Is strong REALLY beautiful?

If you've been a follower of my blog for awhile, or if you happen to know me in person, you know that food and I have not always had the best of relationships.  If you're just dropping by for the first time, well, welcome.  Food and I have not always had the best of relationships, just FYI.  

I've had my good times with food, I've had my bad times with food, and my relationship with food is something that I will always be mindful of as I go through my life.  Proper diet and weight management are things that I'm constantly thinking about.  I'm always mindful of how I look, and how I feel about myself. Last week I was having a particularly rough week.  The end of the school year was not good for my diet, and I've been feeling not so great about things lately.  And as I was searching for recipe ideas for healthy meals to cook to get myself back on track, I was just a little bit bothered by something that I kept seeing.

As I scrolled through multiple blogs and multiple posts, I kept seeing "Strong is beautiful".  This wasn't the first time I had seen the phrase, but I've noticed that this sort of "movement" has really been gaining some steam lately.  When I first started seeing all the "Strong is beautiful" stuff, I was sort of excited.  I think that moving away from the idea that every woman in the world should be a size 4 or under is a good thing.  I think it's healthy.  It's like the pendulum of beauty image began to swing in a healthy direction.  But I've been noticing lately, it seems, that more and more I'm seeing those same words attached only to pictures of extremely fit women, like Annie Thorisdottir.  Now, before anyone jumps on me and says I'm hating on Annie, allow me to say that I think Annie is gorgeous.  I think I would make out with Annie if she asked.  She is incredibly talented as an athlete and has obvious amounts of dedication to her sport.  And I'm NOT saying that women like Annie are not beautiful.

My issue with this situation is this.  By attaching the phrase "Strong is beautiful" to women like Annie, it seems to be promoting the ideal that you can't be beautiful unless you have a very low percentage of body fat and a perfectly ripped body, like Annie.  It's almost as if you can't be considered beautiful unless you look like THAT.  Yesterday Facebook (God BLESS Facebook) trended me to an article about the beautiful women of CrossFit.  Again, every single one of them had six pack abs, ripped arms, and was completely toned.  Again, are those women all beautiful? Absolutely, but again, it's almost as if the beauty image pendulum has completely swung the other way.  It's almost as if it's saying that unless you are completely toned and ripped, you are not strong or beautiful.  

In my opinion, which I know does not count for very much, there seems to be a contradiction going on.  If strong is beautiful, then regular old girls who work out hard and are trying the best they can to be healthy should be beautiful too, no? So then, if that's what we REALLY mean, where are the pictures of them?  Why are their bodies not being heralded as beautiful too?  Why are they not being featured in the same photos as the Annies of the world?  Why does it only apply to the perfect physiques of the CrossFit goddesses? 

Would I love to be a CrossFit goddess and look like Annie? Absolutely.  (It would probably help my dating life a lot..... then again, shutting my mouth and not always expressing my opinions might too.... but I digress.)  I think we all would because, let's be honest, those abs are freaking awesome and who WOULDN'T want to have those?  But I know that the particular amount of dedication to CrossFit and dieting that it would take for me to get there is just not in my cards right now.  But in the meantime, does that mean that I'm not beautiful?  (Be careful how you answer that question.... this is MY blog after all.... :P) Does it mean that the woman who just dropped 20 lbs isn't beautiful?  Does that mean that the woman who is a size 10 and deadlifting 275, but does not have ripped arms isn't beautiful? 

This post is NOT trying to take anything away from the hard work those women have put into their dieting and their sport, but I just think that we (and by "we" I mean society) need to slow down and think carefully about "Strong is beautiful" and how exactly that message is being portrayed.  I think it's great that people are finally coming around to the idea that stronger women and athletes are beautiful, but I think that if we are not careful about how we send this message, then we will have missed a very important boat altogether.  If strong is truly beautiful, then I think we need to begin to celebrate the beauty truly, as it is, in all different kinds of shapes and sizes.  

How to Date a CrossFitter.... if you are one...

So, last week I gave out some helpful tips for people who wanted to date a CrossFitter, but were not CrossFitters themselves.  So, I guess it's only fair if I give some dating advice for people who are CrossFitters.  Since I'm single, I'm not really sure if I SHOULD be giving dating advice, but.... meh, oh well.  I'll do it anyway, cuz, well, it's my blog and I can! 

How to Date a CrossFitter....if you are one!

I think it's always better to start with the DON'TS and get them out of the way... so let's do that again shall we? Some of these rules may only apply if we CrossFit together, others are universal! 

DON'T

1.  Touch my knife, don't touch my Johnson...or my weights- This rule really only applies if we happen to CrossFit at the same box, but it's an important one.  You'd be pissy if somebody messed with your weights mid-wod, so why do it to your SO? That's even MORE annoying.  Just becuase I'm your SO that doesn't mean that I won't be annoyed if you try to share/mess with my stuff.  It also doesn't mean I won't smack you in the face with my kettlebell.  So, bottom line, HANDS OFF! 

2.  Forget that WOD time is WOD time.- I realize that you like my butt, and that my boobs look AWESOME in my Lulu tanktop, HOWEVER, time and place buddy.  I also realize that I'm freaking awesome and that you want to tell me how much you love me.... but.... again, time and place.  While I do enjoy the ocassional chalk print on my butt, when we're wodding, please refrain from calling me shnookums, baby cakes, and pookey, and store up all those lovey dovey things for later.... when I can properly show you how much I appreciate them..... *hint hint, wink wink* I have a totally badass reputation to uphold in the box, and I won't have others thinking it's ok to call me shmoopy pants.  If you choose to ignore this rule, I promise I will reveal your mother's pet name for you and post your naked baby photos to Facebook.  And perhaps a few embarassing photos of you from the mid-90's.  Consider yourself warned.  

3.  Whine if I can clean/snatch/overhead squat more than you.- Listen, we all have our strengths and weaknesses when it comes to CrossFit.  I just happen to be good at lifting heavy things after being a swimmer for 16 years, but I SUCK when it comes to metcons.  So please don't get all mopey and act like a 3rd grader if I happen to clean more than you on a given day.  It's not sexy.  Whining about it just might make me accidentally dump my bar on you.  And I don't care who you are.... 100 pounds is 100 pounds and it hurts if I slam it into you.

4.  Rub it in that you are more like Speedy Gonzalez than me.-  Trying to make yourself feel better about your strength weakness by rubbing it in that you are faster than me makes my attraction to you fade faster than than New Kids on the Block comeback.  Don't try to put me down to build yourself up.  Embrace your weaknesses and do work, son!

5.  Fan your feathers. - Ok, so let's say you're a guy that CAN lift more than me.  You don't need to flaunt it at every turn. If I drop my bar and it needs to be back on the rack, I'll strip it, or tag team it back up there.  I don't need you to come over and clean/snatch my 1RM like it's child play.  Really? I get it, you're able to lift my 1RM easily.  Put the plummage away and go lift something else besides MY bar.  

6.  Think it's necessary to make me jealous by wodding shirtless and flirting at the gym- If you have to ask why, then this is CLEARLY not going to work.  If you like to wod shirtless 'cause you do, that's one thing.  If you need to have every female at the gym staring at you and touching your perfectly formed six-pack, then move along.  I like you because I like YOU, not your biceps and six-pack.  Although they are nice to see and touch.... they're NOT why I'm dating you.  

7.  Play "the penis mightier" with all the guys at the gym- Listen, you like me, that's cool and I dig that. But our thing is our thing, and the whole world does not need to be informed.  If we like each other, sooner or later, people WILL figure it out.  You don't need to give every man at the box the "hands-off" talk, or the "eyes-off" talk either.  Many of those guys are my friends and us dating won't change that.  If you can't handle me having male friends, I suggest you do like Michael Jackson and "beat it".  

DO

1.  Feel free to cheer for me.- So long as you're not calling me baby cakes, shmoopy, or any other pet name, I whole-heartedly appreciate your support, especially if it's during a metcon! 

2.  Celebrate my success.- Be proud of me when I do something good and I promise that I will cheer just as loud when you hit a big PR! 

3.  Tell me how hot I look after a WOD.- If you'd like to tell me AFTER the WOD how hot I look without any make-up and drenched in sweat.... well then, by all means! :) 

4.  Be my partner.-  We don't need to do EVERY partner WOD together, we don't have an imbilical cord after all, but I don't think there's anything wrong with us WODding together. 

5.  Practice being healthy with me.- There is strength in numbers.  Healthy eating and wod habits are easier to keep when there is a buddy system.  Think "Thunder buddies for life!" So let's get together and work on our world dominance.... ok ok fine... maybe just our CrossFit dominance.  

So there you have it folks.... How to Date a CrossFitter... if you are a CrossFitter.  As usual, I reserve the right to ammend my list! :) Hope it made you giggle at least a little! :) 

Katie on: Affordable Healthcare

A large number of Americans already have affordable healthcare.  It's called CrossFit.  :) I think though, that since CrossFit and healthy eating are known to PREVENT many types of ailments, my insurance company should cover my monthly gym membership and count it as preventative care.  ;) Just a thought.... 

I need 100 CC's of Mario Kart!!!

So, last week I was outside Philly visiting my friend.  He just had surgery to reattach his hamstring, which for him, has been nothing short of torture.  He's always been a very active soccer player and coach, even after college.  For him to now be forced to lay on the couch (he can't even sit) in an immobolizer is absolutely torturous for him.  I went to visit just so he could have some company and have someone to talk to and watch movies with.  As an added bonus, I found out that CrossFit KOP (King Of Prussia) was LITERALLY .8 miles from his house.  I was stoked! A wod in the process?!? Sweet. The drop-in was great and I hit the hero wod from the main site, which was pretty painful for all intensive purposes.  I had to modify the HSPU, but the time wasn't too bad for 12 rounds.  Although the drop-in was fun, and was a serious highlight, I have a confession that I have to make.  Until last week, I had never played a Wii.  So Kev and I decided that well, I needed to play.  We of course decided to play Mario Kart.  I am an absolutely HORRIBLE driver.  No really.  We were playing on a team and he kept telling me my only job was to make sure I didn't finish last.  That's NOT exactly a vote of confidence! LOL.  Anyway, playing Mario Kart with him made me think of the rap video Remy did.  If you don't know Remy, well.... then you just don't know.  He's INFAMOUS in the NOVA area for his spectacularly done "Arlington Rap".  (You Tube it.... IMHO, SPOT ON!) Well, he also made one called the Mario Kart rap.  I'm going to amuse you all with it now.  Because, well, I can!!! 

How to date a CrossFitter.... if you're not one....

As a single, now thirty something living in DC, I can attest to the fact that dating is difficult. You have the other person's quirks, your own insecurities, and not to mention schedules. I mean, who knew that dating required you to have ready access to your Google calendar just to make sure your evening was free? Didn't this use to be easier? Now, dating is hard enough on its own, but as a CrossFitter, we add a WHOLE other level of complicatedness to things. That's right, I said complicatedness. I invented a new word this morning. You should NOT be shocked by this at all. Anyway, I've decided that to help UNcomplicate things, I would make a handy little list of do's and DON'Ts for those non-CrossFitters out there to help deal with us CrossFitters in the dating world. Get ready for it folks, 'cause here it is...

How to Date a CrossFitter.... if you're not one

I think it's always easier to start with the don'ts.... so let's warn the nice folks up front, shall we?

DON'T

1. Compare your workout to mine- I have no burning desire to hear all about how you are such a badass because you did 10X5 sets of dumbbell curls at the gym and how your traps are so massive. Great, good for you... but if it came down to it, could you pick me up and run with me from a burning building? No? You can't because you spent all your time watching your perfect self in the mirror? Ok, well you bascially just admitted that to me, so chances are I'm going to forgo a second date with you. Avoid killing the relationship before the relationship sperm can connect with the relationship egg and form a beautiful relationship baby. Practice verbal self-restraint!!!

2. Tell me that CrossFit is too expensive and lame and that you don't understand why people do it.- The door is there. Any questions?

3. Complain about my calluses.- I worked hard to get those and I will not hesitate to slap you with them.

4. Tell me that I should/not eat (insert food here).- Listen, I'm dating you. You're not my nutritionist... well unless you were my nutritionist and now we're on a date, but whatevs..... If we HAPPEN into a conversation about food, great! But don't sit and analyze what's on my plate or offer me your food advice. Chances are, if you do, I will hammer throw my plate at your face and you will STILL pay for my dinner. 'Cuz that's how I roll.

5. Complain about my 0515 or 1745 workouts.- Regardless of whether I go early in the morning or late at night, my time is my time and those crazy mothers in there with me are my family. Try to come between me and my family and I will "go to the mattresses". Ya heard?  

6. Tell me that my bruises look "suspicious".- REALLY?!?!?! *BITCH SLAP*

7. Question my workout wardrobe.- Ok, so I'm a thirty year old woman who likes glitter. I get it. It's a little odd, but work with me. Like you don't have any out of the ordinary obsessions? Please. That collection of Marvel super hero beer steins isn't exactly SCREAMING well-rounded man. And as for my knee-high sock collection... if my outfits are going to match, I really DO need to have a wide variety of colors. Who cares if they take up half my underwear/sock drawer? And are my pants too tight for the gym? NO. Tighter pants, means better bar path. If the dudes stare at my butt, better for you because, while they may get to look, you're the one that gets to touch. Well, maybe. It depends, what date number is this? I reserve the right to withhold butt touching until the second date.

8. You dare tell me that lifting heavy weights will make me look like a man.- Do I look like I have a penis and brostache to you? Clearly not if you agreed to go on a date with me. 

9. Touch my bar, or my jumprope.- Ever see Finding Nemo? MINE! 

10. Play "the penis mightier" with the guys at the gym.- They're my friends. I'm on a date with you. Any questions? 

DO

1. Support my goals.- I love CrossFit and I will work hard to be better at it. Instead of trying to hold me down, help me work towards being leaner and more badass. I'll be even sexier in the long run, and that can only work out well for both of us. ;)

2. Learn the lingo.- Even though it may seem like I talk in riddles with acronyms all the time, trying to understand and asking questions will make you even more attractive in the long run. And it will be super hot when you ask me how my Fran time was today.

3. Just do it.- Try a wod. If it's not for you, it's not for you. But the couple that WOD's together, stays together. Just sayin'. 

4. Be your own healthy individual.- If CrossFit's not for you, ok. Then do your own thing, unless it's tricep kickbacks and bicep curls.... I am not sure I could handle that. I promise I'll be as supportive of you as you are of me, but don't be a couch potato. If I really like you, I'd like you to still be around in 30 years.... maybe.... 

5. Understand that chalk and bruises wind up in LOTS of places.- No, REALLY. 

6. Keep a few ice packs on hand at your place.- Ocassionally, I may need you to play doctor. 

7. Try not to stare at all the other girls at the CrossFit competitions.- I know it's hard, but I said TRY. You're there for me, remember? And if you want to go home with me.... well, eyes forward. 

8. Believe that even if Rich Froning walked into the room and asked me to make out with him, I'd still go home with you. 

 There you have it folks. The Do's and Don'ts of dating a CrossFitter.... if you're not a CrossFitter. Coming soon, the Do's and Don'ts of dating a CrossFitter.... if you ARE a CrossFitter.  

NOTHING

So last week I mentioned about how my kids were working on filling out teacher report cards on me to grade me as a teacher as a fun end of the year thing. Well, I thought that the comment about the omelette maker was pretty good, but I had a student top that. So they question was, "What should I be if I was not a teacher?" I had a student who responded as follows: "Nothing. She probably doesn't know how to do anything else." Escuse me, WHAT? I'm capable of holding down PLENTY of other jobs if I wanted. HARUMPF! I think my indignation is showing! Truth be told, I don't think he meant it as an insult. He is a student who does have some needs in the area of social skills but it was just such an "OH BURN!" moment that I HAD to share. It was truly too priceless. PS- I have been going to the gym.... it's just that the end of the year stuff is so much more interesting to write about.... Wait til you hear about the advice that they have for next year's fourth graders! Oh and keep your eyes peeled... a blog called "How to Date a CrossFitter" is in the works!

The omelette maker makes an impact....

So, as of Tuesday, it was official. My students took their last SOL, and I'm officially done with the "testing" season. So, now what? Well now we get to start doing some fun, end of the year activities, like the "Teacher Report Card". Every year I give my kids a report card that they get to fill out... ON ME! It's fun for them since I always grade them. It's their time to give me feedback. Now some kids just put that everything was great and wonderful and that everything was great, but others really take their time and give the best constructive criticism they can. Sometimes what they come up with is really, REALLY funny. Kind of like their advice letters to next year's fourth graders... but that is a WHOLE other post. Anyway, on the report card, there is a question that asks the students what they think I should do if I wasn't a teacher. I get some interesting stuff like day care worker, doctor... one of my students said I should be a therapist. But the funniest was one I got this year, because I am so used to being in that room with the kids and watching them, that I sometimes forget that they are also watching ME. So this year, one of my students said that I should be a chef. That wasn't so far out there, but her reasoning was what got me. She said I should be a chef because I "always have such yummy looking breakfasts" when I'm in the classroom. It sort of hit like a ton of bricks, but if you remember the omelette maker I was talking about in my post last week, you know what she's talking about. True story. Most days the omelette doesn't get made until right before the kids come. Having the class ready for the day takes priority over food so it's always the last thing to get done before the kids arrive. The coffee is brewed first thing, that's a MUST, but the breakfast can wait. So more often than not, as the kids are coming into the room from breakfast themselves, I am also eating mine. So, although I'm not meaning to, I'm clearly making an impact on my kids. They are observing my eating habits and noting what I'm eating. I guess it just made me ever more aware that they are little sponges that soak up EVERYTHING that we as adults do. So, while it made me laugh a little bit that my omelette maker made such an impact on her, it also made me realize that I really do need to be careful because I'm clearly setting an example for these kids. But at least in this case, I can be proud of the fact that the example I'm setting is a good one. Eat breakfast, and eat a HEALTHY one at that. Eggs, peppers, onions, avacado.... all good things for them to be eating! Thank goodness that they weren't observing my swearing habit! Perhaps I'll buy them all omelette makers as end of the year gifts to encourage their healthy eating habits.... ;) Ah, a chef... LOL. My kids crack me up!