Be In The Know - What is K2?

I really try to avoid thinking that things are going to "hell in a hand basket".  We saw our fair share of drugs growing up in 70's, 80's, and 90's.  I was hoping that I knew enough that not a lot would slip by me.  Teenagers are always one step ahead.

My mother in law recently moved here from Michigan.  She came with stories of K2 and Bath Salts.  I had never heard of it at the time.  I now know that kids here are doing it.  I just want to make sure everyone knows what it is.......knowledge is power. 

K2 and "Bath Salts are bad.  Here are some links with helpful information.

http://www.livescience.com/6149-fake-weed-real-drug-k2-causing-hallucinations-teens.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthetic_cannabis

The thing is it is legal.  I haven't investigated where you can buy it here, I'm hoping it's not something as simple as Kangaroo.

I just googled "teens killed using K2" and there were 10 incidents cited on the first page including the story by mother in law shared in the first weeks of her arrival from Michigan - http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&ved=0CFQQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wlns.com%2Fstory%2F18649257%2Fteen-killed-after-allegedly-overdosing-on-k2&ei=uYLAUJDIBIT49gSr4oDYAg&usg=AFQjCNGNL4YWOG79BFB7X_qVHLJdYI_Z3g&sig2=YiJn7fQWqSPYEHjkUdlrtA

Michigan has outlawed it, but Bath Salts/K2 is legal in most states.  Here is the most comprehensive/simple information for parents I could find http://www.drugfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Parents360-Synthetics-Bath-Salts-K2-Spice-Parents-Guide-FINAL-2-13-12.pdf

If you hear of kids smoking a Hookah pipe, they may be using substances like these.  Join me in not digging my head in the sand and being too scared to know the truth - ask question, talk to your kids about K2 etc.  We're in this together..........

Invoking Best "Bobism"

Today, I'm invoking what I consider one of the best "Bobism's" that I know - "Fail to plan, plan to fail".  I had a friend share their secret for executing a fun, healthy year.  Every January, they have a special day where they get out their calendar and plan on fun "healthy" events to train for - travel to - and maybe even plan vacations around.  It's the perfect execution of the my previously mentioned "Bobism".

I pulled out my calendar early, so I can share some fun things going around in the Triangle and other places so you can start your wheels turning.

This is my plan -

Last event of 2012 - Love Girls on the Run organization.  Their philosophy is
"inspiring girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident!"  They have a 5K Reindeer Run December 15 - My daughter and I have signed up for it - go to http://www.gotrtriangle.org/events/registration-now-open-sports-endeavors-reindeer-romp-gotr-end-fall-season-5k 

Spring - yes, play more tennis.  I promise.  I am committed to 4 teams and when I'm say I'm committed - I mean it.  Yes, I've been on a hiatus but it's like riding a bike for me.  I learned early.  Just give me a few good practices and things will be back on track.  I've already spoken to my favorite fitness trainer, Amy Banfer, and am coming up with good training plan to avoid injury.

Right, I'm not going to run a marathon this spring - I'm going to run a half http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/new-orleans/event-details - so fun.  I'm organizing couples to go to New Orleans for pre Mardi Gras/fitness fun weekend. 

Join me for the first Dirty Girl event in Raleigh - http://www.godirtygirl.com/event-schedule/?gclid=CKX_m-uig7QCFQf0nAodRC4APA - my team is "Ivy Cottage Dirty Girls".  We are in Wave 13 (11 am) and we are raising awareness for MS.  This is going to be a blast!!

This local event is not a good weekend for me, but I've heard great things about it - http://tobaccoroadmarathon.com/!!

I may try to coerce my kids into a Stylski Team for this mini Tri - http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/directory/link-detail.asp?linkid=1943

I love this site -
http://www.active.com/ - great place to start to find events - not just running.

I'm taking the summer easy and then will start training for the Philly Marathon 2013
http://www.philadelphiamarathon.com/

Wow, I'm excited.  Join me in making 2013 a great healthy year!  Find your passion - make it happen.

Christmas Mania

Oh "Christmas Mania", why did you come early this year?  and why haven't I grown out of you?  A girlfriend of mine identified my season of "Christmas Mania" about 10 years ago.  Usually around  the start of December, I suffer from insomnia and weirdly don't seem tired.  Come January, I will go into hibernation and it will take me a week of 10 hour nights and possibly some naps to recover.  I get you Mrs. Santa - I get you.

My hearts racing and I can't stop the excited feeling in my body.  I can't sleep and I happy to report I actually lose my appetite..  I can't stop making lists in my head.  I can't stop planning, decorating, shopping, .......thinking about what I'm going to eat, what I'm going to wear, what should my kids wear, should I give the mailman money, should I give the yard guys money, how much, do I really have to give the trash guys money?  should I wrap?  Oh wow, they wrap for free.  Should I stay or should I go.  When should we leave?  When should we come back?  Will my kids be happy?  Do I suck as Santa?  If you get something on sale, should you spend more $ or be happy for the deal? 

.....OMG....Stop the Madness.  I wish I could - I can't.  Maybe I don't want it to.  We all get geeked up about something.  Christmas for my family has always been a big deal.  It's a lot of pomp and circumstance and I love every second of it.  It's a celebration.  I want to get lost in the small moments of joy and never let go of them.  Join me in celebrating something.  Find something to celebrate.  Life should be a celebration.  Make it one.