Weight Loss Paradox

I feel compelled to share this interesting article on weight loss. As someone who has dealt with weighty issues my entire life, it felt like someone who has come full circle finally came to a genuine realization. I have seen how major weight loss can affect people (myself included) and distort their images of themselves. It makes me wonder if you can ever really overcome the feelings, might I even say self-hatred, regarding a once "plump" figure. I found this highly enlightening.

http://collegecandy.com/2010/07/25/i-remember-my-journey-through-fatness-skinniness-and-healthiness/

I have to make it clear, that unlike others I know who have dealt with major weight loss, I have never intended to get to a size 1, as the author here has. I have just wanted to be somewhat normal in size. I would like to be able to shop at mainstream stores, not have to classify my weight as "a little extra," and have more room in roller coaster and airplane seats. But, no matter what size I end up, I don't think that I will ever be able to live a life free of analyzing everything I eat and feeling guilty for not exercizing or consuming that dessert. That mindset is what I would really like to change, not just my size.

I only mark the hours that shine.

I am quite a fan of the HBO miniseries, Grey Gardens. My friend, Nikki, got me further obsessed with the Beale's by recommending that I watch the original documentaries upon which the miniseries was based. Edie and Lil' Edie are such characters. It is easy to become fascinated by their lives. Well, now, Lil' Edie's nephew is publishing a diary that Edie wrote when she was 11 (circa 1929). Evidently, Lil' Edie's token fashion sense began at an early age--the cover photo shows her in her dance shoes and head wrap, even at a young age. Can't wait to read this!

Three Men and a Bride?

Evidently, there is a new "Three Men" movie in the works (see MTV). IMDB says the movie will probably be released in 2012. This is quite exciting! Three Men and a Baby and Three Men and a Little Lady we two of my favorite movies when I was young. Steve Guttenberg, Tom Selleck, and Ted Danson--what a great trio!!! Question is: Who will play grown-up Mary? I think these could maybe fit the role--Emma Watson, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Alba, Mandy Moore, or Rachel McAdams. What do you think?

Crocs Save Lives, now?

It is no secret. I think Crocs are hideous. Yes, I suppose they are comfortable. But, they fall off my feet when I walk, and it looks like I am wearing curved flippers. Well, maybe I should reconsider. Evidently, Crocs saved a boy's life in the UK (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/7798661/Boy-saved-by-Croc-shoes-after-electric-shock.html). Three year-old Harley Sutton-Dormer (obvs a Brit with that bloody awful name) was in a swimming pool changing room when he picked up a faulty hair-dryer that sent a bolt of electricity through his entire body. The Crocs stopped the electricity from passing through the ground and saved him from serious injury and maybe even his life. God bless those little plastic shoes!

Best Cities for Twentysomethings...

This list of best cities for college grads was just released by Richard Florida, author of The Rise of the Creative Class. If you haven't read that book, I highly recommend it. It can be quite an interesting read for most, but it is a little overrated in the Planning field, if you ask me. Anyway, I decided to take a gander through his new list of best places, hoping for some good news about Nashville, but no such luck, as I expected (I just set myself up for disappointment sometimes). It is interesting how Florida generated his list, but there was definitely a lack of Southern options--what a bummer. First of all, I don't really fall into his target age (20-24), but my lifestyle is still somewhat of a hybrid between a recent grad and focused career-gal. Of course, NC, FL, and TX were the southern reps in this list. Unfortunately, I have no desire to move that far away right now. NC and TX always have appealed to me, but I just enjoy being near my family and friends too much to head too far from TN. Evidently, I should move to State College, PA--home of Penn State, as it ranks as the top city for singles!

Check out Florida's blog here: http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-05-26/best-cities-for-college-graduates-from-ithaca-to-seattle/.

Friendly Reminder from a local biologist.

A friend and co-worker of mine sent the following email to me today. Since I have a special disgust for rodents and insects make me itch, I decided it would behoove me to share it with my friends. After reading the email, I imagine my next snake encounter to be filled with jams from Janet Jackson's "What have you done for me lately?" Anyone else get that feeling? Ooh ooh ooh yeah.

Friends and Colleagues,

To many of you, I am the stormwater coordinator, however, I am first and foremost a biologist. That is why I want to share this thought with you.

As I was driving to work this morning, I spotted 3 snakes on the highway. All three had been smashed by vehicle tires; two were in locations where it was obvious the driver had gone out of his/her way to smash the misunderstood slithering serpent. My mother is deathly afraid of snakes, and I too gasp when I have a surprised encounter with one. Many humans fear snakes, which has lead to the demise of many snake species; this fear has made humans the most vicious predator of snakes. Snakes should not be feared, especially since most snakes in Tennessee are non-venomous. So the next time you think about swerving to kill a snake in the road, please think about this: Snakes are also extremely beneficial and useful to humans!

Snakes are economically important as they act as a form of natural pest control, preying heavily on rodents and in many cases insects. Such animals can destroy crops, and spread harmful diseases to humans. Snakes are invaluable as they naturally help keep the numbers of these animals in check. Because of the recent floods, rodents have come into contact with many different contaminants which could allow them to become transmitters of disease. It even more important to limit the potential for rodent/human contact during this time. Understanding and respecting snakes’ roles as rodent exterminators, and allowing the snakes to go on their merry way will help.

So, if you do see a snake on the road, stop and help move it across in the direction its going. In fact, just walking over to it will most likely cause the snake to slither away. This ensures that both you and the snake will not be harmed. Long sticks can also be used to gently herd snakes off of the road. I know lots of people that do this for turtles. Just because snakes aren’t as cute as turtles, doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to be able to go on their way unharmed by humans. If you are too afraid of snakes to stop and help, don’t run over them.

I know many of you will smirk and laugh at this, but hopefully some of you will learn from it. Being sustainable and going green also means being environmentally friendly it ecologically important critters (including snakes).

Babies!

The time has finally come. Babies is in theatres! This documentary looks so endearing, yet realistic about the differences in raising babies in various parts of the world (San Francisco, Tokyo, Namibia and Mongolia). I cannot wait to see it. Evidently, there is no narration and very little dialogue. Usually, that would turn me away, but the images and trailer really intice me to go see it. I think I could watch these babies all day long!

Missing/Lost/Pre-occupied

Well, I know I have been M.I.A. lately, but I have been and will be out of town nearly every weekend until June. I just got back a week or so ago from a fabulous trip to DC and Baltimore with my mom. It was a very needed vacation/cultural experience. Maybe, I will update you all via photogs at a later date. I am headed home for mother's day this weekend--definitely looking forward to this holiday as compared to the dreaded father's day. That's the holiday I hope to make it through with my mind/body/emotions all in tact.

Anyway, my house survived the flood. It has been a long, draining week, but I am so lucky to be relatively unaffected by the devastation that has ravaged most of the region. Hopefully, my posts will resume more steadily in the coming weeks. In the meantime, here is my message: donate time/$$/supplies to the flood recovery efforts in TN. West and Middle TN need help.

Bye for now.

Oh, Anthony, I'm gonna miss you.

I haven't even watched this week's episode of Project Runway, but now I don't think I want to. ANTHONY gets kicked off! How sad! He is the only good thing going for this season (other than Tim G., as usual). When I looked at the runway shots, this decision just did not make sense. Anthony's dress was nothing special, but it looked way better than most of his competitor's garmets (ahem, Mila-Jonathan-Seth Aaron). Anthony's closing statement: "You don't have to have the crown to be the queen." Oh, Anthony, how I am going to miss your honesty, wisdom, and humor. Come back to reality TV one day, puh-leese!


Anthony's dress--he's really out? PR, shame on you.



Mila's dress--She was safe?



Jonathan's ensemble--he was safe?


Seth Aaron--why do the judges keep him?

Helen Mirren is Awesome--Evidently men agree!

Esquire is currently holding their March Madness--Sexiest Women contest. #1 Ranked, Megan Fox is currently losing to #16 Helen Mirren! I love Helen Mirren. She is an amazing actress (especially, in those period pieces like The Queen). She is so classy. And, she deserves this win! Polls currently show Mirren with 58% of the vote. It may not be an overwhelming win (or win at all since the contest is still going on), but it definitely makes me happy to see such a close race. Go Helen!

Spring is nearly here!

Well, the weather is finally perking up a little...Just in time for my busy schedule to commence. Regarding my previous post, I think some time in Nashville to focus on my life and where it is heading could do me some good, but, at the same time, I have not taken a real vacation in nearly a year. I haven't been anywhere new in ages, and I am excited for the changes in scenery I am about to experience in the next few months. The only thing about all the travel is that I start to feel like I am never caught up on stuff at home....and that makes for some stressful work weeks. Oh well, for once, I am going to try my best to focus on the fun that I am going to have and try not to be so worrisome!

I don't think I am exaggerating on the packed schedule--basically this is what it comes down to: 2 weekends at home in until the beginning of June.

March 26-28: Mini Pi Phi reunion in ATL
April 2-4: Easter Weekend with the fam
April 16-24: Trip to Baltimore and DC with Mom
May 1-2: Derby Weekend with Christy and Sarah
May 8-9: Mother' Day, most likely to be spent in Jackson
May 21: Monteagle weekend with the boys, cutting it short to come back to Nashville on Sat.
May 22: James Taylor/Carole King concert with Mom and 4 of her friends!
May 28-31: Memorial Day weekend, no plans yet but I am sure I will find major plans!

One weird thing is that I have only been to Atlanta maybe twice in my lifetime, and each time was either passing through or a one night stay. I am really excited to go back with friends and stay for a weekend! I am also super pumped for my trip to DC and Baltimore. I have never been to either place, and going to DC has been a long-time dream of mine. Any of you that know me realize that I will love the culture and history it has to offer. I hope I can fit everything in while I'm there! Anyway, that is just a little flash into my Spring--I hope you all have as much to look forward to--or at least some relaxing time at home!!

When will I find my "Place in this World"?

I randomly heard the Michael W. Smith song, Place in this World, this morning on the radio. While his voice makes me cringe a little on this song, the lyrics candidly echo how I have been feeling during the last six months or so.

The wind is moving
But I am standing still
A life of pages
Waiting to be filled

A heart that's hopeful
I head that's full of dreams
But this becoming
Is harder than it seems

Feels like I'm
Looking for a reason
Roamin' for the night to find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Not a lot to lean on
I need your light to help me find
My place in this world
My place in this world

If there are millions
Down on their knees
Among the many
Can you still hear me

Hear me asking
Where do I belong?
Is there a vision
That I can call my own?

Show me, I'm
Looking for a reason
Roamin' through the night to find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Not a lot to lean on
I need your light to help me find
My place in this world
My place in this world

Lookin' for a reason
Roamin' through the night to find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Not a lot to lean on
I need your light to help me find
My place in this world
My place in this world

Lookin' for a reason
Roamin' through the night to find
My place in this world
My place in this world

Perfect Strangers Anniversary!

The sitcom, Perfect Strangers, debuted on March 25, 1986. So, today is the show's 24th anniversary! I really miss Balki. He was such a joyful soul. I can still hear him say, "Well, of course not, don't be ridi-cool-us!" I still remember watching this show on TGIF in the basement of my grandparents house. Good Times!

Nashville's "Naked People" Statue must be Irish.

Check out this video from the Tennessean. The Musica statue, commonly referred to by Nashvillians as the Naked People Statue, was mysteriously adorned with kilts for St. Patty's Day. Pretty funny. My sources say this must be a publicity stunt by Dan McGuiness to increase their patronage tonight.

Oscars 2010

I was pretty impressed by the fashion on the red carpet this year at the Oscars. I didn't think anyone looked just horrible. I do have a few personal favorites, though.

My favorite, and first place: Rachel McAdams

I love this soft muted print, and I think it looks so good with her skin tone and blonde hair. I love the silhouette, too. This is definiely a dress that I would pick for myself. I thought this dress really stood out on a carpet of silver, gold, and nudes this year.

Second place: Sandra Bullock

The gold looked great on her, the shape of the dress made her body look amazing, and her hair and makeup were perfect. I absolutely LOVED the lipstick and the hair.

Third place: Anna Kendrick

This softly flowing gown in a blush tone was so pretty and fresh. She said this dress was a last minute change, and I think she definitely made the right decision.

Honorable mention #1: Gabourey Sidibe

She has looked great every time she has hit the red carpet, but this look was the best yet.

Honorable mention #2: Miley Cyrus

Unlike Gabby, Miley rarely hits the mark on the red carpet. This year, I really liked her look, and I think her golden dress really flattered her figure and showed her personality. HOWEVER, it looked like she was slumping over all night. Was she afraid if she stood up straight that her boobs would pop out? The dress wasn't that low cut on her. I'm not sure why she felt the need to hunch over the entire night, but it was really annoying.

Smartphone Invasion

I have been debating for quite a while now whether or not to blog about this concern I have regarding the increasing prominence of smartphones. My concerns are somewhat theoretical, but some extend from personal experiences. In an effort to not be too offensive to most of my friends (since nearly all of my friends and co-workers have smartphones), I decided I may not write such a post. However, now that I have become a smartphone user, I feel that I have more of a innate right to critique the problem. Since the Tennessean had an article about iPhone addiction today, I decided to go ahead with my rant.

Check out the Tennessean article here. I have never been much of a cell phone user. I think it is genetic. My father denied using a company phone because he wanted to be unaccessible sometimes. Until about 2 years ago, my mom hardly ever had her cell phone turned on. I just choose to not answer my phone. I guess you could say when I started texting more a few years ago, I got a little more attached to my phone, but I usually just kept it in my purse and used it when I needed it. Well, I decided to join the 21st century, and upgrade to a smartphone with a data plan a few weeks ago. Actually, it was not my decision, but one pretty much forced upon me by AT&T. Not to worry, I have made my feelings known about this to AT&T already. It basically played out like this: I need/want a new phone; the options for an updated phone are ALL smartphones; to purchase one of those phones at the reduced price (think $300 vs. $99), I need to upgrade my plan; the only way to upgrade my plan according to AT&T is to add a data plan. I really enjoyed a new phone my mom had just purchased, but for only $15 more a month, I could have the iPhone, which has many more benefits, according to the AT&T rep. I actually do believe this because I know people who have iPhones and love them. However, I was still not trilled about being forced into a smartphone, i.e. making myself WAY too accessible.

So far, I am content with my decision. I don't think the iPhone is as great as everyone makes it out to be. But, I must say it is very user friendly and convenient to have around. Maybe alot of the reason I didn't want a smartphone is because of the effects it seems to have on certain people. Disclaimer: the following is not regarding one person in particular, it is based on my observations of friends, co-workers, acquaintances, and the general public. I really hate it when I am at lunch, dinner, the bar, someone's house, etc. and the very person that invited me or agreed to some activity is on their phone the entire time (or even half the time). Why do I need to be present for he/she to play, text, social network, google, or whatever on their smartphone? I could spend my time doing something else more productive if I am to be ignored. Even if I don't have anything important to say, it is just not polite to treat company in that manner. I have been put in that awkward position for years, and it drives me nuts most of the time. Some of you reading this have most likely received my wrath regarding the subject. If you have, that just means you are a good friend, and I feel like I can release on you. Trust me--there are some people I know that I am not comfortable telling them how discourteous they are being so I just sit there secretly cringing.

Now that I have an iPhone, I do see how one can become addicted. There are just so many options. However, I still really enjoy the real world, not just the virtual one. I prefer to put the virtual world aside and focus on those around me most of the time. I am making a concerted effort to use my phone for the necessities when in the presence of others and to use my phone for all the extra goodies it has to offer in my private time. It is hard at times. I understand how people become so attached. However, I don't feel the need to get on my phone in public nearly as much when everyone around me puts down their phones, too. It is really not fun to be the one person at a table of four that is not facebooking, texting, etc. I am going to try my best to not put others in that position now that there is the possibility that I could become a smartphone addict.

The evolution that has occured amongst my generation and older generations really makes you wonder about how future generations will communicate. If generations that grew up without any type of mobile communication device have become so accustomed to the smartphone invasion, how will those who are growing up in the midst of it all handle real world communication? Since we are obviously living in a techno-centric world, there is no turning back, and I suppose only time will tell how the children of today will communicate in the future. I am just going to hope for the best and hope that, even in this age of technology and convenience, kids still develop the social skills needed to keep face-to-face interaction a necessity, privilege, and mainstay.

Cosby's!

I miss the little Rudy Huxtable, but I got to say she kinda turned out to be really pretty. I love this dress. Doesn't she look great?

I = Olympoholic/Olympifan/whatever you think to call me

I forget how much I love the Olympics. I even thought I liked the Summer Olympics best, but now that the Winter ones are on again, maybe I like them better. There is just something about the national comradery that pulses the nation during the Olympics. It's an event that only happens once every 4 years (or 2, now that the Summer and Winter are staggered). The sports are not well followed by the American public. The athletes are pretty unknown until the Olympics actually roll around. But, then, when that torch is lit and the Olympic rings make their way out of the horizon, we all start to fell that spirit deep within us. It is time to root for your country, listen to the Athletes stories, and even cheer those other countries on a bit. It is truly an international phenomenon. I catch myself watching it when I get home at night, taking a break to do whatever I need to get done, and then coming back to the games on the late night session. I don't want to fall asleep because I may miss on ski run, triple axle, or medal ceremony.

Since the Olympics are coming to a close, I want to list some of my favorite moments with a brief (or not so brief) commentary:

1)Lindsey Vonn wins gold in ladies downhill skiing. After sustaining an injury that could have possibly taken her out of the running, she pushed through and won the gold. Plus, she is just pretty cool because she has a pet cow. She got it as a prize back in 2005. She was supposed to trade it in for the prize money, but she insisted on keeping the cow instead.

2)Back on Sunday, the USA men's hockey team beat Canada (IN CANADA) for the first prelim hockey match-up. Awesome and a bit unexpected in my mind! Hopefully, USA can pull through in the next few days and face Canada again in quest for the gold! Team USA!

3)Apolo Ohno wins 2 more medals, making him the most decorated American Winter Olympic athlete ever.

4)Snowboarding. Its just really fun and pretty hardcore. The downside, the most of the American Olympic snowboarders (male and female) could use some lessons in grooming.

5)Evan Lysacek gets gold in men's figure skating and beats the pissed-off Russian who won in 2006. Plushenko (the angry Russian), who was one of the only men to attempt at quad tells the world that mens skating without a quad is (ice) dancing. Lysacek did not attempt a quad. I have to agree with the angry Russian on this one. I thought so many previous Olympic skater attempted major jumps....it doesn't seem that way anymore. And, figure skating without the jumps is pretty boring. More on this in the next one.

6) Kim Yu-Na wins gold to bring home the first women's figure skating medal ever for Korea. It sounded like the country would kill her if she didn't win. That is way to much pressure for one person to bear so I am very relieved that she won. I can just imagine the headlines if she hadn't. The other favorite was from Japan and she landed 3 triple axles during this Olympics. One in the short program. Two in the long program. She brought her A-game, but it was not enough to beat Yu-Na. She does now have the credit of landing the most triple axles ever in female Olympic figure skating. In fact, she was the only athlete that even did a triple axle at all. I thought back in the day (like the Nancy Kerrigan/Tonya Harding days) that alot of the skaters attempted that jump, but I must be mistaken. However, I did not see a back flip with a one-skate landing. Surya Bonaly used to do that, and she was AWESOME. She's black, and you don't see that often in figure skating. She was also French and had a ton of personality on the ice. I long for that talent again......check out her long program at the Nagano Olympics in 1998 (backflip is around the 3 and a half minute mark).

Anthony Williams!

I love him. I think he needs his own reality show. He is the best part of this season's Project Runway, by far!

Boob job=Bullet Proof Vest?

One doctor and some LAPD officers think that this California woman's life may have been saved due to her size D breast implants. The theory is that the silicone implants slowed the bullet to her chest. It sounds possible to me, but who knows? I think this would require some scientific experiment to verify. Where is TJ Thyne (the rogue forensic scientist on my fave TV show, Bones) when you need him?

Click here to read more about how the shooting went down.

Fins Up!

So, Jimmy Buffett is coming to Nashville. I loooooovvvveeee Jimmy Buffett, much due to the total immersion I experienced in my youth. My dad was a major parrothead. I have been waiting so long for this, but now I just don't think I can make myself go.

1)It is at Sommet--INSIDE. J.B. in an indoor venue is a little ironic. It kinda spoils the mood.

2)It is the same Saturday as the Derby. I have gone to Louisville one of my best friends the last few years for the Derby, and it is always so fun!

3)I always thought that my first live Jimmy Buffett concert would be with my dad. I hate that we never got to see him live in concert together. I don't know that I am ready for this concert. Let's hope it is not another 10 years before J.B. comes back.

New product from Spanx!

Hey, I like spanx. Why shouldn't a guy with a gut? More power to ya, I say! Equal rights. Question, though: Does the men's undershirt cost less than the women's products? If so, that figures....but it doesn't make it right.

I am so fed up with airlines!

We have all heard about airlines requiring larger people to buy an additional seat or being forced to leave the aircraft due to their sheer size. Well, Southwest's latest victim, Kevin Smith did not take it lightly and stirred up a media frenzy with a vengeance. Southwest better watch who they mess with. If it happened to me, you better believe I would be seeking revenge. My thoughts on the matter are as follows:

With the ever-increasing size of Americans, why wouldn't an airline strive to cater to the needs of their customers?

Is the number of seats you can squeeze in a tiny vessel really the bottom line?

Are airlines actually diverting the blame for an inferior product to people of larger stature (I don't like to call anyone fat. I am sensitive to that word.)?

I think that if airlines truly wanted to promote safety (Southwest claims they kick big people off in the name of safety) and comfort (what their customers actually care about), they would take out a seat or two from each row and put in wider seats--and maybe even a wider aisle. They are so concerned with creating lighter-weight seats so that the aircraft flies faster and uses less fuel. The simple solution may be less seats. After all, the frame of the seat is what really makes up most of the mass. But, no, instead they design seating arrangements that are only adequate for people under 5'5" in height and under 160 lbs. Most people I know can't meet both those standards. According to airlines, no one could possibly be uncomfortable on a flight--unless they are overweight--or they are sitting next to an overweight person. I will not take the blame for an airline's inferior product. I love to fly, but these rules and attitudes make me sick to my stomach. This is yet another case of the bullies preying on the weak.

Check out these blogs for more info.
http://jezebel.com/5473679/will-airlines-ever-change-their-customer-of-size-policies

http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/travelers_check/archives/2010/02/fat_nation_kevi.html

http://jezebel.com/5472230/kevin-smith-isnt-the-first-person-southwest-deemed-too-fat-to-fly

love. this. coat/jacket.

I meant to post this photo of Lauren Conrad last week.....but I forgot, and just now found it in my saved docs. Don't you just love this canary jacket? SO PRECIOUS! Obvs, it best suits a small frame. It would look like a tent on me. I can still admire it from afar, though, right? L.C. has definitely come up in the world since she ditched the reality TV. Hasn't she seen what it did to Heidi?

Welcome Back, Wakefields!

Return of the Sweet Valley High gang! Supposedly, the new book titled, Sweet Valley Confidential, will cater toward a 20-somthing audience and update once-avid Sweet Valley fans on the lives of the twins and their posse--fast forward 10 years.

Book Review

I just finished this book on Wednesday. It was really interesting--definitely something different from what you are used to reading. It is called The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Cassie from my book club picked it out to read this month, and I actually read it! That makes 2 months in a row! This one was tough to put down. It is a fictional story that is only loosely related to the author's Southern upbringing. It takes place during the Civil Rights era and revolves around the lives of some young white women and their "help." I highly recommend this bestseller!

Whole Foods Protest.

After work today, I was planning to go to a Whole Foods groundbreaking that I have been invited to. I worked diligently for these people in helping them get their plans approved. I am starting to hate myself for even being so nice. While it is my job to review plans and get developments through the approval process at the City I work for, I am pretty sure I went above and beyond with this project. For what? To bring in an establishment that discriminates against me for my size, genetics, and my body in general?

Whole Foods recently started a voluntary employee discount program. Employees are eligible to get up to a 30% discount off their Whole Foods purchases. Who knows, that may even extend to their sister store, Whole Body....well, that sounds all well and good, right? Don't be so sure. Employees who sign up for the program are actually rated based on whether or not they smoke, their cholesterol, blood pressure, and Body Mass Index (BMI). The healthier you are, the higher discount you get. Does this seem fair or just to anyone? I cannot believe that anyone would have the audacity to pilot such a program in the name of better health.

Whole Foods promotes a healthy lifestyle and living sustainably. However, it sounds to me like they only want to cater to those who are already healthy or already sustainable. I'm not even going to get into the fact that the chain is not nearly as sustainable as they claim to be. I gotta keep focused on this sham of an incentive program they are waving in front of their employees.

Sure, all employees get a 20% discount. But, those who are naturally thin get an extra 10% on top of what the overweight ones get. Not to mention, high cholesterol and high blood pressure can be genetic. A person can eat extremely healthy and still struggle to keep those numbers down. Meanwhile, if a fairly overweight person starts losing weight, they could trim that BMI down, but will it ever be enough to get them up to the full discount. Some of us have alot farther to go than that checker on aisle 3, who is a mere 15 lbs overweight. Does this program offer me any incentive to start that long journey of hitting a perfect BMI? I think not.

I will NOT be shopping at Whole Foods (or attending a groundbreaking for the expansion of such an egregious enterprise) until I hear that they are more supportive of their employees and customers, regardless of their weight.

See the DailyNews article here.

Bon Voyage, MC!

My friend, Mary Chris leaves this afternoon for France! She is going over for a few months to teach a French teenager the English language. I imagine MC will parle tres magnifique le Francais when she returns (don't trust my French. it was never my strong suit).

As I sat at my friend's house on Tuesday night with MC, Jennie, and Roe, I felt like I should be sending MC off with some traveling pants or something. That way we could all experience the power of the pants just like Carmen, Lena, Tibby, and Bridget a.k.a. America, Alexis, Amber, and Blake. I am sure that MC loves my comparison. She is such a Bridget, and probably thinks this whole post is plain nonsense.

However, I will miss her, and I am writing this so that she knows we will be thinking about her while she is gone. I have urged her to start her own blog, but she has yet to give into my persuasion. I can't remember the city she is staying in, but I know she has an unlimited train pass and will be having quite the adventures.

To finish this post out, Roe is a total Lena. Jennie leans toward a Tibby with her creative ways. So, does that make me Carmen? I do have the biggest butt--and it is possible that I may be the most dramatic.....

Real Estate Blasphemy!

I was so pumped when I heard earlier this week (from a typically valid source--NBCBay Area.com) that the FULL HOUSE home was up for sale! All the thoughts ran through my head so quickly:

What would it be like to live in this pop culture sanctuary?
Which lucky person will end up the owner?
Will they understand the true value this home holds?
Is there any way I could raise enough money to buy it for myself?
Would John Stamos come visit me there?
And most importantly, WHY DOES THIS HOUSE NOT LOOK FAMILIAR AT ALL?

Oh, wait. That is NOT the house from Full House. Who would have the gall to start such a hurtful rumor? "How rude," as Stephanie Tanner would say.

Granted, the home only appeared on the opening credits and in a few location shots. The filming of the show primarily occured on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, CA. But, what self-respecting child of the 80's does not know what the Full House home looks like? Everyone knows that it is white--not green--and that the home is in the middle of a bunch of rowhouses--not on the corner. And, that it is not nearly as ornate as this one on Postcard Row that was rumored to be THE FULL HOUSE:

Obviously, this next house at 1709 Broderick is the actual house, and somebody just wanted to get more money on the 722 Steiner house above. I don't know who would think they could get away with such a blatant lie. I am truly appalled.

Tay moving to midtown? My sources say yes.

Supposedly, Taylor Swift just purchased a new penthouse condo at the Adelicia for $1.9 million. That just happens to be directly across from one of my FAVORITE restaurants in all of Nashville--South Street! Maybe we will have an encounter??? I hope she is nicer than I have heard. While I am not a devout Taylor fan, I have a number of friends who are. But, who doesn't love a little celebrity stalking? Taylor's penthouse is rumored to have over 4,000 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, freestanding fireplace, and over 80 square feet of wine storage. I wonder if Taytay is a wine connoisseur? Hmmmm, isn't she a little young? Not that I am judging!

Recycled Regalia

One of the best finds at Christmas Village this year was Lorraine's Designs. I decided I had to share this info with all you--I am just loving the stuff I bought so much! She handcrafts LOADS of jewelry made from vintage or antique watch parts, coins, typewriters, lockets, etc. I bought a pair of gold and bronze antique watch face earrings for my mother for Christmas this year since she is OBSESSED with watches. I also bought myself a pair of simple black watch face earrings with multi-colored neon digits as a flashback to my youth. Some of my favorite pieces were the cuffs and rings made from the watch "innards," as I like to call them! Here are some photos of Lorraine's work. You can find alot of similar stuff made by other artisans on Etsy, too. I definitely hope Lorraine's (The Jewel Medley) makes it back to CV next year! Her jewelry is so funky and unique, yet not freaky or teeny-bopperish.

sounds delish!?!

Just found this recipe on WW. Sounds perfect for when you really want some buffalo wings. I really don't like traditional lasagna, but this sounds pretty tasty to me and just 5 points per serving. Not to mention, I love that Heritage Fare buffalo sauce that has ZERO calories!

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
12 Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles, uncooked
1 lb. Skinless Chicken Breast, cubed
3 Cups Hunt’s Four Cheese Spaghetti Sauce
1 Cup Very Mild Buffalo Wing Sauce
1 1/2 Cups Water
15 oz. Nonfat Ricotta Cheese
1/2 Cup Egg Substitute
9 Slices 2% Pepperjack Cheese

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Cook chicken over medium high heat for 4 minutes or until almost done. Stir in sauces and water. In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese and egg substitute. Spray a 9X13 pan with nonstick cooking spray. Spread 1 Cup of sauce in the bottom of pan. Arrange 4 noodles over the sauce. Spread more sauce, then a layer of ricotta mixture. Add another layer of sauce, and repeat the whole process until you end with a layer of sauce. Cover and bake 70 minutes. Uncover and place cheese slices on top, then bake for another 15 minutes uncovered. Let stand 10-15 minutes before serving.

Serves: 9 Per Serving: 285 Cal./4g Fat/5g Fiber

Award-Winning Fashion? Hmmm, maybe.

So, the SAG (Screen Actors' Guild) Awards were this last Saturday. I decided it was not worth adding to the DVR because of the disappointing Golden Globes this year (Luckily, I had some lively friends in Memphis to laugh the GG's off with.) Well, looking back at the photos, it appears the stars stepped it up at the SAG awards. At the Golden Globes, I mustered up a few favorite dresses, but I was not blown away. Jane Krakowski, Toni Collette, and Lea Michele were definitely my favorites at the GG.



















The SAG Awards, on the other hand, made me so happy. Everyone looked soooo much better! Here are just a handful of my honorable mentions: Kyra Sedgwick, Christina Applegate, Christina Hendricks, Jessalyn Gilsig (the wife from Glee!), Kate Hudson, Lea Michele (again. she can do no wrong), Diane Kruger, and the top half of Drew Barrymore (I am not sold on the bottom half). Click the photos for an up-close view.