Island Time!

SO excited I can't even stand it! We leave this morning to spend 5 blissful days in St. Thomas. Oh.em.gee.

Some friends have asked what we plan to do while we're there. So here are our thoughts:

1. I will find and occupy this ASAP where I'll watch Nate enjoy going out in the ocean and swimming with the scary things (ps - WTH is #3?!).

2. If we're not at the above, then we will be here -

I have a feeling we're going to be able to recreate this exact picture. Blonde chick with a burn (meaning her attempt at tanning), guy with fuzzy hair from being in the pool/ocean for days straight, and drinks in both their hands. If those are rum punches, then recreating this pic is a done deal.

And yeah, that's pretty much it. Sure, we'll explore and I'm going to keep up with some maintenance runs (especially because I practically did not run this week, oops), but our biggest plans include a constant rotation of food, beach, pool, sleep.






Things we will not do?

H-no. I don't enjoy water sports like water skiing, wakeboarding, etc. and that's with equipment. Replace that equipment with two huge dolphins? Nah. I get how cool it would be though, maybe I can convince Nate...

My karaoke fear does not stop when we leave home. One embarassing night ruined karaoke for me forever. Won't do it. Even if it's just Nate and I in St. Thomas. But again, maybe I can convince Nate...

I will not play pool volleyball with guys like in the left of this pic. Someone looks like they're gonna get smacked and that kid in the blue is mesmorized, so you know they play some rough volleyball. No thanks. I'll be the chick in the back right with another ball thinking "wonder what would happen if I threw another ball into the mix?"


So goodbye cyber world! We are unplugging (I'm hoping for at least 90% of the time) and soaking up some relaxation and sun!!

Anorexia Does Not Discriminate

I'm not entirely sure why I started writing this post... I feel like I don't know what to say and yet have a lot to say all at the same time. Does that make sense? More than likely not, but I'm going to work my way through it anyway.

When I think about TJ, all I see is his smile. He always seemed to be smiling. Always happy. Granted, I wasn't very close to him in high school, so I may have not seen what those closer to him saw. But I did see him nearly everyday for four years as we made our way through high school.

I can't remember one time either in school, hanging out after school, or at his pool that I ever saw him upset. When you showed up at his house to hop in the pool he always made you feel like he was so happy you were there. He was a special, caring, gentle person. I would've never guessed what happened next.

What I didn't know was that TJ was suffering from a horrific illness - anorexia. It only intensified after high school. It was a complete shock to me when I got a phone call saying that he passed away. I didn't believe it.

I think it's safe to say when someone you know passes away, there's a natural amount of shock and disbelief let alone sadness. But when the news spread regarding the details of his illness, it was a different level of disbelief and sadness. It didn't add up. It didn't make sense. TJ? A guy, a great guy, an athlete, a straight A student... how? It was a very startling lesson that much like many other disorders, anorexia does not discriminate.

Yesterday while I was eating breakfast, I turned the news on and all of a sudden there was TJ's mom talking about TJ. I froze. Didn't really hear anything, just shocked at what I just saw. I only slightly comprehended that the full news piece was going to be on NBC later that night. I do what I always do with shocking news - text Megan. She said there was to piece on the growing number of eating disorders in boys later on Rock Center (luckily, figured out it was Nightly News instead). Here is what aired;

TJ's Story

When I turned my computer on to find the link for the video, this is what MSN greeted me with...

This morning I turned my tv on to the Today Show like every morning and there it was again.

I have mixed feelings after seeing all of this. The sadness is clearly apparent. But I am happy that his story is getting out there. If it saves one life, it's beyond worth seeing those pictures of him everywhere and talking about the details of losing sweet TJ. But I have a feeling TJ's story will save more than one life. It will help countless families and friends reach out to those who may be suffering an eating disorder, especially the unexpected boys. TJ's story will save many lives. He wouldn't have it any other way.

Please help share TJ's story to reach those who need to hear it.


*You are very missed TJ*

Time is Tickin

Ever realize how many things you accomplish when you're about to leave on vacation? One of the worst things is to leave pending tasks only to face them when you return (and more than likely they have somehow gotten worse), thus making the vacation seem pointless.

So there is this big rush (ok, sometimes panic) to get everything done before you leave. I become the most productive person right before a vacation. I know, it's sad, I should be like that everyday and most times I am. But there's a magical productivity that happens before a vacation.

This upcoming weekend we leave for St. Thomas. I'm so excited to get away, be in the sun, and not have anything on the schedule other than to relax & have fun ... for days, not just our typical 24-48 hours.

But the key to a fantastic vacation starts with the preparation. Must get everything done and get ahead of the game so you don't worry while you're away or come back to an utter nightmare. That goes for home and work. So this week, I am promising myself to not do the following (which I typically do leading up to a vacation);

1. I will not work until 2am the night before getting everything done - it will be done during the week.

2. I will not wait until 3am the night before to start laundry that I need for the trip.

3. I will not wait until the morning of the flight to start packing.

4. I will not lose the "to-pack" list which typically results in forgetting 10 things we need for the trip.

5. I will allow us plenty of time to get to the airport.

#5 is really for Nate. I'm overly anxious that I will miss every flight I take. Nate is not. Yes, he usually is right, "we had plenty of time". But all it takes is that one time where we didn't leave 5 minutes to spare and the security line is packed like it's the day before Thanksgiving or typical drivers of 395 congesting the freeway for absolutely no reason at all.

My point? Why risk it? So you might have to hang out at the gate for 15 more minutes than necessary - have a drink, relax and know you will not be missing your flight.

I also feel like you have a better vacation if you mentally prepare for a great time. Earlier this month I started adding a sticky note everyday to our bathroom mirror of something related to our upcoming trip to get us excited...

....yes, iguana feeding is on there. I'm intrigued and curious if I can get them to do this -

Here's wishing you and me a very productive week!

----

Has anyone been to St. Thomas or one of the Virgin Islands? Any tips or must sees for us?!

To The Nines

This week I decided to switch up my long run from Sunday to Saturday. The forecast was calling for mid-50s and lots of sun yesterday as opposed to today dropping into the 30s with possible snow. I did not want a repeat of last week's run, so running Saturday became the new plan.

I'm so thankful I did, it was gorgeous out! Nate threw his bike in the backseat and we drove out to the Mt. Vernon trail. Angela suggested we park at the Belle Haven Marina and run right, towards Mt. Vernon to avoid heavier congestion in Old Town. Thanks Angela for the suggestion - it was great!

There were a few small hills to make it challenging, as if a goal of running 9 miles wasn't challenging enough! But with Nate riding his bike next to me yelling "I'm King of the Hill!" at every hill, it encouraged me to keep going, laughing the whole way.

Yesterday I was reminded of how much I don't like certain cyclist. The bells. They drive me crazy. If you're passing me, clearly I'm on the right lane. All you need to say is "on your left" which tells me you're passing me on the left. Ringing a bell startles me and tells me nothing besides you feel the need to ding a bell, invading my otherwise peaceful run.

I also don't appreciate the cyclists without patience. You do not own the trails. So when you want to pass me but there's someone coming in the opposite direction it is not my fault. Please slow down and wait for the chance to pass me safely, just like with driving. You do not have the right to almost hit me because you're trying to squeeze in between me and someone coming head-on. Trust me, if you hit me you will have a much bigger interruption of your ride than just slowing down to wait for a safe chance to pass me. Fyi.

Other than the cyclist issue, it was a really good run. The trail is beautiful as it follows along the Potomac.  There were so many people out running, walking (and the respectful cyclists) that there was this shared enjoyment of being outdoors mid-February in 55 degree weather. Smiles everywhere, it was great!

My legs felt like lead at the end, but less pain in my left foot than I expected. The night before I was explaining to our friend Jonathan this pesky pain that's been happening at the top of my left foot, opposite the ball of my foot. He said to be careful because it could be a stress fracture. Um, no. I refuse. Magically it pretty much went away yesterday. Power of the mind :) We're going to stick with an inflammation explanation.

Lots of stretching immediately after felt great. Then we were off to get food asap. I have learned that I have about 20 minutes after a run to get food ... or else  >:o 

My calves still hate me today, but I need to remember no Zumba the night before a long run - not smart!  

I've also learned that food shortly after is not where it stops. I ate a serious dinner and couldn't get enough popcorn later at the movies. Safe House by the way is  a great movie.


Bonus Points - anyone who can help me get rid of that stinkin blue box above my header wins extra bonus points with me. I have tried everything and cannot get it to leave! 

Hallmark Holiday

Three years ago (wow... three years already?!) Nate and I celebrated our first Valentine's Day together. Being the first of our relationship, Nate really wanted to impress me. Little did he know, it truly wasn't necessary.

I got stuck at work, running about an hour late for our date. I didn't know the plans, just knew that we had a meeting time of 7pm but at 8pm I was finally leaving my office. Way to impress a new boyfriend, huh?

When I finally met up with him, I was less enthused about doing anything besides getting food asap. Nate told me he had fancy dinner reservations, but we could opt for pizza and sweats instead. Sign me up!

I think we both knew we really loved each other in that moment - him that I couldn't care less about a Hallmark Holiday and would choose a comfy night with pizza instead - and me that he was understanding that I was so late and willing to accommodate my exhaustion.

We ordered from Papa John's and the pizza arrived in a heart shape. Adorable. So with sweats on we decided to class it up with some red wine and BAM there started our Valentine's tradition.

So tonight we ordered our traditional pizza but were so bummed when it came in a regular circle. Listen, I don't care about flowers, chocolates, cards, etc. on Valentine's Day. But I want my heart shaped pizza dangit!

Who took the first slice?! (me!)

We opened another bottle of our Cuvaison wine, so here's Nate with a recap:

Tonight we enjoyed their 2009 Petite Syrah. It's a smooth drink with some complex underlying flavors and a crisp finish. You notice black cherry on the attack and bits of licorice, blackberry and pepper as it opens up. It paired very nicely with the pizza... even if the latter was misshapen.


Do you have a Valentine's Day tradition?

Team Nemesis

"In 2011, there were more than 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the US."

I find this statistic to be alarming and encouraging all at the same time. The fact that breast cancer affects so many is beyond heartbreaking. The fact that last year there were 2.6 million survivors is such a huge feat!

Unfortunately breast cancer is no stranger to many of us. My Grandma Sissy (mom's mom) is a survivor. My Grandma Karen (dad's stepmother) is a survivor and so is her daughter. Nate's mom, Cheryl, is a survivor. So many success stories but at the cost of some painful scars, worries, days, and memories.

Now my Aunt Cyndi (dad's sister) has been diagnosed and is waging a severe war on her cancer. If you don't know my Aunt Cyndi, know this - she is one of the strongest women I know. When I heard the news there wasn't a doubt in my mind that not only was she was going to beat this cancer but that she also was going to make a difference.

She has started "Team Nemesis" who will participate in Mid-Michigan's Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure this April. Nate and I will be there to join them in the event and we are so excited!

If you're in Michigan and would like to join our team, we would be so thrilled! If you can't participate that day but would like to join in our fight by making a donation, words cannot express our appreciation!

As with any cancer, every ounce of support (big or small) makes a huge difference. Help us make a difference in the lives of the survivors, those who are currently battling or will battle breast cancer, and all of their family and friends. Please Visit Team Nemesis Page today to join our team or to make a donation!

Winter Got Pissed...

...when we said we were all so happy it didn't show up this year. So it did. Very minimal snow but dipped down into the 20's with some serious winds. I know I'm from MI and all, but Brrrr!!

I went to sleep last night begging that the wind would die down by the morning. So when I woke up this morning and could hear what sounded like a ghost howling outside my entire house, I thought "it's not safe to run in elements like this, I'm staying in bed". Then I remembered that I promised myself not to skip a long run. This is how I justify my indulging moments throughout the week. Don't skip my runs, especially the long runs and I get to indulge in things like this ~

Then I also remembered that I skipped one maintenance run this week and already feel so guilty. Out of bed I went. I picked the worst spot to have my breakfast and mentally get ready to go - on the basement couch wrapped in my favorite huge, cozy blanket (thank you Cheryl!) and the fireplace going. I even lit the candles. Perfect setting for a lazy Sunday morning, not so much for motivating yourself to run in the cold.

But then I heard from Joy who agreed to run with me and she wasn't backing out either. See, the buddy system does work for accountability too! So out we went to tackle a 8 mile run in 23 degree (22 according to Joy) weather with hurricane force winds. Fine, maybe not that strong of winds but all too strong to make it easy to breathe. You know that moment when you get blasted in the face with a strong, cold wind and you gulp, not able to breathe? *Dislike*

We decided on Eisenhower instead of the Mt. Vernon trail in an attempt to keep us more sheltered from the wind. It was fine on the way down Eisenhower. But the way back was pure misery. As we crossed the bridge I wondered if the winds were strong enough to send me over the bridge, but luckily there's  a large fence so I think it would've caught me.

We finished the 8 mile goal and had almost another mile back to the car. Typically this would be great for a good cool down, but we were frozen so 'cooling down' was not necessary. Once we stopped running, the cold really set in. I couldn't feel my thighs, butt, fingertips, or my face. Misery. Shivering, we hopped in our cars, seat heaters on full blast!

Best.hot.shower.ever. I thought I was going to cry when I ran out of hot water. Then sneezing, snotty mess, and pain set in for both of us. So much so that we cancelled our date to visit our friend Ithamara and her new baby :( Probably wasn't going to be good to be around a new born in our state.

So even though we both suffered wind burned faces and an afternoon of chills, I'm so happy we didn't skip it. I'm also real proud of Joy. She just completed her first marathon in December in Hawaii, but hasn't really run since. So for her to just hop on board and run 8 was impressive to me. She's one of my inspirations for even attempting a half marathon. First thing she said to me after her marathon - "it was HORRIBLE and AMAZING all at the same time" and somehow I found that so inspiring!

Nate couldn't have been more excited that I didn't make him get on his bike to brave the cold while I ran. After a recent run I took the bike for a cool down so Nate could sneak in a quick run too. I then realized how much colder it is on a bike. Sorry babe! But you are the BEST for doing it, I feel so lucky!

Besides peanut butter and raisins, I have a new craving after my runs and that is Nate's solution to "I don't feel like cooking dinner" -

Stove top, chicken, corn and some shredded cheese. It's amazing. Try it! He also spoils me with delicious milkshakes. Love this guy!

I miss her

My baby niece, Alaina, is growing up so quickly. She's so close to walking and is signing small things like baba, more, etc. It breaks my heart that I live so far away and have to get re-acquainted with her each time I see her. But I guess that will go away as she grows up and can remember me. And then we can have phone conversations that don't include slober and grunting noises on her end. Those are the moments I hold near and dear to my heart for now though.

Brenden (my brother for those of you who don't know) said the other night while I was talking to her on the phone, she started hugging and cuddling the phone. Made.me.cry. I'd like to think it was because she knew it was me, but more than likely it was because I was singing to her and she thought it was a toy.

Brenden has been sending me some of her adventures of eating and I'm so proud she loves peas. Nate cringes at the word, so we don't have them in our house unless he's away on business. When I was a baby I guess I was obsessed with peas, mostly enjoying being able to pop them. Strange kid, I know.

So Brenden thought it only appropriate to send me a picture of her lovin on some peas.

And then came the other night when she refused to let him spoon feed her and insisted on doing it herself, which she clearly got a big kick out of...

She's such a happy baby and her smile and giggle kills me everytime. Nothing is more precious!

Two of my cousins have new babies too and I am so very sad I'm far away from all of them. I also have two girlfriends back home with babies on the way. Breaks my heart that I'm not there to share all these moments with them.

I guess that's part of moving away from home and everything and everyone you know. A big sacrafice, that's for sure and some days you miss them all so much you consider the possibility of moving back home. But I love our life in DC and what brought me here makes it hard to consider going back. It's all just another reminder that you can't have it all in life. Sucks. Who created that rule anyway??

Does anyone else have family far away that they miss terribly? How do you cope?

Hot Yoga is Da Bomb

I know it sounds awful ... attempt yoga moves in a room that's 105 degrees with I'm not entirely sure, but I'm guessing 1,000% humidity (for an hour and a half too, not just a quick 30 minute session). But it really is great, trust.

Once you get through the mental part of the "ohmigod I'm going to suffocate" you're in the clear for a very cleansing workout. With the heat, your muscles can stretch more than you ever thought which is great for anyone who is working out, especially running/weight training. There's nothing better than getting the perfect stretch on sore muscles!

Then there's the sweat. Not that it's pretty or enjoyable, but when you leave you literally feel like you left 10lbs. of toxins in the room. You feel very cleansed because clearly from you being soaked head to toe (no exaggeration there), you sweat out those 10lbs. I truly never knew shins can drip in sweat, but they do. Ew, I know.

Julie joined me after work today for a class. It was her first class and she did great! She tried every pose (very tough to do) and if she fell out she kept trying. The only moment I was worried for her was when we first walked in. I think 7 seconds went by before she said "I don't think I can do this" but she regrouped and did it like a champ! Just have to get through that first hurdle, keep calm, and you're golden.

If you're on the fence about trying it out, go for it and let me know what you think. Here are some tips
and things you need to know from the studio in Alexandria. I will add that no matter what, wear the least amount of clothing possible and you want it snug to your body. I know, we're all self-conscience in small amounts of clothing. But listen to me when I say you will be soaking wet head to toe and in 105 degrees. You won't care what you look like 1 minute into the class, you will want nearly all your clothes off.

You also want the clothes tight fitting so that when they get soaked, which they absolutely will, they don't hang way off you and only add extra weight and will get in your way. Think of what you would want to swim in - small and tight. 

Think positively and always breathe and you will enjoy it. There are times that I skip a pose and just sit and breathe. Taking a moment to do some deep breathing will definitely help if you feel like it's too much. And don't be like me and giggle when they do the breathing exercise at the beginning (you'll get mean looks and some eyes rolled at you). You want to participate in that - it's kinda crazy how well it helps you breathe deeper.

Julie and I are off to find massive amounts of food :)


Has anyone else taken a class? Did you love or hate it?