Plastics

It seems that more and more people I know have had some sort of cosmetic surgery. I am a big supporter of cosmetic surgery, if (and it's an important if) it's something that has really bothered you for some time, and there's no other way to fix it. For example, if you can just work out a bit harder, do that rather than have lipo!
If you are distracted by the look of your nose in every single picture you view of yourself, or you feel subconscious in every social situation because of your chest size, go for it! Help yourself to feel as good as you can - but ensure that you're happy with the girl inside. It can be a very slippery slope when you continually look to external or material things for satisfaction and confidence.

The Secret to Happiness

I just finished a great new book, which was centred around discussions, and a friendly relationship between a middle-aged man and his elderly Rabbi. I know it sounds odd (if anyone has read Tuesdays With Morrie, similar idea by the same author), but it was very touching. The thing I remember most from the pages and pages of shared wisdom and advice was the Rabbi`s opinion on the secret to happiness: be satisfied and be grateful.
So simple, but that`s really true if you take a moment to think about it. Some people have everything in the world and still hate their lives and feel totally unhappy. Others have next to nothing but seem joyful with the lives they have. Take a moment each day to think about something you`re satisfied with and what you`re grateful for - it will make your life much happier too.

Your Own Worst Enemy #1

Girls are so hard on themselves, it perplexes me sometimes. I mean this first of all in a general way, but specific to today's 'lesson', I'm referring to working out/losing weight/being healthy.
I can't speak for all men, but I really can't imagine a guy talking negatively to himself 10 minutes after consuming a bag of chips, tearing up because he is going to look bad at the beach the next weekend. Sometimes work-outs have to be skipped (it is summer and patio season after all)...but enjoy the night off, rather than feeling guilty like you're playing hookey from the gym.
I'm all for self-control (usually) and maintaining a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle, but seriously girls, cut yourselves some slack! Instead of looking in the mirror and focusing on the areas you don't like, pick out a few things that you know really rock - be it your lips, butt, or toes. Work out twice this week instead of 4 times - it won't throw everything off and you'll probably be more excited to get back into the gym the next time. This is a great time in life - we're young, healthy, and I'm pretty sure will look back on this time in years to come, wishing we were back in this shape!

Beer

Beer is the devil for me. I love love love sitting on a patio, having a couple drinks with friends, but I really need to steer clear of beer. I don't know if any other girls have the same reaction to beer as I do, but let me sum it up for you:

• My stomach appears to be so bloated that I could pass for a girl in my 2nd trimester
• My nose turns red and my eyes definitely have a bit of a drunko look
• Inside, my stomach is doing flip flops as it tries to find relief from so much carbonation and other garbage (plus there is usually a pound of fries involved also)
• About half an hour after drinking, even only 1 beer, I get lazy, tired and super emotional - like I need help with any of those

During the last week I tried to avoid drinking and ate a bit healthier - it really helped how I was feeling (surprising though how often I had to 'refuse' drinks...way too big a part of my life). Yesterday I repeated my old habits and that was enough to convince me to take a break for a while. Just wanted to share.