"It's different for guys."
I often utter the line when my boyfriend expresses guilt upon eating fast food. He says he'll get fat. I don't disagree, but I note his stomach bulge will attract less social judgment than mine.
The thought crossed my mind when I read this Salon essay: "Why the fat guy should lose his privilege." An excerpt:
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, almost 70 percent of men are overweight, compared with 52 percent of women. Yet, somehow, 90 percent of the commercial weight-loss industry's clients are female, and somehow, this industry hasn't seen males as a viable business. How can that be?
It's not exactly a shocking revelation. Still, it raises some valid questions.
When it comes to dating, do you think overweight men have it easier than overweight women?
Friday, April 29, 2011
Will and Kate forever!
Despite my initial reluctance, I got sucked into the allure of the royal wedding this morning. It was bound to happen. My alarm went off at 5:05 a.m. and I left for a viewing party around 5:35 a.m. My first stop: Covenant Woods, a Columbus retirement community.
They e-mailed me an invitation to their festivities earlier this week and I couldn't resist. I showed up to find an awesome Dunkin' Donuts spread, including the coveted royal wedding donuts (pictured above).
I watched the ceremony with about 10-12 viewing partners, most of whom said they also watched Prince Charles and Princess Diana's wedding. It was a great crowd and I especially enjoyed the folks who sang along with the wedding music.
My invitation to Covenant Woods said it was OK to wear my pajamas, but the scene wasn't entirely informal. Case in point: this hat, which was worn by royal wedding viewer.
After about 90 minutes at Covenant Woods, I checked in with Ledger-Enquirer royal wedding correspondent Dawn Minty, who kindly offered me some morning snacks. Click here to read Dawn's excellent coverage...all done from the comfort of Columbus.
My royal wedding viewing experience was motivated mainly by a desire to be in the loop. I always hate being "that person" who can't participate in a social discussion.
But I also appreciate how a royal wedding fascination crosses generations. I called my parents at 6:45 a.m. California time and they were eating crumpets. Seriously.
So maybe I'll embrace today as chance to celebrate without over-analyzing the cause for celebration. Fortunately, the 5:05 a.m. wakeup call left me a little slap happy, so I'm already rocking a serious cubicle party.
(Let me extend a special thanks to my morning hosts. You are Columbus royalty!)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Royal wedding. Again.
Don't forget to follow the Ledger's royal wedding page for updates on the festivities.
Here are a few more items related to the royal wedding. I promise they're not sappy.
*This Royal Name Generator is awesome. Use it. Now. The Ledger-Enquirer's royal name is Marquess Ledger Jeeves Enquirerton of Columbusburgh.
*Here are some helpful tips for watching the royal wedding with a date.
*Finally, during a random Internet stalking session, I learned a girl who graduated from my high school now gets paid to pose as Kate Middleton. I'm jealous.
Here are a few more items related to the royal wedding. I promise they're not sappy.
*This Royal Name Generator is awesome. Use it. Now. The Ledger-Enquirer's royal name is Marquess Ledger Jeeves Enquirerton of Columbusburgh.
*Here are some helpful tips for watching the royal wedding with a date.
*Finally, during a random Internet stalking session, I learned a girl who graduated from my high school now gets paid to pose as Kate Middleton. I'm jealous.
Romance at the Rankin
I want to get married on June 25.
Seriously.
If you follow this blog even semi-regularly, you know I'm not a huge fan of the whole wedding scene. I have absolutely nothing against the institution of marriage. I'm more opposed to the stress and money that commonly define wedding ceremonies.
I've always told my parents that if I ever get married, it'll happen in either the courthouse or Vegas. I saw absolutely no middle ground.
Until I checked Facebook today.
Enter Romance at the Rankin, a June 25 group wedding ceremony at the Rankin House. It costs just $300 for a couple to participate.
This is amazing. It's the one ceremony option that makes me actually want to get married. Perfect setting and perfect cost. I'm having a hard time controlling myself, so I'll just cut and paste the announcement:
***
Forecast calls for love and romance at the Rankin House, June 25, 2011.
Couples can have the ceremony of their dreams for a fraction of the cost this summer, June 25, 2011, at the Rankin House, 1440 Second Avenue.
Weddings and vow renewals are available. The Rankin House will provide a romantic setting for these brief, inexpensive ceremonies. Couples will exchange vows in the beautiful courtyard and then have a reception inside the home. A special treat will be provided for each couple to share as they toast their love and prosperity. A photographer will also be on hand to capture the moments of your most memorable day.
Appointment times are available between 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., with couples saying “I do” every 30 minutes. The cost per ceremony is a $300 if you book before June 10, $400 thereafter.
All proceeds to benefit Historic Columbus.
Wedding ceremony couples are asked to bring a valid marriage license. A maximum of 20 guests is allowed.
Call 706-322-0756 for more details and to reserve your special time.
Seriously.
If you follow this blog even semi-regularly, you know I'm not a huge fan of the whole wedding scene. I have absolutely nothing against the institution of marriage. I'm more opposed to the stress and money that commonly define wedding ceremonies.
I've always told my parents that if I ever get married, it'll happen in either the courthouse or Vegas. I saw absolutely no middle ground.
Until I checked Facebook today.
Enter Romance at the Rankin, a June 25 group wedding ceremony at the Rankin House. It costs just $300 for a couple to participate.
This is amazing. It's the one ceremony option that makes me actually want to get married. Perfect setting and perfect cost. I'm having a hard time controlling myself, so I'll just cut and paste the announcement:
***
Forecast calls for love and romance at the Rankin House, June 25, 2011.
Couples can have the ceremony of their dreams for a fraction of the cost this summer, June 25, 2011, at the Rankin House, 1440 Second Avenue.
Weddings and vow renewals are available. The Rankin House will provide a romantic setting for these brief, inexpensive ceremonies. Couples will exchange vows in the beautiful courtyard and then have a reception inside the home. A special treat will be provided for each couple to share as they toast their love and prosperity. A photographer will also be on hand to capture the moments of your most memorable day.
Appointment times are available between 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., with couples saying “I do” every 30 minutes. The cost per ceremony is a $300 if you book before June 10, $400 thereafter.
All proceeds to benefit Historic Columbus.
Wedding ceremony couples are asked to bring a valid marriage license. A maximum of 20 guests is allowed.
Call 706-322-0756 for more details and to reserve your special time.
Critics and lovers
Most of my boyfriends have had some sort of interest in writing, either through traditional journalism or more creative stuff.
Fortunately, this makes for all sorts of book discussions and grammar debates. Unfortunately, it also allows for inevitable fights spurred by "honest" critiques.
"Hey, read this and tell me what you think."
When not handled appropriately, that line can be the kiss of death in a romantic relationship between two writers.
The thought crossed my mind after reading this essay: "My editor, my wife." An excerpt:
Though her criticisms are often less than gentle ("I'm going to throw up" is a representative margin note), she makes my work better. Much, much better. I save her marked-up manuscripts as an unluckier husband might save love letters.
Letting someone read your writing -- and genuinely listening to his/her critiques -- is an indication of the seriousness of your relationship.
If your romance can survive a red pen's wrath, it's likely on the right track.
Fortunately, this makes for all sorts of book discussions and grammar debates. Unfortunately, it also allows for inevitable fights spurred by "honest" critiques.
"Hey, read this and tell me what you think."
When not handled appropriately, that line can be the kiss of death in a romantic relationship between two writers.
The thought crossed my mind after reading this essay: "My editor, my wife." An excerpt:
Though her criticisms are often less than gentle ("I'm going to throw up" is a representative margin note), she makes my work better. Much, much better. I save her marked-up manuscripts as an unluckier husband might save love letters.
Letting someone read your writing -- and genuinely listening to his/her critiques -- is an indication of the seriousness of your relationship.
If your romance can survive a red pen's wrath, it's likely on the right track.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Royal wedding entrance dance
See, I'd definitely be interested in the royal wedding if this dance was on the agenda.
But alas, it's simply a timely spinoff of this viral video.
It's still pretty awesome, though.
By the way, have you checked out the Ledger's royal wedding page?
(via Jezebel)
Romance by the books
"Women do not date men for more than two years."
Does that advice hurt?
Yeah, that's exactly why I generally don't read relationship manuals.
The books seem to only reinforce the social judgment I receive from dating someone for four years without getting engaged.
I also have some serious gripes about "He's Just Not That Into You." But that's another story for another time.
The Huffington Post has a pretty cool gallery of books with the worst dating advice ever. Among the wise authors? JWoww from "Jersey Shore."
What's the worst advice you've received from a dating guide?
Does that advice hurt?
Yeah, that's exactly why I generally don't read relationship manuals.
The books seem to only reinforce the social judgment I receive from dating someone for four years without getting engaged.
I also have some serious gripes about "He's Just Not That Into You." But that's another story for another time.
The Huffington Post has a pretty cool gallery of books with the worst dating advice ever. Among the wise authors? JWoww from "Jersey Shore."
What's the worst advice you've received from a dating guide?
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