Monday, January 31, 2011

Foiled Again

update

It looks like one of the classmates can't make it tomorrow.  Family away day may be ON.  That means I spend the evening planning my day off.  The weather doesn't sound promising but a Meg day at home is better than a drab day anywhere.

Maybe I will stop on the way home and look for a new dress.  And I've had this aching for a pair of platform shoes.  Maybe not the ones here, but something like them.

end update
 
The family was planning a day ski trip on Tuesday.  I was planning a Meg day ~ it's been months, and I need to get out.  I have everything planned and ready and... my oldest needs to work on a project with two classmates and Tuesday is the only day.  And here is the only place.

It's still possible that Things Will Change, but I'm not hopeful.  At least I didn't go buy a new dress!  But I did want to see how the new primer works.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Rubes

I also know little about Leigh Rubin except "Leigh" is a guy's name and his Rubes strip is really really funny.  And yes, there are collections available ~ the latest is The Wild and Twisted World of Rubes. I have one or two of his older collections, and I know I featured him before, in a more CD-related cartoon.

No CD content today, but for your enjoyment, I present Leigh Rubin's Rubes.







Saturday, January 29, 2011

It Takes Practice

I don't know much about Mike Baldwin's Cornered, except I've saved about a hundred of them since I started reading them. He has several collections of strips, and you all know why I'm linking to one on Amazon by now.  And thank you again ~ five people linked and bought something from that click, netting me a farthing for web expenses.  I'm hoping the next clicker will purchase a Ferrari.  Then I can quit my day job.  And toss my guy clothes.  And buy one of these for starters.  And whatever I need to crowbar me into it.


Friday, January 28, 2011

It's Snow Time!

Wednesday, at around 8pm, power went out at my house.

Thursday at midnight ~ still no power.  Two more hours and we start eating the weakest in the family.  You know who you are!

There's not a lot of snow here, but no power, no heat, and we retreated to a nearby hotel.  With family around, no post today.  No I'm not going to count this as a post!

With luck and electricity, I'll be posting again on Saturday.



Thursday, January 27, 2011

Guten Tag, meine Freunde!

I've been looking at the stats for this blog.  I've already talked a bit about searches, but I was wondering where my readers are.  My goal is to someday meet every single one of you.  All six. :)

Not surprisingly, about 3/4 are from the good ol' U S and A, as Pogo called it.  The UK is second, followed by Canada.  Recent stats show Canada is catching up to the United Kingdom.  I generally have about half as many Australian readers as Canadians.

Well, duh.  English-reading people read my English-written blog.

But the number four country, consistently ahead of Australia, is Germany!  German is the only language, other than English, that I speak more than a few words of.  Like most Americans, foreign languages are, um, foreign to me.

What do you call someone who speaks two languages?  Bilingual
What do you call someone who speaks three languages?  Trilingual
What do you call someone who speaks one  language?  American.

(insert rimshot here)

The top ten all-time continues with The Netherlands, which is a surprise.  Italy, France, and Spain come next.  Then a non-English, non-European country: Columbia!

Someday, when life pauses, I'm going to get complete stats and figure out where I have the most readers, per capita.

My more recent stats have a couple of other surprises.  In the last week, I had a dozen or so hits from Belize and twice that from Greece.  Yesterday, Ireland and Qatar (!) and Sweden made the top ten.

And now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go find out where Belize is.

(ps: I still don't know exactly where it is, but the first image result for Belize led me here. I need to book a flight.)



Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Good News for Us!

From the Jan 23rd Washington Post.  I'm reprinting the article so I can emphasise a few things (and you all can skim instead of read):

Housing policy and the gay community

By Ed O'Keefe
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, January 23, 2011; 6:13 PM



The Department of Housing and Urban Development is taking steps to ensure gays and lesbians don't face discrimination when applying for federal housing assistance.

HUD has unveiled a series of proposed rule changes that would prohibit lenders from using sexual orientation or gender identity as a way of determining a borrower's eligibility. The rule change would state that eligible families have the opportunity to participate in HUD-based programs regardless of marital status or sexual orientation.

The new rules, if adopted, also would prohibit owners and operators of HUD-funded housing from asking applicants or household occupants about sexual orientation or gender identity

The proposals must undergo a 60-day public comment period before formal implementation.

HUD is conducting a national study on the potential impact of housing discrimination against gays and lesbians, but in its formal notice of the proposed rules it cited a 2007 study of housing discrimination in Michigan that found disparate treatment of gays in 32 out of 120 fair housing tests conducted.
"This is a fundamental issue of fairness," HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said Thursday.

Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, called the proposed changes critically important to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals who often face discrimination

"Everyone should be able to obtain affordable housing free from discrimination, have a safe place to live and a roof over their head," Carey said.

The changes could be especially important for transgender Americans, who are less than half as likely to own a home than other Americans, according to a forthcoming study on transgender discrimination by the Task Force. Nineteen percent of respondents to the survey said they had been denied housing because of their gender identity.
 
If approved, HUD's proposed rule changes would join a growing list of policy reforms made by federal agencies that don't require congressional approval. The changes include a State Department decision to make passport application forms for children more gender-neutral by including "Parent 1" and "Parent 2" alongside "Mother" and Father." The Census Bureau also plans to publicly disclose the number of same-sex relationships reported in the 2010 Census and hopes to officially count same-sex marriages for the first time with the 2020 Census.

President Obama has also extended some benefits to the same-sex partners of gay and lesbian federal workers.




Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Camisoles ~ No Rules

I came across this picture recently.  Just when I thought I had it all sorted....

Camisole OVER tank top?

I think I'll wear my plaid shirt with my polka-dot slacks.

Monday, January 24, 2011

I Want One! OK, I Want Two!!

When I was younger, shops that catered to crossdressers were few, far between, and almost invariably ripoffs.  I was always tempted, because I was terrified to go into a regular women's shop, but I also didn't want to be caught in a shop like that!  And I was perpetually trying to pay next month's rent.

Now, I shop pretty much anywhere.  There are still crossdresser shops and websites that are ripoffs.  There's one in particular I've been trying to decide if I should "out" here.  They are horrid.

But I really like Glamour Boutique.  I've bought forms and some other material there and the service is spectacular, the quality is excellent, and the prices more than reasonable.  I've written about them before, here and here.  And they sponsor Fictionmania, which, to me, is a big plus.

They started sending occasional e-mails touting new products along with some other information.  Getting these are a hazard of shopping on line, as you all know.  I almost invariably delete these immediately.  Sometimes I open it just to find out how to unsubscribe.  I like the one I get from Jameco, and I like the one from Galmour Boutique.  They're very occasional, and they discuss my absolute favourite topic!

I was amazed when I saw their latest breast forms.  I Want These Forms.  I need to figure out how to justify the cost.

I want these forms!



Sunday, January 23, 2011

Just Funny

No CD content today, just a Sunday morning laugh.  
Enjoy.  
Click on a cartoon to enlarge.




Friday, January 21, 2011

Spitsy! I Never Suspected


Lincoln Peirce's "Big Nate" is a fun strip.  This is the first one ever that's blog material.

Nate is a typically atypical teenager.  He hates cats but loves dogs.  He hangs around with Spitsy, a neighbor's dog, only because his dad won't let him have one.  He's a cartoonist whose cartoons often get him in trouble.  He thinks that the girls all love him, that he's a master sportsman, that he's a budding rock star.  He's wrong on all counts, but he never seems to notice. A friend convinced him to play chess once, and it turns out he's a chess genius without even trying. 

The only kid who tops him in everything he tries is his arch-rival Artur, who is better in the band, beats him at chess, and is dating the girl who won't give Nate a second glance.



My sons play chess and we used to go to an annual chess tournament in Washington.  The place we played had several Big Nate chess cartoon prints on the walls, some autographed.

Be sure to click for full size!  The artwork is wonderful.

Still Breaking

I was watching a Dr Who episode recently.  I'm not sure which of the recent seasons it was from; I'm not the fan I once was, although many of the recent series have been fun.

This episode took place on a galactic "cruise ship."  Wthat caught my attention was the on-ship announcements which began "ladies and gentlemen, and variations thereof."

I like that.  That's a label I can live with.



Thursday, January 20, 2011

Tiny Break

A few days ago, I mentioned hanging out on a discussion group.  I joined because they had a crossdressing thread and I was honest about why I was interested and offered my point of view.

Since then, a few times someone has commented on my "hobby" ~ in a nice or funny way.  Mostly people ignore it.  But when I talk to someone I don't remember if they were on the original thread and I don't volunteer what I've already volunteered.  No-one's said "what do you mean by that?" when a gender identity comment has been tossed out.

Meanwhile, I'm doing what I've always done when on the interwebs.  I don't refer to myself as male or female; I don't give clues as to gender at all.  It doesn't feel quite right here because I'm using what's clearly a women's name.  In the past, it's always been an ambiguous name (usually, my own).  I also put up a Meg pic as an avatar.  Again, I originally did identify myself as a crossdresser.  The information is out there.

I've been commenting on tech stuff and I've found myself going head-to-head with another techie who used to work for the same company I did.  Although personal information is not allowed, he said that he could post his e-mail and invited me to write.  I did.

Now, I'm not sure if he knows or not.

My plan is to be myself.  Whatever or whoever that may be.



Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Filet of (Cami)sole

Yesterday, I wrote:


There are two types of camisoles. One has wide straps, one has narrow straps.


Wide straps are better under drab shirts. They're pretty much like undershirts.


Narrow straps can be hard to hide, especially if they're adjustable.

Oops.... There are wide straps, straps with lace, narrow straps, narrow adjustable straps, spaghetti straps, adjustable spaghetti straps.... There are probably more different types of straps than the total number of (male) shirts I own.

And there are not just long and short ~ there are lengths from above navel to tunic length.  You can consider full slips to be a really long camisole.  Or a camisole as a short slip.   There are a steady range of neck openings, from high all the way down to ohmygod. There are cotton, ribbed cotton, nylon, stretch, and silk. I have a velour camisole.

They come in white and pink and light pink and dark blue and any colour or pattern or print you can imagine. There are plain ones and ones with lace around the collar and lace around the waist and lace on the straps and any combination. There are ones with bows.  I have a camisole with a side zipper.

A few years ago, I tossed out my undershirts, and replaced them mostly with these.  (By the way, the price for these at Amazon is very good.  I may buy another pack.)  But I also have silky white ones and white ones with a bit of lace ~ just a bit. And I have a few tank tops in different colours to wear under different colour shirts.

I've been doing a bit of inventory lately, and trying to see what I should eliminate from my closet. To that end, I've been wearing a different cami under my shirt each day. Sometimes, only a plain white one will work. Other times, I stretch the envelope as much as I can.

I save the adjustable and spaghetti straps for when I'm wearing a denim or other heavy shirt. That means I won't get to all of them before the weather gets warmer.

I am wearing lacy camis, or ones with narrower straps under my regular clothes when it probably won't show. As readers here have pointed out, accidental outings are probably not a good idea.

No, I don't think I'm done yet.



Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Heart and (Cami)sole

There are two types of camisoles.  One has a built-in bra, one does not.

The ones without are better under men's clothing.  Even if it's just some extra support, the band may show through in the back if you tense the fabric of the shirt at all.  I noticed this little problem at work on Friday, when I wore one under my denim shirt.  I thought the denim shirt covered everything but I was wrong.  I doubt anyone noticed.  I hope no-one noticed.  Anyway, no-one said anything.

The ones with give a feeling of wearing a bra under your clothes.  If that appeals to you, go for it.  Keep in mind what I wrote above.  Maybe it's best when you'll be keeping a jacket on.

There are two types of camisoles.  One is fitted to your bust, one is not.

Under men's clothing, a camisole that just hangs is better.  Over pads (or your own self, for the gifted among us), fitted is clearly better.

There are two types of camisoles.  One has wide straps, one has narrow straps.

Wide straps are better under drab shirts.  They're pretty much like undershirts.

Narrow straps can be hard to hide, especially if they're adjustable.

No, I'm not done.


Monday, January 17, 2011

A Little Bit of (Cami)sole

The sleeveless type of men's undershirt can be replaced by a camisole.

There are two types camisoles.  One has a high neck, one has a low neck.

The higher necks are great to cover up a lack of cleavage and whatever padding is used to produce a little bit of upper-body shape.  Something like the picture to the right would kind of kill the illusion.  I have several of these high-neck camis, and I often keep them on the same hanger as certain tops or dresses or suits I think they work well with.  I especially try to keep a cami with a top if it's necessary ~ if I can't possibly wear that top without something underneath.

The lower necks are great to wear under my drab shirts.  If one extra button pops open, there's little chance that a bit of lace or bright colour will show.  I have several of these too.  Some are in colours and I'll keep a blue one with a blue shirt, or a pink one with a pink shirt.

Some necks sort of fit in between.  They might be low enough that you can wear them under drab clothes, yet still be high enough to wear under a blouse.  I have several of these as well.

OK, let's forget all of that for now.



There are two types of camisoles.  One is long and one is short.

The longer ones can be tucked into pants when in drab.  This might be a problem under (male) shirts that are not tucked in.  Short ones might be a problem when dressed, and under, say, a suit.  Opening buttons might reveal some tummy that may not be exactly your most feminine feature.  Mine sure isn't.

I'm going to start again.



There are two types of camisoles.  One is plain and one is fancy.

Under men's clothing, plain is best.  Some of the lace around the neck might show as texture under a man's shirt.

Under women's clothing, there is no rule.  Maybe you'd avoid the one with eyelets if they'll show, or ones that are clearly meant to be worn as under-, not as outer-wear.

Now that I think about it, I have it wrong.

There are two types of camisoles.  One is underwear (camisole), one is not (tank top).

I don't think there's a clear line between the two.  It's kind of an I'll-know-it-when-I-see-it thing.

More tomorrow.  I think this will become "camisole week."



Sunday, January 16, 2011

I Got Nothin'

Yesterday, I planned to indulge in my second-favourite hobby, see a couple of customers, write today's post, and spend time with an out of town guest.

Instead, I started the day by breaking a filling.  I had a commitment to my hobby, but I had to cancel the customers and lose the writing time so I could get a temporary crown and be ready for my guest.  I'll be back tomorrow, and you'll understand my Friday post.

Oh ~ my "second-favourite hobby" is annoying politicians.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Yeah! Why Not?

In the first Bob the Squirrel strip, there were several days of Lez wearing her husband's favourite shirt. The Herb and Jamaal gag just came out of nowhere.



Friday, January 14, 2011

Under Where?

There are two types of men's undershirts: the type without sleeves and tee-shirts.


Thursday, January 13, 2011

Am I Honest Enough?

I joined a discussion group a couple of weeks ago.  It's associated with a newspaper I'm familiar with, but don't read.

I joined because there was a thread on transvestites.

I joined as Meg and identified my "affiliation."  I picked a stock avatar (red high heels) and posted several comments in that thread.  I answered questions from several people.  No-one else identified themselves as a crossdresser, and I felt I was doing some good by educating the masses.

I've posted on a few other threads since then.  Most are just chat, or politics.  I also changed my avatar to a photo of Meg, once I found out how to do that.

The same people show up in different threads.  A couple are ubiquitous.  It seems I can't find a thread they're not on!

Either no-one remembers my introduction, or no-one cares.  I'm not sure which.

I'm trying to decide if I should re-introduce myself.  There is an "introductions" section, but if I do post something there, there's no guarantee that the people I'd be chatting with would ever read it.  Anyone who's interested can find all of my messages and see where I began.

I feel like I should start each discussion with "just a note... I'm not a girl" but of course I won't.  I'm going to keep my "Meg" membership because I'm getting known as that American left-winger in the political chats.  Maybe gender doesn't matter.

I'm thinking that I've done enough.  I haven't hidden my identity.  I tried to link to my blog, but I was told that personal contact information is forbidden and the link was removed.  As far as I know, no-one followed the link before it was removed.  If a reason to mention that "I'm not a girl" comes up again, I'll remind them.  If there's a crossdress thread, I'll join in with "as a crossdresser...."

But until then....

Am I being honest, or deluding myself?



Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Plans

OK, starting next week:  Last week, I decided I would do weekday posts, then a cd-related cartoon (or two) on Saturday, then a non-cd cartoon (or two) on Sunday.

You can see how well that worked!

Making lemonade: Monday, my wife had to go to hospital for a minor procedure.  I decided to take the day off, to drop her off and pick her up.  The hospital is about a mile from a mall.  I'm still looking for primer, and (always) clothes. She told me that the procedure would be at 10, and she'd be ready to leave around noon.  I got to the mall around 930, visited a couple of shops when they opened at 10, and got to Sephora around 10:45.  I told the woman who offered to help that the last time I bought makeup, the sales associate gave me a couple of unlabeled primer samples.  I liked them and wanted to purchase primer.  After some chat and questions ("is this for dry skin? oily skin?") she very tentatively asked if it was for me.  I said it was she made some recommendations.  It seems every line has their own primer.  She offered to give me more samples; I said I'd buy what she recommended and then rethought that ~ I've bought products that make me break out, so I asked if I could get a foundation primer sample and I'll buy the eye shadow primer.  She gave me two.  Then the phone rang.  My shopping time was over.

Field trip? Right now, my wife is planning on taking the kids skiing next month.  I haven't been out, or even fully dressed, since Halloween.  If she goes, that'll change.  You'll be the first to know.

Next Swap I'll see if my friend who runs it has room in her new place for me to change before/after the swap.  She's living in a smaller apartment now, and usually has a lot of signs, centerpieces, coat racks, and so on cluttering up the place at swap time.  We'll see.



Tuesday, January 11, 2011

That's Not Funny

Are there any funny transvestite jokes?  I can't find any, I can't think of any I might have heard.  Are all of the jokes visual?  I mean, what we do is visual, so that might make sense.  There are lots of gay jokes, S&M jokes, jokes about other "offbeat" practices.

Q: What's the definition of a transvestite?
A: A guy who likes to eat, drink, and be Mary.

OK, that's kind of exhausted all of the jokes.  I did ask if there are any "funny transvestite jokes."  This doesn't qualify.  (Neither does the Monica Lewinsky joke.)

Humour can be mean, but humour can also lead to acceptance.  It's the principle of "any publicity is good publicity."

Maybe I need to listen to more Eddie Izzard.



Monday, January 10, 2011

Swap Report

Nothing to report.

I left my customer and headed to the swap venue.  This one was at a restaurant.  When I got there, there was a handwritten sign on the door saying that the restaurant wasn't ready and the swap was cancelled.

Next time, I'm going to see if I can find a place to change before and after and let Meg attend.  I told the hostess that I would help set up for this swap.  For the next, if I can change, I'll stick around for the whole thing and help shut down and deliver the leftovers.  She donates any leftover clothes to a woman's shelter or similar organisation.



Sunday, January 9, 2011

Poor Judgement, I Know

Today, my friend Kim is hosting another clothing swap.  Over 200 people (if not all women, then pretty darn close) RSVPd.  I told her I could drop by early to help and I have a large bag of clothes to drop off too.

I'll be in drab.

I don't know if anyone I know will be there.  It's certainly possible.  I'll probably see people who've met Meg at previous swaps.  I don't know if they'll make the connection.  I liked the people I've met previously; if I see them (and the hard part for me ~ recognise them) it'll be hard to not say hi.  I should not say hi.

I'll be there an hour before it starts, to help set up.  I haven't decided if I'll stick around to look for clothes.  I'd like to.

Changing before/after isn't an option this time.  I have a customer at noon, swap at 1, customer at 3.  I arranged the late customer so I have the option of looking at clothes if I decide to.

It's a bad idea, I know.  I sometimes wonder why I do it.  Maybe I'm ready to be out and getting caught is my passive-aggressive way of doing it.

I'll write more tomorrow, but I suspect it'll be a non-event.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

I Kinda Like 'Em

This is from Dave Coverly's Speed Bump.  I'm linking to the daily strip because his website opens with flash and sound.  I rejoiced when the Washington Post picked up this strip.  I used to see it occasionally and withdrawal set in when I couldn't find it.

And as long as we're on high heels (if not in them)...

The second strip is Ballard Street, which I've also featured before.  It's just a series of odd panels, but sometimes, it's about us. :)

Click each image to see the big picture.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Princess Boy

If you haven't heard about this, it's interesting but I wonder what the whole story is.  It feels like something's missing, or wrong.

See a brief article and the Today show appearance here.

The child has the right answer at the end of the clip: "it's fun to wear dresses."

So that's why we do it!

While we're on the subject, read this article.  It's well-written and reasonable.  I like that in an article.



Thursday, January 6, 2011

Let the Games Begin!

Last night, I went to an event at my synagogue.  I got there early and the sign telling where different events were was absent.  I walked over to the office and there was A, the woman who's probably the contact for the women's retreat I mentioned yesterday.

I asked where the event was.  She checked her calendar and said "it's not tonight."  I pulled out the monthly bulletin and showed her where it was announced.  She looked at a newer calendar, found it, and told me where it was.

I figured it's time to test the waters.

I said "I doubt you'd let me go to the event I really want to attend."  She looked puzzled and said "what's that?"  I turned the bulletin over and showed her the announcement for the retreat.  She laughed and said "we're also planning a men's retreat."  I said "that wouldn't be as much fun."  She did a fake pout and said "you can't go."

The event is the start of a monthly meditation class.  We each introduced ourselves and said why we came.  I said "kismet.  I never look at the bulletin but this time I did and I saw the class.  I thought I should go to at least one temple event, and I didn't think you'd let me go on the women's retreat you just announced."  Some laughter around the room and the facilitator said "we're planning a men's retreat" which I left hanging.

Did I seriously out myself and start a discussion?  No.  But the idea is out there and I'm known to beat a joke to death,  Next time I see A, I'll work on it.  Just a little.

It would be a lot of fun, and a heckuva experience.


Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Like This Is Going to Happen!

My synagogue just announced their annual women's retreat.  Three days, but no details yet.

Last year they featured meditation, spirituality, singing, music, discussions "specifically related to women", "pajama talk," and other similar sessions.  It took place at a western MD resort.

I'm tempted to talk to whomever's in charge.  Last year, it was one of my customers; it'll probably be the same woman this year.  But I can't see any good coming out of it.

I have to come out to someone who is very chatty and has told me things about people I didn't need to know.  She's not quite a yenta, but she could be with a little practice.  That means a good part of my customer base will know.

She'll discuss it with others involved in the planning and the answer will be "no."  I'm betting they want to keep it "women only" or will be worried that other women won't want to go if there's a guy there, or that husbands will object if there's a guy there, or darn it, they only have rooms for two, three, or four and that wouldn't be right.

It'll come down to "if it was up to me, of course it would be OK.  But...."

And if I somehow did go, I truly doubt it'll be a weekend of acceptance, like in the crossdresser fiction
fantasies.

But it's fun to think about.  And I might ask.  It's still a few months away.




Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Should I Say...?

My wife sent me an e-mail. She send mass e-mails. I don't.

This one had the subject A PSA from the TSA and went as follows:

Year to date statistics on Airport screening from the Department of Homeland Security
Terrorist Plots Discovered                   0
Transvestites                                     133
Hernias                                             1,485
Hemorrhoid Cases                         3,172
Enlarged Prostates                         8,249
Breast Implants                             59,350
Natural Blondes                                    3


Should I tell her I'm one of 133?

I better not.  And if I was more paranoid I'd probably be hiding and thinking ohmygodsheknows!

(follow up:  P must've been on her distribution list ~ he just forwarded me the same thing.  I am way too tempted!)



Monday, January 3, 2011

Diet?

I don't diet well.  When I was in my early 20s, I wanted to put weight on.  It never worked.  My doctor has given me a list of foods to avoid (my cholesterol is in the 911 range) and I kind of looked at it and said "no."  My voodoo doctor (he's not, but, well, it's voodoo) suggested different food regimens ~ mostly simple things like more raw foods, less coffee.  It's not going to happen.  If someone told me not eating chocolate would raise my voice an octave, I'd lament at passing by on a dream.

A couple of weeks ago, mrslickiv6 (and I have no idea how to parse that name: Mrs Lickiv 6?  Mrs Licki V6?  Mrs Lick IV 6?  Mr Slick IV6?  NO idea) commented that she ate at the Cheesecake Factory and asked "how do you keep your girly figure?"

If you've ever eaten there, you know what she means.  The answer is, "I don't eat there often!"  Maybe once a year, and I dread it: there's way too much food stuffed on a plate.

It's hard, in America today, to eat out and not overeat out.  Either you order a salad variant, or you get stuck with a 12 (or more) ounce portion of something.

I'm trying to eat less.  I often skip lunch.  I tried salads at lunch, but salads seem to make me hungrier.  I have noticed that I'm hungrier at noon if I have more coffee in the morning.  The easy solution is to cut down or eliminate coffee ~ but I like coffee.  I also like coffee ice cream, but that's another story. :)

My kids like to go to Outback.  I eat too much of their blooming onion thing every time.  I'm trying to think about not eating the whole steak when I'm there.  I just decided ~ going forward, Outback is two meals.  One there, one of leftovers the next day.

But the real secret is of my "girly figure", other than the undergarment with the metal bars in it is... I don't know.  You probably know people who eat til they burst and never gain a pound, and others who gain weight walking through a grocery store.

I'm about 5 foot 9.  When I was in high school and college, I weighed about 118, and I was trying to put on weight.  I think by the end of college I was all the way up to 123, and maybe 130 by the time I reached 30.

In my mid-30's something changed and my weight went up to 155.  It's ALWAYS there, give or take a couple of pounds.  I'd like to have my 118 (or 123 or 130) back now, but it doesn't matter what I do.  Holiday stuffing doesn't make a difference.  A week of flu doesn't make a difference.

Oh...  I am pretty active.  I don't go to a gym or go on organised runs.  I don't do sports anymore, but I walk a lot.  When the weather is nice, I take advantage and take "non-smoking breaks" (tm).  I figure, if smokers get to go outside for six or eight minutes an hour, that's about an hour that they get off that I don't.  I refuse to be penalised for not smoking, so I go for a walk once or twice a day.

My office is on the 6th floor.  The stairwell doors are locked so I can't walk up, but I always walk down.  At home, I'm constantly moving between the basement, main level, and upstairs.

So I'm not sedentary, and never have been, but I don't think there's a thing you can do to control your weight, long term.  Your body does what it will.

I just wish I was buying clothes, getting dressed, and going OUT when I DID have a girly figure!



Sunday, January 2, 2011

Ink Pen

Phil Dunlop's Ink Pen is one of those strips that I read because it has its laugh-out-loud moments.  In it, almost everyone is a superhero, more or less.  On the past few Saturdays, Phil's been kind of introducing each character, in baseball card form. 

Remember to click on each picture to make it more readable.

Here's yesterday's strip:


Scrappy Lad also known as Sassy Lass? OK, I had to check that out. Here is the comic he mentioned and the one from the previous day.



Hmmm. It looks like we had to figure out that Sassy Lass was Scrappy Lad. The only sign was the "Hey!!" when he was dissed. Oddly enough, the following day they had another little gender bender:


There's one more that's been sitting in my queue, waiting for the right day.  Its waiting is over: