Reflections on The Cove

I watched the documentary The Cove (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cove_(film)) today and thought it was a very interesting and well done film. Like most viewers I found the exploits disturbing, but I surprised myself when it ended and I realized that the most disturbing part for me was that the local people of Taiji actually eat the dolphin meat that is so highly contaminated with mercury. The inhumane slaughter of so many dolphins, porpoises and pilot whales every year by the Japanese fishermen is tragic, however, these numbers pale in comparison to the number of cattle, pigs, chickens and other livestock that are inhumanely slaughtered here in the U.S. And not only are these livestock killed inhumanely, they are treated inhumanely for their ENTIRE LIFE. It just makes me think, what right do we really have to judge them and their traditions? just because we believe dolphins are smarter than pigs or cows their lives are more important? I'm not saying I'm ok with the whole dolphin slaughter thing, I'm just saying that we have our own problems here. And while the dolphin meat is toxic with high levels of mercury, we over-look the fact that the meat we eat on a daily basis that has been altered by hormones. That's why I've decided to start getting my meat from a local farm that raises healthy, grass fed animals in a natural and caring environment. We can't change the whole world. Just our little corner of it.

Nighttime Comfort

For once, I am actually tired. And the best part: it's only 9:30. But I am often tired at 7, 8 and 9 o'clock. So I will lie down and I just can't seem to get comfortable. It's really quite frustrating when that happens. I find it helps to dress for the occasion. Cozy, light weight T, ancient, ratty shorts...and I definitely NO bra. Who wants wires poking them at night? bras are so constricting, I only wear them when I absolutely must. Like when I go out in public. I like the shirts with the built-in bras so I don't have to wear one under them. It also saves me an extra step when I'm getting ready. Anything to cater to my lazy ways. 

While I'm on the subject of undergarments, I would like to discuss undies. I realize a lot of people like to call them panties, but I'm not too partial to that word; for reasons unknown when I hear it I envision old grannies in high-waisted, white silky underwear. So, I prefer undies. Back to my point: you see, the right undies are essential to nighttime comfort. Plain Jane's are the way to go. You know what I'm talking about: the kind that you get at target for 8 bucks for a pack of 5. The Hanes, Fruit of the Loom, cottoncottoncotton brands. Cotton is our friend. Cotton is comfort. Cotton. I personally like the hipster fit, but there are styles for all personality types. I realize that these cheap, cottony underwear are not the cutest or sexiest, but really what does it matter? Unless you dance in them, or your clothes aren't doing their job, very few people actually see them. I know many girls swear by Victoria's Secret but I have yet to fall in love with their underwear - and I have given them many chances. If I go with a nicer brand name, I like American Eagle's Aerie undies. Those are trendy and comfy, and I believe they have cotton. I will not, however, no matter what the brand, material or pattern, wear a thong to bed. Seriously...I can tolerate them during the day with certain outfits but it is impossible to fall asleep with a perpetual wedgie. 

A few other things to avoid that may make nighttime sleeping difficult to achieve: dirty sheets, wet sheets, tangled sheets, dirty hair, a dirty dog, a dog that tends to take up the whole bed, a husband that tends to take up...wait, can't avoid that..., a pet rock, cookie crumbs, an ice pack, and finally: socks. On your hands. Trust me about this last one, I have dry skin in the winter, I've had to put oily lotion on my hands and cover them with socks. It's gross, and very difficult to wear them all night. So now I have fingerless gloves for wintertime dryness, it's a huge improvement.

Mel's Rules For Nighttime Comfort:

1. lose fitting clothes

2. let your skin breathe

3. cotton is your friend

4. socks are for feet

Sweet Dreams