Warning: Product Raves

Normally I don't use my blog to hawk products but I just have to share my thoughts about two really great ones: Lux Hair Mousse and Creme de la Mer.

1. Lux Hair Mousse--The parent company is Unilever and unfortunately, Lux Hair Products are only sold in Japan and a couple of other Asian countries. A co-worker brought a pump container back for me and declared that I MUST try it. It is amazing. You put a dab on towel-dried hair and it makes your hair shiny and smooth. I know there are other similar products out there but this stuff is best I've ever tried.

I emailed Unilever asking if there is any store near NYC that sells these products. Someone sent me back a nice but disappointing note saying, sorry, but no, right now there are no plans to sell them here. Bummer. I HATE when companies do that.

(Another example is Nestle's Coffee Crisp chocolate bars, which are only sold in Great Britain and Canada. I don't even eat candy bars but a friend from the Big White North sent me one and it's to die for! It tastes like a Kit Kat with a mocha/ coffee center. Yum. You can order them online but it costs a fortune because you have to order them by the box. Frankly, I don't want or need a big box of candy lying around.)

2. Creme de la Mer--I heard about this amazing moisturizer when I worked at the Empire State Building last week. The makeup guy was doing the face of one of the brides, a woman of a certain age...MINE!, who was complaining about fine lines and dryness. He told her that the only thing that really works, short of going to a dermatologist, is this Creme de la Mer, which can be purchased online or at Bergdorf's.

I've been having the WORST dryness around my eyes this winter, probably due to the dry air and lack of precip for much of the season. Being that I suffer from eye dermatitis, the dryness just aggravates everything. I decided just to spring for the eye balm.

I warn you this stuff ain't cheap. (It's $120 for .5 oz!) But a little dab'll do ya and IT WORKS! I use it morning and night and it seems to have cleared up the dryness and itchiness. It's amazing how quickly it worked, too. Sure beats cortisone cream anyday.

It has a nice fragrance to it, too. A cucumber, seaweedy smell, but gentle.

I Guess My Mother Had Heartburn

Mind you, I'm not complaining but my hair has been known to break combs! Seriously, I don't get haircuts, I get hair thinnings.


From today's Times' Health Section:

The Claim: Mother’s Heartburn Means a Hairy Newborn

By ANAHAD O’CONNOR
Published: February 20, 2007
THE FACTS It is an odd adage that has stuck around for ages: women who suffer heartburn during pregnancy will have babies with full heads of hair. But doctors have long shrugged it off.

Until now, that is. In December, researchers at Johns Hopkins University conducted a study intending to put the claim to rest. To their surprise, they ended up confirming it. The study, published in the current issue of the journal Birth, followed 64 pregnant women, about 78 percent of whom reported having some heartburn. After the women gave birth, two outside observers looked at pictures of their infants and rated their levels of hair.

Of the 28 women who reported moderate to severe heartburn, 23 had babies with average or above-average amounts of hair. Conversely, 10 of the 12 women who reported no heartburn had babies with little or no hair.

Other studies have shown that in pregnant women, high levels of estrogen and other hormones can relax the sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus, causing heartburn. The same hormones, other studies show, can influence fetal hair growth.

The lead author of the study, Kathleen Costigan, who runs the fetal assessment center at Johns Hopkins, said the findings came as a shock.

“We’ve heard this claim hundreds of times, and I’ve always told people it’s nonsense,” she said. “Since the study came out, I’ve had to eat a lot of crow.”

THE BOTTOM LINE Heartburn during pregnancy may mean a greater likelihood a baby will have a lot of hair.

That's What I THOUGHT You Said....

Of all days, I had to come in early yesterday (the yucky, ice-in-your-face-snow day) because a colleague of mine asked if I would help her out with an event at the Empire State Building. Every year about a dozen or so couples get married atop the Empire State Building on Valentine's Day. Most of couples have some sort of compelling story: cancer survivors, back from fighting in Iraq, father's dying wish, etc. It's a nice story, though, it really is.

I had helped her out previously at the Empire State Building Run-up and I guess she was so impressed, she asked for my help again. But I'm happy to do it. She's a nice woman and now I have someone to hit up when I need help with an event.

Anyhoo, it was about 8 AM and I am walking down 34th Street, wind and ice in my face, when a young woman approaches me with what looks like a small packet of something. I could see that the package had little subway dots on it but at that hour, I wasn't even mildly curious. I politely waved her away. It was cold, I needed my coffee, plus my head was so bundled up, I could hardly hear what she was hawking. It sounded as if she was saying "free condoms" or something like that. But, I said to myself, "Nah, too outlandish. Can't be. It's freakin' 19 degrees out, it's 8 AM on a workday, and the last thing I want to think about is getting nekkid, even for sex."

But sonofagun. I turned on the evening news later and that's exactly what it was! A FREE CONDOM! Because it's Valentine's Day, get it? And, Lord knows, that's the only day of the year that you have to worry about having unsafe sex, getting an STD and getting preggers.

17.7% Body Fat. OK, We Can Stop Now

OK, people. This is as low as I go. And that's after two weeks of really not being that good. There was my brother's birthday (chicken parm, baked ziti, chocolate cake); Tom's granddaughter's and son's birthdays (a combined celebration); dinners out with friends; you get the idea. So, I was REALLY shocked to see that I lost additional body fat. That makes almost 10% total since I started around Christmas!

But now my trainer and I are both in agreement that it's time to go on maintenance. I won't be meeting him every week anymore but I will see him a week before race season begins (March 11) to tweak some things, ie., actually add a few more quality calories.

Sounds good to me. :-)

Awesome!

This was taken with my crappy cell phone camera but it was an event of such importance to me that I couldn't wait to take a photo, ANY photo.

This is the first flower to bloom on my orchid plant in my office this year. Somehow this baby picked the coldest week this winter to make its appearance but nevertheless, it has arrived and brings promise that no matter how depressing this life gets, there is always a beacon of hope.

And, there are seven other buds waiting to burst as I write this.

A little history:

Last spring, I did a non-work-related favor for a client of mine. To thank me, this lovely woman had a beautiful orchid with white blossoms delivered to my office. I had never owned an orchid before but I know they have their following. In fact, a co-worker down the hall from me has about half a dozen of the plants in her office.

Well, the plant looked great for about 2 or 3 months and then one by one, the petals began to fall. I was so saddened by this. I consulted my colleague and asked if the blossoms would ever come back. She said, "Maybe." She suggested I continue to water it weekly and even give it some fertilizer. I did this for several months but nothing happened--until this past week!

I did read up on orchids a bit. From what I understand, most varieties are hardy plants, surviving droughts and extreme heat in various parts of the world. So, even if you forget to water them one week, it probably won't kill them.

I promise to take more (and better!) photos with the digital next week. Be prepared to orchisized!

No BF reading today

My trainer called out sick last night so I have no BF reading to share today. No biggie. I ended up staying in the city and meeting my sister-in-law for a bite and a Guinness, at an Irish pub no less. Good way to spend another blustery night.

I am getting a little sick of the cold. I hate having to bundle up every morning. I hate wearing hats and gloves. Supposedly, we're supposed to have a heat wave of 32 degrees by the end of the week. Yeehah!

Send This Chica to Cuba!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osdUv7v6K6g

Ack, I Have a Headache

Well, not literally. But a figurative headache, while not as physically painful, is still the pits. Why do I have a figurative headache you ask?

It's because of this:
http://www.baristanet.com/2007/02/montclair_time_chill_out.php

Read it and weep. I don't mind having an intelligent argument with people who have differing opinions but when it disintegrates into name-calling and such, well, have a nice day. This seems to be the case more often than not with Baristanet. I still love the site and do plan to return, just not today.

And for the record, I DO believe that there is such a thing as global warming but I don't believe it's caused entirely by man. There have been fluctuations in the Earth's climate for hundreds of years. Man, in the entire scheme of things, has only been here a short time. We are a pimple on the ass of eternity or something like that.

Do I believe in composting, driving hybrid cars and recycling? ABSOLUTELY! I always did, even before Mr. Liberal Tree Hugger came to town.

And, some of these people are SOOOO hypocritical! They stick up for Nancy Pelosi and her big jets, all the Hollywood limousine liberals, and all the Baristaville soccer moms who drive these enormous behemoths. THAT'S OK, by the way, because because they are doing it for [trumpets please!] THE CHILLLLDRRRUNNN.

Pass me a barf bag. NOW!

18.25% BF

Down to 18.25% body fat this week. Yawn. I'm pleased but because I'm getting closer to goal, the percentages just ain't that big a deal anymore. I may quit when I reach 17% and just go on maintenance.

The other good news is that the pain in my back is totally gone, hopefully never to return again. Race season for me starts March 11 with the Newark Distance Classic. Normally, I do the 20K (12.4 miles) but this year I'm just doing the 5K since my goal is to improve my times in the shorter races. There really is no reason for me to do the longer races since I'm not doing a marathon this season. It's kind of a relief not to be training for them. Heck, I've done them for the last 5 years or so. I need a break!

Tom made me laugh yesterday. We were talking about that big hoax in Boston, perpetuated by Turner Broadcasting Co. In case you don't know what I'm talking about, Turner Broadcasting was doing a promotion for this new lame cartoon series targeted towards "insomniac stoners," as I've heard it described. They hired a promotions company to place these light boxes around select cities but I guess Boston never got the memo.

Basically, the city was in a uproar because they considered it a possible terror attack. The bomb squad was called, extra cops were put on duty, traffic was rerouted, you get the picture. Mayhem. Supposedly, Turner is being fined for all the extra manpower and aggravation. I'd be upset if I lived in Boston, too.

In fact, once we heard it was Turner Broadcasting, we REALLY wanted Boston to pull out all the stops. Ted Turner, if you recall, was married to that c__t, Jane Fonda. Tom speculated that their marriage ended because she yelled, "PULL OUT NOW!" one too many times.

Back, psoas, whatever, feels better

Today I can honestly say that I feel like my backside is on its way to healing. I must confess that I did take a half of one of Tom's muscle relaxants last night but what the hey? Didn't hurt and I had a great night's sleep.

My chiro doesn't like drugs. Well, usually I don't, either, but sometimes you just need the added mobility, serenity, et cetera, that only a pill can give you.

Minor, minor pain today but I definitely don't feel that annoying tightness anymore.

Cheer up, Love. My stocks are in the toilet, too.

New Toy?

Tom was flipping through one of the hundreds of catalogs we receive every year --we especially love the ones with stickers on them that say, "This is your last catalog unless you place an order!" and it's usually the ONLY catalog we've ever received from said company--and came across a neat toy/invention.

It's a turntable that has a USB connection for your computer. This means that you can record 33 and 45 RPM vinyl records onto CDs and mp3s! Wowwee! I have been waiting for something like this for a long time. I've always bemoaned the fact that I own sooo many records but can only play them on my turntable. Granted, you can find a lot of songs on iTunes but not EVERYTHING, especially if it's some really, really obscure punk band from the 80s. So this is the answer to my dreams. It's $249 but I'll just charge it. I almost never use plastic but I am really making a concerted effort to save for a house so I don't want to dip into my savings for luxury items. But something like this doesn't come along every day.

***

Had my second session with the chiro today. It went well. He found some more aches and pains that I didn't know I had...:-) It's 8 PM now (my session was at 9 AM) and all I feel is a really minor dull ache so that's a good thing. He said I may feel an ache for a day or two and then I should be pain free. Let's hope so.

I was able to get in 8 miles today and a 45-minute workout with the weights, avoiding anything to do with the lower back. I want to wait until this thing is completely gone. It acted up last week when I got up off a weight bench after lifting a 12-pound weight over my head and back.

It's something called the psoas, something of which I've never heard. It's a tissue that runs deep within the buttock and is literally a real pain the ass! Very common in runners, I am told. He gave me a few exercises to keep it from acting up again. He also told me that I should try to stabilize my lower back as much as possible while this thing heals. The stability ball might be a better choice than the weight bench although I always feel like I am going to fall off the ball! Guess I have to get used to it.

Yes, I HATE Farkin' Teenagers...

Got a problem with that?


Ga. Teens Admitt to Killing Dog in Oven
By Associated Press
January 26, 2007, 3:51 PM

ATLANTA -- Two teenagers accused of duct-taping a puppy's snout and paws and cooking the animal alive in an oven pleaded guilty Friday to animal cruelty and other offenses. Prosecutors said Joshua Moulder, 17, and his brother, Justin, 19, broke into a newly refurbished community center, where they tortured and killed the 3-month-old puppy, damaged computers, broke glass and splattered paint on the walls.

The brothers then brought neighborhood children to see the dead puppy and threatened to kill them if they reported it, prosecutors said. They will be sentenced next month.

Oh, I would love to be a fly on the wall at that sentencing. Let's just hope they get a judge who HATES FARKIN' TEENAGERS as much as I do. I hope they live the rest of their pitiful, scabrous lives in prison.

Did I mention that I HATE TEENAGERS?

18.6% and counting. Plus Kindercrap Rant.

18.6 % body fat last night. Getting there, getting there. Trainer and I both have a feeling that once we get into spring, I'll get there faster. That makes sense. With the longer days, I'll be able to run outdoors longer. Whatever. I'm happy. Hope my race times reflect this change. I should just go up to the Verona track and time myself on the mile.

Tom had his measured at the Caldwell Community Center. They uses one of those machine thingies which are not as exacting as the caliper method but close enough. His was 14.5%. No surprises there as he's on the lean side and he's a man.

The most accurate way to measure body fat is underwater weighing but very few places offer this method. Most likely, you have to go to university lab, specifically one that studies obesity and diabetes. Very big, I understand, in places like New Mexico and Southern Cal.

***

Visited my cousin on Sunday who lives down near the shore. It's been a while since I've seen her since one of my brothers got into some sort of tiff with my cousin and her brother so I just assumed she was mad at me, too. Plus, in all honesty, even though she's the only first cousin I have that's close to my age, we don't have that much in common. We did have some fun times together as kids, though, and to this day, we can't stop laughing about some of them.

A couple of weeks ago, she called me. "Hello, this is your cousin ________. I don't know if you remember me or not, but I was just wondering how you were doing." It was good to hear from her. I called her back and we arranged to get together.

My cousin was unable to have children of her own so she and her husband adopted a baby boy three years ago. He's a cute kid but what a handful. After spending time with them, I am reminded why I never wanted kids of my own. He. Just. Doesn't. Stop. For one minute. Lots of energy. Into everything. Interrupts constantly. (All kids do this but I could never understand parents that put up with it). Plus, the house looks as if it had been tortured by the Apaches. Kindercrap ALL over the place: the living room, the computer room, the kitchen, you name it. In fact, the only room in the whole house that had any semblence of order was the kids' own room.

The living room was the worst. All kinds of toys littered the floor, so much that you couldn't see the floor itself. Mind you, she knew I was coming over. I would hate to see the house when no company was expected. I should mention that my cousin does not work, either. So, WTF?

The best part was that she was showing me some pictures and wall sconces that she planned to hang up. She just swept through the room, oblivious to the mess, "And this is where I'd like to hang this..." I mean, dayum, what difference does it make what you've got on your walls when the room looks like a bomb hit it?

It's not just my cousin. I see this is almost all the homes I visit that have young children. The kids and their toys have literally taken over. Not to sound like an old fart, but geez, whenI was a kid, I was allowed to play with my toys in my room, outside or in our finished basement, which doubled as my dad's office and a kid's playroom. My mother would have had a fit if I left toys all over the house.

My cousin apologetically told me that the living room looks like this because she doesn't have a basement. Lame excuse, sorry. I would bet the farm that if they DID have a basement, they would find a way to fill it up with junk, too, as she and her hubby appear to be packrats on top of having a messy kid.

This just reaffirms my Child-Free philosophy that today's parents are so obsessed with their offspring that they'e let them take over. I can just kids all over America raising their little sticky fists, announcing: "We want the living room and we want it NOW!"

USATF-NJ 2007 Awards

New Look

Just playing around with some of the new features on this blog. Whaddya think? I like it. I think the polka dots are more in tune with my personality.

Pictures of USATF Awards Ceremony to Come

They're edited and all but need to resize them for the web. Should be up in a day or two.

Had fun and all but as with last year, the ceremony still needs a shot of good organization. Tom & I won some raffle prizes, too: a $50 gift certificate to Sneaker Factory, two pairs of running shoes, and a book on Boston Marathon. I REALLY wanted to win one of the prepaid race packages but, oh well, next year.

Obtentious

Some of the best ideas come to me in bed. That is, before I doze off to sleep, you pervs!

Anyway, I was thinking of a word that describes both obnoxious and pretentious people. Mind you, one can be obnoxious and not pretentious and vice versa. So I came up with obtentious. What brought this on, you might ask?

Well, let's go back about 25 years to my second job out of college. I was a reporter for a newspaper that shall remain nameless. This woman, who shall also remain nameless, worked on the advertising side. Let's just say she was trouble from Day 1. Obnoxious AND pretentious!

For our purposes, let's refer to her as "Elise." Elise always wanted to be someone she was not: rich, beautiful, classy. In reality, she was middle-class (oh, the horrors!), average-looking and classless. But she was an excellent actress: She proceeded to ACT like someone rich, beautiful and classy and the rest of us could just pound sand.

Elise would not only polish her nails in the office, she would perch her naked foot up on her desktop while polishing her toesies! I am NOT making this up. She was newly-married to a school teacher but that wasn't good enough for our Elise. She insisted her husband go to law school and became like a wildebeest in her determination to make him into an attorney. I think he had very little say in the matter.

One of her jobs at work was to mark up the ads on the pages (this was before desktop computers). When she was finished she always BELLOWED out my name to come and retrieve the proofs as if I was her personal servant, instead of picking up the phone like a human being and asking nicely. Since she was not my superior, I would just take my sweet old time to go get them.

Fast forward to 2007. I was doing a web search for a client and came across a picture of her on a web site with one of her daughters, named (are you ready for this?) Remy! Can you think of a more obtentious name? (Remy Faith, yet--oy.) Remy is the name of the deli-restaurant where I buy my coffee in the morning. It should NOT be the name of someone's child in America.
And Faith? I hope the kid grows up to be an atheist, just to spite her mother.

How pretentious. How obnoxious. How Elise.

Eraserhead Is Back!

Yes, according to the Village Voice (a publication whose politics I despise but they have great stories on art, film and literature), Eraserhead, directed by David Lynch, will be at MOMA from January 18 through 24! Such a short run but I really want to try and make it if I can.

http://www.villagevoice.com/film/0703,lee,75564,20.html

I actually wrote a Letter to the Editor, praising the article for bringing back such fond memories. I hope they run it. I gave them both my work and home phone numbers and would love to be there if BF gets the call.

"Hello, this is Blah-Blah from the Village Voice. I am calling for Martta (insert last name here). She wrote a letter to the Voice about Eraserhead..." I would LOVE to see the expression on his face when he gets that call, that "WTF is Eraserhead?" look.

I am evil. And, in Heaven, everything is fun.

19% Flat

Had my body fat measurement last night and was at 19% flat. Meh. Well, at least I am headed in the right direction. My trainer says that because I am closer to my goal, the decreases will not be as dramatic.

I had a talk with him about what's a healthy range. He said if I wanted to stop now, I could, but if I wanted, I could go as low as 14%. Lower than that is for professional bodybuilders--no thanks! But he reiterated that I should not get discouraged if I take a few weeks to get there. I can handle that, I guess.

He asked me how I was feeling and I told him pretty good. I have more energy when I run up hills. I even told that him when BF & go grocery shopping, I can now carry 3 bags up the 2 flights of stairs with ease. It used to be an effort to carry 2. (WhenI told this to Tom, he said, "Good, you can carry them all up if you'd like!" LOL!)