First comments by my UW in America.

[Oatmeal]

I thought it would be interesting to post the first few comments of the impressions of my fiancee about American people.

I hope none of you will take this personally but it is a quite common impression.

When we arrived in Chicago, and we had some time to relax she said she was surprised at how many Americans were fat.  I just had to laugh at this comment because it was the first comment she made to me about Americans.

She said she had heard this many times from different people and even from her sister who also lives here in America.  She said she just did not believe it until she had seen it with her own eyes.  We had a good laugh about it as we watched many people pigging out on food in the airport and children being pushed around in strollers eventhough they were old enough to walk themselves.

I think everyone can agree that as a culture we are a bit spoiled when it comes to the creature comforts. Of course this does not apply to everyone but I am speaking as a culture.

Even when I took her out to eat lunch at a restaurant yesterday and she saw how much food they brought she was astonished.  I just have to keep laughing because I understand.  Just so she is already starting to exercise because she doesn't want to get fat.  She says about being fat, "No, it's not for me"  

I continue to listen about her impressions and views about the American culture and I am sure that some of these will change with time but now since it is all so new to her, I think it is more important to get those impressions now while they are fresh in her mind.

I thought that perhaps sometime she might like to read and post also on this board and I will encourage this so maybe she will post also on this board at some time in the future.

So far, so good.
Jim

[KenC]

... in response to First comments by my UW in America., posted by Oatmeal on Jan 19, 2002

Jim,
Like in college, RW can gain some weight once they come to America.  With the portions so large (and getting larger) and just the change in food choices.  My wife Lena gained 15 to 20 lbs when she first arrived.  She took control and went back down to her original weight.  She swears it is the perservatives in the food.  Now we eat alot more natual and organic foods.  Take her to a movie and see her shock at the eating and drinking that goes on there.  Best of luck to you.
KenC

[SingleDad318]

... in response to watch out for the "freshman 20"..., posted by KenC on Jan 19, 2002

Note to self.

When locating a RW, take the weight ratio of preference and locate RW 20lbs lighter, this formula would make up the discrepancy.

[John K]

... in response to Re: watch out for the "freshman 20&..., posted by SingleDad318 on Jan 21, 2002

Also, are you going to lose 20 lbs before she comes over, just so you don't go over your ideal weight?  It's not just her that will pack it on you know...  :-)

[tfcrew]

... in response to First comments by my UW in America., posted by Oatmeal on Jan 19, 2002

Yup, I know what you mean

[BubbaGump]

... in response to First comments by my UW in America., posted by Oatmeal on Jan 19, 2002

First of all, I'm about 30 lbs overweight and it bothers me a little bit because I used to be in such good shape.  I get an occasional comment.  But when I go out, I see so many women and men overweight by 100 lbs or more.  It's so unbeleivable to me people would let themselves go that much and a lot of them are young too. It takes years of  neglect to get to that state.  

I have never seen that in Europe or any other country.  The Norwegian guy John said he thought it was bad in California, but relatively speaking, they're in great shape because the weather is so good everybody gets outside.  I feel like I better get in shape for these girls because they're going to demand it.  It's for my own good anyway.

[Johnny W]

... in response to Doesn't surprise me, posted by BubbaGump on Jan 19, 2002

Heh, it reminds me of some years ago in San Bernandino. We wanted to see and meet some ordinary people and took the bus from the place we were living to the centre of San Bernadino where we wanted to do some shopping in a big supermarket. In fact it was so cold inside that it was a too big contrast to the heat outside. Later we decided to go to a supermarket that sold toys for children. We asked for the direction and everybody told us it was not a long distance, so we decided to walk!!. In the beginning there were sidewalks, but they ended soon, and then we were walking there three person on the edge of the four or six lanes highway. Everybody looked as us. I wonder what they were thinking. No good thoughts I'm afraid. Maybe they thought we were some kind of poor tramps that couldn't afford a car. Well after some stops to drink and cool down, we at last reached the toy-market. At the reception they asked us to deliver them our rucksacks which we denied to do. I've never been asked about that in Norway, and I had all my papers, cards and money there. In the end they gave up, and we did our shopping and went back the same way, and took a taxi home :-).

By the way, we met a lot of nice and helpful people, especially Mexican and black people.

Johnny W