just do it...KSWISS style

Everyone who knows I run know that I supremely endorse the KSWISS Tubes Run 100 athletic shoes. I purchased three new pair after recycling over six pairs of Nike's. You'd think I'd pull out one of those new strides to hit the pavement in the Detroit Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 10k, but no...

I was thinking fashionable. I adorned my cold gear, courtesy of UnderArmour who is my go-to for cold weather running. My turtleneck was fuchsia so I could not imagine sporting anything other than my older tread-beaten bubble-gum pink accented Tubes. Thank God I had enough support to run the pavement in Downtown Detroit. The weather was beautiful. This was historical for me.

I did have a sudden case of buyers remorse. I did not get any sleep the night before. I was determined to not take a nap on Wednesday so that I could get a long eight hour sleep before awaking at 5 a.m. That did not happen. I slipped into a comfy nap and awoke around 8 p.m. I knew it was trouble ahead. I tried but could not fall asleep that night so I wound up working on my running playlist for the run and wished for the best.

It seemed to be extra dark Thursday morning. I soon discovered the reason why. There was a dense layer of fog that I feared would never end. I kept thinking that I should turn around, go home, this is crazy. I soldiered on. I was then shuttled into a line for Joe Louis Parking Garage. Oh no! I kept thinking, "I'll never make it on time."

The race was delayed. With over 22,000 racers laced and ready to go, it took me 20 minutes just to nudge my way over the starting line. My finish was about the time of my first 10k. This was my second and the temperature was very different.

The weather was wonderful for a parade. I'm happy to know that my donation will continue to support the annual event.

another great find

Since I have become an ex-natural I am discovering that hair is not an exact science. I'm still a work in progress. This new conditioner I found is one proof of that. For two years I was under the impression that I had found the holy grail of works in the Dollar Store. This bottle not only reminded me of my Suave Professionals, but the price just couldn't be beat. It has a list of natural ingredients and it does appear to be free of sulfates. Wow!

But that is not why I am sharing. My hair enjoys this. I untangle loose strands before going under water. My hair sheds far less and I'm thrilled. Keep it simple. Washing my hair is more of a ritual to open the cuticle and allow nourishment inside. It is not play time. I absolutely love it. For a $1 or less, it simply cannot be beat.

voting against tyranny

This is the primary reason I voted for the other guy. The second most important reason was due to the Bush War. The last time I trusted a man to lead me to fiscal balance, he took me to war over someone else's natural resource instead of defining our own resources, which could have created more jobs.

sleeping on the floor

First, I’ll start this post by saying that this is not for everyone. Some people will never commence the experiment because it goes against their Western Philosophy. If you even venture on the existential path, you’ll try it and you will love it.

Second, I did not try this as an experiment. I simply was tired of waking up tired and disoriented. I’m not sure if it was the mattress or what. I remember loving it so much as a kid during Friday video night sleepovers. The moment I could afford a luxurious mattress, I thought it was necessary to sleep in a bed to be considered elevated to some high level of consciousness.

Third, the floor matters. Allergies are a common reason why some avoid the floor altogether especially if the floor is carpeted. I debunked that myth not because I was trying to, but because I needed to find another way. I was not getting the quality of sleep I needed to produce fabulous workout results.

Tired of being tired…

Yes, after two plus years running, walking, lifting weights, cycling, yoga…the entire gamut…I was getting tired of exercising. I was suffering back aches that would bring me to tears. I either hated exercising or hated sleeping in my bed.

I am almost now afraid of investing in fancy bed fearing my workouts will suffer. Imagine investing hundreds of dollars in a ergo bed and realizing that it is tanking every aspect of your awake life?

I cannot even consider going down that road. I will consider keeping my carpet allergen free and staying on the floor for now.

My back and neck aches are dissolved. My hip joints are open, increasing flexibility. My runs are thus better. I just feel better overall. This is my life, and it works for me. Find what works for you. The most simple things have the greatest value.

dry shaving with talc

For the past few years I have been dry shaving with talc powder. I grew tired of the bumps, the irritation, and skin discolorations from wet shaving. Good bye to shaving creams. I no longer require them.

How to:

1. Wash the area clean and pat dry.
2. Apply talc powder.
3. Shave.

It's that easy.

There is no particular razor that I recommend. I purchase the disposables because they are most efficient. However, I did once receive a very cute razor with interchangeable blade heads for a birthday gift. That was many years ago and now I cannot even recall the name.

I tried using electric dry clipper/trimmers but they just do not get close enough.