I heard part of this piece on XM radio in the car, and it caused the proverbial "driveway moment", wherein one sits in the car longer than necessary to finish listening to a piece. It proved too long to complete in the driveway, however, so I later came here to find it and finish listening. As a former North Carolina resident, I can easily picture many of the places and people she mentions. I found this piece to be sad, eerie, and rather disturbing, but it definitely was gripping and candid, and for that I give it high marks.

As an aside, I too have grown fat since my NC days, though as a male I suppose it has a different social connotation. I have a very pretty young daughter who's been baton twirling since she was three years old, too. Maybe that's why this piece punched me in the gut.
Fortunately, the similarities end there. I consider this a cautionary tale.

This narrative touches on a variety of heavy topics (molestation, substance abuse, eating disorders, etc) that would normally result in a highly depressing pity party. Instead, though, Weatherman's bitingly honest and matter-of-fact wording is complimented by a twinge of irony in her voice--you can tell she's already analyzed her story and is well along the path to healing. An incredibly intimate, funny, beautiful composition.