Wednesday, January 14, 2009

My Hero

(Peeps Post #9) It's been so long since I have done one of these. You can refresh your memory here. I figured since it was such a big milestone birthday for my dad, he deserves a little extra today. Happy 60th papa schmappa.


It's too hard to do a peeps post about my dad. There are too many stories. Like when he would deliver batteries and take me along, and buy tons of junk food. (whatever I wanted) or the countless vacations we have been on. Or all of the good advice he has given me over the years. It's also hard because I have a soft spot for my dad. I get my "tearductitis" (as he calls it) from him.


There is too much I would have to cover. So instead this is what I have come up with. See my dad is one of the best poets I know. He truly has a gift. I don't think there was dry eye at my wedding breakfast when my dad read his poem for Bob and me. Now let's be clear that I am in no way a poet. I do not have half the talent he has. But I felt this was the best way to honor him.


I love you dad. I will never be able to get across how much you mean to me. But I thought I would try with a little poem..

Dad, do you know how much and how far I look up to you?
I try to make people feel special and included the way you always seem to do.

I wonder if people know how truly fantastic, humble, and talented you are.
How you could beat them at pool one handed or water ski from the back of a car.

I try to do as you do, when you play down to people or let them talk about what’s on their mind.
But I mostly fall short, I cannot compare, probably because you really are one of a kind.

We have a Dad who stands by us no matter what, who sent us on “races”
Who makes up silly names and stories about Chub, Mub, and Scrub. Just to see our smiling faces.

Who writes us poems for birthdays, weddings and more.
Who helps us realize how much he loves us all the way down to the core.

Every one who gets to know you considers themselves the luckiest boy or girl.
Would push, shove, climb, or tackle to give being your friend a whirl.

Heaven is to sit with you and hear all of your awesome stories without a peep from me.
To learn of your mischief, your fights, even when you let the air out of the tires and tried to wriggle free.

You have taught us by example how to treat those in need
Be kind to your mother, your teacher, your neighbor, do unto others has always been your creed.

You have always made me feel special, important,a princess, all around the tops
And for that I thank you forever and ever you’re my hero, dad, father and pops.

Happy Birthday Dad and Tara!


(I looked and looked for a good picture of Tara, all the ones I came up with would have embarrassed her.)

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Roamin'

you'll have to excuse me from blogging today. am feeling a little blue. last night our family dog Roamin' passed away. he has been with us for ten years. it didn't really hit me until i saw him last night, but man i'm going to miss that sweet dog. when i was in eighth grade i got a really bad case of mono and couldn't really do anything, so we bought Roamin' to keep me company. he was the littlest, basset hound puppy with a stubborn attitude. though he could be slightly difficult at times, he will always have a special place in my heart.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Weekend Stuff


Friday night we went to dinner with the Svay's. We had tons of fun, and I always love seeing this lil' bug..


(and this lil' bug too.. :)


Then on Saturday we chillaxed. We used some gift cards and headed to the Gateway for a little shopping (emphasis on little.. Bob doesn't like shopping with girls. He thinks we're indecisive.. he might be right, or is he?) and then went to see "Yes Man".

Sunday we wrapped it all up with a birthday party for Jackson..


Why is it that I always feel like I can barely crawl out of bed on Monday mornings? Perhaps it's being able to sleep in until noon on weekends. (not that I did that or anything ;)

So..

..my sister was telling me about an article she read in some magazine this weekend. It was about 90210 and how much difference there is in weight when you compare the old and new one. I just wanted to let you know that I had absolutely no idea about this article when I wrote my previous post on weight. I hate when people copy things and don't give credit, so I just wouldn't want anyone to think that I would do that without giving credit to the source. Just a weird coincidence. Thought I would clear that up. :) Thanks.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Gotta Sec?

One of my Christmas presents this year was the second season of 90210. I consider it one of my guilty pleasures. It's incredibly cheesy and after each episode I feel as if I have watched an after school special. The clothes and hairdo's are classic 80's fabulous. But there's something else I love about it..

The girls in this show actually have healthy bodies. HIPS. Imagine that! A show with females that look like you and me. Novel isn't it?

I don't know when this..


became this..

But I don't like it. I'm sorry, but I believe girls should have curves. I find it hard to believe that this is healthy..


Now, I can't be sure. Perhaps these girls are naturally skinny. But I think we can all agree that most women do not have these bodies. What I think t.v. isn't showing us, and what us women aren't remembering is that according to the National Center for Health Statistics, the average weight for an adult female in the United States is: 162.9 pounds

That's right 163 pounds! (I'm rounding up, to make myself feel better!) (Another small fact is that the average women's pants size is 12)

Don't get me wrong, I completely believe you should be healthy. I think every woman is different and I think that some people are naturally skinny (I hate them :) But I also think that t.v., models, magazines, actresses, etc.. are telling us as women to be abnormally skinny. Seriously, ABNORMALLY.

I guess what I am getting at is this. I think we all talk and talk about this, and how unfair it is. But little old me is going to do something about it. Granted something small, but still something. I am choosing to not buy magazines that encourage a ridiculous body image. I choose not to watch shows that aren't helping my self esteem. That showcase unhealthiness.

What?!!! Caity, are you crazy? Some shows on t.v. are so funny! They are awesome! I know, I know. And believe me, I haven't always chosen to do this. I have been a a big fan of the O.C. Unfortunately I think some of my self esteem is based off how I feel after watching these shows. I will find myself thinking afterward.. wow, I need to lose weight. Or I feel depressed thinking I will never look like these girls.

I am sure some girls say it doesn't affect them in that way, and maybe it doesn't. But I would wager money that it doesn't help you have a healthy body image. So I choose to not support this. I don't want my kids growing up comparing themselves to these bizarro t.v. personalities. So maybe if enough of us stop supporting this, our kids won't have to.

I was flying home from Washington and thinking to myself how different life would be if we all looked identical and the only thing that was distinguishable in all of us was our personality. How very very different Hollywood would look, how different life would be.

Anyway, off my soap box I go, just thought I would start my New Year on a realistic note. What do you think? Anybody agree or disagree, I would love to hear opinions.