I love Ammrrrrica

I just want to proclaim that I think I have it pretty good here in 2008 as a female scientist, large-chested runner, and vegetarian. I am not being satirical, I am serious. Today is a day to appreciate some small things. Like sports bras for example. Not too long ago (year 2000 for example), it was very difficult to find a high quality (functional, breathable) sports bra for large chest sizes.. since most female runners (especially most FAST female runners) are fairly small chested and so sports bras did not have to be awesome.. the ones made for larger chested women were just ...larger.. they didn't work well to support, stop bounce, etc. I had to use multiple bras and duct tape to run marathons, and really-- I'm not THAT huge.. I just didn't want to bounce and chafe. Maybe there are some down-sides to this increased popularity and availability of quality sports bras (like increased CO2 emissions when I order my bra online from Title Nine). But I think overall if more people are running, including us large chested runner chics, the health benefits must outweigh some of the negatives.
I have been a vegetarian my whole life. Similarly to sports bra availability, it has become a lot easier to be a vegetarian these days. Most people are conscientious about the possibility that someone they may be feeding or eating with may be a veg-head. Even at work meetings there are often meat and veggie options for pizza or whatever; I no longer have to make special requests or notifications. And not to mention the awesome vegetarian friendly restaurants all over..! Yea for vegetarian friendly!! (Note: I like meat, I just don't want to eat it. I think people should eat meat, I am just celebrating the fact that I have the option not to eat meat).
And yes.. I am glad I am a female scientist in 2008. Things are not perfectly equal between men and women in science, but I feel like it is pretty good (say compared to what it used to be like) and I am so grateful. I love science, and can not imagine having to go through some of the things my female predecessors endured to have a career in science.


ps. this post is a direct consequence of not having enough to do at work right now.. everything.. papers, experiments, etc is on hold..