Weekly Therapy: I really want to complain about still being sick…

- Mel

the week:
I woke up with my first alarm every work day this week (which was only Tuesday through today, since I took a holiday on Monday). This is a HUGE step for me, and after having a conversation about how awful I feel about setting five (sometimes more) different snooze alarms, I decided to start taking action. This fits into a bigger picture of some of my New Year resolutions, and I’m happy about taking these little baby steps now (which hopefully equals more successful, eventual goals).

weekend:
I have a busy week coming up, with nearly every night scheduled with holiday parties and celebratory happy hours with corresponding gift exchanges, so I need to do a little Christmas shopping over the weekend.

Sunday afternoon is this awesome Girls Rock! CD release event and skating party at Romp n’ Roll. You should come!

52 books in 52 weeks:
#46 Lost at Sea — another excellent read from Jon Ronson! His storytelling keeps me intrigued and entertained, and I liked how this book is essentially a collection of randomness (though he calls them mysteries). This book has plenty of trivial pursuit/pop culture/jeopardy-answer material, spanning topics like James Bond (a chapter that had me laughing out loud several times), Insane Clown Posse (!!!), and (religious) cults.

seven things, seven days:
1. I popped a blood vessel in my eye from coughing so hard. OVER IT.
2. A bird pooped on my leg while I was walking to the yoga studio. I worked in a bird zoo for almost three years and never once got pooped on… so, irony?
3. Coffee has returned to my neighborhood!
4. The INTJ gift guide (you know, if you’re looking to buy me something) — links to other Myers Briggs personalities at the bottom of the article.
5. Just… WOAH. Mental Toughness with the Navy Seals. {via Lifehacker}
6. Does exercise slow the aging process? {via NY Times}
7. Head nodding in (almost) complete agreement with this writer. The difference being I do NOT like to cook. The Myth of Easy Cooking {via The Atlantic}

Update on my 30s Life List

- Mel

I recently cleaned up my 30s Life List, particularly noting some items that I’m not all that interested in completing (um, shoulder tattoos, Louboutins and photography lessons? NOPE.) and have widdled this list from 30-some items to only 22 — with only 5 items crossed off and another half-way attempt (while we’re here: I STILL haven’t had my piano tuned!). While this doesn’t feel very earth-shattering, I recognize some of the things that I’ve accomplished even in the last couple years that were not even on my radar when starting this list in my early 30s (running marathons, for starters; relocating to another city, for another). Lists like this are an interesting reminder about our life phases and personal growth.

That said, I realize that I’ve got some work to do in a year-and-a-half! But… yeah, most of the stuff on this list will be near impossible to achieve. Kilimanjaro, for one, will definitely not happen, but is still something that I would like to do. Eventually. I probably don’t have the motivation to train for kayaking at long distances either. (40-something goals?) Also, rather strangely, the list is a lot of what I want to DO… rather than who I’d like to BE. So, put a little of that in your pipe and smoke on it.

Anyways, I’ll definitely be crossing off two more of these items though before the end of the year, which is exciting! The 52 Books in 52 weeks goal is something that I’ve started and stalled on for the last couple years, and this year I’m going to make it. I guess I could spend that time next year on actually writing a book? It doesn’t feel like a priority goal for me but maybe it’s something that I start to consider again.

My, how my 30s have changed!

Every 30-something needs… happy, healthy joints.

- Mel

Are you a daily supplement user? How do your joints feel during — and after — activity? Research indicates that active people should take glucosamine daily for joint health. I only recently started reading about supplements for my bones and joints because of my severe Vitamin D deficiency and the side effects of such. Glucosamine supports the function and mobility of joints.

Breakfast of Champions: coffee, Joint Juice and leftover cranberry bread from Thanksgiving! :)
Breakfast of Champions: coffee, Joint Juice and leftover cranberry bread from Thanksgiving! 🙂

The producers of a product called Joint Juice® connected with me recently to tell me about their products that supply a full day’s worth of glucosamine and chondroitin. Originally developed by an orthopedic surgeon for pro-athletes, Joint Juice® contains 1,500 mg of glucosamine in each of its products. Even better, their ready-to-drink supplement has 400 IUs of Vitamin D3, along with Vitamin C and other antioxidants. This daily drink is a convenient way to keep joints healthy and happy so you can do what you love and continue being active in your 30s and beyond. I received samples of the cranberry pomegranate-flavored drink from Joint Juice, which is tasty, though I did detect a slightly off-putting aftertaste. Kind of like when you chew vitamins — a necessary but temporary suffering.

So, what is glucosamine? Glucosamine occurs naturally in your body, which we tend to produce less as we age. That’s where supplementing has been shown effective in maintaining healthy joint cartilage. Glucosamine also works to lubricate your joints by helping cartilage tissue absorb water and to perform its job of cushioning and mobility.

What is chondroitin? Chondroitin is an element of healthy cartilage. So, taking chondroitin with glucosamine supports joint function.

Bonus: Vitamin D Recent research indicates that Vitamin D is essential for a number of cellular activities and most people don’t get enough. And I need all that I can get!

30-Something Approved: I’m an active person, so I am also actively concerned with keeping my body healthy and working properly. If you’re interested in trying Joint Juice®, it can be purchased at Costco, Sam’s Club, Walmart, and the Joint Juice online store. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram. If you’re in Pittsburgh and interested in trying, I have a couple samples that I can share too.

Disclaimer: Premier Nutrition sent me a case of Joint Juice® in exchange for review as part of the FitFluential network. All opinions herein are my own.

December: 30 days of posts

- Mel

First things first, YES, I know there are 31 days in December — but I only plan to post on 30 of them. Back in May I did a similar post-per-day challenge (November 2012 was the last time that I participated in a 30-days post challenge for NaPoBloMo), and leading up to the New Year, I want to take stock of some of my experiences from this last year — looking at my 2015 goals, looking ahead to 2016 and thinking deeper about where I’ve been and where I’m going.

And maybe a little bit about being grateful on where I am NOT right now.

My posts will cover:
Relationships
Friendships
Fitness/wellness
Education
Work/career
Home life
Extracurricular
Volunteer
And anything else that comes up in the early mornings as I enjoy my first two cups of coffee.

I feel like I’ve been fleeting a bit lately, and I know that I do best on a schedule… but I’m not really sticking to a schedule and there is that “fleetiness” again. In December, I’ll start making some baby steps on next year’s resolutions – setting up some better habits and thinking about what it important to accomplish for next year. I feel deeply that 2016 will be another intense year of big changes, and I need to do my best at being prepared to mentally handle what’s to come.

Race Recap: Ugly Sweater Run 5K

- Mel

ugly-sweater-logo2014The Ugly Sweater Run is a holiday-themed 5K that isn’t meant to be taken too seriously. This event is sincerely all in good fun and in the spirit of the season, and I had no plans to run fast or get a PR. I had a lot more fun that I anticipated! After being sick for over a week and unable to get any workouts in, I was antsy for some activity.

Registration and Cost: If this race is coming near you, check online for deals. My friend (who registered my bib) got a BOGO 1/2 off deal, and when she registered it was only like $25 per person. Day-of registration was $50 (!!!).

Packet Pick-Up: Easy bib pick-up, with separate tables for swag bag pick-up and 21+ wristbands (we skipped that last one, and thankfully, because that had the longest line of them all and we didn’t need it anyway).

Weather: It was a little chilly, even with the late 11am start time — about 40 degrees but sunny!

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Course: We started on Federal Street right outside PNC Park in a chute of inflatable candy canes. The course turned down General Robinson towards the trail off River Road, then on the North Shore Trail and out towards the Science Center. We turned back at that point on the trail and ran back on the trail towards PNC Park into the concessions/gate area. The course was most crowded (and a little annoying, because of the lack of runner etiquette) when runners were in both directions before approaching the turn-around on the trail. The organizers did have a tape separating the two “lanes” of traffic so it wasn’t a mass cluster.

Charity: This series of races supports Save the Children when selecting a special ticket option at registration.

Fans and Experience: As advertised, I was hoping for more holiday music and hot chocolate on the race course, but they still did a great job of integrating holiday fun into the event. Nearly everyone on that race had some sort of holiday-themed attire or accessories and there were a LOT of ugly sweaters in the group. People really got creative. Noted for next time, for sure!

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Finish Line: There wasn’t a course posted, but I was surprised to learn (upon asking a volunteer) that we were finishing inside PNC Park. At the Finish Line, any runners over 21 got a free beer and there was PLENTY of hot chocolate. While I was originally wanting the latter, I got super excited when I saw tall cans of Angry Orchard. HOORAY!

Medals and Swag: No medals but everyone got these sweet fleecy knit hats. Probably the most unique item I’ve received from doing a race!

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Bonus: Did I mention beer and cider (and hot chocolate, yes) at the finish line? Pro-tip: I didn’t get a 21+ wristband prior to the race but showing my ID at the beverage tables afterward was accepted (and I didn’t waste time in that line before the race). I don’t know if this is protocol for all of their races but BRING YOUR ID regardless.

After Party: The area outside of the park on Federal had a bunch of photo opps with Sam Adams’ cutouts and inflatable snow globes that you get inside of (!!!) and fake fireplace backdrops. BRGR and Franktuary had their food trucks set up here too. We were allowed to take our drinks outside the park, which was a fun bonus in extending the holiday “cheer.”

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OVERALL
The Great: Well, ’tis the season, of course.
The Good: Angry Orchard cider!
The Bad: People who don’t know race etiquette. RAWR.
The Ugly: There was a lot of conflicting information before this race — dates were wrong on the FB event page; the start line location said Waterfront in one spot and PNC Park on another; and there was a BUNCH of spam posts on their FB page to weed through (someone needs a social manager). I was anticipating a mess of a race because of this, but it ended up being pretty well-organized.

RESULTS
Uh, I’m not sure actually. I realized that I forgot to stop my watch after I had already grabbed my cider and took a few pictures. If I deduct those couple minutes (and base off my splits), I probably finished somewhere around the 31-minute mark. Though there were timing mats at the start and finish, I couldn’t find a results page/info anywhere. See above needed social manager.

Weekly Therapy: Happy bellies, happy hearts.

- Mel

the week:
I’m giving a lot of gratitude this week: to a holiday-cooked-for-two, and full bellies, and convalescence from this cold that’s been dragging me down all week. I was too sick to run the Turkey Trot this year. And I guess in hindsight, though disappointed, it was the right thing to cancel our travel plans for the holiday. We stayed home, and the boyfriend smoked a small turkey (even though neither of us eats/likes it that much, it was delicious!) and made all the Thanksgiving fixings (enough for a week’s worth of leftovers for 8 people, for sure).

weekend:
Work gave us an extra holiday today, and I’m using a vacation day on Monday. A five-day weekend sounds like perfection right now. I might be crazy enough to go out shopping for some deals (since I have a couple gift cards still yet to use from my birthday/graduation), since I am nowhere started on my Christmas lists yet. At some point this weekend, I’ll get back on my exercise plan that’s been wholly derailed because of this sickness (I’d really like to do the Ugly Sweater Run on Sunday).

Make no mistake, my cats are NOT happy about all this coughing!

52 books in 52 weeks:
#45 Life and Other Near-Death Experiences by Camille Pagan — Quite different of a book that I usually go for, but thanks to Kindle Unlimited for the title suggestion and pulling me out of the non-fiction shelves. Enjoyable, guilty-pleasure sort of read, despite the main character’s cancer diagnosis and (without giving away plot lines) other life shit. Considering the circumstance — her circumstances — the book provoked some optimism in an otherwise tragic story.

seven things, seven days:
1. I found out this week that my favorite face cosmetics brand (the only powder that has ever matched my skin tone and not changed color when I get oily!) has discontinued stocking in the US. So, currently stalking eBay and Australia beauty sites for Napoleon Perdis camera finish compacts. Apparently they ship internationally, but OMG $69 for a compact is a real sticker shock… and I can’t get my checkout order to process anyway, and their customer service is downright awful. DAMMIT IT ALL TO HELL.
2. I was detecting a funky smell somewhere in my kitchen and as I walked around looking for it, I smacked my face right into the side of the table. YEP.
3. Pre-Black Friday Deal: Finally purchased an Apera performance duffle during an online sale this week. Hopefully my search for the perfect gym bag ends here.
4. We started binge-watching The Leftovers on Thanksgiving… and ZOMG. Only 5 episodes into Season 1, so NO SPOILERS, PLEASE!
5. I realized when clearing boxes out of my front closet that my marathon shoes were a half-size smaller than my training shoes in the same exact model. That’s… interesting.
6. Everybody needs to read this: Exercise is not punishment for eating. {via Nia Shanks}
7. The technology that created a whole new generation of runners {via The Atlantic}

Macy’s Thanksgiving and Heart of Haiti: Gifts that Give Hope

- Mel

This is my second year participating in a Macy’s holiday Heart of Haiti campaign, and I am grateful for the opportunity to spread the word about this incredible organization again.

On Thanksgiving, we give pause to the upcoming purpose of the holiday season — a time for both giving and giving back. Amid the frenzy of the shopping lists and Black Friday emails, for a moment think about how gift buying can still be in the spirit of the season. Macy’s Heart of Haiti home décor products are gifts that give hope. Just the kind of holiday spirit that we should joyously celebrate.

The country of Haiti is rich in the arts and despite being the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, skilled papier mache artisans are anxious to work and earn a living to support their families. Macy’s Heart of Haiti has been providing economic support to Haitian artisans ever since the devastating earthquake hit over five years ago. Shortly after the earthquake, Macy’s joined forces with the Haitian artisans to develop a decorative product line for sale featuring their beautiful handmade goods.

This video tells the story of how the project started and the difference it is making in the lives of these artists:

The Heart of Haiti line of home décor items is made in the town of Jacmel — a charming, historic port known for its artisan community — by sculptors and artisans who have practiced the handcrafted technique of papier mache for centuries. This seaside town suffered a lot of destruction during the earthquake. Artisan studios and homes were destroyed, and residents were left with no way to make a living. The sales of these handcrafted items at Macy’s allows the artisans to once again practice their craft while feeding their families, sending their children to school and supporting their extended families.

heart of haiti, papier mache, home decor, vase
Macy’s Heart of Haiti vase with pieces from last year’s home decor collection.

Macy’s sent me this beautiful papier mache vase, which artisans created using age-old techniques. The process of making these decorative items starts with forming a mold out of dried mud, then using recycled cement bags. This particular vase features a black & white, wavy lines motif meant to mimic the gentle sea. Click through to watch another Heart of Haiti video, which features the process of making papier mache items for Macy’s.

This season, you can make a conscious decision to spend your dollars. Haiti has an estimated 400,000 artisans who rely solely on their handcrafted goods as a source of income.

30-something approved: Macy’s Heart of Haiti employs 550 artisans, providing economic support to their extended family members and others. The Macy’s Heart of Haiti line is only available at a few Macy’s stores in New York City, Chicago, D.C., San Francisco, Atlanta and a select few others. But all products are available on the Macy’s gifts that give hope page.

(Yes, my mantel decor has changed again!)
(Yes, my mantel decor has changed again!)

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere has gifted me a vase from Macy’s Heart of Haiti collection for this post. The vase retails for $55 and is available exclusively at Macy’s. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Weekly Therapy: KILL IT WITH VITAMIN C

- Mel

the week:
Ughhhhhhhhh, Monday through Wednesday nights, I didn’t sleep more than 4 hours each night, and getting at least 8 last night was simply amazing. Though I feel much better this morning, I have had a sore throat for a couple days. (Defense Up juice from Evolution Fresh is my jam; in this case, my 310% Vitamin C per serving jam.)

weekend:
Tonight is the annual Light Up Night (aka: Holiday Bar Crawl) tradition downtown. I scheduled a massage for late Saturday afternoon but otherwise it should be a relaxing weekend. I see TV show binge-watching and a Snuggie in my near future.

52 books in 52 weeks:
#44 Just for the Love of It: The First Woman to Climb Mount Everest from Both Sides by Cathy O’Dowd — really, really got into this book! Exceptional and vivid storytelling — I felt like I was climbing with her!

seven things, seven days:
1. Made the Post-Gazette in our Pittsburgh Browns Backers shirts. *honk*
2. I have either bruised ribs or some muscle strain in my back. Welcome back, roller derby!
3. But I killed my endurance test (part of the minimum skills test) — 32 laps in 5 minutes! More laps than when I was skating regularly. *high five*
4. Woke up two days in a row with 61 degrees on the thermostat and cold air blowing out of the vents. Quick maintenance and diagnosis of the problem, but likely something we’ll need to replace on the furnace at some point.
5. :-/ When you get a promotion, but you’re still making $30k a year. {via The Financial Diet}
6. Where all my Midwesterners at? What’s in a vowel? In search of the disappearing short-a {via BELT Magazine}
7. Good news for me! > Strong legs help keep brain healthier in old age {via The Guardian}

Accountability Monday: 11/9-11/15

- Mel

Finally getting back into the groove of a workout schedule, which will change again this week when I return to roller derby league practices (tonight!). If CrossFit is going back into my weekly schedule, then I’m probably looking at early mornings again. My training for the Gasparilla half (and additional race distance nonsense) doesn’t start for a couple more weeks.

I walked to work every day this week, and walked home 2 out of 5 days.

MONDAY: One-hour spin class at the Y, then did a few sets of 60-second plank holds.

TUESDAY: Had happy hour plans after work.

WEDNESDAY: Ran 3 miles at 10:29 pace with run//yoga//run club followed by 75 minutes of hot yoga — GOOD TO BE BACK! I realized that it’s been three weeks since I’ve done yoga and my body definitely needed it.

Running in the dark now (at 6pm, BOO!) with run//yoga//run club.
Running in the dark now (at 6pm, BOO!) with run//yoga//run club.

THURSDAY: More happy hour plans after work, with different friends.

FRIDAY: We had a friend’s birthday party in the evening. I did have a workout scheduled, but skipped it.

SATURDAY: Went to Romp n’ Roll for an hour-and-a-half of roller skating! I CAN STILL SKATE! Although I’ve noticed that my left leg has lost a lot of strength and struggled with left leg-dominated stops. I’m still awkward-AF with my reverse direction crossovers too. I did a few more of those 60-second plank holds too.

SUNDAY: GO BROWNS! Tailgating is a workout, right? 😉

Weekly Therapy: The person you were.

- Mel

the week:
I have a very social week: two happy hours to catch up with friends, another friend’s birthday party, a chocolate-theme party and a business-kinda morning coffee break. Monday spin class. Back to my weekly run//yoga club. Open skate on Saturday afternoon. Tailgating with Pittsburgh Browns Backers (and more friends).

I hope I don’t hate people by the end of this seven-day stretch! But I’m honestly feeling some really good energy in making time for everyone and finding a need to connect (and re-connect).

weekend:
As mentioned above, I plan to put my skates on for the first time in ten months. WFTDA Champs got me all fired up inside about playing roller derby again. So, I’m starting with an open skate and a league practice on Monday to see where I am skill-wise (and to be minimum skills-tested again). And… well, we’ll just go from there. But it probably means more crossfit/weight-training in my life, despite my post last week about watching my money. HA, sorry money! I spent $200 already updating some of my derby equipment!

Saturday night is the much-anticipated (and sold out!) Chocolate Bar event by the Cultural Trust. Oh boy, I hope it’s not lame and that I can eat all the chocolate. In any event, there will be booze, so… I’m set. Sunday, I’ll be (hungover, likely) cheering the Browns with my fellow Backers at Heinz Field (and its proximal parking lots)!

Also: THERE’S AN INTERNET CAT VIDEO FESTIVAL HAPPENING IN PITTSBURGH! (WHAT?!)

52 books in 52 weeks:
#40 Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson — I really enjoy Jenny’s writing style, and this book did not disappoint. At one point I was CRY-LAUGHING that I started almost-sobbing. It was hilarious, maniacal laughter. And you’re dead inside if you don’t laugh while reading this book!

#41 The Woman I Wanted To Be by Diane von Furstenberg — I had this book on my nightstand since receiving it in one of my Popsugar Must Have boxes, and I finally read it. Meh. Pretty boring overall, to be honest, but not completely eye-rolling (though I found it wholly impossible to relate to her life experiences and at times thought there was much fabrication). I found her failings (and subsequent successes) as a business person to be the most interesting and I wish those moments were expanded upon in her memoir.

#42 Popularity Explained: The Social Psychology of Grade School — SNORE. I mostly skimmed through. Incredibly boring and he even admits to a lot of the info being more of what we already know.

#43 Coming Clean by Kimberly Rae Miller — Somehow I ended up reading two memoirs about growing up with hoarders for parents. I’m still finishing the other one. I have a lot of respect for the author, especially considering her strength to maintain a relationship with her parents and their mental illnesses (and regularly, literally, cleaning up their messes).

seven things, seven days:
1. I bought these new capri pants from Fabletics in the Northern Lights fabric (which are amazing because the little stars are all reflective at night)!
2. Went to the annual “Cleaning of the Chandeliers” champagne toast at the Omni hotel yesterday. What a fun little celebration!
3. Preparing for skating again, I pulled my gear bag out of the basement and HOLY SHIT. It smells real bad after ten months.
4. NEW MISSY ELLIOTT!
5. YIKES: Alarming new research on perfectionism {via Science of Us}
6. My boyfriend forwarded this one to me (he knows me so well): The Secret History of Mac n’ Cheese {via Huffington Post}
7. What we think about when we run {via The New Yorker}