My tri suit came in the mail last night. Ben lured me into getting the mail by saying that there might be something special out there for me. That usually results in me running out to the mailbox only to find the weekly coupon circular or an electric bill. Last night was special, though, as a big, padded envelop was waiting for me. It was filled with ultra tight shorts and a tank. The website we ordered it from gave sizing specifications and said women should err on the side of a smaller size when in doubt. We ordered small shorts and a medium top. I had them out of the envelop before I even got back to the apartment.
I ordered black. The shorts only came in black, and I figured the black and grey top fit my personality more than the blue or red. Plus...it's slimming, right? After I stuffed my thighs into the shorts which fit like a sausage casing, I got a little nervous. Once I got the top on, I realized that I'm one of those people. You know them. The ones who have all the cool gear, but no real skills to back it up. I see them at least once a week at spin class. They'll come in wearing new bike shoes, new (tight!) bike shorts, some even wear gloves to class. Then, they sweat a lot while pedaling little. They leave early. Will that be me on Saturday? I certainly hope not. I at least, will not be leaving early. If anything, I'll be the one on the course till the bitter end.
I have no fear of getting a flat tire on the single track portion, though. I'm carrying what looks like 2 spare bike tires around my middle when I wear that top. It's not actually that bad (when I'm standing still and sucking it in). Ben said I looked tough - like a competitor. Don't judge a book by its cover, I guess.
In other news, yesterday was the birthday of the first test-tube baby. She paved the way for women like octomom to totally take advantage of medical advances. Today was the day the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed...in 1999. It didn't go into effect until 2001. I'm glad public facilities are now (supposed to be) accessible to everyone. It is also the anniversary of the first desegregated army training, in 1944. Say what you will about the Army, it at least was on the cutting edge of equality in the '40s.
And in even more news, babycenter.com sends me updates (weekly) about my kids' development. Scooter is nearly 8, Bubba is a preschooler. Yay. Today, it sent me an article on working mothers vs. stay at home. Studies have been raging over this topic since the first woman hung up her apron (or donned one) and stepped into a workplace. This study really just looked at long term effects of mothers working during the first year after birth. I'm happy (relieved?) to report that the kids are alright. If moms work, there is little evidence of behavioral problems later on. Girls actually did better in homes where both parents worked vs. "dad" being the sole breadwinner. Boys did better with either dad being the breadwinner or with both parents working, and worse when only the mom worked. Speculation exists regarding factors such as employed mothers being better educated, wealthier and less depressed than unemployed mothers. The biggest problems are with families where both parents struggle with unemployment and with single parent homes (the article says single mother homes, but I believe it cuts both ways). I would assume that this means if the mother (or father) is purposely not working outside the home, the kids are also alright? I could see how the stress of unemployment by either parent would be a bad thing on a kid over all. I can also see how the stress associated with being a single parent would wear on the parent (and the child). I was there. But I'll happily place myself in the better educated, wealthy and less depressed section, thanks.
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