Monday, December 29, 2008

New Study Shows that Size 14 Women Happiest With Life, Size 24 Unhappiest

Girls who wear the dress size rated their general happiness higher than any other with a quarter saying they were extremely happy.

More than 43 per cent of size 14 women also said they were as happy as they could be with their career, while almost a third say they couldn't be more content with their love life.

Second happiest, according to the research by Special K, are size 12 women, with almost three quarters saying they are completely satisfied with their friendships.

Forty-five per cent also enjoy a very successful career.

A spokeswoman for Special K said: "It's great to discover that being a size zero doesn't necessarily bring you happiness. Our research shows that the curvier size 14 woman is much more comfortable with their shape and has a happier outlook on life."

Size eight women came third in the happiness poll, of 3,000 women, closely followed by those who wear a size 16, and a size 10.

But those who wear a size 24 or above didn't fare quite so well, with a staggering 18 per cent admitting they are extremely unhappy with their life.

Less than four per cent are happy with their career, while more than one in ten admitted they were extremely unhappy when it comes to their love life.

Size 20 women were second in the list of unhappiest clothes sizes followed by those who wear a size 22.

But researchers discovered that it's not just plus-size women who are unhappy, as tiny size six girls came fourth, with size 18 women at number five.

The poll also revealed that 48 per cent of all women aren't happy with their weight.

More than two thirds also said they weren't their ideal clothes size, with the average woman wishing they could wear a perfect ten.

A spokeswoman for Special K added: "It's great that curvier women are happier, but we know that many women still find it hard maintaining their ideal shape.

"That's why we've launched a free online tool called Shapemate that has all the help and support women need to achieve their slimming goals."

HAPPIEST DRESS SIZES

1. 14

2. 12

3. 8.

4. 16.

5. 10

LEAST HAPPY DRESS SIZES

1. 24

2. 20

3. 22

4. 6

5. 18

Well, since my size isn't on here, and I am bigger than a size 24, I will add mine to the happiest list. Good grief, next it will be neck sizes or something. FWIW, I was way happier at size 18 than I was at size 14. I wouldn't mind being that size again at all. I could wear a size Large from all the stores and I could walk without pain. Yes, it looks pretty darn good to me.

Beth Ditto - This is for all the Fat Girls

Actually, Camryn Manheim said that when she accepted her Emmy, but I never forgot it. There aren't many who cheer for us big girls. Our society seems to have slowly opened up a bit, but fat prejudice is still the only politically correct prejudice. I know a lot of beautiful large people. I feel fortunate to know them and I know something all those fat haters out there don't know. I know they are missing out by not knowing them and I know that more than likely many of them will one day be fat. Then what. Here's a video of one of my favorite performers. Not only is she large and beautiful, she is extremely talented. I feel certain that if not for her size, she would be hugely (no pun intended) popular right now. But some people just can't move past that. Look at the female singers whose careers have suffered because they gained weight...Stevie Nicks, Ann Wilson from Heart, Linda Ronstadt. Their talent is still as good as it ever was. Stevie lost some weight and has been "accepted" back into music society. Watch how Simon denigrates the large people on American Idol. The thing is, he is right when he tells them they probably won't go far in the music industry if they are overweight. Kelly Clarkson faded from view when she gained weight. Same person, same talent. What can I say.

In all her raw and rowdy glory, I give you Beth Ditto and Gossip. I think she could give anyone a run for their money physically. This girl can move.

Tired Sunday

I am not going to write much. Some great news, brother Barry is home from the hospital after a two week stay, a week in ICU. Not so great news is that his diabetes has progressed from oral medication to 55 units of insulin a day. He is also on heparin because of his atrial fibrillation, which he no longer has since he was cardioverted but he will be on the heparin for awhile as prophylaxis. He is on three inhalers for his lungs, and a multitude of other medications, but he is definitely glad to be home in his own house, in his own bed. I sent him a ham for Christmas but he never got to taste it before he got sick. He was talking all the time in the hospital about how he was going to fix it. Hospital food...well, you know. I am grate for the prayers of my friends and family. Barry was sufficiently scared enough to not wait so long if he gets sick again. Like the rest of my family, we were raised to not complain and never get sick. It stood us well at one point in our lives, but not now, not at this age.

We had after Christmas get together at Rodger's sisters. I really like her, but can't say that I care for some of the other people in the family. Lots of negative things said about other people in the family, leading me to believe that the minute we left, our names were bandied about. Not a good feeling. It's too bad, because I really do like his sister. Ah, well, families. What can I say.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Godtube Song Everything by Lifehouse

When I was first sent this some time ago, I thought it was the most awesome video ever. Lifehouse is not exactly a Christian band, but the band members have Christian backgrounds and roots and much of their music, as with Creed, has Christian undertones and messages. This skit perfectly embodies the song. It makes me cry every time I watch it. Take a moment and prepare to be moved.

Don't Give Up - Josh Groban

What an awesome song, an awesome video, and a totally awesome performer. John Groban gives me chills. This is such an inspiring song and a reminder that we are never alone. He is always there.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

I Need a Silent Night - Amy Grant

I think this is a very representative song about what Christmas has become and what we need to be reminded of. My favorite part, though, is the child who speaks near the end. She is Amy and Vince's little girl, Corrina. Amy said she wanted to preserve her little 7-year-old's voice and so she has. I have recordings I am saving of all my grandchildren, most of them saved on my answering machine. Elizabeth singing You Are My Sunshine. Megan singing Happy Birthday with Nic. Kyla's first words on a tape packed away. I have never forgotten. Merry Christmas. It's almost midnight. Another Christmas gone. As she says in the song, the years go faster and faster. I can attest that they certainly seem to do so, especially as we get older.

You'll Shoot Yer Eye Out Kid!

Well, some may list It's a Wonderful Life as their favorite Christmas movie, and it was mine until this movie came out. The subtle humor of this movie is hilarious. I finally got it for Christmas this year. Now I can watch it any time I want.

Merry Christmas Redux

Thinking aloud, I spent a lot of my barely there free time crocheting for people this last year, afghans, baby blankies (Kyla), scarves, lots of scarves, and I have come to realize that is what helps me relax the most. So to all my family and friends, get used to homemade things in the future. I might even get into other crafts again. Years ago, the girls and I used to spend a lot of time at Christmas making Christmas crafts. One year, I did Christmas remembrance boxes with old time toys and doilies. I made a sleigh filled with toys, too. I sold them all or gave them away. I so enjoyed it. It's hard to find good yarn anymore or craft things. I think Hobby Lobby will become my new best friend. When I retire, I have so many things to do. Anyway, MERRY CHRISTMAS again to family and friends. I love you all. I have about 8 afghans now in various stages of completion all over my house. I have a beautiful one I started for Dawn years ago, and one for Rodger. So much to do and so little time!

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

Just beautiful.

Merry Christmas, Mom

My mother adored Vince Gill. She's the one who got me hooked on him. Sadly, he hasn't done much for awhile, but he has to have one of the most pure and beautiful voices ever. And not hard to look at either. I was so happy when he married Amy Grant. I have always loved her Christian music and they make beautiful music together. It doesn't hurt that Vince is from where I grew up. Mom's a "real" Okie, I was only a transplanted one, but Oklahoma was, is and always will be my home. My kids were both born there in the same hospital Vince was born in. So this is for you, Mom. Merry Christmas. I miss you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2008!!!

I have recreated my blog today with a look toward setting a different tone. I am thankful for so many things, most especially my family and my wonderful friends. Please pray for my brother, Barry, who still remains in intensive care. He has a long battle ahead of him and many serious health issues for someone so young.

My brother and I were talking about our Christmases when we were growing up. We really did have great Christmases and I know it was all mom's doing. My father didn't make much money and mom didn't work, as most mothers didn't back them. But you would have never known it around Christmas time. It wasn't until years later that I learned that my mother's mom, my Grandma Brooks, never celebrated Christmas. And it was even years after that when mom told me that dad had never once given her a present for any occasion. I tried to make mom's Christmases special and I enjoyed shopping for her. I couldn't wait for the packages to get to her and I would call her every day. How she loved getting presents. I was talking to one of my other brothers today, Roger, and he said of all the kids, I had taken the best care of mom. I don't feel that I did. We had our problems, but I never forgot a birthday, Mother's day or Christmas. Not one time, no matter where I was.

I tried to make Christmas special for my children and my grandchildren. This time of year is hard for me in that we are so far away and they won't have the memories of our Christmases together. But I do know that they know I love them, and I guess that is the most important part of all.

Here's a video I made some time ago in memory of my father. I always miss him most this time of year. My mother, too. I am making a video of her and will post when I am done. God bless everyone!