I went and saw Mamma Mia on the weekend, as I was in the mood for a pleasant bit of fluff. And it met expectations - a fun romp, with ABBA songs.

But what blew me away was Meryl Streep. Who knew she could actually sing? I mean, really sing? Do yourself a favour and watch her emotional performance of The Winner Takes It All. If anyone could make singing an ABBA song Oscar-worthy, Meryl has done it. Seriously.

From Michelle at Mouthfeel (who seems to be on a roll, lately):

Q: If I pursue weight loss, what is the most likely outcome, given past experience?

A: It would make me crazy, trigger disordered eating, and I’d eventually gain it back anyway.

Q: Am I more interested in being smaller, or feeling physically comfortable and better about myself?

A: The latter two. (Weight loss, in our culture, has become undeniably conflated with the pursuit of health and self-esteem, even though it is actually in diametric opposition to those things. That’s why it’s so insidious, and can be so seductive, even to people who have rejected it for years. Because who doesn’t want to feel good about their body? And who isn’t surrounded by the message that dieting will get them there?) When I actually was physically smaller and dieting, I got physically ill, and felt worse about myself. That’s what impelled me to find an alternative.

Q: So is there something I can do that will help me achieve those things, without the craziness and health risks of weight loss?

A: Yes. I can recommit to what I have learned about feeding myself well, and I can find enjoyable ways to move, visit a health professional to address any issues, and buy myself some new damn clothes.

Essentially, I can be nicer to myself, and turn up the self-care a notch. I can recommit to Health at Every Size.

Thank you, Kate Harding, you’ve nailed it down and driven it home:

Children’s bodies are not a problem for the government to solve.

It’s such a simple concept, isn’t it? So why is it so hard for the fuckers to grasp?

Let’s say it again, with emphasis:

Children’s bodies are not a problem for the government to solve.

Children’s bodies are not a problem for the government to solve.

Children’s bodies are not a problem for the government to solve.

Children’s bodies are not a fucking problem for the government to solve.

End of story.

By the way, if you haven’t already, go and read Junkfood Science’s take on the NSW Government’s Munch ‘n’ Move program (and as well as pretty much every thing Sandy has ever written.)

Yes, its one of those annoying blogging about blogging posts. Just taking a break for an undefined time to deal with RL issues.

Dear god, it’s happened again. For the last two months, Lilly, my Turkish Van, has been peeing in inappropriate locations constantly. First it was my bed once a week more often than not when I was in it - but now it has become more frequent (every 2nd day) and other places the lounge, shoes and items left on the floor and John’s bed (which is a big problem since his room needs to be hygenic for dialysis). I am at my wits end. We’ve tried Feliway, washing the doonas, ‘aversion therapy’, extra cuddles. It is not due to lack of clean toileting facilities. When Lexi, one of my other cats, went through this about 5 years ago we used the ‘ignore it, give her love and it will go away’ technique and it worked. But with Lilly? I can’t figure her out or how to get her to stop. Any suggestions?

Edit:
This is the lovable face of the culprit. Looks sweet and innocent, doesn’t she?

Edit 2:
Sounds like a trip to the vet is in order, at least to rule out illness.