I think calling animals fat--especially animals like dogs--isn't a big deal because:
A) They can't understand it, and even if they did they wouldn't feel the same way about it. (Except cats, maybe?)
B) It's usually a term of endearment for animals (at least for me).
Although I did feel bad about calling a raccoon "the fattest raccoon I've ever seen." It's the one that comes at dusk and combs under our birdfeeder, then comes back at 2am to mince up our trash. It looked like a thick square with four tiny feet underneath and a little triangle head, like a cartoon. 😂 But then last week I saw it again, slender, with three raccoon kits. 😅
I can relate to issues around weight. On some level, I have worried about mine my whole life. I overheard relatives discussing mine when I was three, concerned that I would become morbidly obese like some members of “the other side” of the family. I had a cousin who was naturally very thin, so my normal weight range made me feel large. When I look back at childhood photos, I wonder how I could have even worried about it. I was thin! Not gaunt and bony, but slender. Anyway, I try to be somewhat active and remind myself that in five years I will like my current appearance more. I just wish I could like it in the present.
I am so glad I have a comrade in arms who also talks to her dog like that. Fatty McFatterson is common name around our house. My possessive pronoun use is out of control with our two neurotic dogs. Wonder why they’re neurotic.
School is one month from now for us. After being away for a semester to homeschool, I really missed my fellow teachers. I miss performing in the teacher workroom (our school is small and we rarely get to stay in a classroom). By performing, I mean doing my “bit” and trying to make them all laugh. Singing Carman songs with the Algebra 2 teacher was a highlight.
I’m glad you had a good cry and were able to process with a friend. I’ve felt isolated recently and haven’t had a good face-to-face with a friend. I know it would probably help. My Voxer Bestie has been a blessing, but I think getting that facial feedback and attunement is important. It helps you feel seen (literally).
I once suffered under a pencil sharpener curse for many years which then prompted me to buy a metal one to mount on the wall. Then we moved to China. They just work better than the electric ones. Simplify.
And there are all of my responses-out of order-to your post.
"I don’t know if I ever even asked Him directly for this particular kind of deliverance. He just simply stepped in and claimed what was His." Yuuuuup... there are multiple grace-upon-grace gifts that God has given me that I know I rarely even prayed for, if ever. It's ... convicting.
Also, well done on your mom for the baby steps away from weight-related insults! Ideally, things get better through the generations... My grandma bragged about having read the Bible all the way through 16 times and was a guilt-tripping grudge holder who scoffed at the idea of eternal security. My mild OCD / legalism is (I think?) an improvement.
Our poor mutt is well known to be incredibly dumb…and we call him that, but in a sweet, loving voice because we actually adore him, and he’s one of the nicest dogs I’ve known. I think your Fatty knew he was loved—no guilt there!
I can relate to the acedia, too, and I’m glad you’re sending a shift out of it. Some seasons are like that—dry, slow, apathetic…. It’s hard!
I think calling animals fat--especially animals like dogs--isn't a big deal because:
A) They can't understand it, and even if they did they wouldn't feel the same way about it. (Except cats, maybe?)
B) It's usually a term of endearment for animals (at least for me).
Although I did feel bad about calling a raccoon "the fattest raccoon I've ever seen." It's the one that comes at dusk and combs under our birdfeeder, then comes back at 2am to mince up our trash. It looked like a thick square with four tiny feet underneath and a little triangle head, like a cartoon. 😂 But then last week I saw it again, slender, with three raccoon kits. 😅
I would take a whole book of this. I could read it all in one sitting.
Acedia is also my besetting sin, so I am rejoicing with you that even doing nothing now feels different.
I laughed out loud at “giving their ice cream a handle.”
I bet your plump puppy had the best life. (What a perfect landing of a line!)
What Elizabeth said. A whole book of this would do my soul a world of good.
I can relate to issues around weight. On some level, I have worried about mine my whole life. I overheard relatives discussing mine when I was three, concerned that I would become morbidly obese like some members of “the other side” of the family. I had a cousin who was naturally very thin, so my normal weight range made me feel large. When I look back at childhood photos, I wonder how I could have even worried about it. I was thin! Not gaunt and bony, but slender. Anyway, I try to be somewhat active and remind myself that in five years I will like my current appearance more. I just wish I could like it in the present.
And I don’t think your dog minded in the least.
I am so glad I have a comrade in arms who also talks to her dog like that. Fatty McFatterson is common name around our house. My possessive pronoun use is out of control with our two neurotic dogs. Wonder why they’re neurotic.
School is one month from now for us. After being away for a semester to homeschool, I really missed my fellow teachers. I miss performing in the teacher workroom (our school is small and we rarely get to stay in a classroom). By performing, I mean doing my “bit” and trying to make them all laugh. Singing Carman songs with the Algebra 2 teacher was a highlight.
I’m glad you had a good cry and were able to process with a friend. I’ve felt isolated recently and haven’t had a good face-to-face with a friend. I know it would probably help. My Voxer Bestie has been a blessing, but I think getting that facial feedback and attunement is important. It helps you feel seen (literally).
I once suffered under a pencil sharpener curse for many years which then prompted me to buy a metal one to mount on the wall. Then we moved to China. They just work better than the electric ones. Simplify.
And there are all of my responses-out of order-to your post.
As Malcolm Guite says,
All of us harrow Hell, but none can come
Through Paradise unscathed.
"I don’t know if I ever even asked Him directly for this particular kind of deliverance. He just simply stepped in and claimed what was His." Yuuuuup... there are multiple grace-upon-grace gifts that God has given me that I know I rarely even prayed for, if ever. It's ... convicting.
Also, well done on your mom for the baby steps away from weight-related insults! Ideally, things get better through the generations... My grandma bragged about having read the Bible all the way through 16 times and was a guilt-tripping grudge holder who scoffed at the idea of eternal security. My mild OCD / legalism is (I think?) an improvement.
Our poor mutt is well known to be incredibly dumb…and we call him that, but in a sweet, loving voice because we actually adore him, and he’s one of the nicest dogs I’ve known. I think your Fatty knew he was loved—no guilt there!
I can relate to the acedia, too, and I’m glad you’re sending a shift out of it. Some seasons are like that—dry, slow, apathetic…. It’s hard!