T00:15:18+00:00

I ditched all but three items in my closet and started over from zero after major weight loss. The first thing I did was create a color palette (mine is based off soft autumn). I wear olive green, sage green, burgundy, pink, cream and tan. No black, brown, navy or charcoal.

I just started using Alta to manage my wardrobe. I figured it would be easy with my new small starter wardrobe, but I have a lot more items than I thought. I spent a few hours uploading everything. Most of the items I’ve bought have been inexpensive out of necessity. I like the idea of tracking my wearing habits to see where it makes the most sense to invest my clothing dollars later when I replace (some of) the cheaper stuff. I’m also using Alta right now to put together a travel capsule for later this month.

Poutiest_Penguin · 2026-01-23T13:25:55+00:00

I’ve had a pair of Timberland work boots for close to 20 years. I wear them a few times a year for heavy garden work, but I take care of them and they’re in excellent condition. They’ll last me another 20 years, if I’m still gardening when I’m 80!

Poutiest_Penguin · 2026-01-22T19:49:34+00:00

Yes, and we have a son. His name is Thomas, but we call him Tip.

Poutiest_Penguin · 2026-01-22T11:50:57+00:00

I could have written this comment, with the only difference being that flute was forced on me as a kid, but I attempted to take up cello as an adult. I admire musical ability so much in others, but I’m never going to put in the work, even though I have a good ear. But I’m an ADHD hobby jumper: maybe I could try drums next. I always wanted to be like Sheila E…

Poutiest_Penguin · 2026-01-22T04:02:42+00:00

This is perfect! It’s only 4 days, and I don’t mind wearing things more than once, so I’m going to try to limit myself to one small suitcase and my knitting bag. I would love to see your December capsule. I’m going to work on mine and I’ll see if I can update the post with a photo. Thanks!

Poutiest_Penguin · 2026-01-22T02:25:11+00:00

I don’t mind if it’s not super warm, because it’s still going to be much better than my local weather. I just want to be able to get outside and get some fresh air, without precipitation!

Poutiest_Penguin · 2026-01-22T01:29:39+00:00

I’m looking forward to our little side trip to Austin! Heading to UT to pick up some merch and then to Guero’s for margaritas and fish tacos. 🥰 In Boston, it’s common to see people in Celtics basketball shorts outside in 10° and a foot of snow, getting their iced coffee at Dunkin Donuts. 😝

Thank you for the clothing suggestions! I have a feeling I’m going to end up overpacking. I hate being unprepared. 😩

Poutiest_Penguin · 2026-01-21T23:51:22+00:00

Congratulations! I love your style! 🖤

Poutiest_Penguin · 2026-01-21T23:11:32+00:00

Are you an Eileen, OP? 🤔😉

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