Sylvaa

Don't misunderstand what I was saying before. We accept (easily) that height is a determining factor in who we are attracted to. You don't see height activists getting all bent out of shape because anyone says "so and so is too short (or tall) for me." However, I've witnessed (generally women) getting very mad at guys for saying they aren't attracted to a woman because she's heavy. I think there is a psychological aspect in there (you know - all those women who think they are heavier than they are). 

Being a fairly tall woman (5'10" ish), I think it's easier for me dating a shorter guy than it is for the guy. In fact, the last three guys I have dated have been noticeably shorter than me (including my husband) and they all got more flack about it that I did. 

Ironically, George Takei had a Facebook link recently about attractive Asian males (here is the link).

In all honesty, I have no problem with someone saying "I don't date XXX"(provided it's the product of attraction, and not catering to societal biases), or otherwise expressing a strong preference for a certain set of characteristics in a partner.  We don't consciously control who we are attracted to.  This includes sex, body type, skin tone, as well as other qualities.  Some people are looking for leaner partners, some are looking for a more muscular physique, and others prefer a "softer" figure.  I don't think any of those are inherently wrong, and the "ideal" body type varies depending on the individual in question.

 

Now, that shouldn't mean belittling individuals outside the body type that one finds most attractive - but I see nothing wrong with someone having a preference in terms of physique, be it in terms of height, degree of leanness, or otherwise.  As I said above, physical attraction isn't something we consciously control, and people should not be faulted for being drawn to a certain set of physical characteristics in a partner.

You are very correct. I just find it interesting that one aspect of this is "normal" and "okay" while the other one is some sort of affront to humanity. Granted, part of the way this entire argument is presented - "no fatties" versus "I don't like to date overweight women". 

I just find this humorous is because I've never looked upon height as a reason to not date someone. Generally, I'm just happy someone wants to date me.

Am I the only person who *gasp* enjoys lunges?

I've done my allotment for the week. 

Fight the sugar! 

Fought the sugar! Actually, I had some lowfat vanilla yogurt with granola for breakfast. It kicked the craving (and was super tasty - the granola here has cashews and sunflower seeds in it). To be really honest, I did ask about the desserts here, but everything (except 310 calorie cookies - holy crap!) had ice cream and I don't do ice cream.

Aw, I like your sense of humor! It's delightful, I think that sarcasm is a fine art that takes a little work to master. It sounds like you've got it, though, and what's not to love about someone who can make soda come out your nose?

Soda coming out of your nose is painful. Much like the pun I started and then forgot partway through responding....

How much does your daughter weigh? I might be able to.  173ish pounds.

She's about 130, so you should be good. But she's a bony little thing so it's hard to get a good grasp. Not saying that bench pressing my daughter comes up regularly. I have had to carry her into the house recently though, and that was pretty hard.

Thank you. Me too.  My ex doesn't understand that Sweenor's and Palmer are two totally different things.

I've never had Sweenor's.... oh more chocolate to love! I have had Palmer's though and ugh - I would rather not eat chocolate, thanks. I actually almost always only do dark chocolate. Also, I live like 45 minutes away from Hershey, PA (like THE Hershey, PA). So when I can get super fresh Hershey's, oh my goodness - it's so worth it, even if it is mass manufacturing.

Why is it so hard to be nice to ourselves? I mean really, as a parent, I tell my kids to be nice to each other, people in authority, their relatives, their parents, etc... but I don't usually tell them to be nice to themselves. It is so easy to get lost in other people's words that you forget the most important ones are your own. Especially when we are trying to make ourselves better. 

This made me laugh harder than it should have. 

So not something I heard, but something I was able to witness.

There was this guy on the leg press machine. He was pressing maybe 50 lbs (I was trying not to be too obvious as I stared) as he played his DS.

Not kidding, he was practically rhythmic as he just went back and forth; I don't think I saw him stop for a good 20 minutes.

The sky was dark, as if some unknown being had turned off the stars. Sylvaa glanced warily around, but it seemed the world had frozen. She knew this place; it was almost as familiar as her own home, yet she hated being here. The wind blew around her, pulling her forward towards something – a goal, a refuge, or a monster, she couldn’t tell. It scared her, this nothingness that surrounded her. She was lost in the nothingness. It seemed to be closing in around her. She was suffocating from the darkness.

Today, I struggled. It wasn’t the workout (it was an easy day), or my food intake (I’m pretty consistently in my calorie range); it was dessert. Now, I’m not generally a dessert eater (unless it is fruit / smoothies!). I can’t eat ice cream, I am very picky about my chocolate, and I don’t do anything with fake fruit. However after a delicious Malaysian dinner (clams in this spicy lemongrass broth), I wanted something sweet. I argued with myself, I debated over who would know if I got anything, I even told myself that one cookie would make me feel better.

I went downstairs and got tea (mint again – this hotel needs more tea choices!). I did not get dessert. But the itch is still there – something sweet… something sweet… I will win the war!

My thing I like about myself for the day: my sense of humor. It’s a mix between “so sarcastic you’re being mean†and “oh my god you just made soda come out of my noseâ€. So maybe it’s an acquired taste. But I make myself laugh and it got us out of a potential close call today at work.

I picket up The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon at the airport Monday.

It's interesting - not reading any more until Thursday, but I'm looking forward to finishing it.

Going to have to look into that one! I used to grab library books for my airplane reading, but the gym hours and the library hours make it hard for me to do both - I've been missing something different to read.

Glad to hear the workout went well!  I was just reading / pointing someone else in the, exercise works as a very effective mood stabilizer direction. Hopefully you are feeling the full effects!

Not really anything I can say that someone else hasn't said. That's really crappy!

Just don't push yourself too hard trying to prove you can do it and hurt your knee even more. 

Those of us who want to see a video of said fight would like it to be you kicking ass and taking names, not getting felled by a bum knee.

What's strange with outside? Of course one should run outside, that's where all the no-other-people are. When it comes to crowded gyms, I go on less crowded times (before work). If I still manage to get there when it's crowded, I try to hog a squat rack and stay in it until it's time to go home. Or simply don't and do a bodyweight routine at home instead.

Generally, there is nothing wrong with outside - particularly as I detest treadmills. The problem with this running track being outside is that it's located in Boston, MA, USA. The high yesterday was 27 F and there are random feet of snowdrifts along the path. Here is an example of how the streets (if I REALLY wanted to run outside - granted, I have no idea where I am going.

I travel for work and this was a brand new hotel. I didn't realize what I had gotten into until I got there. I did get through my whole workout (the part that I needed equipment for at least) and will be ready for Wednesday (the next day that I have to use the gym),

I totally get it. SAD is not fun (although, I do appreciate the slight irony in the name).

I tried to find the book on Amazon, but wasn't. What's it about? (All I found were mythology books - not that I'm complaining, just, I'm itching for new reads).

How was your workout today? I'm sure moving logs around recently isn't going to have made that any easier.

I am one of those people who drink water when they are thirsty. However, I am like always thirsty! (no, not diabetic either - I've been checked). It's just now that I'm actually recording my intake it's crazy.

Going off my normal story line for a minute because I had the weirdest gym experience today. We are staying in a different hotel this week (actually in Boston instead of outside) and there is no gym. So they have a deal worked out with the Y next door that we can use their facilities. Okay great I think - our Y at home is pretty nice and set up really well and - nope!

So there are five areas of cardio / weights / machines to choose from. Four of those are on two levels  overlooking the basketball courts. So basically, you run around like a chicken with your head cut off waiting for a machine / weights you want to use to open up to get to use them. It's crazy! First of all, i've never actually seen a Y that crowded (I do live in the country after all)! Also, there is a running path - however it is OUTSIDE in Boston. I walked across it to get to the elevator to get to the fitness area. It's a sheet of ice. Who puts an outside running path in the NE?!

Now it's time for tea (mint).

She woke to a city of glass. Overnight a peace had descended upon the hamlet as the crystals fell through the night. Although it was still early, the reflecting moon and starlight made it seem much later in the morning. Sylvaa groaned as she got out of bed, wondering why on earth she felt the need to do work which required her to get up and out of the house so early. The trip out of the hamlet was much nicer than usual. Her brother, who had been staying with her, was leaving to go home that day which was bittersweet as she missed him terribly since he had moved away.  Luckily, the roads out of the hamlet were much less treacherous than expected and the trip was uneventful. She hugged her brother as they parted ways and hoped his travel was safe.

As she waited for her carriage, she reflected upon the changes that had occurred over the past week. So much good had happened and she was afraid it was too much at once. Sylvaa felt energized after her first successful week and hoped to keep up the momentum, even while being away from her home.

So my first week went well. I think for the most part, the first few weeks always go well. It’s when you get to that hump and people start disappearing and your momentum starts to wane that it gets harder to keep going.

Last week was nice for me as I was able to work from home. My little brother came up for about a week and a half to visit from Florida (he moved down with my parents two years ago and I only see him a handful of times through the year). We carpooled down to the airport. Unfortunately, we ended up with 3†of snow covered with ½†of ice. Luckily the main roads weren’t bad, but it always makes for a fun start to the day.

I was super successful sticking to the challenge. We took my brother out to dinner on Friday, but I was able to stick to my calorie limit by planning my meal in advance (yay for having online menus!). I also was able to do not only my regular workout, but some weights / strength training with my husband since I was home. The scale had me down 1 lb from last week, but it’s too early to tell if that’s just water or something that is going to stick. Speaking of water – I drink a lot. Like, since I’m actually tracking it, I’m doing (normally) over a gallon a day – not including my morning coffee or evening herbal tea!

I’ve been pretty general about things I like about myself and today I’ve decided to focus on something specific; my eyes. My eyes are brown, but very light and depending on what color I wear and the lighting, they seem to change color which is really cool. I tend to get compliments most on them and I’ve learned to appreciate that they are unusual.

Thanks for the shout out!

I think you are absolutely fantastic. Even when things get rough you are staying positive and taking it in stride.

If you need anything, you know where to find me!

 

That's the last time I try and link a picture on my phone... I screwed that one up hard.

Was supposed to link to the one that said " If being sexy was a crime, you'd be on death row"

 

You did not disappoint. 

you look great! Google Reverse Image Search is an asshole at best, its like that snarky jealous girl in high school that really needed to be punched in the face (without a mouth guard) but I see myself as being sexy like that too, so don't feel alone

these jpeg pretty much sums up my sex appeal and dating finesse, so yeah...I am doomed! lol

 

Thanks. I was actually hoping for some funnier pictures. Apparently google wanted me to feel better too.

Also, the above is me. Completely

Okay today, I finally decided to take pictures of myself. I figure I won't have before / after shots if I keep being afraid of taking before pictures.

Those are me. 

I was really looking forward to fun and exciting images on a reverse google search.  I got this:

I love it, because this is definitely how I see myself being sexy.

(In reality, I just had a number of boring shots of either more athletic types than me or pregnant women).

I love that they're actually measuring- I think waist to hip ratio is a decent and quick measurement that can be applied state-side. Although it's fair when you think of it insurance wise putting the pressure on the company it opens up a whole new level of potential discriminatory behavior and accusations (the company didn't hire me because of my size type issues). I'm trying to help set up a Wellness program and the red tape you have to think about is pretty ridiculous. 

My company currently has an incentive program where if you are in a certain range for a number of metrics, you have a lower yearly rate (it's $50 a month less for the family rate). You either have to be in the range or show a specific % improvement from the year before to quality. I also think you only have to have like 3 out of 4 metrics within the correct range (which would negate the BMI issue).

The problem I see with a program like this, is with people like me. I have the family plan and fall within the metrics, we get the discount. However, my husband, who is on my insurance, is obese. He could potentially have all of the associated health issues, however because I am within their ranges, we get the discount. Boom! cost saving program is ineffective.

The streak ended today - work was overwhelming and after 11 1/2 hours I was too beat for the gym.  But I had 3 Paleo meals, keeping the cookies at bay!  Tomorrow I am flying east for a week, so it will be a gamble to stay Paleo. But I should still be able to work out.  I will have more free time on the road than I do when I am home - I believe that is irony.

I completely find it easier to exercise / have free time on the road!  It's sad really - when I have anything big project wise at work, I want to be away from home because there are so many distractions. 

In regards to food on the road: don't be afraid to ask for modified meals. One of my favorite meals at the hotel I normally stay at is a chicken sandwich with no cheese or bread and a side of roasted brussel sprouts. I usually look through their dinner meals and ask for a side off of there instead of fries / chips like they offer.

Also, ridiculous work hours suck!

Boo for depression. Yay for not letting it get to you!

I'd say playing with your dog counts for exercise - it doesn't have to be conventional to be counted. Didn't you say before you had feet of snow? I wouldn't think that would make it very easy to walk anywhere. 

Sticking with the food is awesome too! This is where I tend to fail first. It's easy for me to get to the gym, it's not so easy to put down the fork. So it's quite the accomplishment (also, now I want marshmallows).

Recipe time!

My normal quinoa treatment is to cook it, make a basic vinaigrette (think salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice), and then add in fresh veggies / herbs based upon whatever flavor palette I feel like. For example, I'll do mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, olives, and basil or carrots, spring onions, and hot chili oil.

I am awful about using recipes - I cook by taste mostly. Here is one that I've tried before and was a hit with the family. Also, not sure how you feel about corn, but this is a salad we make regularly. 

I try to make just enough for one meal, or at most two, but it's difficult when you're cooking for one person. And soup ... have you ever tried making a little soup? Can't be done. Even if you only put in a tiny amount of each ingredient, you will end up with a giant vat of soup. It's probably some law of physics, or magic, or something. Some soups do okay in the freezer but some ... do not.

So I have a family of six and I'm Italian, which means that I only know how to cook for crowds. I can't image trying to cook for one. And I feel you on soup. Even when I make soup, we usually end up with a ton of leftovers (and I only use one chicken - I swear!). 

Yeah on having improvements yesterday! Even small ones are still improvements.

So, following the suggestions here, I went out and bought myself a big pot of yoghurt and had yoghurt and peanut butter for breakfast. It was delicious, but only time will tell how full it will keep me! I love hummus so thanks for the reminder, and I would LOVE your quinoa salad recipe if you come across it please! 

 

If it's not too nosy, can I ask how tall you are? I'm 5"6!

I hope the yogurt / peanut butter works for you. I love it! I will look for the recipe and post it when I find it.

I'm 5'10", so a little taller than you. 

Sylvaa was tired. Sweat poured off her brow, she had a cramp in one calf, and scratches from brambles, but she pushed on. She woke up this morning with purpose. While her training was going well, today would be a true test – today was her longest workout yet. While Consiliario had told her it wasn’t necessary to complete all of her training at once, she had been busy working all day and wouldn’t complete her daily task if she didn’t.

Luckily, the cold that had beset her hamlet over the past weeks had subsided – at least for the day. She was blessed with a crisp day, which spoke of promises of spring. She traveled outside the hamlet, taking her faithful wolf for protection, to watch the sunset. The small mountain she was climbing had a worn path traveling to the top. Villagers would use the path to look for game, however no one had been out for quite a while and at times the path almost disappeared.

The sky was ablaze with colors, reds and oranges so vivid she thought she could reach out and touch them. Even her trusty companion seemed to stop to watch. Peace settled over her as she watched the last of the sunlight fade. As Sylvaa started back down the mountain, no matter how much the journey might be hard, it would be worth it.

When she got home, her girls were waiting for her. They were excited to spend time with her seeing how she was training. So they ventured off together to her training. While it was difficult, the girls laughed and sweat and the day ended with a tired, but happy family.

Yesterday, I took the dog for a walk. We have an almost 10 month old German shepherd (Molly, short for Molasses) who hasn't been able to play outside as much as she (or we!) would like due to cold. She loves the snow, which is going to come in handy as it’s snowing here… again. Luckily, the weather broke for the day, so we walked / ran around the block.

My three oldest kids (14, 12, and 11) are on a free week trial at our gym to see if they will keep it up enough to get a family membership. The girls (12 and 11) came with us yesterday. It was supposed to be a leg day and I needed to finish my hour of cardio for the 30 days of change. Instead, the girls and I did the Pound class they offer. They loved it and I still think that classifies as a leg day.

Since yesterday was a pretty heavy family day for me, I am focusing on my dedication to my family as the thing I like about myself. We are an odd, dysfunctional bunch, but our house is always full of laughter and fun. I make it a point to spend time with all the kids, no matter how tired I am or how much I want to sit around and do nothing. My step-children come to me for everything they need, even if it’s just a hug. My kids know that they can always rely on me, even when I’m on the road.