The other morning I ventured out amongst the snowdrifts and was greeted by a glorious pink sunrise and serenaded by the crunch crunch of my shoes as they made their way down the icy path.
There's something serene about winter running I don't experience other times of the year.
Everything seems so still, so calm, so quiet.
I am usually the only one out and about and feel strength in the solitude. There are more obstacles to navigate, making a usual route feel rather unusual. The air is biting but fresh. What would seem an intolerable chill turns into a welcome breeze. The world is beautiful and in these moments it seems to belong to me alone.
I'd love to hear your winter running thoughts...
Press on.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
You know you're old when...
"Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternative."
-Maurice Chevalier
-Maurice Chevalier
Today was one of the first days I've actually felt my age.
In case you are wondering, I am 29...for the third time.
I happen to feel as if I am in the worst athletic shape of my entire adult life. My run this afternoon only accentuated that feeling. I've been in various degrees of in-shapedness but never have I been such a well-rounded idler. The realization hit me about 30 seconds in to Staring Lake (one of my favorite runs). It hit like a ton of bricks...in my hamstrings, "damn, I'm old."
This was serious; I could barely do my usual swagger run when impressive-calf-muscles passed by. Believe me, there were plenty and I tried my best. Unfortunately, instead of looking awesome, I probably looked more like one of these guys.
I won't even begin to tell you about the elephant on my chest.
The remedy for sans swagger and pachyderms? A little dedication and consistency should take me from American Idle to Weekend Warrior in no time! I know, dream big.
Let's hope I can out-run my age tomorrow.
Press on.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
txting sux
When I first discovered the wonders of text messaging I thought I had hit the jackpot. As I am not one who particularly enjoys talking on the phone I thought for sure this new phenomenon would forever protect me from awkward pauses, mouth breathers, and that smacking noise made by people who eat while talking on the phone. Ew. What I have come to discover is texting has its own set of problems that have become increasingly annoying and make me long for the days when people were just a phone call or short drive away. Examples? Yes, please:
1. There is absolutely no context. Communication is 60% nonverbal and texting pretty much negates the remaining 40%. How do I know you laughed at my witty remark? I have given "lol" the ole' college try but every time I write it it seems...unnatural. Like I'm trying to be 12 years old or something. Rarely is this abbreviation used correctly anyway and even when it is, it elicits more of an eye roll out of me than an...lol. How do you know if I am happy or sad or excited or crabby? It's real easy to fake all of the above and avoid the issue altogether with a "fine, nd u?"
Because of texting, I have learned I actually enjoy the communication process! I like awkward silences! I get a kick out of a good stare down and I absolutely love making other people smile. As for my alleged witty remarks, well I'd take a vacant stare from someone over an lol any day. I relish in observing body language and facial expressions. As strange as it sounds, I'd rather gather you up into my arms as I watch your heart break all over your face than read about the latest "wtf" moment from joe d-bag. Communication without context is like a body without soul.
2. Spellcheck much? I admit, I am one of those annoying people who thinks that spelling and basic grammar are important, not to mention good indicators of those who passed the first grade. Now I'm not saying I have the finest grammar or can win a spelling bee but I certainly know how to capitalize sentences, use basic punctuation, and spell words like "you" and "are" and I can certainly differentiate between "to" and "too." I understand that sometimes you are in a hurry and it's easier to type "rng l8 u2 stl thr?" than spelling it out but should you really be texting in the middle of traffic? I'd prefer just about anything over a car wreck.
3. Feigning interest, pseudo-intimacy, and vague questions/responses. I swear I'm going to punch someone if I get one more "what ru up2?" when what you really mean is, "I'm too busy (or don't care) to take the time to find out how you really are feeling or what really happened in your day so why don't you dumb it down into a sound byte, preferably misspelled?" If I ask someone how they are doing or how their day was I actually mean it. If you are my friend I want to know all the juicy details and I'll never be too busy to lend an ear for a daily round-up. That's the stuff you can't get from acquaintances and fake boyfriends. That's the good stuff.
4. Nothing says "I'd rather be anywhere but here" like the text message during dinner. You know the type: he or she can't go one hour without checking their phone in fear they might miss something from someone more interesting than you. It makes me feel so important when we're right in the middle of a conversation or a delicious pause and I hear the buzz buzz of the incoming text and watch in horror as you actually answer it. Seriously?! I've been tempted so many times to get up and leave right then and there.
So there you have it. I know that texting is an inevitablilty in our tech-obsessed culture and there are still instances when a text message is not only convenient, but sufficient and effective as well, but from now on I'm going to leave the meaningful dialogue and relationship-building goodies to the old fashioned phone call or face to face.
Press on.
1. There is absolutely no context. Communication is 60% nonverbal and texting pretty much negates the remaining 40%. How do I know you laughed at my witty remark? I have given "lol" the ole' college try but every time I write it it seems...unnatural. Like I'm trying to be 12 years old or something. Rarely is this abbreviation used correctly anyway and even when it is, it elicits more of an eye roll out of me than an...lol. How do you know if I am happy or sad or excited or crabby? It's real easy to fake all of the above and avoid the issue altogether with a "fine, nd u?"
Because of texting, I have learned I actually enjoy the communication process! I like awkward silences! I get a kick out of a good stare down and I absolutely love making other people smile. As for my alleged witty remarks, well I'd take a vacant stare from someone over an lol any day. I relish in observing body language and facial expressions. As strange as it sounds, I'd rather gather you up into my arms as I watch your heart break all over your face than read about the latest "wtf" moment from joe d-bag. Communication without context is like a body without soul.
2. Spellcheck much? I admit, I am one of those annoying people who thinks that spelling and basic grammar are important, not to mention good indicators of those who passed the first grade. Now I'm not saying I have the finest grammar or can win a spelling bee but I certainly know how to capitalize sentences, use basic punctuation, and spell words like "you" and "are" and I can certainly differentiate between "to" and "too." I understand that sometimes you are in a hurry and it's easier to type "rng l8 u2 stl thr?" than spelling it out but should you really be texting in the middle of traffic? I'd prefer just about anything over a car wreck.
3. Feigning interest, pseudo-intimacy, and vague questions/responses. I swear I'm going to punch someone if I get one more "what ru up2?" when what you really mean is, "I'm too busy (or don't care) to take the time to find out how you really are feeling or what really happened in your day so why don't you dumb it down into a sound byte, preferably misspelled?" If I ask someone how they are doing or how their day was I actually mean it. If you are my friend I want to know all the juicy details and I'll never be too busy to lend an ear for a daily round-up. That's the stuff you can't get from acquaintances and fake boyfriends. That's the good stuff.
4. Nothing says "I'd rather be anywhere but here" like the text message during dinner. You know the type: he or she can't go one hour without checking their phone in fear they might miss something from someone more interesting than you. It makes me feel so important when we're right in the middle of a conversation or a delicious pause and I hear the buzz buzz of the incoming text and watch in horror as you actually answer it. Seriously?! I've been tempted so many times to get up and leave right then and there.
So there you have it. I know that texting is an inevitablilty in our tech-obsessed culture and there are still instances when a text message is not only convenient, but sufficient and effective as well, but from now on I'm going to leave the meaningful dialogue and relationship-building goodies to the old fashioned phone call or face to face.
Press on.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
face your fears
As a kid I was deathly afraid of water. It was a struggle just to get me near a bathtub and forget about a swimming pool or lake. I deduce the reason was because it was necessary to douse me in what I recall were ice-cold baths (actually they were tepid) in order to reduce the high fevers from painful kidney infections. The axe-in-your-side kind.
For some crazy reason my parents decided it was a good idea to put me in swimming lessons. I was around 10 or 11 and my poor swimming teacher couldn't even get me to put my face in the water.
Then something happened. I don't remember the exact details but I remember waking up one day and deciding that was the day I was going to jump in. Literally. Two years later I was on the high school varsity swim team and the local year-round swim club. Today I can't imagine my life without the water. The beach by the Pacific Ocean is my favorite place in the world and where I feel most at peace with the Universe.
Sometimes in life we are faced with various manifestations of my pool of water. The most frightening thing is, the only way to get to our Peace is to jump in.
Press on.
For some crazy reason my parents decided it was a good idea to put me in swimming lessons. I was around 10 or 11 and my poor swimming teacher couldn't even get me to put my face in the water.
Then something happened. I don't remember the exact details but I remember waking up one day and deciding that was the day I was going to jump in. Literally. Two years later I was on the high school varsity swim team and the local year-round swim club. Today I can't imagine my life without the water. The beach by the Pacific Ocean is my favorite place in the world and where I feel most at peace with the Universe.
Sometimes in life we are faced with various manifestations of my pool of water. The most frightening thing is, the only way to get to our Peace is to jump in.
Press on.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
power to the people
Recently we had quite a barrage of storms pass through, one which briefly knocked out the power in my apartment. As I fumbled in the darkness I got to thinking about all the things one can do when the power goes out:
1. Play hide and go seek with flashlights. For super-seekers, ditch the flashlights and hone your night-vision.
2. Build a fire and make s'mores. Make mine with white chocolate and cinnamon grahams please.
3. Tell ghost stories. Nothing scares my socks off like a scary story. Use the flashlight under your chin for extra effects!
4. Take a hike! Hit the trails for a little midnight hike by moonlight.
5. Stargaze. Usually a difficult task so close to the cities but with the power out, the stars get a chance to shine.
Press on.
1. Play hide and go seek with flashlights. For super-seekers, ditch the flashlights and hone your night-vision.
2. Build a fire and make s'mores. Make mine with white chocolate and cinnamon grahams please.
3. Tell ghost stories. Nothing scares my socks off like a scary story. Use the flashlight under your chin for extra effects!
4. Take a hike! Hit the trails for a little midnight hike by moonlight.
5. Stargaze. Usually a difficult task so close to the cities but with the power out, the stars get a chance to shine.
Press on.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
...and I will try to fix you
Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you
Gotta love a little Coldplay once in awhile.
Have you ever tried to take something apart in order to put it back together again? I wonder if that's how our minds work. Something happens in our life that takes us apart, scattering pieces here and there. Once you think you've got everything put back together again you notice a few rogue pieces that didn't make it. What's puzzling is that our mind continues to function sans rogues. How difficult it is to discard erroneous pieces! Our first instinct is to break apart and make it work no matter what. We forget that our minds are designed to change, to adapt and thrive despite the addition or subtraction of various pieces.
And so we choose to force unnecessary breakage and get hung up in the details or we adapt and function without our previous hang-ups.
Any thoughts?
Press on.
Friday, February 13, 2009
V-Day doesn't have to be a downer...
So hey, in case you haven't noticed, Valentine's Day is tomorrow. For those of you in Love this is probably a day you are looking forward to; for those of you who are single or "on a break" this day can be daunting, depressing, and downright dismal. Good thing I have compiled a list of things to do instead of shooting yourself in the face on this, the finest of "Hallmark Holidays:"
1) Volunteer! Nothing will get you feeling better than making a difference in the lives of others. Here are some ideas:
-Feeling creative? Write a poem about what peace means to you and submit it here. Flowers will be wrapped in poems and distributed in cities throughout the land on V-Day.
-Check out Volunteer Match or google search "volunteer on Valentine's Day" for other opportunities in your area.
-Offer to babysit or spend time with your friend's bundle of joy, a niece or nephew, or your neighbor's "little angel." Nothing will put a smile on your face like the wisdom and antics of a child.
2) Snuggle a furry friend! For those of you with pets this will be easy. For others, check out your local Animal Humane Society or pet shelter (watch the intro it is so cute!) and take a field trip to snuggle the adorable little kitties, bunnies, and puppies! Awww!
3) Make a list of all the people in your life that you Love or have made a positive difference and why. Doesn't have to be elaborate or eloquent. Then call them and tell them about it (or text, e-mail, facebook, blog, etc.). Even if they aren't single on V-Day, I bet they will appreciate hearing from you and you will feel better knowing you are surrounded by Love. *One caveat: DO NOT call your ex-bf/gf/lover if the relationship is over. Focus on friends and family.
4) Clean out your closet and donate un-used items to ARC (in Richfield, MN) or your local Goodwill. You will have contributed to the well-being of others and you will have a clean closet!
5) Listen to up-beat "Happy" music. Dance around your house. Sing along. Refrain from turning on the radio, as most stations are likely to be playing a marathon of sappy Love songs.
6) Offer to cook dinner for another single friend or friends. Go easy on the wine, but heavy on the Love. This doesn't have to be elaborate; your friends will appreciate the food and you will appreciate the company. For those of you who don't cook there's always take-out or delivery!
7) GET OUT OF YOUR HOUSE! There is nothing worse than sitting at home alone on V-Day, listening to sappy Love songs, and wondering if you will be alone forever. Go for a hike, attend a local play/concert/event, or volunteer (see #1).
8) For those of you who are single, there is no better day to assure the availability of others than to hit the town on V-Day. Avoid anyone with doe-eyes and you should be money. If you are just looking to hook-up please don't forget Nirodh (this video is HILARIOUS, btw). I do not suggest hooking up if you are "on a break," remember that one Friend's episode?
9) Be happy you are not one of the unfortunate recipients of chocolate today. Blasphemy? No way! Did you know the production of chocolate relies on three fungi? Ewww! Check it out!
10) Finally, take my poll! For those of you reading from facebook, visit my blog and take the poll. Let me know what YOU are doing on V-Day so I can live vicariously :)
So that's it kids. Remember, this doesn't have to be the day you shoot yourself in the face. There are plenty of other ways to pass the time that are a tad more productive and conducive to living. If I missed anything please post a comment to share!
Press on.
1) Volunteer! Nothing will get you feeling better than making a difference in the lives of others. Here are some ideas:
-Feeling creative? Write a poem about what peace means to you and submit it here. Flowers will be wrapped in poems and distributed in cities throughout the land on V-Day.
-Check out Volunteer Match or google search "volunteer on Valentine's Day" for other opportunities in your area.
-Offer to babysit or spend time with your friend's bundle of joy, a niece or nephew, or your neighbor's "little angel." Nothing will put a smile on your face like the wisdom and antics of a child.
2) Snuggle a furry friend! For those of you with pets this will be easy. For others, check out your local Animal Humane Society or pet shelter (watch the intro it is so cute!) and take a field trip to snuggle the adorable little kitties, bunnies, and puppies! Awww!
3) Make a list of all the people in your life that you Love or have made a positive difference and why. Doesn't have to be elaborate or eloquent. Then call them and tell them about it (or text, e-mail, facebook, blog, etc.). Even if they aren't single on V-Day, I bet they will appreciate hearing from you and you will feel better knowing you are surrounded by Love. *One caveat: DO NOT call your ex-bf/gf/lover if the relationship is over. Focus on friends and family.
4) Clean out your closet and donate un-used items to ARC (in Richfield, MN) or your local Goodwill. You will have contributed to the well-being of others and you will have a clean closet!
5) Listen to up-beat "Happy" music. Dance around your house. Sing along. Refrain from turning on the radio, as most stations are likely to be playing a marathon of sappy Love songs.
6) Offer to cook dinner for another single friend or friends. Go easy on the wine, but heavy on the Love. This doesn't have to be elaborate; your friends will appreciate the food and you will appreciate the company. For those of you who don't cook there's always take-out or delivery!
7) GET OUT OF YOUR HOUSE! There is nothing worse than sitting at home alone on V-Day, listening to sappy Love songs, and wondering if you will be alone forever. Go for a hike, attend a local play/concert/event, or volunteer (see #1).
8) For those of you who are single, there is no better day to assure the availability of others than to hit the town on V-Day. Avoid anyone with doe-eyes and you should be money. If you are just looking to hook-up please don't forget Nirodh (this video is HILARIOUS, btw). I do not suggest hooking up if you are "on a break," remember that one Friend's episode?
9) Be happy you are not one of the unfortunate recipients of chocolate today. Blasphemy? No way! Did you know the production of chocolate relies on three fungi? Ewww! Check it out!
10) Finally, take my poll! For those of you reading from facebook, visit my blog and take the poll. Let me know what YOU are doing on V-Day so I can live vicariously :)
So that's it kids. Remember, this doesn't have to be the day you shoot yourself in the face. There are plenty of other ways to pass the time that are a tad more productive and conducive to living. If I missed anything please post a comment to share!
Press on.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
dear downstairs neightbors...
Dear downstairs neighbors,
It smells like Phish fans and Snoop Dogg having a party at Cheech & Chong's.
From upstairs and down the hall.
Clove cigarettes do not cancel out the smell of weed.
Nor does spraying nauseating amounts of Febreze outside your door.
Just Say No.
Thank you.
Press on.
It smells like Phish fans and Snoop Dogg having a party at Cheech & Chong's.
From upstairs and down the hall.
Clove cigarettes do not cancel out the smell of weed.
Nor does spraying nauseating amounts of Febreze outside your door.
Just Say No.
Thank you.
Press on.
The wild, weird, & wacky world of microbes!
So I am taking microbiology this semester and am learning about the wild, weird, and wacky world of microbes. Who knew that bacteria was so...fascinating! Did you know we all have eye mites? How cool is it that we all have E. coli? Yes, everyone has it, just not the serotype O157:H7 that causes all sorts of nasties.
We are now starting to look at some of the smaller living things (but not as small as microbes) and I am particularly fascinated by worms! The latest fruits of independent, Internet time-wasting...AKA "research" include this: http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/22529 little ditty about some of the strangest worms. While hardly cute, fuzzy, or pretty to look at under a microscope (like Staphylococcus aureus http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staphylococcus_aureus) I'd say they are a pretty interesting group of beasties.
That is all.
Press on.
We are now starting to look at some of the smaller living things (but not as small as microbes) and I am particularly fascinated by worms! The latest fruits of independent, Internet time-wasting...AKA "research" include this: http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/22529 little ditty about some of the strangest worms. While hardly cute, fuzzy, or pretty to look at under a microscope (like Staphylococcus aureus http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staphylococcus_aureus) I'd say they are a pretty interesting group of beasties.
That is all.
Press on.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
25 Things You Never Wanted to Know About Stiles
...but here they are anyway:
1. I will do anything for my family and friends, even at my own expense (but please see #9 before you ask).
2. I am a vegetarian. I don't eat anything with a mommy.
3. Despite having extensive documentation of my intelligence, I am incredibly forgetful. Please don't be offended if I forget something about you; I forget things about myself all the time. What was this list about again?
4. I always thought I'd be married with a house and kids by now and am rather disappointed about being 0 for 3.
5. I think the sound of babies crying is one of the sweetest sounds ever. Ask me why sometime.
6. I know all about channel 1. You can ask me about this sometime as well.
7. I don't sleep. Sometimes by choice but mostly because I don't have time. The world won't wait and I can sleep all I want when I'm dead.
8. I am terrible about keeping in touch with people. Really REALLY terrible. If we haven't spoken in awhile it's NOT because I don't think about you or because I don't want to, it's just because I get too busy or I simply forget (see #3). If we haven't spoken in awhile I would *love* to hear from you!
9. I am certified to: save your life, pump you up, and wipe your butt. I will gladly help you with the first two but only under exigent circumstances will I ever wipe your ass.
10. I don't give myself credit for anything ever. Unless my therapist reminds me to do so.
11. If I am still 0 for 3 on #4 in 3 years I'm canning the dream and dedicating my life to medicine (read as going to med school). It's the only way I can continue to justify my existence sans family.
12. I am what a radical feminist looks like.
13. I love me a well-developed pair of gastrocnemius muscles on men or women.
14. I am a nerd in biology lab, a geek at school, and a dork all the time.
15. My favorite bone is the sphenoid bone. It looks like a butterfly and has a Turkish saddle.
16. I've had more surgeries than all your grandparents put together.
17. My idea of a fun vacation includes going to Haiti to work with TB patients, Romania to work with kids in an orphanage, or Chile to do conservation work to save the wild chinchillas. I also wouldn't mind going to a deserted island and spending a week or 5 alone with the ocean.
18. I try really hard not to be disillusioned with life, love, and happiness. Sometimes I fail but I always dust myself off and try again.
19. I am a Ninja.
20. I'm typically not a touchy-feely person but my cousin in the veiny pencil (you know who you are Woo Honky Honk) gives THE BEST heart hugs. My sister Little Wheel is a close second. I look forward to them and wish more people would learn this fabulous skill.
21. If one could legally inject caffeine I would do so.
22. I hope that anyone who actually reads this will post a comment, even if it's just to say "hi."
23. I love lists. I have a list for just about everything. Lists are very helpful when I forget things which I tend to do a lot (have I mentioned #3). Here are some examples: bucket list, traits I am looking for in a significant other, 25 things you never wanted to know, the red flag list, places to go, microbes to gram stain, adventures to have, things to do during my planned spontaneous time...you get the picture.
24. Yes, I plan time to be spontaneous and have a list to consult with various spontaneous activities in which to engage (see #23).
25. No matter how bad things get, I know there is a fire within me that NOTHING and NOBODY can EVER extinguish.
The sum of this list = I am awesome. Anyone who thinks otherwise can suck it :)
1. I will do anything for my family and friends, even at my own expense (but please see #9 before you ask).
2. I am a vegetarian. I don't eat anything with a mommy.
3. Despite having extensive documentation of my intelligence, I am incredibly forgetful. Please don't be offended if I forget something about you; I forget things about myself all the time. What was this list about again?
4. I always thought I'd be married with a house and kids by now and am rather disappointed about being 0 for 3.
5. I think the sound of babies crying is one of the sweetest sounds ever. Ask me why sometime.
6. I know all about channel 1. You can ask me about this sometime as well.
7. I don't sleep. Sometimes by choice but mostly because I don't have time. The world won't wait and I can sleep all I want when I'm dead.
8. I am terrible about keeping in touch with people. Really REALLY terrible. If we haven't spoken in awhile it's NOT because I don't think about you or because I don't want to, it's just because I get too busy or I simply forget (see #3). If we haven't spoken in awhile I would *love* to hear from you!
9. I am certified to: save your life, pump you up, and wipe your butt. I will gladly help you with the first two but only under exigent circumstances will I ever wipe your ass.
10. I don't give myself credit for anything ever. Unless my therapist reminds me to do so.
11. If I am still 0 for 3 on #4 in 3 years I'm canning the dream and dedicating my life to medicine (read as going to med school). It's the only way I can continue to justify my existence sans family.
12. I am what a radical feminist looks like.
13. I love me a well-developed pair of gastrocnemius muscles on men or women.
14. I am a nerd in biology lab, a geek at school, and a dork all the time.
15. My favorite bone is the sphenoid bone. It looks like a butterfly and has a Turkish saddle.
16. I've had more surgeries than all your grandparents put together.
17. My idea of a fun vacation includes going to Haiti to work with TB patients, Romania to work with kids in an orphanage, or Chile to do conservation work to save the wild chinchillas. I also wouldn't mind going to a deserted island and spending a week or 5 alone with the ocean.
18. I try really hard not to be disillusioned with life, love, and happiness. Sometimes I fail but I always dust myself off and try again.
19. I am a Ninja.
20. I'm typically not a touchy-feely person but my cousin in the veiny pencil (you know who you are Woo Honky Honk) gives THE BEST heart hugs. My sister Little Wheel is a close second. I look forward to them and wish more people would learn this fabulous skill.
21. If one could legally inject caffeine I would do so.
22. I hope that anyone who actually reads this will post a comment, even if it's just to say "hi."
23. I love lists. I have a list for just about everything. Lists are very helpful when I forget things which I tend to do a lot (have I mentioned #3). Here are some examples: bucket list, traits I am looking for in a significant other, 25 things you never wanted to know, the red flag list, places to go, microbes to gram stain, adventures to have, things to do during my planned spontaneous time...you get the picture.
24. Yes, I plan time to be spontaneous and have a list to consult with various spontaneous activities in which to engage (see #23).
25. No matter how bad things get, I know there is a fire within me that NOTHING and NOBODY can EVER extinguish.
The sum of this list = I am awesome. Anyone who thinks otherwise can suck it :)
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