When I think back to my own junior high / high school (and heck even elementary school) experiences as a chubby chic, nothing positive ever comes to mind. There are a lot of memories of being teased and humiliated. I don’t recall ever being picked *first* in gym class. And I remember constantly comparing myself to my peers (especially in junior high / high school).

I was insecure back then. I had a personality, opinions, talents and the whole shebang but felt inadequate when compared to my peers. I was constantly judged harshly on my appearance. And those judgments seemed to seep over into other areas of my academic career. Not only did I never feel pretty enough… I also never felt smart enough or good enough.

I found drama. It seemed to be the only place where I could let go and be someone else. Because I sure as heck didn’t like being me.

Here I am almost 12 years out of high school and one show has produced a spark within me that has brought a lot of those memories and issues back.

Which show am I referring to?

Well… ABC Family’s “Huge”, starring Nicki Blonsky and Haley Hasselhoff.

Where do I begin? I am almost 30 and I love this show! Having been heavy during my school years, I find that I can relate to most-if-not-all of the characters. This week’s episode touched on the horrors of gym (just slightly).

It is kind of refreshing to see a show on television that kind of mirrors what it is like growing up with body images, unaccepting parents and peers and all of the angsty confusion that goes along with it. These characters *want* acceptance and *want* to like themselves… but find that they can’t because they can’t get past the weight thing. It is really refreshing to get a point of view from the male characters as well. We always hear ad nauseam about the weight issues of girls and women. So in my opinion it is refreshing to have a male perspective as well!

Gawd how I remember those years!

Have you seen the show?