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. 

Am I More Than a Phrase

Call me a geek, but I am easily inspired by a simple phrase.  Nike's iconic, "Just Do It" may be my favorite.  It just works.

Maybe I grew up in the era of phrases.  I feel like my parents used a lot that have stuck in my head.  I use some and sometimes I laugh because my kids are like what does that mean.  Truth is I don't always know, but sometimes they just fit the situation.

We should all use my dad's phrases regarding his philosophy on school,  "Your lack of planning does not create a crisis for me",  "Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail", and "Fail now, avoid the June rush".  As my husband was helping one of our 9th graders study for a World History test at 11 pm last night, I really thought he should invoke one of these "Bobisms" (yes, that's you dad). 

Then there's the "practice makes perfect" - so annoying when it came to a musical instrument, but in the end solid advice.

"Clean as a whistle" - how I felt after this weeks colonoscopy.  If you haven't gone and you're over 50, you should.  If you live in my neck of the words, call Dr. Vallabh -919-854-2500.  Get it in before the end of the year - easy way to drop of few before the holidays.

"Colder than a well digger's ass",  and "Colder than a Witches tit", probably political incorrect but when it's cold, I can't help myself.  Since I don't know any "well diggers or witches" I feel like I'm in the clear.

"The freshmen 15" - I wish.  It was more like 28.

Yes, I completed by second marathon in my 50th year. They were both awesome. I would liken a marathon to child birth. It's hideous when you're doing it but when it's over the reward was worth the pain. Things were pretty cool until miles 21 and over.  I literally growned out loud between the 21st and 24th miles. I tried desperately to make a friend. My music sucked and I didn't have the wear with all to change it. I considered a four legged crawl.   None of these crisis techniques worked for me. In the end, "Just Do It" was the best motivation of all. 

I don't know what phrases are in or cool these days, so join me in trying to figure out how to "hashtag this"!

 

 

 

"Fifty Shades of Grey" at Fifty

Well, this is a spicy topic and due to my current blog censorship, I may not be able to tackle with perfect honesty....(feel free to stop by 220 Benwell with a bottle of wine and we can tackle "Fifty Shades of Grey" person to person).

In case you haven't heard of "Fifty Shades of Grey", I'll give you the cliff notes according to Lysa.  Basically, it's the classic harlequin romance script, but updated.  Totally rich, gorgeous, emotional baggage ridden boy meets beautiful, crazy smart, emotionally well adjusted, virgin girl.  They fall madly in love, she fixes him, they have kinky fabulous sex, get married and have beautiful babies.  He can't gift her with enough Audi's, jewelry, expensive couture, 5 Star Getaways, and "atta girls".  They can't stand to be away from each other for more than a few hours.  And yes, I'm sure - he totally exists.  Most of my friends are married to someone very similar to him.

So "Fifty Shades of Grey" at Fifty,  hmmmmmm.  How about this?

 - A double headed shower - OMG, so hot and steamy it takes my breath away.

 - Dancing With The Stars - OMG, so much skin it's like Prime time Porn.

 - A good bottle of Chardonnay at $10 or under - OMG, I can't seem to get enough.

 - Any kind of chocolate - OMG, so rich and creamy, I can't stop licking it off my fingers. 

Join me in my continued quest for orgasmic experiences, sexual or not - okay kids, not sexual, I was just saying that to get a rise out you and your teenage friends that are weirdly reading and care about an old ladies blog - give me a break.

Desperately Seeking Spirituality

Sometimes, I'm more passionate about my search for spirituality than others.  I really fight my urge to believe in reincarnation because the alternative as I quickly approach 50 doesn't seem that great (oh, I know heaven is supposed to be fantastic, but I haven't heard any first hand reports so the jury is still out for me).  A few years ago, I knew I needed something more, so we tried a different church than what we had grown up in.  For me and my kids it works.   We could shop around more I suppose, but for right now we're comfortable at http://www.crosspointe.org/  I don't believe everyone needs something new - maybe some of us just to need to revisit what we have and reconnect.  Either way, our search for spirituality is important for our emotional health.

It's okay to church shop these days.  I remember someone saying, you can't change church just because you don't like the priest - not to put words in that person's mouth, but I bet they wouldn't say that anymore  It's important to find out what works best for you and your core family while still being respectful of other family members beliefs.  It's okay to be introspective.  You don't have to just dig your head in the sand, show up, shut up and give money.   It's not scary.  It's freeing.  Church is a personal decision and a family decision.  We have let our kids have more say in how we work as a family.  I want them to be kind, thoughtful, giving, spiritual human beings not just rule followers.  If they are not screaming, kicking and crying all the way and actually ask to go sometimes, I think we've made great improvements. 

Today is Election Day and another day off school for Wake County schools.   Our church and other churches across the United States are participating in something called Election Day Communion http://electiondaycommunion.org/join-us/

Basically, it's just about sharing time connecting as a church, agreeing that we're all in this together, joined by one force in the end.  We are supposedly, "One Nation Under God".  I can't come up with anything negative with that thought and prayer.  Join me in remembering "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" a little earlier than Christmas, but good timing nevertheless. 

PS:  To my Jewish friends - Mazel Tov!

Fabulous Fall Finds

Sorry, if you don't live in NC because my first Fall find is here.  Can you say ROADTRIP???... and get to Hillsborough, NC http://www.visithillsboroughnc.com/as fast as you can.  So pretty and some of  the yummiest eats I have had in a while.  Love Gulf Rim Cafe http://www.gulfrimcafe.com/ I am still dreaming about the Fried Artichoke Taco.  I had a hot chocolate at Matthews Chocolate and can honestly say it was the best I've ever had http://dinneranddrinks.wordpress.com/2008/01/13/matthews-chocolates-in-hillsborough-nc/  and hubby loved catching the scores and chugging a beer at The Wooden Nickel http://thewnp.com/ - I'm sure there's more, but that is all I could fit in an afternoon.

If you haven't connected with my new Tarot Card/Astrology friend Philip Young, www.blackunykorn.com - now is the time.  He is offering two free cards you can draw and take home with you if you mention you heard about him thru this blog.  Just had him over for a fun girls night and everyone enjoyed the experience.

For everyone, anywhere - check out the Lauren Conrad collection at Kohl's along with J Lo's.   There are some really cute things and with Kohl's sales and discounts good deals are easily obtained.

Loved the 2 recent New York Time's best sellers: "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn and "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed!  The ending of "Gone Girl" was disappointing (left author opportunity for sequel is my best guess) but still a good read.  "Wild" was a life changer for me - so inspiring, I could read it again.

Secret coffee recipe - aka Pat's Brew: put splash of vanilla extract in coffee pot, sprinkle cinnamon on coffee grinds - brew coffee like normal = pleasantly not over flavored just delicious cup of Joe.

Clocks back this weekend.  Join me in not forgetting and not complaining when I can't keep my eyes open after 9 PM next week.