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!