Running Red Momma

My daughter is beginning to listen to current events a bit. She asked me what I thought of Sarah Palin. "She is a woman," she explained. As much as I want to be about female empowerment, I had to say, "Well, she doesn't show good judgement." My daughter paused, then replied, "Yeah, but she's pretty." Despite the marching and fist waving, it stills seems to come to that. I shot back, "So, what? That doesn't matter!" The conversation ended and I wasn't sure if anything had been gained. As much as I preach to my children looks don't matter, the world surely tells them differently. Politics, popularity and dating still seem to be very much about the outside. Ask Hiliary Clinton about her private feelings regarding her campaign. Even if one excluded her policies, her physical attractiveness was a part of public perception problems. I related the Palin discussion to my husband thinking he might shake his head. Laughing, ...

We all have body issues. I say that last sentence with confidence because we are all are presented computerized images telling us otherwise. Your issue may be large thighs, short legs or a super curvy behind. My present problem has been a doughy stomach which likes to spill over the tops of things. Yes, I know I'm not that big or over-weight. However, I don't know who to blame here. It is either being over-40 or having that fourth-kid-while- older-so-my-skin-forgot-to-stretch-back that has caused my present state. My stomach just likes to hang a bit over and look like a mini-sausage. Really, the problem is solved with clever attention getting belts and cozy sweaters. Tighter t-shirts? Meh--not so much. Yes, I could wear a looser t-shirt, but that would obscure my other diminutive assets which reside above. It is always a choice of which hides and which shines. Yet, shine may be a over-statement for me. However, I don't want to be defined by what society might th...