One down, 11 to go.

I hope everyone is sticking to their resolutions or making moves to accomplish those goals!  We’re excited for the start of a new month and are ready to double-down on work to help move us towards some of our objectives for 2015.

One goal was to wake up earlier to catch a ride with my husband to work.  That may not seem meaningful, but driving to downtown Chicago gives us an extra 20 minutes of quality time together and I get reminded regularly how much I love this city–exhibit A (which doesn’t do the city justice):

As it’s the last Friday of the month, we’re sharing some of our favorite/interesting articles:

1. Being extremely thin requires a lot of determination and vigilance.  I think this article paints a great portrait of the obsession and dedication it takes to be a size zero.  It seems all-encompassing, stressful, frustrating, and not very beneficial, but I think it’s great how honest the author is about her size fixation.
2. Speaking of exercise and health—a more moderate approach:  busy women describe how they fit their workouts in.  Much appreciated advice, because there are some days that unless I wake up at 5 (which I won’t) I don’t feel like I have time to exercise.
3. Still on the health trend: I saw a link for article on pelvic health, and definitely questioned what they were selling.   However, the overall focal point of pelvic health is super important and something women rarely discuss in public (or even in hushed tones).  Every part of our bodies require attention and medical care, so I’m glad there’s some effort to decrease the stigma associated with women’s sexual health.
4. On a completely unrelated topic—this article on the lynching of Latinos has been making the rounds and it is sad, infuriating, and yet, not surprising.  I wish there was more public awareness on the Latino civil rights movement so that we were more aware of our history.
5. Some interesting topics about women: First, we’re held to a higher standard at work than men.
6. Second, when when we meet that standard and ask for raises, we’re viewed negatively.  How frustrating.
7. Even more frustrating?  Sotomayor labeled as more common and less intellectually elite when compared to Kagan.  More street, less ivy tower.  Ignoring the ridiculous implications about Sotomayor’s intelligence; the simple reason that her style is better understood by the masses is because she was a trial lawyer for many, many years.  Being able to communicate the law to lay people was her main goal.  Instead, this article and the sources seem to imply that she’s not as intellectual as the other justices, which is bull.  Regardless, it’s an interesting perspective and you can see how her background influences her ability to bring the law and awareness of the justice system to the public.  A great example of what happens when Latinas are allowed to join this profession!
8. Speaking of ladies in the law–I love watching procedurals if only for some nice high-end fashion inspiration.  Vanity Fair agrees and gives us major jewelry envy with a slide-show of Annalise Keating’s statement necklaces.
9. Ok let’s end on a high note:  is everyone watching Broad City?  That show is the highlight of my week, basically.  This is the smartest review I’ve read about the show (and I’ve read a lot of them).

What did articles did read this month worth sharing?