the skinny

A strange phenomenon has happened in my life in the past month...people have referred to me as "skinny". If you feel so inclined to reference my being benny post, you might have picked up that I find this extremely weird.

The first inkling appeared in mid-August at a volleyball game at Tracks. Two team members said it looked like I had lost weight. I just brushed it off, rationalizing that it was summer and since I'm outside more I was tan, thus appearing thinner. Whatever.

Enter the month of October. I went home to Maryland for my cousin's wedding - or as I like to call it, an excuse to see my nephews (oh, and those people who take care of them) - early in the month. I'm standing in my brother's kitchen - probably drinking a beer - and out of nowhere he asks, "Hey Bec, have your lost weight?" I respond with a "deer in headlights" look, as I don't think my brother has ever asked that question (well, to me anyway). Truth be told, I couldn't really answer the question as I firmly believe "scale" is a dirty five-letter word and borderline satanic. But I did think he needed his eyeglasses checked.

On this excursion home, of course I had to go into DC, visit the Washington Monument and take photos (even if it looks the same EVERY time). Upon my return to Milwaukee I posted these and other photos on facebook, per usual. I go volleyball the following Monday, and one of my teammates who viewed the photos commented "I like the photos...and you look so skinny." Huh? The conversation then gravitated to how my teammates usually see me in shorts (which I am not attractive in. At all.), t-shirt and XL sweatshirt. Thus, when I wear "real" clothes, you can actually tell I have a waist. This prompted me to slam my beer. Really? We're in a bar. Can't we talk about football or the douchy vball team we were about to play?

Last week I was at a "Swap Party" (aka "One persons trash is another person's treasure" - everyone brings stuff we want to get rid of and we kind of go through it to see if we want anything. The "leftovers" are donated) and the host told me I was getting smaller - ironically I was stuffing my face with cheese and beer at the time. So I start to look through the clothes and find a few tops. I try them on, determine I want them, etc. Then I look at the size. Medium. I can actually fit into a medium. And today, my dress pants that used to barely fit are actually loose. Shocking I know.

Maybe it's the vball, 5x/week PT exercises and daily 3 mile walks with the pup; because I know I don't eat any better (exhibited by the mozz sticks, nachos and beer I considered dinner last night). And maybe this giving up the soda (sans diet white soda) was a good idea. Whatever. It's weird.

Honestly, I still think y'all are on crack. However, I'll accept the compliments and reply with a heartfelt "thank you".

i question it

As of late, I've noticed a lot of my friends have become religious. I'm not talking the "I go to church on Sunday" religious; I'm talking "Thank you God for blessing us, providing us, etc."

On some level, I guess I should expect it. After all I went to a Catholic, Jesuit university - and a majority of students went to Catholic grade school & high school. Overall, I don't have a problem with those who have a strong faith in religion. It's an individuals choice as to what he/she believes (presumably). I don't necessarily agree with their beliefs - as a recovering Catholic with major questions with the current state and action of the church - but if it works for them, great.

But why the sudden religious revolution? Your guess is as good as mine.

I knew a lot of these people in my college days and early 20s, at Marquette and otherwise. Judging from the activities partaken in, I highly doubt we were thanking God for blessing us. In fact, "God" was likely only spoken in terms of "God dammit", "oh God, yes", etc. And I'm sure some activities were not condoned (by a higher power or the authorities) in any way.

Now one of these friends is pledging money to K-LOVE (a "positive, encouraging" Christian music/ministry station) saying "I've donated have you?" Hmmmm, no. I don't intend to either. Another is huge fan of Christian music. I think he's a fan of every worship/praise group out there (as evidenced by his status messages). Some of these said sites states "It's more than worship, it's a way of life." So chanting in unison with others is a way of life? As I recall, Waco was similar...and we know what happened there. This same friend (among others) have an inordinate amount of Bible verses under their "Favorite Quotes". Newsflash: Just because something is written down does not make it true. Yet another states "Putting my faith in Jesus Christ has changed my life. I desire to give God glory in everything I do out of love and thanks to Him for his sacrifice for me." Really? This first implies that one must have a belief in God to have meaning in life. However, I am sure a number of atheists found meaning in life without said belief. Second, I put faith in myself because if something is going to be accomplished/changed in my life, it should my doing and not an outside entity. It is somewhat unsettling that someone would put faith in something over putting faith in oneself.

One could argue that once children are involved, things change as all of these friends have children. I can see that, and know that indeed happens. Case in point - my brother. He (and his family) started to go to church because of the kids; prior to that we were both "Santa Babies" (as my mom lovingly references). Learning about religion isn't a bad thing. I think children need to learn about religion - at least the historical perspective - due to societal references. I myself am interested/intrigued as to how religion, society and culture co-exist in today's world. But suddenly devoting your life, completely altering your perspective, putting everything out of your hands and essentially removing accountability? I question that.

I'm not a hedon. I'm not an atheist either. There is nothing wrong with believing in God or practicing religion. I just don't think that one's religious beliefs proclaimed to the masses (no pun intended), nor should it be the reason for life's trials and tribulations.

There's a saying that goes "if it's to be, it's up to me". Maybe we should start living by that creed instead.

feels like home

Despite living in Wisconsin the better part of my adult life, I will always consider Maryland home. Yet I never plan to reside there (or on the east coast for that matter) again. In reality, I'm more suited for life in a Midwestern or Pacific northwest city.

But in honor of my "triumphant" return to my old stomping grounds this week, I give you the reasons you'll know I'm a Marylander for life:

• Everything tastes better with Old Bay.
• The only real crab cake is a Maryland crab cake - accept no imitations.
• Anything below 32 degrees is still considered cold.
• A 2" dusting of snow should still merit a 2-hour delay at minimum. Anything above 6" merits a snow day.
• It's pronounced "Merlind"; "Mareland" is acceptable. If you pronounce is "Mary land" I will punch you.
• Cal Ripken Jr. is revered as a god among men; he is our hometown hero and #8 forever in our hearts.
• “Fear the Turtle” is more than a saying; it's a way of life during tourney time.
• We shout "O" at the verse "Oh, say does that star spangled banner yet wave..." during the National Anthem (even at inappropriate times/events).
• "Coke" refers to any carbonated beverage. For example, "What kind of coke do you have?"
• Coolest. State. Flag. Ever.
• “Beer and football..that’s what Maryland does." (thank you, Wedding Crashers)
• And finally...the distinct Maryland "o". And no, I don’t say my “o’s” funny.