It's possible those could be her reasons for the bragging.  I have to wonder though if its all truths. I do believe she bought the Mcmansion and the Mercedes to feel better about herself. She was insecure for most of her life.  What I doubt is the things she has stated about her children and about her weight.  I mentioned that I'm trying to lose about 20 pounds and I just want to get down to a cetain size. Of course she tells me she is the size I want to be.  It's almost as if she fels the need to be better than me.  What make me wonder about this is she never wants to setup a meeting. It really makes me think she doesn't want me to see her for some reason.  I have been in contact with other old friends from classmates.com and we always have met for lunch.

The 2 times I have spoke with her, she always tells me about how others are doing. Every time, its a negative. This one is divorced or in jail or something like that. In fact, all she wants to talk about is people from the past.  I guess its reasurance for her that she has done better than everyone from her childhood.

Hey Donna, even if most of what she says is untrue, she is working so hard to impress you and to attempt to make herself feel good enough (as good as you).

I am sure her horrible situation growing up made her feel like she was not worth Sh*t, since you were around when all of that was happening to her, you saw her when she was essentaly discarded by her mom (I am sure that is how her mom's lack of reaction made her feel, wouldn't you feel like worthless garbage if your mom was that stupid?)  So her "bragging" really isn't bragging at all, it is her way of saying

"Hey Donna, I made it, I turned out ok!" And that is a huge accomplishment for her, and right now all she can tell you about  are the shiny trophies.

I am sure that if you had one of those wonderful woman to woman heartfelt talks, you could easily lift her up over her essential qualities;

cause that is really what she is looking for is the verification that she is an ok and lovable person, and that she is not defined by her past and what others did to her.

You have been given a rare and extraordinary opportunity here Donna, to not only reclaim an old friend, but to help her heal further and get over her need to boast. And in return you will see others bragging for what it really is, and it wont be so annoying next time, as a matter of fact you will probably feel sorry for them at some level, and that is marked growth for you.

Cheers! 

Yes, she did have a really bad life.  She was molested by her step-father and her mother didn't believe her,  I guess she missed having a close Mom like I had.  I suppose I wouldn't have minded if she just talked about her house and car, but it seemed like it was more than that. Her son (only 20) making 120K a year, etc. It was getting so that I was doubting some of the things she was saying.

There was nothing in the closet.  I guess she wasn't as psychic s she thought.

About the Mustang....its not really that old.  It's a 1989 LX 5.0 with 37K miles. Still has original paint, but could use a paint job.  I've been delaying the paint job on it because I know if it got painted that I'd be afraid to drive it.  I had the 1971 Chevelle painted in 1998 and since its paint job it's only been driven about 500 miles.  When you get something too nice, you get afraid someone will hit it or ding it.  That's why I haven't touched the Mustang yet. I figure its not perfect, so I can drive it any where.

Some people feel the need to do this, I agree with hooliegan, she probably has some self-esteem issues and wants to try to fill her life up with things that worthtless in the end.

She has a house, with furniture and a nice fancy car, but you have is a HOME! Home is where the heart is, and even though it might not be as fancy, you like it and thats all that matters!

Sweet heart, you need to take a deep breath and just let it go.

Understand that your friend is over compensation for some heavy self esteem issues that have absolutely nothing to do with you.

She evidently was/is envious of you in some ways or she wouldn't feel the need to talk herself up. Your irritation towards her bragging is your own insecurities creeping in and really has nothing really to do with her. As you know, a big house, nice furniture, fancy car whatever really is not a gage for how happy or successful you are in life.

Deep breath, smile and be happy for her and her superficial successes.

Besides it sounds like you now have a kick-*ss mustang! (unless the paint is really bad, leave the original paint, the "vintage" patina is always better than a new paint job you have to worry about) 

BTW, what happened when you checked out  Grandma's closet?

Good for you. It's not about the shell (the house) anyway, it's about what you make the inside into. Seems like you have a house full of love and fun and TURKEYS in the back yard!