Feeling comfortable enough to discuss my thighs

I was telling my boyfriend that I want to take up cross country skiing, and one of the reasons is that it works out one's butt and thighs.  He just sent me a picture of one of the machines at our gym that is supposed to simulate it.  How nice of him!

There was a time when the subject of my butt and thighs was so painful, I wouldn't bring it up with anyone.  I would avoid the general subject of the hip area.  In fact, I still get a bit of a sinking feeling thinking about all the comments, some with very good intentions, that I have received over the years about my hips.

I am now to the point where I like my body, overall. This is good.

I also have a boyfriend who makes me feel good about the way I look, but is also honest.  Even better.

Life is good!

What kids know about love

I was standing at the end of the hallway, fiddling with the lock on my friend's apartment door, which was seemingly impossible to move with the key he gave me.  So, moving in and out of his doorway as I experimented with different key positions, and noted their effect on the inside lock mechanism, I noticed a little one looking at me fixedly and talking to his Mom about me.  He was asking her questions about what I was doing, no doubt.

I looked at him, but I'm not sure if he could see me smile as he was quite far away, in the lobby at the end of my hallway.  Then, I gave up on the lock.  I was able to lock the top one, so I decided to just leave it at that, and go get some food.  I turned around and he still looking at me.  Hi! he said, and I responded Hi! Then as his Mom beckoned him, he turned to go and then turned again to wave and say "bye!" I smiled and said bye while waving.

Kids can really make you feel good. When they recognize or remember you, it really feels awesome (thinking about other kids I know). what is it about kids?  I think they still know how to speak the language of love, simply because they speak from the heart.

A lesson in rank. . .not everyone upholds it

"I know you!" He said, inquisitively. I was thinking, well. I definitely know you, but everyone does because you are our key note speaker and a rock star professor!

I really felt shy (perhaps for the first time in my life!).  I didn't know what to say, so I paused for a moment. Then regained my composure (well. . .not sure about that), and said "We met at the so and so conference in D.C."

"You spoke about how your center engages with local cultural communities to raise funds."

"Oh! Yeah, yeah yeah."  Then he chatted me up and little bit, and my boss saw we were talking so he came over.  In a way I felt rescued, but in a way I wished I could figure out what I wanted to ask him.

After all, he had been my suggestion as the key note for the conference. Yes, me.  One of the "little people". Or. . one of the most influential. The second is probably closer to the truth, although I have no authority or political power.  This professor certainly didn't doubt my worth due to my so-called position.

What is rank? what is power?