I have two teenage nieces and something I'm noticing constantly is how much they get shit on for what they enjoy...both by their peers and older people, online and off. One loves anime and basically got chased off Youtube when she tried to start a channel, the comments were full of creepy men trolling her and saying she was a poser looking for attention. The other loves horses, and if any of you ladies loved riding as a kid, you're maybe familiar with the fact that a lot of people seem to kinda patronise girls who like horses, like it's this stupid airheaded thing to be into, as if it's not something that takes dedication and skill. If you like something the boys like you're a poser, if you like something "girly" it's trivialized. I remember that being a thing when I was a kid, but it almost seems worse. Why are middle aged men concerned by teenage girls liking K-Pop or concerned what Billie Eilish's body looks like? Fucking creepy, dude.

Congrats, OP! That is wonderful. And a really good reminder. Putting our health first can mean a lot of different things, and being able to focus on taking care of our body (and what goes in it) is really important. For me, sleep is also key. If I'm tired, I am much more likely to eat extra as a way to try to find more energy. Thanks for sharing!

This is so cool. A couple of years ago when I did a local Rock n Roll 1/2 marathon, one of the official photographers took a picture of me rockin' out to one of the bands. They used that photo to promo the following year's 1/2 marathon. Guess what! They are using it again! I was scrolling around facebook, and and ad for the 2022 race came up, and there I was. Not only did seeing the photo put me in a really good mood, it reminded me how much better I feel when I'm 10 pounds lighter, like I was then. Today when I go to the store I'm buying half the bread and double the veggies. Just 'cos I'm closing in on 50 doesn't mean I have to feel old!

It's official- I've lost 25 pounds! To do this I needed to cut way down on other commitments. The busier I am, the less time I have to shop for and cook healthy meals. The more stressed I am the worse choices I make. I want to be healthy! That means cutting out a lot of other things and I'm starting to be okay with that.

I just spent $82 on Halloween decorations. Last year, with covid, we went a little nuts. This year has been just as crazy, so we're doing it again. We're coving the front of the house in webbing and giant fake spiders. I had 22 jack-o-lanterns last year and I might do even more this year. The neighborhood kids loved it. Our cat sat in front of the door and watched everything. We had a giant bowl of candy set out, and I think we might add a cooler with soda/water/Gatorade this year. Covid sucks. Might as well have a little fun.

Nothing like waking up on the morning of your birthday with three big hormonal lump-under-the-skin acne spots on your face. Especially when you're FORTY-FREAKING-SEVEN years old. Getting pretty sick of your shit, mother nature.

Freaking freezing.

Mom Jeans- I have read that they are in style right now. Crazy, right? Well, I tried them on. They are a little different than what we used to call Mom Jeans. Those were relaxed fit and tapered at the ankle. I would never have any time in my life been caught dead in those, no offense! These were more just wide-leg pants. I bought two pairs. They are baggy in a good way, and I like them. Skinny jeans are uncomfortable and unflattering. I hope they go away forever. So yeah, I'm rocking the Mom Jeans! I'm an actual Mom, so I have no hope of actually looking cool, but I like them!

I'm making a dress form from a pattern that I had to enter my measurements into the website to create. So I essentially have a body double. It's a very weird feeling, looking at it, knowing that THAT is what my body actually looks like.

On my morning run, I just so happen to see a yoga setting up at the park. Serendipity! I planned on doing some yoga there after my run. But I cut it short to take 1hr long class under fresh air (thank god wildfires are more contained) and crystal blue skies. Pure bliss of my soul. Then, picked my run back up when I was done and my time improved by a 1 minute. Heh maybe I should break up my runs with yoga more often. Also, I've never had more passerbys greet me during the run as I've experienced in the many years running outside. I guess my previous cities simply weren't very friendly. I'm in awe by the upliftment of strangers here.