Marcel the Shell With Shoes On

Directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp
Voiced by Jenny Slate
Written by Jenny & Dean

You’re the strangest person

I ever met, she said

& I said

you too

& we

decided we’d

know each

other

a long time.

-Brian Andreas

Me and the boys (at a Beer Fest)

These boys are some of my favorite people in the world. Every one of them makes me feel like being myself is an awesome thing to do. So, of course I felt comfy just wearing jeans and my favorite band t-shirt with little makeup and nothing done to my hair (which is what I prefer).

I am a better person when I have less on my plate. – Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)

This may surprise you, but being tall and big-boned, loving food and ranging from a little to a lot overweight through the years caused me to build a ridiculous defense to the above type of statement. I’d think, So, because I typically have more food on my plate than you do, you’re a better person than I am?! In my defense, people can be brutal! I’ve experienced both sides of the spectrum, having been small enough to get “special treatment” (mainly from the menfolk), then being big enough to be treated poorly because of it. There really is a drastic difference. (I’ve always been a bit over-sensitive, so I admit I’ve probably been affected by this more than others might be.) Needless to say, I’ve wasted quite a bit of energy feeling angry about this sort of thing. I can’t stress enough just how many of these comments and situations I’ve stacked on my shoulders.

Luckily, I’m getting older. And with getting older, I’m getting wiser. You see, I automatically assumed the speaker of the quote above was judging me by saying that statement. But, she wasn’t comparing herself to me! She was comparing herself to the version of her that was out of control. This woman doesn’t even know me! Ok, well. When I look at it that way, she’s totally not being bitchy or judgmental at all.

You see the problem here? I do. How selfish of me to think she would even care how much food I’m eating. I’m so caught up in my own insecurities and guilt, that I’m missing the whole point. Fact is, if one is the type to get out of control when eating food, then the above statement is totally valid. And furthermore, the statement is totally true about me!

I’ve lost some weight and guess how I did it? By having less food on my plate. I’m healthier and happier when I’m in control. I am a better person.

I’m sorry to all the people I’ve felt unwarranted anger towards. You most likely could care less what weight I am and if I tower over you.

I really need to get a grip.

Baby Eli.

Henna belly.

Art by Andrea Dorfman

YouTube: andyradorfman
www.andreadorfman.com

This is my brother’s beautiful wife. I genuinely mean that in every way possible. Beautiful on the outside (obviously), but gorgeous on the inside as well. Since I met Shannon back when she was dating my brother while we attended college up in Canada, she’s been a necessity I never knew I needed. Not only is she a great friend, but she’s an artist. And not just any artist, but an artist that – even though we differ greatly in our styles – totally understands my point of view and vice versa. She’s extremely talented. She can do anything creative and it turns out amazing. I often trust her to help me with my own creative ventures. That’s saying a lot, coming from a severe perfectionist. I can easily say that I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am without her.

It’s been a fun 10 years, to say the least. Thank you, sister.