Sherri

I'm jealous.

Excellent point. The logistical limitations imposed by the wearing of the burqa seem to be a tripping point(literally and figuratively) when these women attempt to transition toward non-traditional activities. Given this, one could say that the mere requirement of the burqa acts an insurance policy against the attainment of complete physical freedom. But then, again, perhaps similar arguments could be made about the stereotypes perpetuated by fashion standards in western cultures, such as make-up, tight jeans, fake fingernails and high heels, although these accoutrements are worn voluntarily? I remember seeing a young (Mennonite?) woman jogging on a hot day while wearing a full headscarf and an ankle length, long-sleeved dress; I could just barely see the running shoes poking out from beneath her hem with each stride. In contrast, I was sweating away in a sports bra and skimpy nylon shorts, feeling the interplay of warm sun and soft breeze on my skin. Here we were in the same country, in the same neighborhood, at the same time, doing the same sport, but we were having completely different experiences. I assumed mine must be better, or more comfortable, at the least but I don't know how if I came to the correct conclusion. I was hot, but she was the one smiling.

I see your point, Muffy, about the potentially discriminating nature of packaging something as "for women only" or "for men only," but in this particular instance it appears to be an effective strategy for reaching across a societal barrier(one which would not otherwise permit women exposure to the sport of climbing). I'm not familiar enough with the specifics of the politics or religious hurdles involved in an undertaking such as this, but I applaud the program and its goals. Who knows if this will result in breaking some of the barriers these women face in their day-to-day lives, especially in terms of moving into traditionally male-dominated roles or endeavours, but if it precipitates the discovery of her own personal power in just one women's life, it's a success. I think the nature of climbing provides excellent opportunities for growth and empowerment. Look at how well we all turned out. Thanks for sharing this important issue with us here, DeC. And keep up the good work.

I bet it got blocked at the border. Perhaps they're not letting all the nuts through, after all... You can always try again. Recovery begins here. Now. I can help you.

You know me better than that, pal.

I googled it too! (found nothing, of course) But, not wanting to take the chance of seeing a perfectly wonderful jar of peanut butter wind up in the bottom of a bin labeled "CANADIAN POISON," I didn't risk it. Doh. What PM, MisterE? Does it involve condiments?

You're evil, MisterE. On the upside, I discovered that Almond Butter makes pretty good sammiches.

Funny thing happened on my way through the border crossing today: the customs officer said that peanut butter IS NOT a banned substance in Canada. What, are they high ??? While I did not cite my trusted, reputable source(cc.com) which informs the gullible to the contrary, I did allude to having "overheard" this fact "somewhere." The officer appeared to surpress a smirk as she, again, assured me that they are not looking for peanut-butter smugglers. Good thing I took the precaution of packing Almond Butter , just in case. I also had an apple AND a bag of dog food in the peanut-butter-free vehicle. Surprisingly, they waved 'em through. Seems like beef was the only thing on their hit list, far as I could tell. (Had to tell the dogs not to say "moo" as we were looked over by the nice lady. )

Nice analogy. I can see where you're going with this, but it begs the question: do crackers go with salsa?

That cam makes me feel all maternal. Now look what you've gone and down.

Toes are hot, so hot. I wanna watch you run in them.

Remember when the teachers would threaten, "This is going on your permanent record !" Like it was the Book of Life or something? In 5th grade I got caught passing a naughty note to a boy(it was a phase); when the teacher confiscated it, I imagined it to be sitting in a folder somewhere for all to see throughout my school years. From then on, I never wanted my mom to come to any school meetings or functions, for fear she'd see it in my "permanent record." Turns out, it never did end up there, but the embarrasment of thinking it was there scared the crap out of me. Ivan, you now have the power. Use it for good. Edited to add: BTW, the boy to whom I gave the note--years later, HE ended up in prison. Talk about a permanent "record."

Those hammerhead studs! I had no idea. But I did know that male seahorses can get pregnant. Must be something in the water, because there's sure some strange goings-on down there. Next thing you know, the sea horses will be wanting gay marraige. Where does it end?

But I thought you WERE Jesus???

Don't get me started on her sauerkraut w/dumplings. That was premium, for sure.

She was also a proponent of making big batches "sun tea" now that I think of it. She had a thing for stewing stuff in big jars for days on end, then feeding it to the kids. Sorry, off topic.

My Grammar's pickled eggs gave me indigestion.

I missed that one. So many trolls, so little time...

Yes, that would explain the sudden urge I got to light up a smoke and talk to Jesus online.

Actually, I think you were hearing the voices from MY head. Sorry, I'll try to keep down the noise.

Not if you're coming to Canada. She's done it!!! Scofflaw! Don't try to get between me and my peanut butter. (that didn't sound quite right, did it?)

"You mean we could have just walked to the top?!" Spoken by a nervous friend after her first climb, when she realized there was a walk-off.

I ate a pita chip once.

Microwaved cheeto's?

The key is to be as prepared as possible, so that you leave little to chance as far as your food choices go. I never hit the road without packing along a PBJ sandwich, fruit, nuts, and a thermos of tea. For overniters, whether it be a road trip or a flight, I pack my cooler or suitcase with huge homemade salads and a frozen container of homemade lentils or chili(assuming there's a microwave somewhere at the other end of the trip.) I'm probably a bit more obsessive about this than necessary, but the trade-off is that I never get that greasy, sickening fast-food hangover when I travel. Also saves a lot of money and the time that would be spent searching for edibles en route or at my destination, when I'm tired and just want to settle in with a good dinner.