23 April 2014

Shape, Age, Health, Food

Last week, I read this blog post, and it really made me think.  The blog is one that I read regularly, and like most blogs (about anything) that I read, sometimes it "speaks" to me more than others.  The particular post I'm linking to was one that I thought made a lot of good points, and was accessible to most people.

I was not necessarily the world's  most well-adjusted kid, but I have to tell you, it never, ever, EVER occurred to me as a tween, teenager, or a young adult that I was somehow *supposed* to look like models or celebrities in magazines.  I would maybe like what they were wearing, or their hair and makeup, etc., but I truly never felt inadequate because of my body.  So although I can intellectually understand that it can be/is a problem for women of all ages today, I can't really relate to the whole issue.

As I got older, and became responsible for feeding, dressing, and being completely in charge of myself, my biggest desire was to be healthy and fit.  It didn't necessarily translate into me treating my body as the temple that health fanatics do, but it made me more aware that my overall health and fitness was my own responsibility.  I have been fortunate to be a person who is comfortable in my own skin.

So anyway, back to the post mentioned at the beginning of this post.  She points out that genetics and privilege make a difference.  Unlike the writer's mother, my mother was not one who made sure that we always had whole grain breads, and fresh vegetables.  We always had some kind of fruit, and there was always milk in the refrigerator, but my "deprivations" growing up were a result of my parents' coming of age when having convenience foods was such a wonderful luxury, that opening a can of vegetables, or cooking frozen foods were desirable ways to feed your family.  The other reason was budgetary.  We didn't have money for much, and although we were fortunate to always have something to eat, many of our meals would likely make people today gasp in horror.  Milk was rationed to one glass for each of us a day, since it was seen as necessary but not easily affordable.

Having said that, I thought a lot of the points raised in the aforementioned blog post were worth stating.  We all need food to survive, but in today's world, food and your individual relationship to it is such a sensitive subject that it can be hard to do what really works well for YOU and not feel that somehow you are wrong.  My relationship with food, exercise, and just life in general has been an ever-changing one, and I've always been fortunate because there has never been pressure from anyone who mattered to me to be any different than I am.

So yes, I directed you to one person's way of doing things, and talking about it, and it may not have any relevance to anything about your existence.  But when I read it, I really started thinking about ways that I try to "maintain my shape" and why I do what I do.  In my case, I have had so many health problems that were beyond my control, I want to do my best to be conscientious about the things I can control.

Just like in clothing, one size does not fit all.  It never will, and never should.

I do firmly believe though, that YOUR one size/shape/activity level should always work for you, and make you a happier and healthier person.  I hope by reading this post, as well as the one that started me on this topic, you will be able to feel good about yourself, and decide what you want to try for your health.  I truly believe that if you feel good, you look good, no matter how old you are.

19 April 2014

Easter Weekend

Sorry to have been incommunicado for a while here, but things got a bit hectic at work, and my small amounts of spare time were spent just trying to keep my head above water here at home, with exciting things like laundry ...

Then this week, we were preparing for guests who should be arriving at any moment, so it was time to clean the house and really get ready for Easter - which seemed so far away for so long, at least to me!

Anyway, I hope that you and yours have a joyous Easter if you celebrate, and regardless of whether you do or not, a lovely spring weekend!


06 April 2014

Score!

If you are anything at all like me, you truly love it when you find something that is a bargain.  I am not patient enough to be  one of those people who look for the best price possible, but I do try to be careful when I purchase something, particularly when it is not a necessity.

Even better, though, is when a bargain finds you.  A couple of weeks ago, we had gone out to get some things at Petsmart, and make a stop at the liquor store.  The shopping center where the Petsmart is also has a Kohl's, and we decided to stop there too.  I was looking at some tops that were on sale, and at the bottom of one pile was this:


Nice, huh?  I really liked it, and thought it was a pretty color for spring.  I looked at the price tag, and it was marked down from $59.00 to $11.88.  I figured with a sale like that, maybe there was something wrong with it - you know, one of those "as is" sales.  But it seemed to be just fine. 

Then when we checked out, the price scanned as $9.50, which was pretty exciting, as far as I'm concerned.  But, there was still an additional discount to be added, so I ended up paying a grand total of $7.50 for this purse!

Now THAT is a bargain, no?