Airplanes, Obesity & the Opinions of Idiots…

First of all, those that know me know I’m not big on cursing and swearing over issues. It’s a poor use of the English language and there’s so many better ways of expressing oneself. That being said, there are those rare moments when I get pushed across a line on some issues and THAT has happened this week… I’m sorry in advance…

As much as I like Kevin Smith for movies like Catch and Release (Yeah, I liked it… Get over it) and Jersey Girl, I’m not a follower of celebrities. Sorry Kevin (like he’d even read this… Hahaha), but this piece isn’t about you; it’s about the fools that have been writing and giving opinions on you and obesity when they have never personally dealt with it. Those of you that have been doing this… Shut up! Shut the HELL up! You have no right to an opinion on the matter!

As someone that has run the gamut with their weight, from obese to a splurge and purge fanatic, I can tell you that dealing with weight issues isn’t easy for everyone. Some of us can gain weight by simply looking at a doughnut and we will ALWAYS struggle with the numbers on the scales. We need to run twice as far to make a difference and we know all too well what it’s like to starve ourselves to make ourselves “look” like we think (and clearly some of you think) we should look like.

It’s all too easy for someone that has never had an issue with their weight to go off and give cruel, know it all comments on the matter (welcome to Jr. High all over again) and bash on everyone that isn’t built like a toothpick. These are the same people that discriminate against those with a weight issue because they aren’t built like “Barbie or Ken” and oh yes, we ALL KNOW you do it! You need to remember that karma is a bitch and going to bite you on the butt one day, to the rest of the world’s joy.

I’ve stopped following a few blogs and people over this issue and know I’m not alone in this matter. You all may be loud, but there are far more like me that care and are going to put our foot down. Remember what your mom should have clearly said more often… If you can’t say anything nice about a particular individual, don’t say anything at all. The rest of us are watching, reading, and care.


“Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be.” ~Thomas à Kempis, Imitation of Christ, c.1420

What Have You Done Good For You Lately???

With Valentine’s Day we think of what we can do to show others that we love them, but we equally need to show ourselves a little “love.” This is the only body you’ve got and you need to at least attempt to care for it, for the long run.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m a world class ice cream junkie that rambled on about Cherry Cordial and cracked up my surgeon all the way to surgery once the old “happy juice” was added to my I.V. and won’t likely ever live down some of what I said, but I digress… One cannot live by ice cream alone.

We need to be aware of labels, ingredients, and what our bodies do/don’t need. Just being aware of how certain ingredients affect the body can cause you to think twice about taking them in. Some of us have an issue with sodium and processed foods, while others may need to consider how dairy works with their bodies. Everyone is different and we all need to eat healthy, but we all have areas that are more critical than others and we need to try to avoid those that clearly do more harm than good.

Besides eating and being aware of what you’re eating, you also need to make exercise a priority. If you get enough exercise, most other areas of your health will fall into place naturally. For me, it’s running and boxing, but you may have different preferences. Some like hiking, biking, or going out on ATVs… It doesn’t matter as long as you get up and get out there.

These long winter days make it more difficult to get out and do the activities we love and need, but spring is coming and soon we’ll be back out there kicking up our heels. Don’t use winter as an excuse to sit on your duff, watching American Idol and munching junk food. Get up and get moving, whether it’s just going for a walk or playing with the kids in the snow. Your body will thank you.

Beyond this you need to know when to rest and when to play. Life isn’t all about work. Find time for play, to rest and renew, even if you literally need to schedule it. It can make the world look like a much brighter place and you need that for sanity’s sake. Even adults need to play, schedule it…. Doctor’s orders (okay, I’m not a doctor, but I still order it!).

While all of this is just the beginning of taking care of that body you were given, it’s a good start. I intend to hang around for at least a hundred years wreaking havoc and hopefully, with a little moderation and fun, I’ll pull it off… Join me!

“Fresh air impoverishes the doctor.” ~ Danish Proverb

The Sweet Science is a Girl’s Best Friend…

Pierce Egan was the first to define boxing as the sweet science and although I know that he never expected the ladies to stand tall in the ring, we are coming of our own and showing ourselves as forces to be reckoned with (in life, work, and even the ring).

Growing up we’ve always been told how to behave like a young lady, not to fight, use the finest manners, and to seek out that “Prince Charming,” but reality is just a tad different these days… A woman has no limits in her capabilities and boxing is an amazing area that can build unlimited confidence and fitness.

Just the process of wrapping your hands creates a sensation of taking charge and becoming a warrior (feels just as good as that awesome new bubble gum pink lip gloss that makes you feel magical). Followed by plugging into your iPod and taking on the speed bag; it’s a stress reducer like no other and about as empowering as it gets. Not to mention the hand, eye coordination factor. Believe me; it’s far more difficult than it looks, but an absolute blast (does wonders for the old chicken wings, too)!

Can’t help, but believe that I stand a little taller when I finish with the speed bag and smiling from ear to ear. No matter how angry, after one of these workouts you come away refreshed and feeling in control.

If you’ve never tried boxing as part of your workout, open your mind to it… You may very well fall in love. Finish a workout like that; you’ll see that you are unflappable and unstoppable.

“I love boxing. There's something fierce about using your body's force that way.” -Sophia Bush