Weight loss is like a maze & a runner's tip

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

A buddy commented on yesterday's blog that I have turned a corner. And I replied that I must be stuck in a maze, cause I've turned many corners in this journey.

Yes, weight loss is like a maze:

You never quite know if you're moving in the right direction

You have to turn a lot of corners

Sometimes you have to double back

You have to be willing to change directions

But the payoff can be oh-so-amazing! (sorry for that bad pun!).

I am surprised by just how many of you love black bean soup.



Do you know that I have been on SP about 2 1/2 years and it just dawned on me the other day that there is more than one page of emoticons?

While I do feel in a zone, that doesn't mean I've been perfect, either. I realized I've been eating more than I realized this week. Staying with my limits, but just at the higher end more often than in the last few weeks. Yes, TOM is coming and that explains it, but somehow these last couple of weeks have seemed really busy and things just seem to have gotten away from me slightly. Still making really good food choices more often than not, and I'm very proud of that. Feels good, too.

marathonmastery.com/peertrain
er/

This is for the runners out there. It's a free week of videos from Stu Mittleman, ultramarathoner and author of "The Slow Burn". I did NOT put in my cell phone #, but it still worked for me. Yes, he'll try to sell you stuff at the end, I'm sure. No, I don't earn anything from passing this along, just thought some of you might be interested.

Haven't watched the first video yet myself, but am very interested to see what he has to say!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SKINNYPOWELL1 10/13/2010 4:20PM

Couldnt find a "rat or mouse" emoticon, but a gopher will do, you know a gopher runs into stuff underground in his underground tunneling, just saying. Hope you are having an A-Maz-ing day (I couldn't resist either) Report Inappropriate Comment

IFDEEVARUNS2 10/13/2010 1:20PM

The thing about rats is that they really are smart, they eventually find their way out of that maze! (My daughter keeps rats, and they've won me over.) If you're going in a direction and not getting where you want to be, you must turn a corner, even if it isn't the right one the first time. That's what those smart rats do. I happen to think you took the right corner this time..... Report Inappropriate Comment

HALFFAST 10/13/2010 11:30AM

Just to add onto what everyone else said- I think you are a-maze-ing! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 10/13/2010 10:17AM

Yes, you've been an "a-maze-ing" spark friend. Have a great day. Report Inappropriate Comment

PALMTREEGIRL1 10/13/2010 9:28AM

That was an a-maze-ing blog (sorry, I had to do it)! Report Inappropriate Comment

GEODAWG 10/13/2010 9:01AM

Good analogy about the maze. That is what I feel like these days only I know when I make poor choices and over eat. Then I feel like a pig in one of those closed pig farms. Just stand and eat! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARIE625 10/13/2010 8:13AM

Uh-oh. If Kate's the smart rat, where does that leave me? :) I frequently feel like the dumb rat - wandering lost in the maze. But, as long as I keep searching for the exit (or the prize in the center) I'll eventually reach my goal. Great analogy by the way. Ooh! Count me in as a black bean soup lover. Yum-O!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 10/13/2010 8:03AM

But if I am a rat in a maze, I hope I am a smart one. You know, the ones who, once they get to the prize at the end remember how to get there again and again. (and I love puns!) Report Inappropriate Comment

DEE797 10/13/2010 6:49AM

I like your visual of this journey being a maze with lots of corners and back tracking. Good analogy. Thanks for the link will have to check it out as well. Report Inappropriate Comment

DAYHIKER 10/13/2010 6:34AM

It is so easy to let things get in the way and get us off track slightly which can turn into not so slightly. I can relate very well to the hamster on a wheel analogy, too. Thanks for the video tips! Some days I think of Erma Bombeck's comment that after all the dieting she had done she should be so small that she could be hanging on a charm bracelet! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYJOY319 10/13/2010 5:41AM

Sounds like things are going well over there. Keep it up! And I'll have to look at those emoticons. =p Report Inappropriate Comment

EDWINA172 10/13/2010 5:31AM

You're right about the maze. Sometimes, I feel as though I'm a hamster on a wheel. When will life slow down?! Thanks for sharing the link, I will check it out. Have a great week. Report Inappropriate Comment

Who flipped the switch?

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

I don't know whether it's the weather, the challenges I've joined, the eating program I'm preparing to attempt next week, or it's simply my time, but I feel like someone flipped the switch. Like suddenly making better food choices have become easy -- at least the majority of the time.

I know for sure I've lost some weight in the last few weeks -- no idea how much, but my jeans are definitely fitting better. I still have my stomach rolls, and I guess I'm going to have to make peace with them, cause I have a sneaking suspicion that I will always have stomach rolls.

I am still not looking at the results of my WIs. I'm in a bit of a dilemma about when I should. Should I look before vacation? After? Or just keep not looking and concentrate more on better choices.

As to the eating program I'll be starting, it's called the Ultrasimple Diet and I got it from the library. Basically, it's a very clean way of eating. No gluten, no dairy, no sugar, no peanuts -- which means no PB! -- (trying to remember what else is on the no-no list).

When I read the book, it sounded very boring -- but doable -- but then I downloaded the companion guide and there is some yummy-sounding recipes in there.

But . . . no dessert? For a week? And actually the author recommends you stay on it for 3 weeks, even tho the book is written for one week. Basically it eliminates all those things that are common allergens in our diet -- but that means no oatmeal for me, too, and that's a toughie! I love my oatmeal.

I love to eat, y'all know that. I am not one of those people who whines they can't get all their food in, quite the opposite. And I love my sweet treats. So we'll see how it goes. I actually do have a plan for some sweet treats that will fall within the guidelines if I really can't hack it: some of the energy/recovery puddings from "Thrive", which are basically enhanced fruit puddings that I already enjoy. And if I get really desperate, I might sneak in some brown rice sushi.

And I will probably have to let in a very small amount of natural sugar to fuel my runs.

It is not a starvation diet. There's plenty of protein, fruit smoothies, brown rice, and veggies.

So I'm not normally into deprivation diets. We all know where they get you. But I'm willing to try to eat very clean for a week and see where that gets me -- especially since DH will be away on a business trip, which makes my food choices so much easier.

But here's the funny thing: in preparation for this newer way of eating, I've found myself recently making even better food choices. Doing the frozen banana trick for dessert or even just a big bowl of fruit with 1 tbsp of chopped walnuts for dessert (or a snack) several times this week. I discovered yesterday that an apple & a cup of grapes was a very satisfying combination.

I've been on a kick with chocolate nut butters lately. I bought several -- that aren't available locally -- when we were on vacation back in August. So you can see they've lasted a long time! But I've found myself choosing plain almond butter instead (which is actually allowed on the program, since almonds aren't the common allergen peanuts are).

There are recipes for things like black bean soup, curried chickpeas & veggies, curried veggies with coconut milk . . . doesn't really sound like a diet, does it? And you're supposed to journal every day, do yoga -- I like the mind-body connection.

So I'll let you know how it goes, naturally.

But for the moment, I feel like I'm in a zone. It's a really nice feeling!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GEODAWG 10/12/2010 7:01PM

Black bean soup! Now I will have to fix some! Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 10/12/2010 10:50AM

Sounds like you have a great plan. I can't wait to hear about it! Report Inappropriate Comment

HALFFAST 10/12/2010 10:49AM

Sounds like a good plan. Does almond butter taste the same as peanut butter? I've never tried it personally (and the last time I looked it was like 3x the price of pb!). Report Inappropriate Comment

MARIE625 10/12/2010 9:57AM

Yum - curried chickpeas. Sounds delicious! Good luck! This would never work for me, specially while my hubby was out of town. As much as he drives me nuts with his need for full-fat foods and desert, when he's out of town, my eating immediately tanks. When he's gone, I consider myself "on vacation" and live on nothing but large bags of chips with containers of store bought chip dip and store bought cake. I'm simply too lazy to cook when he's gone and I end up eating all the stuff I don't want anyone to see me eating. I'm a bad, bad girl! LOL Good luck. Hope it goes well. Keep us posted. Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 10/12/2010 9:49AM

Glad the switch has flipped and you're feeling renewed energy for your health! It will be interesting to see how you feel on the diet - do you suspect that you might have food allergies? I'd be like you - the PB & sweet treats would be the hardest for me to give up. Can't wait to hear how it goes! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 10/12/2010 9:34AM

I like that you are able to do this for a week without worrying about feeding your DH. Love these guys, but sometimes they make our lives difficult - cook for him, cook for me ('cause he won't eat it if he thinks it is "health" food or "diet" anything) The mind-body connection is great - take care of both the mind and body (and spirit) Sort of a mini-spa week for you. Maybe you should throw in a massage and a mani/pedi (if you are into those) to make it seem like a total spa week! Report Inappropriate Comment

DAYHIKER 10/12/2010 9:28AM

That sounds like a good plan and it's a perfect time to test it out while your hubby is out of town! We'll be waiting for the results! Now I am hungry for black bean soup... Report Inappropriate Comment

IFDEEVARUNS2 10/12/2010 8:28AM

Black bean soup? A real treat! Can't wait to hear the results. And no, don't peek - just stick with the program. Report Inappropriate Comment

PALMTREEGIRL1 10/12/2010 8:25AM

I'm vegan and those recipe names sound like things I already make! I would miss the grains (Oats, wheat, etc.) Are all sweeteners out (Agave, date sugar, honey, etc?). Good luck with 'clean eating'. You're lucky you have a week alone to get started! I make a curried butternut squash/red lentil soup with coconut milk - YUM! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 10/12/2010 8:02AM

You've got the SPARK, so glad you are on a healthy choice kick. I'm coming to stay at your house while DH is on his trip, sounds like you have some healthy foods on the menu, I could help you eat them. You're on a roll, keep up the good work. Report Inappropriate Comment

SHEILA1505 10/12/2010 6:47AM

Go well with this - this is basically how I live except that I do have FF yogurt and I eat butter as I refuse to eat margarine or spreads I am sure you will get used to this way of eating and see some great results Hugs Report Inappropriate Comment

DEE797 10/12/2010 6:43AM

It really doesn't sound like a diet. GOOD LUCK with it. Wishing you continued success on your journey! Report Inappropriate Comment

Making fitness fun -- Halloween challenge

Monday, October 11, 2010

This was supposed to be part of last week's challenge, so I'm not going to award myself points unless the team thinks I should. I think I procrastinated, as I do too often, and don't really deserve them. Altho it was a busy weekend, filled with lots of raking, some fun shopping, and some shopping for a new dishwasher -- which isn't necessarily fun, but was somewhat necessary and will make me happier in the long run.

So anyway. The challenge was to make fitness fun. See those falls above (courtesy of DH)? Those are the Cohoes falls. Apparently, the largest falls east of Niagara. And almost no one seems to know that they're there.

DH has talked to a lot of people who've lived here forever, and so far hasn't come up with anyone who's ever seen them -- some have never heard of them.

My parents lived in Troy, NY while my Dad attended RPI umpteen years ago, and my mom used to come up to shop in Cohoes when I was growing up. They'd never even heard of the falls.

We went a couple of weeks ago, and while impressive, they were somewhat dry due to our very dry summer. But with almost an entire week of rain, they were quite impressive yesterday!

DH didn't want to go. He was tired. He's going on a business trip to Japan at the end of this week. We'd just spent about an hour and a half ordering a new dishwasher.

But the truth is that the falls are really, really close. Like 10 minutes away. So we went.

Now, there isn't a whole lot of fitness to be had there. There's a park, but it's very small. Still, there's a very long staircase down to the falls -- not so bad going down, but it seems to double in size coming back up.

There wasn't a great deal of color, but the falls themselves were spectacular (and I just have a real thing for waterfalls) -- even a couple of rainbows.

Another way I made fitness fun was to make sure to do some agility with the dogs this week. If you don't know what agility for dogs is, here's some really old video of us doing a fun match -- judysworld.net/blog/index.php/2008/0
4/21/agility-fun-match/ .

Notice that this is before I started to lose weight, and it's also before I became a runner.

Unfortunately, up here there isn't anyplace that does agility close to us. Not to mention finances are a bit tighter as well, so we don't go to class anymore, and I miss it. But sometimes I do some on the home made equipment DH made us. I made sure to do that a few times this week. Still not a huge amount of fitness really, but it's fun (altho sometimes frustrating, as you can see from the video!).

I tend to like fun fitness DVDs, too. Altho I'm a terrible dancer, I enjoy the Core Rhythms series. And Turbojam. Most of the earlier Beachbody stuff.

Fitness shouldn't be dull and painful. When you're having fun, the time can really fly! Find what makes fitness fun for you.

What are the fun things you do to get fit? My buddy Kate, who just finished her second marathon in a monsoon, would probably say running marathons, which only goes to show you that it takes all kinds of crazy people to make the world go round.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SEKSUNSHINE 10/15/2010 6:26AM

Lovely picture. This part of the states is on my to visit list hopefully in the next couple of years. Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 10/12/2010 9:44AM

Wow, those waterfalls are spectacular! You've inspired me to go to our own local waterfall this afternoon to see how high the water is. I enjoyed watching the videos of you with the dogs. It looks like so much fun. I've always wanted to do agility but haven't had the opportunity yet. As to the points on the Halloween Challenge, my vote is that you claim the points. You might have been late posting the blog, but you did do the challenge. If it makes you feel better, deduct a couple of points for being "late". Report Inappropriate Comment

DAYHIKER 10/12/2010 9:34AM

Hm. How'd I miss this post? The dog agility videos were fun and you have come a long way! The falls are beautiful!! Hiking is my fun thing! Comment edited on: 10/12/2010 9:35:24 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

GEODAWG 10/11/2010 7:46PM

Beautiful picture. I love dancing and would dance pounds and pounds away if such a class was offered at my Y. I tried to give a comment on your blog yesterday but the site was acting funny and would not let me. Suffice to say, I know stubbornness is a big streak in my make up. Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 10/11/2010 12:51PM

Ooooh if I lived near those falls I would visit them every week! GORGEOUS! And while not quite a monsoon (we only got .8 inches of rain while I ran!) running is one of my favorites. But so is hiking and kayaking. Actually, if it stays nice tomorrow, I may go on one last kayak trip of the season. I prefer to make use of the great outdoors for my activity....out here we have oodles and scads of it to use and enjoy! Report Inappropriate Comment

IFDEEVARUNS2 10/11/2010 11:44AM

I should get Sophie into agility. Do they have a tree-climbing part to it? She'd love that. I worry sometimes that she will catch a paw on a branch and actually hurt herself when she tries to jump up into the tree! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARIE625 10/11/2010 11:16AM

Gorgeous falls! I like water falls too. Actually, I pretty much like anything at all to do with the water. Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 10/11/2010 10:28AM

Thanks for the beautiful photo. Will watch the videos later. Going to the zoo today. I bike ride for fitness fun, but am going to add some other things soon - tbd. Have a wonderful day. Report Inappropriate Comment

HALFFAST 10/11/2010 9:19AM

Loved watching those videos, and WOW! What a transformation you've made! Report Inappropriate Comment

PALMTREEGIRL1 10/11/2010 8:49AM

I just love to walk at Hinkley Lake, OH. It's a 96 acre lake about 5 miles from my house. Hinkley is famous for the Buzzards returning the same time every year. Last time I walked, someone had taken quite some time laying out a gravel man on the trail complete with grass hair and leaf pants! As well, I found (in the general area) some fall leaves arranges artistically to make medallians on the ground. I took some pics with my phone and later, I'll download them and post as a blog. They were really cool and put a smile on my face. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 10/11/2010 8:30AM

Glad you finally made it see the falls, what gorgeous scenery. Report Inappropriate Comment

What you resist, persists

Sunday, October 10, 2010

That's from Eckhert Tolle, I believe.

And this came to me this morning in one of my affirmations apps:

"All personal breakthroughs begin with a change in beliefs." -- Anthony Robbins

I can be stubborn. I like to think of myself as open minded, but the truth is at the same time if you tell me to do something, I'm more likely to protest it and maybe even do the opposite.

People like to give advice on blogs, even when you don't invite it. I'm not talking about any recent blogs in general, it's just the way it is (and I'm just as guilty of it as the next person).

Sometimes I think it's great advice. And sometimes I think that person missed the mark by a mile.

And I realized, recently, it's exactly those times that I think the person is obviously out to lunch that I really need to sit up and take notice. Think about it. Why am I resisting that particular suggestion so much? Could there be a kernel of truth in it? Maybe it's something I need to try before I discount it.

What about you? Do you find yourself easily taking advice, or more easily taking umbrage? What does that really say about you?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MARIE625 10/11/2010 11:15AM

Well, you must be out to lunch if you think I'm going to look for a kernel of truth..... Oh yeah, you've described me to a T! The minute someone gives me advice, even advice I've asked for, I turn and do the exact opposite. Almost 50 years old and I still have my 15 year old "you can't make me" attitude. Report Inappropriate Comment

LUCKYDOGFARM 10/11/2010 3:21AM

something to think about for sure! i notice that in real every day life too! Report Inappropriate Comment

HALFFAST 10/10/2010 10:22AM

I am also quite stubborn so this blog (as well as most of your others!) definitely hits home for me. Time for some deep thinking! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 10/10/2010 9:56AM

Yes, I'm a huge, rebellious bonehead. (smiling) Report Inappropriate Comment

JUST_TRI_IT 10/10/2010 9:13AM

I find myself doing the same. However, as I take this journey, I am learning that other perspectives add to my own understanding when I allow the thought to linger without my own judgment marring the scene. Often I just jump to a conclusion without much thinking and it is a reaction that can stop me from learning something new. Thanks for the blog.. Makes me stop and think. Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 10/10/2010 8:28AM

Hm...I'd like to think that I consider everything, but the reality is that I am stubborn. I also have opinions and don't often consider changing them. Like Cindy, I think I'm more inclined to be open-minded when it is a topic I am less knowledgeable about or am actively seeking advice. Definitely something to be aware of, even if a good portion of it is in our heads. Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 10/10/2010 8:05AM

I try to at least mentally give everything I read a try. Blogs included. If the writer has more experience than I in a given subject I pay more attention. But 20+ years of teaching has taught ME that everyone can have something to tell me. Not quite what you are talking about here, I know, but this is the best I can think right now! Report Inappropriate Comment

DAYHIKER 10/10/2010 6:35AM

When I have really studied a subject I am more inclined to disregard advice but when I am learning something or am stumped for ideas I definitely welcome suggestions. However, things sometimes change even in a field you have studied and it's still wise to consider all advice. My theory through the years has been to try (almost) everything and keep what works. I don't want to have to "reinvent the wheel" when I start to learn something new!! Wishing you a wonderful Sunday! Church, lunch with my older son and his wife then a guilt free lazy afternoon for me! ~Cindy Report Inappropriate Comment

MARYJOANNA 10/10/2010 5:47AM

There is certainly food for thought there. Time to self-analyze! Report Inappropriate Comment

Ugly as sin

Saturday, October 09, 2010

Bet that title caught your eye. Guess what? It's a book title. I caught an interview with the author on the Today show yesterday. No, I haven't actually read the book yet.

And then I read yesterday's dailyspark -- www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=one
_celebrity_whos_happy_to_be_a_healthy_
size .

Maybe it's just me, but I found both deeply disturbing.

The basic message of Ugly as Sin seems to be that we're all ugly, we're all beautiful, we've been conditioned to think that way and let's just move on.

That we all think we're ugly, every single day.

Now I don't know about you, but I don't think I'm ugly every single day. Not even when I was at my heaviest. I am quite sure that there are people that think this way, but it wasn't me.

I don't find the idea of thinking of myself as ugly particularly freeing, either. I have to admit I think the author may have some issues, but then again, like I said, I haven't read the book.

Yes, we live in a society that treasures physical beauty. Yes, that can lead to all sorts of self image problems even when you truly are beautiful.

But what is wrong with believing that you're beautiful?

And the Dailyspark entry. It sounded so empowering. A celebrity that embraces her curves, essentially. But it was this last paragraph that really got to me:

"A size 8 still sounds small to me. When I saw recent pictures of her, I’ll be honest that I was surprised she was a size 8. I think that’s because I’m used to seeing celebrities who are so tiny. She’d look perfectly healthy walking down the street as an average person. But because Hargitay is a celebrity, some people consider her to be "curvy". When did a size 8 become curvy?"

Well, who the heck cares just what size she is? And why did the author have to even bring it up? Her point would have been made -- and been great -- if she'd just left that out. Just pointed out that here is an actress who's a fairly normal size -- which by Hollywood standards would be considered large -- who's healthy and happy. That would have been a great point.

Such a mixed message!

What do you think? Do you think that believing you're ugly can actually be freeing for you? Do you think that the dailyspark blog post missed the mark, or were they right on? Did you find that an inspiring post?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PALMTREEGIRL1 10/10/2010 8:00PM

Even when I'm heavy, I think I'm the greatest! I do not understand 'fat talk' and I refuse to use it. Well said again! Report Inappropriate Comment

IFDEEVARUNS2 10/10/2010 6:47PM

Ugly? Freeing? No, devastating. As for size, no one seems to consider that it's meaningless unless taken in the context of a person's height and general frame. I'm considered tiny by some, but because of shoulders and a wide back, I wear size 8 blouses. Report Inappropriate Comment

GEODAWG 10/9/2010 8:55PM

When I was growing up and skinny as a rail, 5'4" 105 pounds, I wore a size 8 when I could find it. A size 8 now must be a 10 or 12 in "old" sizes! I thought she looked good and not unhealthy. When I see people of tv or in pictures I know they are incredibly skinny because the camera adds weight. I mean if you saw me in person, you would say, "Oh my God! You are so skinny! The pictures just do not do you justice!" Okay, I can dream can't I? Report Inappropriate Comment

HEYRED221 10/9/2010 6:32PM

I agree - I think a size 8 is small too. Report Inappropriate Comment

LUCKYDOGFARM 10/9/2010 4:12PM

physically, i have never thought of myself as ugly. personality wise, there have been times that i have been SO ugly that i wouldn't even have be my own friend! a beautiful personality can go a long way, a lot further than physical beauty, that we know is temporary. Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 10/9/2010 3:14PM

I agree that beauty/ugly is in the eye of the beholder. It's what we've been conditioned to, not something that is inborn. When I was in my early 20's, I did an art project that ended up changing the way I saw beauty. I wanted to do a photo-collage of women's faces from around the world. So I got a whole bunch of national geographics and started cutting out faces from the articles. With each one, I considered what I found compelling or interesting or beautiful. I was fully immersed in this process when I started cutting out a picture from an advertisement. After hours of looking at real women, it was shocking how fake she looked. More like a doll than a person. I remember feeling horror at how the advertising industry has distorted women's beauty - and how we blithely accept what they show us. Do I think it's freeing to think of ourselves as ugly? Absolutely not! I don't think of myself as ugly or beautiful, actually. I define myself in completely different ways: how I connect with others, how I feel physically & mentally, what I contribute to the world, what exeperiences I've had & what I've learned from them. When I think about it, I realize that I don't really think about other people's beauty/ugly either. I do have two friends who would be considered to be very attractive - but that interests me only in how they've been affected by having to deal with all that comes with it. Hmmm. This is such a fascinating subject now that I've really started thinking about it! Thanks for bringing it up! Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALTH4LYFE 10/9/2010 9:52AM

When I was a teenager with lower self esteem, I may have thought of myself as ugly at times. But now, as an adult, I don't really have that word in my vocabulary unless I am talking about the way someone is being treated. I may not be the most beautiful person in the world, and it's doubtful that I would want to be, but I do have some very fine qualities. I try to focus more on them rather than on the negative. Sometimes, however, when I am feeling less than positive, less than positives self affirmations rear their ugly head (there's that word). In terms of the blog by Jen Mueller, I think bringing to our attention a celebrity who does not fit the bill of the ever so skinny~ but is not only healthy but also perfectly happy about her size, weight & how she feels, is all that needed to be said. Comment edited on: 10/9/2010 9:53:01 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 10/9/2010 9:27AM

You know, you must be inside my head because so many of your blogs are exactly what I've been thinking. This Hargitay thing stuck in my craw when I read it weeks ago, for the same reason you discuss here. I actually laughed out loud at how ludicrous it is that size 8 is now considered curvy and healthy. And that size 12 was recently advertised as a plus size. I am soooo glad that I have never followed societal expectations and that I've always been comfortable in my own skin - even though I haven't been a size 8 since grammar school! (smiling) As far as that book, honestly? I don't recall one day in my entire life that I called myself ugly. And that includes many horrific days of bags, circles, or whatever else visited due to illness, fatigue, or whatever. Celebrating self is something we have less of a chance to learn to do as books, media, etc. firmly entrench women with unrealistic expectations and goals. Have a wonderful weekend. Report Inappropriate Comment

DAYHIKER 10/9/2010 8:44AM

Good blog, Judy. It is very frustrating that we are judged on everything but what really matters! I don't think I'm beautiful but I don't think I am ugly, either, though there are times when I feel ugly (and times I feel beautiful!). Sizes, as Bess pointed out, are all over the place these days. I have on a pair of exercise capris that should fit like a glove size wise but are practically falling off of me. Okay, folks, I have been a good girl this week and am going to reward myself with a HIKE at one of my favorite parks as soon as I finish my last chores and it warms up a tad! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 10/9/2010 7:54AM

As badly as I feel about myself sometimes, "ugly" is not a word that I think I use to describe me...ever! So the book would never interest me at all. And I agree with your point about the Spark post - her size is of no consequence (like what Bess said about sizes anyway!). How does she look? Beautiful! Who gives a flip what size she is? (If she's happy with it......) Report Inappropriate Comment

BLUEEYEDBETTY 10/9/2010 6:21AM

I don't think I am ugly either. I will even go so far to say I don't think any woman is truly ugly. There is always something about a person that is attractive. Eyes, smile, legs, butt, hair or some other aspect of what they look like. I think people need to embrace and play up what they have. It always makes me feel better. We are unique creatures and will always have imperfections. As long as we don't focus on our flaws they will stay small imperfections. It is when we let our imperfections define who we are that we start seeing ourselves as ugly. With ugly comes worthlessness, jealousy and envy. That is no way to live. I think I have beautiful eyes and great hair. When I get ready in the morning and I look in the mirror, I look at those assets first and then again right before I walk out the door. I am pretty! Not perfect but pretty. The rest is whatever lol. Report Inappropriate Comment

BESSHAILE 10/9/2010 6:00AM

well. I have pretty much always liked the way I look. There are some unflattering photos of me out inthe world, but for the most part I'm pleased with my reflection. as for today's post... Yeah. I think she did miss the mark. In fact ... calling something a size 8 is such a hoot. I wear a size 12, 14, 16 and 18 depending on the garment. nobody in the US who's older than 21 thinks anybody is a "size". No doubt about it - when I fit nicely into a dress with a 12 on the tab I get a little thrill - but when I shop, I try on clothes from several sizes. I buy the one that looks best on me. I agree. the author should have left size out of it and just said --- petty healthy confident looking woman. period. Report Inappropriate Comment

WINDSONG~ 10/9/2010 5:51AM

I don't think I am ugly and would not want to. Report Inappropriate Comment