RAISE A PINT

Subtitle: I'm a FEMALE!






















This morning I was walking into work from the parking lot and I passed a big, looming red cross bus parked out front. We all know what that means. Blood donation time! I didn't sign up but knew they would not turn me away so into the bus I hopped.
Now, mind you, I don't wear a lot of makeup, and lately I've been letting my hair air dry so I lack that polished, put together, feminine essence. But I'm still a girl. I wear jewelry and heals and lip gloss. So I was surprised when the nurse asked me my gender...at three different times. I started to get a little paranoid that I looked man-ish. I had to shrug that off because having a needle jabbed into my vein is way too important to get distracted by questionable gender.
There was a time when needles and blood and finger pricks didn't bother me. And they still don't; if it's on TV I'm fine. But the moment a real live person starts toward me with a sharp object (needle, knife, pencil, temper) I get woozy. Similar to getting sick on amusement park rides, this is an aversion that started later in life.
Anyway, I gave my pint, in less than 6 minutes. I felt pretty accomplished while I ate my fig newton and chatted up a bleeding co-worker. But as other people where being prepped, I knew I had to make it out of that bus. I felt great most of the day. And I skipped lunch on accident.
Fast forward to my commute home from work; it's a 40 minute drive. Those 40 minutes were some of the most uncomfortable I've had in a while. I felt at once an anxiety attack coming on AND a fainting spell. Once I got home I pulled on my sweats and languished on the couch making the Rockstar serve me food and fetch me important things like water with ice.
I'm glad donating blood makes me feel this way. It helps me realize how important blood is, and how ridiculous it is that I don't donate more often. I'm disappointed that I don't jump into all the red cross vans I see idling at the curb. I mean, if I feel this depleted with one pint missing, how must someone feel that is actually in need?

SICK BED RESPONSIBILITIES

1. wear most comfortable clothes
2. send husband for Nyquil
3. keep blackberry nearby; afterall, it owns you
4. watch Center Stage
5. watch Center Stage: Turn it up
6. brush teeth while laying down
7. fold laundry
8. cough into sleeve; who needs tissue?
9. make packet of chili and eat while laying down
10. hide from to-do list

I'M BACK; WITH STREP

It's just my luck to get strep right before a big presentation and travels to Chicago and Calgary/Banff. I'm pretty good at "sucking it up";I guess I'll continue to fine-tune that personal skill even more.
Nate just left for Calgary this morning. We will rendezvous August 27 {blessed third anniversary} for some Canadian fun. But for now, I can certainly appreciate this sick bed diagram from Flickr. If only I had the luxury of recuperating in the comfort of my own bed and not a conference room at work.




















{image from Basic Framwork}

I DREAM BIG

Anyone who knows me knows I dream big but I don't always live up to the potential. This is one of the big dreams I'd like to add to the year. Nate and I could do it if we trained really hard for the next four months...I think. The website says, "participants that leave Logan in the last pack (7:45am) must ride an average speed of at least 16.5 miles per hour to arrive in Teton Village before dark (approx. 12.5 hours in the saddle including stops)." I'm not looking to win; I'm looking to finish before dark. And that's if I do it at all. Just looking at this photo and thinking about 12 hours in the saddle gives me butterflies.

HEY, LOOK WHAT I GOT

A ganglion cyst {AKA Bible Bump}...on my wrist. I met with a specialist today who confirmed that it existed and that I was validated in feeling pain. Rather then deal with this thing swelling and hurting and limiting the use of my hand, I've decided to have it removed; aspirated. Yeah, I said aspirated. I'll be going under the knife a week from Wednesday for the 8th time. Alternative methods of treatment include:

"One traditional method of treating a ganglion cyst was to strike the lump with a large, heavy book. And since even the poorest households usually possessed a Bible, that was what they used, which is how ganglion cysts came to be nicknamed "Bible Bumps" or sometimes "Gideon's Disease." This method of treatment is no longer recommended as patients risk damage to the surrounding area."

THE 75% RULE

Last year I was taking birth control and it made me a crazy person. I really thought my manic behaviors had caught up to me and I was officially losing my mind. As it turns out, it was just the birth control wreaking havoc on my hormones.
I paid a visit to a wellness center in Salt Lake City called "Web of Life" and met with a great Doctor who advised me to stop taking birth control. I did, and I found my mind; it wasn't lost after all but merely confused with all the contrary hormonal signals.
This wise Doctor also introduced me to the 75% rule which may directly conflict with what most of you have been taught. The 75% rule explains that before you do anything {work on a project or go to the gym for example} you decide what 100% would be and only do 75%. Of course this is really only a healthy way to approach life if you are suffering from mental or physical disturbance. If you are on top of the world then you better be giving 150%!
Hooray for the 75% rule! I keep it on my bulletin board at work to remind me to breath and take it easy.

GETTING TO KNOW MY CROIX DE FER

The very next Saturday that I encounter a free hour and some nice spring weather, I'm going to get to know my LeMond Croix de Fer once again.There is nothing like a nice stretch of road and some good tunes on the iPod!

PIMP YOUR OFFICE AND OTHER GREAT STUFF

Alexander Kjerulf, author of the blog Chief Happiness Officer, has a great post about pimping your office with some very interesting furniture. I work for a Technical Analyst firm so you know there's not a chance on this earth that I'll ever have a meeting on this fabulous bike. But someone out there can, should, and will. Read more here.

ZIPFIZZ: A SUB-CULTURE

I drink Zipfizz in much the same fashion I used to drink Diet Coke in the 90s and Diet Dr. Pepper from 2000-2005. The benefits of Zipfizz is that it's not staining my teeth brown and it encourages me to drink lots and lots of water; I'm in my mid-thirties and keeping hydrated is no longer just an option.
What's interesting to note is that there are a lot of people out there that do not like the taste of Zipfizz {see Nate} and I seem to be running into them all the time. For a while I felt alone in my obsession. Like I was the only one buying the mulit pack at Costco and it would eventually just disappear one day from lack of sales.
A few weeks ago while Nate and I were doing our monthly trip to Costco, I ventured over to one of the street vendors {person handing out samples and wearing a hair net and plastic gloves} who happened to be serving little dixie cups of a new product. ImmuneFizz {loaded with lots of vitamins to prevent you from getting sick. Same fizzy, tangy taste}.
And then, while I was at the check out, the cashier asked if I was the one drinking the ZipFizz {as she rang up my box of 30} and I proudly exclaimed, "Yes, that's me." She then proceeded to tell me how popular it is and how there was the equivalent of a sub-culture of ZipFizz drinkers."
This news, coupled with the new addition to the Fizz family {ImmuneFizz}, leads me to think my favorite drink will be around for a long time. Long enough to drink it to my heart's content and eventually find something else I like more - though for the time being I hardly think that is possible!

ULTIMATE NEW YORK DIET

By now you've probably gathered that I'm a slave to the fad diet. I mean, I have to try them to see if they work for me. Right?
Remember when Heidi Klum strutted her stuff at the Victoria's Secret fashion show just eight weeks after having a baby? Everyone was amazed and hailed her as the queen of the bounce-back-body. Lastnight on Access Hollywood, much to Nate's chagrin, I watched a segment featuring David Kirsch. David happens to be the man behind Heidi's notorious body bouncing. In the segment he talked about "The Ultimate New York Diet" and how it works for many trying to lose some excess weight. There were phases. I love phases. {Get the diet book here}













Phase 1 Ban Bloating Foods: "The first phase is the most restrictive," David tells Access. "No more egg nog and champagne."

Also no dairy or fruit for two weeks. "You lose all that bloat, you feel great, more energetic," he says.

Phase 2 Eat Healthy Carbs: In the second phase, you will eat really healthy carbs like lentils, beef and tuna salad with tomatoes.

Phase 3 Load Up On Lean Proteins: Lean proteins include lean meat, a lentil loaf or a bowl of eggs.

David's tip is to eat hard-boiled eggs when you are hungry. "We hard boil them in the morning. Keep them on the counter and pop them in your mouth every time you are hungry," he said. It's one of Heidi's favorites.

Extra Tips
Protein Shakes: If you're short on time and need a quick snack try a protein shake. "This is perfect for Access viewers," David says. "Just a little water and a packet of protein and a little hand blender."

LOST INCHES

I've lost a few inches. I tried on a pair of my "skinny" pants and I can put them on and zip them up. I think by Sunday I'll be happy about my dedication. That doesn't mean I haven't wanted to eat some of that super tender pot roast I made on Sunday. What it means is that fitting into jeans that were too small a few weeks ago tastes much better then any pot roast ever could.

SEASONAL CLEANSE

For the next few weeks I'm doing a cleanse—for two reasons. First, I must lose some first-year-of-marriage weight before I go to Paris. I'll look much cuter in the photos if some of my cute skinny-jeans fit. Second, it's the dawn of a new season and I've heard it can be very healthy to cleanse your system four times a year. For the next two weeks my diet will consist of bentonite clay and psyllium shakes, and fruits and vegetables. That's it!

MENU PLANNING

I have a hard time deciding what to make for dinner. Nate and I are both creatures of habit and often end up eating the same thing every other night. Martha Stewart has "everyday dinners" which is a nice compliment to any menu plan. The recipes come with recommended side dishes and links to other recipes with similar ingredients. The food sounds delicious and I think Nate might love me more if I cooked like this for him.

Yummy chicken with ginger.

72 HOUR KITS

About this time last year Martha Stewart started a segment on her show called, "Thirty Things Everyone Should Know." I remember seeing all the pieces of her 72 hour survival kit laying on the table and thinking it was a pretty comprehensive list. If you haven't yet taken this step in being disaster prepared, there's no time like the present.

Here's what she suggests. Sorry for the length.





















Assembling a First Aid Kit
_Activated charcoal (use only if instructed by poison control center)
_Adhesive tape
_Antiseptic ointment
_Band-Aids (assorted sizes)
_Blanket
_Cold pack
_Disposable gloves
_Gauze pads and roller gauze (assorted sizes)
_Hand cleaner
_Plastic bags
_Scissors and tweezers
_Small flashlight and extra batteries
_Syrup of ipecac (use only if instructed by poison control center) Note: Ipecac is a medicine that can be purchased in any pharmacy without a prescription that, when given to a child or an adult, will induce vomiting.
_Triangular bandage

First Aid Kit Tips
_Whether you buy a first-aid kit or put one together, make sure it has all the items you may need.
_Include any personal items, such as medications and emergency phone numbers, or other items your physician may suggest.
_Check the kit regularly to be sure the flashlight batteries work. Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date items.
_Remember, the contents of a first-aid kit can be dangerous in the hands of young children, so it should be stored out of their reach.

Assembling a Go Bag
According to the New York City Office of Emergency Management, every household should assemble a "go bag"—a collection of items each person might need in the event of an evacuation. A go bag should contain:

_Copies of your important documents in a waterproof and portable container (insurance cards, photo ids, proof of address, and other such items).
_Extra set of car keys and house keys.
_Credit and ATM cards and cash, especially in small denominations (have $50 to $100 on hand).
_Bottled water and nonperishable food such as energy or granola bars.
_Flashlight, battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries. You can also buy a wind-up radio that does not require batteries.
_Medication and other essential personal items. Be sure to refill medications before they expire. Keep a list of the medications each member of your household takes, why they take them, and their dosages.
_A complete first-aid kit.
_Sturdy, comfortable shoes, lightweight raingear, and a Mylar blanket.
_Contact and meeting-place information for your household, and a small regional map.
_Child care supplies or other special care items.

Go Bag Tips
_Each household member's go bag should be packed in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or suitcase on wheels.
_A go bag should be easily accessible if you have to leave your home in a hurry.
_Make sure it is ready to go at all times of the year.

YUMMY ROASTED SALMON RECIPE

Roasted Salmon with Lime and Cilantro {courtesy of Martha Stewart}
Serves 4; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes

4 salmon filets (we buy half a king salmon at Costco and filet it ourselves)
Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (use your lime press)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro leaves

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Arrange salmon in a shallow baking pan. Season with salt and pepper. Roast until no longer pink in the middle and flaky, 10-13 minutes. Using a flat spatula, remove filets, leaving skin on the baking sheet (ours never comes with skin thankfully).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, soy sauce, and sugar; fold in cilantro. Spoon sauce over fish, and serve with asparagus. I highly recommend the asparagus. It's YUMMY.

Per serving: 324 calories; 18.5 grams fat; 34.4 grams protien; 3.2 grams carbs; o grams fiber (unless you put a little flax oil in with the salmon and then you are adding fiber)

SAKI ANYONE?

I don't drink the saki, but if I did I'd drink it from this hootie owl saki set. I'm trying to think of other cute things I could serve with it. Maybe wassail for the holidays?

• 4 cups Unsweetened apple juice
• 3 cups Unsweetened pineapple juice
• 2 cups Cranberry juice cocktail
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 3 Whole cloves
• Lemon slices

Combine all the ingredients in a large kettle and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve hot.

FOR THE YOGIS

I used to do yoga nearly every day at lunch time. It was several years ago when I worked at Novell (they offered it for free at the campus fitness center). Anyway, I was really into it and feeling the benefits when it got really popular. People started flooding the room and it really bugged me. Enough that I stopped going.
Now I'm going to start doing it again. I miss the way my body felt more relaxed and open. And it seemed to firm up my arms and shoulders. I may end up attending classes at Bally's gym since it's right next to my office. Or I may join a more exclusive studio. I like the idea of the classes being a little more intimate and special. I'm not into doing yoga in a room made of glass at Gold's Gym.
I came across Buddha Nose, a line of aromatic oils and plant remedies that tout the benefits of certified organic ingredients. Products that interested me: Bodhi Balm, Detox Bath Salts, Girl Balm, and Heart Spray and Immune Booster Spray (both for the office). Namaste.

COMFORTS OF HOME

Since I can't have a small bottle with my husband inside, I had to bring something along that would encourage me to relax. And there is nothing that creates relaxation more effectively then aromatherapy. I've been taking baths here in the evenings (or early mornings) to wash off the grime of long days. Baths are particularly nice since the tubs here in the hotel are uber long.

In my bath I put a few drops of Aveda geranium oil. This single note encourages relaxation and sooths aging, tired skin. It's like it was made just for occasions like this.

10 LBS THINNER, 10 YEARS YOUNGER

I remember the first time I met my friend Angela. Something about her seemed so feminine and graceful and she felt important to me. After I stared at her for a while I realized it was because she had great posture. I slouch and I hate it. Here are six ways to improve your posture so you can look 10 lbs thinner and 10 years younger.

1. Strengthen your Rhomboids: the muscles between your shoulders
2. Strenthen your Spinal Erectors: the muscles running along side the spine
3. Use External Tools: use small pillows to tuck behind your lower back for support
4. Keep a Straight Car Seat: your seat should be as erect as possible
5. Sit With Your Feet on The Floor: when you sit at your monitor or in a chair, maintain your feet on the floor.
6. Do Yoga: successfully practicing yoga can improve your posture and strenthen muscles

DRINK COCAINE?

Well, my dreams have finally come true. I've sampled nearly every energy drink and worked on nearly every taurine, guarana buzz...but now there's something new. Cocaine energy drink. Read about it here.
They say, "a high hits you within five minutes, followed by a caffeine boost 15 minutes later. But hold on - the ride lasts five hours and the concoction is "350 percent stronger than Red Bull. The effect is part chemical - this drink uses "simple" sugars that don't need to be broken down by the body to create a sugar buzz, and a much larger dose of vitamin B12 - and part psychological." Hooray for Cocaine!