Weight, weight, don’t tell me

Seems like worrying about one’s weight is all the rage, and I guess I’m going to join the herd now.

I better start getting ready for work… but I thought I would take a second to commit myself and hold myself accountable to something that I need to be doing, and that is living more healthily. I weigh approximately 60 pounds more than I did when I started college, and it’s a little frightening to contemplate. I wasn’t skinny by any means during that time, so I look at the number on the scale and I’m pretty terrified about what’s happening to my body. But the good news is I’m not so far along that I can’t turn things around and I can’t improve the situation.

I waited a couple weeks to weigh myself because I wanted to have some positive momentum going into this event. I knew the number would be scary and discouraging, and it was. I’ve managed to cut back on a lot of the horrible things I typically eat and have increased my activity somewhat. I’m also skipping the food court and bringing my lunch most days, or at least trying to eat something moderately good for me. My genes and metabolism are probably working against me here, so I’m going to have to fight my way through the future. You can’t make changes like this overnight and I’m going to be gradually adjusting my habits a little each day…. negotiating with myself to keep everything in balance.

Balance, balance, balance. Here goes nothing!

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Marching abominable

 

Marching abominable

Originally uploaded by N-Sai

My birthday always coincides with the delightful Inman Park Festival, so there’s always lots of quirky goodness to go around without me even having to do anything. I got there just in the nick of time to watch this “marching abominable” give an impromptu concierto in the middle of the park and it was truly grand.

The rest of the day was spent having dinner at Agave in Cabbagetown and then catching a bizarre and almost intolerable performance by the Sleepytime Gorilla Museum at The Earl. Followed by drinks at Bazaar and then the newly opened “Firehouse” (formerly the Spotted Dog). Good times. Literally.

Working in the middle of a tourist attraction

 

Order like an Egyptian

Originally uploaded by N-Sai

You never know what you’re going to run into in the CNN Center since it’s such a popular stop whenever a big event comes to town. People stop by to eat, to chat and to grab a cup of overpriced Joe.

The junior robot builders competition is always a real treat because the participants wear festive costumes to identify their team. This group really took it to the next level by dressing like pharaohs from Egypt. Good times.

Crazy hat

  

Crazy hat

Originally uploaded by N-Sai

Walking to the park on a weekend, you always see crazy things. But I wasn’t sure what to think when I saw this guy standing outside of OutWrite, the midtown gay bookstore. A crowd congregated around him and he explained that the hat was “for a contest next door.”

My neighborhood and its Piedmont Park surroundings are so fabulous and flamboyant… for people of all kinds. And that’s what I like about it. So unexpected in the South. Makes for comfortable living, although I usually head to other neighborhoods and places to socialize because the scene ain’t always my style.

Caterpillar suspended from tree

Caterpillar suspended from tree

Originally uploaded by N-Sai

It was such an odd moment… watching a wedding going on and being transfixed by a caterpillar or other creepy-crawly thing hanging from a thin cord off a tree, swinging in the sunny breeze. In the background, I could hear the vows of one couple’s signature moment and it was a strange coming-together of nature and someone else’s life. I wonder what would happen if we could piece together all the pieces of our lives that have been inadvertently recorded by someone else.

The value of civility

Honor and civility have their place in this dog-eat-dog world we live in. I firmly believe that you must keep your head high no matter what, and you can’t stoop to any level. Sometimes it’s hard to live up to this ideal, but you have to try. Conflict is a chance for communication and greater understanding.

People on the Internet, and in many facets of society, often fail to realize that others are just like them. Some are just trolls. But in many cases, a would-be enemy can be turned into a friend.

Case in point, a few days ago, I received a heated comment on one of my flickr images expressing offense and disappointment at the title. My first urge was to retaliate. How dare he? Upon closer examination, it seemed that the person was probably reaching out (in their own way). As much as I wanted to give this person a piece of my mind, I decided to change the title and then initiate a conversation with this fellow. I think now that I have made a new friend.

This was a strangely profound experience for me, however miniscule in the scheme of things.  I wish more people would just calm down and take a second to listen to each other, and that goes for myself too. Indeed, by being understanding and assertive, we can turn enemies into friends and the opposition into allies. This is not to paint a rosy view of the world (as I am extremely well aware of the many inequities this world brings), but only to emphasize that even when it is difficult, the only way we can move forward is together.