While I’m in a writing mood, here are a few random observations from my recent travels through Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and an unexpected night in North Carolina. In no particular order:
Am I getting shorter or is everyone else getting taller? I keep reading about how Americans are not getting taller but you couldn’t prove it by me. At just under 6 feet tall I used to look down at people but I find myself looking up more and more…
I seem to recall Mississippi being the fattest state in the nation once upon a time – well the folks in Louisiana are certainly giving them a run (or a waddle) for the title!
Okay, in 2009 the fattest states were (1 – 10):
1. Mississippi
2. Alabama
3. West Virginia
4. Tennessee
5. South Carolina
6. Oklahoma
7. Kentucky
8. Louisiana
9. Michigan
10. (Tie) Arkansas and Ohio
In an odd coincidence my travels this past week took me through 9 of the above states (I didn’t go to Oklahoma or West Virginia).
Though the above states are the fattest I noticed in all of the states I went through that it seems most people are either fat or in good shape. There seems to be less of a middle ground or average shape anymore.
Women appeared to me to be getting fatter than men on average. I know this sounds sexist but it’s just an observation. True, I may not notice fat men as much as I do fat women since I’m a “large boned” man myself.
Hotels still have a long way to go when it comes to fitness centers. One treadmill and a couple 5 lb weights does not constitute a “fitness center.” It’s barely constitutes a fitness room or space.
Is it any wonder that people don’t walk anymore? Our business areas are in serious need of sidewalks. If you venture out of your hotel on foot you are almost forced to walk in the road it seems.
I wonder if we as a nation would walk more if we just insisted on sidewalks in our communities?
Oops, more sidewalks would mean higher taxes so that’s not going to happen anytime soon.
Are there more sidewalks in Europe, Canada, and Japan? Places that are all much “thinner” than the US.
By the way, it appears that the US is no longer the fattest nation. Mexico is now number 1.
Canada isn’t even on the UN’s top 25 fattest list by the way.
Maybe that’s why they won the Olympic hockey games (too soon?).
Speaking of the Olympics, why is it that whenever I turn on curling I’m always a little disappointed that I don’t see people lifting weights?
I used to be able to curl about 125 pounds. Wonder if I’ll be able to get back to that…
I’ve noticed that some guys, who have muscle to start with, will gain a little fat and actually look more muscular.
I’ve also noticed that some guys must mistake fat for muscle when they buy their shirts. Buying one (two?) sizes smaller only works if you are fairly shredded. Otherwise you just end up emphasizing the wrong bulges.
Same rule for pants by the way guys…sheesh, can jeans get any skinnier?
Women, the “muffin top” is not attractive unless it’s on an actual muffin.
Cornbread in the south always seems to be too dry.
Sweet tea is a treat enjoyed best in small doses.
Gibson’s Donuts in Memphis is a sinful delight – best glazed doughnut I’ve ever had. It’s a good thing that there isn’t one by my home!
Do men with big, high peaked biceps appreciate what they have? Or do they just think the rest of us aren’t working out hard enough.
And be honest guys, if you could grow just one part of your body no actual muscle would make the cut…
We had an interesting ice breaker where the room was split based on preferences (dogs vs. cats, morning vs. evening, etc.). When the question was who would rather be a few inches taller or a few inches shorter only a couple people went to the shorter side. Even the tallest men would rather be taller than shorter.
I’d like to be taller, too. But that boat sailed in my early teens. I was the tallest kid in my class through 6th grade. Then everyone else caught up. This may be why I want to be taller today.
That and the fact that I’m one of the shortest of my cousins on my father’s side of the family (male or female).
I wonder how many people actually read my ramblings? Leave a comment and let me know!
Journeys With Dave 