Travel Healthy (or “healthier”)

As I mentioned, I recently went to California. Traveling, especially in airports, can often wreck your healthy eating. Although I definitely indulged in some excellent food (prosciutto wrapped seared tuna, Chilean see bass, lobster mac and cheese, escargot… not to mention fabulous drinks) I didn’t waste splurges on greasy airport burgers or inflight snacks. Here are some of my healthy travel tips.

1.  Pack an empty water bottle. I have been using an Aladdin bottle that opens with a click button only when you have your finger pressed on it and then seals shut (fantastic). If you’re like me and the taste of different water bother you (or you get bored with water) pack propel zero packets (or crystal light or any other drink flavor). Although it’s not as great as naturally fruit infused water, it’s all about the small things that can help while traveling. I didn’t have to spend lots of money on airport waters and I was able to stay hydrated.
2.  Pack food. Believe it or not, they don’t care if you pack food in your carry on. I packed dried crasins, a couple apples, some granola bars and a few other healthy snacks. I knew part of my trip would be in a hotel and it’s hard to come by fresh fruit (at non-ridiculous prices) in a hotel. An apple is also a great mid flight, healthy snack.
3. Choose wisely. When I was stuck in the airport for supper (airport delays) I needed a healthy choice so I grabbed a subway salad (and filled my water bottle up from their machine) and a Chobani greek yogurt. You can also easily find whole fruit (apples, bananas) or fresh fruit cups (in airports) to grab for your bag for the flight (just be prepared it’s more expensive than packing your own whole fruit).

When traveling, don’t forget to pack your normal vitamins and anything you take daily, along with some airborne or vitamin C (airplanes are a germ pool!). What are your healthy travel tips?  

Looking Back and Forward...

I wrote this post on the plane yesterday but didn't have time to post when I was dealing with the snowstorm last night... 

Looking back on the last year of my life is a crazy thing. A year ago I was flying home from California to heart breaking pain, a broken home, a mess... and a path that would soon unravel like a bad Lifetime movie. The day following my return would begin the first of many times my (now ex) husband would return and send my life spinning in yet another tailspin. I was living in a fog, life was a blur of tears and hurt.

This year I'm flying back from California to a different life. The weight of the world I carried last year is a memory. This year I found myself sipping cocktails and considering a life in sunny California. Or maybe the Carolinas? How about TX?... I found myself meeting new people, laughing and smiling from somewhere so deep within that I nearly forgot that depth of happiness existed. Found myself being amazed by the fantastic friends I have at home, and the offers to help make sure I return safely (in the impending snow storm). Simply in awe of how far life has brought me in the last year. And in awe of all the opportunities that the future holds. I feel like I'm standing on a cliff, ready to jump and just try flying...

Do I struggle ever? Cry out in pain and hurt? Yep, I do. I bet I will have times like that for the rest of my life. Because this will not be the last tragedy in my life. More will come. That is life. What happens isn't nearly as important as how you recover from it.

Suite at the Four Seasons? Why Yes, thank you.

On Sunday I leave for Philadelphia (3rd time in the last 6 months) for the event I've been planning since December. When we visited the first time (back in December) to visit locations and restaurants we discovered the best option was... The Four Seasons.

Four Seasons

Yeah, call me a country girl, but I've planned a lot of events and none of them have ever been at the Four Seasons... or anything close to it. So I tried to hide my excitement and not look like a 5 year old being told they are getting a pony when our CEO & I agreed it was the best option.

I'm not sure I succeeded at hiding my happiness because our CEO gave me one of the suite upgrades included with our package. He said it wasn't important to him because he doesn't care where he stays since he travels so much but when would I have the chance to stay at a suite at the Four Seasons? Good point. I mean staying at the Four Seasons was nice enough - but getting upgraded to a suite... thank you, thank you VERY much. Sadly, Andy cannot make the trip with me (boo!) since his work schedule got changed so it'll be just me in the big 'ole suite but I'm sure I'll enjoy it anyways!!

I'm excited (and nervous) for the event, but I'm crossing my fingers everything goes well! And that I'll somehow get a couple long runs in because I'm starting a running competition with a friend next week (more on that later) and I don't want to start the first week off poorly!

I Wanna… be a Roller Derby Girl

This weekend Andy & I made the short 2 hour drive to Andy’s best friend’s house in Richmond. I have two Aunt’s in Richmond and since the shopping is much, much better there than in the Valley, I’ve made that drive hundreds of times. This time we were not going for the shopping (although I did squeeze some in), we went to see John’s girlfriend Jess in her Roller Derby bout… yep, that’s right, she’s a Roller Derby Girl. And I’m insanely jealous because she’s awesome.

On the way to Richmond

Babe stopped at Starbucks for me!

I’ve never been to a Roller Derby “bout” (yes, that’s what their games are called). I did watch the movie about the roller derby girl (the title I cannot remember), I think on our flight to Mexico, but somehow I missed the real rules of the sport. Thankfully we caught the last 20 minutes of the bout before Jess’ team bc we were completely lost! I would explain how it works, but you can just do what I did and Google it (thank God for iphones).

This girl is amazing!

I had made posters like a nerd super-fan. And we got insanely into the bout. We were jumping up, cheering, screaming for the jammer and cringing when we thought she wouldn’t call off the jam before the other jammer scored. We were tracking the scoreboard and freaking out when the other team closed in on the 20 point lead – no worries tho, Jess’ team won. This sport is awesome.

Roller Derby Girls!

I’ve insisted to babe ever since leaving the bout that I want to be a Roller Derby Girl. I can’t think of a better way to exercise AND get my aggression out! AND they get really awesome nick names… what more could you want? Babe would say “no broken bones”… 

Chronic Over Packer

Look up Chronic Over Packer in the dictionary... you'll find a picture of me.

It is definitely a problem. Trust me. 

I can't help it. I think wouldn't this dress be perfect? And these shoes? And of course I need to pack medicines in case we get sick. And shampoo and conditioner because they never give me enough in the room. Oh and definitely a beach tote. And water shoes. And underwater cameras. Oh and a float...

I swear, I packed all of that and more.

I know, there is something wrong with me.

I know I didn't need TWO sunhats. And I probably didn't need ALL of those dresses.

But here we are 3 suitcases packed, with one 1/2 pound under the limit. 2 carry-ons ready to go.

These suitcases appear smaller than they actually are.

Carry-on, Sandals... and dog toys?!