I'm generally the one who is slathering up with sunscreen, while some of my friends forget it, or choose to go without. Mostly, this horrifies me, so I figured I'd offer my Happy 4th of July wishes by talking about skin care.
Some of my friends aren't freaked out by the prospects of skin cancer, I guess that's where we differ. I'm all for not looking pasty white, but at the same time, I understand it comes with some risks. I generally like to find a good balance between lack-of-see-throughness and too-much-sun-exposure. There was a rumor for a while that any sunscreen over SPF 20 was a joke. This is only partly true. There are two types of rays - UVA and UVB. UVB causes the burns, while UVA generally causes the wrinkles, and is generally more responsible for skin cancer. Typically US sunscreens only contain protection against UVB, but not UVA. Then for a while there was one product that was approved to be included in sunscreens to protect from UVA, and that was only in some sunscreens at SPF 20. There is a new product, in Neutrogena, that has a broad spectrum UVA-UVB protection, and combine two different chemicals to not only block UVA but also to make that protection last longer in direct sun exposure. You can be sure, my sunscreens (yes, I said sunscreens, plural) of choice have this type of protection.
My daily routine is to use a face lotion that has SPF 15 in it, every day, on my face. I also have a body lotion with SPF 15, that I'll use on my shoulders and arms when I'm wearing a tank top. This is just everyday. To go to school, the grocery store, sit in my apartment.
When I'm heading out for a run, I generally use this face stick, which does not clog pores nor run into your eyes. I also use a sport spray on my arms and shoulders, and lately I've been running with a hat.
On days, like today, when I am heading to sit directly in the sun pool side, I do have an extensive routine. I start with an SPF 55 cream sunscreen. I put this one BEFORE I put my suit on, to make sure I even get under the edges of wear the suit would go. And I let it dry a bit before pulling my suit up over it. I do this as I get dressed, generally HOURS before I'm actually IN the sun. I also use it on my face. Then, when I first get out in the sun, I reapply using the sports spray and the face stick. I do not get in the water for at least 30-45 minutes after this. From here on out, when I reapply - and I do try to often - I use the sports spray. As you're applying, don't forget things like your ears, the tops of your feet, the backs of your knees. They are often over looked, and hurt quite badly when burned.
And, after the sun, if I am burned (which does happen sometimes, even with all this effort), my favorite after sun lotion is Burts Bees. And just remember to keep any sunburn moisturized, this will help much to get it to heal quickly.
Happy Fourth of July to everyone, wishing you lots of BBQ, watermelon, cold beers, good friends, and a beautiful sun-safe day!
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
a lesson in heat
I feel like the only thing I've been saying lately is "It's so dang hot!" But, it's just that - so dang hot. On Thursday we reached 110 degrees* on my car thermometer. With the humidity and the heat index, I'm sure it "felt like" at least 115. On Friday, I got into my car at 6pm, and it said 110 degrees. Six in the evening is supposed to be on the cool slide of the scale, in my faux-reality at least. I walked into my apartment where the AC was set to 80 degrees. I did the quick math, 80 degrees inside is 30 degrees cooler than the 110 degrees outside. Since when, in the history of anything normal, is 80 degrees thirty degrees cooler than anything?!
Let me just explain a bit what happens when you get into your car and it's been 110 degrees. First, you can not breathe in, for fear of passing out instantly. You must quickly open the windows, and leave the car door open. Now here comes the tricky part. You must use one pinky on one hand to move the shifter from 1st to neutral. Don't risk more than that, its not worth it. Now, using the fourth finger on that same hand you release the emergency brake. Why the fourth finger? Obviously because you can not re-use your pinky, it's on FIRE. About now you will have to shut the door, and using your first and second fingers you can turn the key. I'm sure you wonder, why is the key hot, it wasn't in the car the whole day. It's true, it wasn't, but it has now been in the car for 5 minutes and is also hotter than hades. Now with the car on, you have to buckle up. For this I use my opposite hand, and you have to first locate the metal buckle part - do not attempt to put on your seatbelt without being aware of where the buckle is, that thing is currently a leathal weapon. You must quickly grab the strap and then at the last possible moment, grip the plastic near the buckle and buckle it in. If you still have use of your hands, and if you have not branded yourself in the shoulder with the buckle, you can now drive off. Obviously using only one finger for the steering wheel.
And, that's just starting your car. Let's not discuss the pitfalls of running. The short version is, it sucks. I ran yesterday at 630am, it was already 85 when we started, and it was about 93 when we finished, and 4 miles has never been so difficult in my entire life.
Moral is, it's so dang hot!
*My apologies to those of you stuck in the darkness that is the northeast. I know you all want to say "blah blah blah...what I wouldn't give for sun....blah blah blah", but seriosuly, I'm going to go out on a limb and ask you to be careful what you wish for. There's a happy medium, and I'm ok with concluding that neither of us are experiencing it currently.
Let me just explain a bit what happens when you get into your car and it's been 110 degrees. First, you can not breathe in, for fear of passing out instantly. You must quickly open the windows, and leave the car door open. Now here comes the tricky part. You must use one pinky on one hand to move the shifter from 1st to neutral. Don't risk more than that, its not worth it. Now, using the fourth finger on that same hand you release the emergency brake. Why the fourth finger? Obviously because you can not re-use your pinky, it's on FIRE. About now you will have to shut the door, and using your first and second fingers you can turn the key. I'm sure you wonder, why is the key hot, it wasn't in the car the whole day. It's true, it wasn't, but it has now been in the car for 5 minutes and is also hotter than hades. Now with the car on, you have to buckle up. For this I use my opposite hand, and you have to first locate the metal buckle part - do not attempt to put on your seatbelt without being aware of where the buckle is, that thing is currently a leathal weapon. You must quickly grab the strap and then at the last possible moment, grip the plastic near the buckle and buckle it in. If you still have use of your hands, and if you have not branded yourself in the shoulder with the buckle, you can now drive off. Obviously using only one finger for the steering wheel.
And, that's just starting your car. Let's not discuss the pitfalls of running. The short version is, it sucks. I ran yesterday at 630am, it was already 85 when we started, and it was about 93 when we finished, and 4 miles has never been so difficult in my entire life.
Moral is, it's so dang hot!
*My apologies to those of you stuck in the darkness that is the northeast. I know you all want to say "blah blah blah...what I wouldn't give for sun....blah blah blah", but seriosuly, I'm going to go out on a limb and ask you to be careful what you wish for. There's a happy medium, and I'm ok with concluding that neither of us are experiencing it currently.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
an oldie, but a newie
This recent round of mixcorps required me to dig up all of my old CDs. You see, my car was broken in to at least 3 times while I was in college, and since then I refused to buy new CDs, they seemed useless, and out-dated, and old. So for years I've been saying how I don't have any CDs. But, this is an apparent lie. I have a bunch. Not all are great, but I recently spent some time ripping them all to my iTunes. The result of which has been nothing short of pleasant.
I was walking to school the other day, and a song came on. A song I haven't heard in years. But the lyrics resonated with me. Lyrics that had been long forgotten. It came up in a week where I probably needed it most, to be reminded of earlier times - of who I was, or who I wanted to be. And how far off I've fallen. Because as much as I've forgotten, I am still unhappy with answers that I don't feel, and I am still open to the one more chance I'll be given. I am still flying off the rooftops and falling into laughter!
Soul Mate by Sarah Wheeler:
She is looking for a soul mate.
You see, she’s waiting for an answer.
And she’s been listening to all he’s said,
To everything he gave her.
But these words, they are not helping,
You see, ‘cause she doesn’t feel it.
And all the anger that was once inside her,
She’s transformed it and revealed it.
And she is packing up her suitcase.
You see, she never really moved here.
You see, she never planned on staying.
And she is giving up all her fear.
She is climbing now, up the ladder.
Peaking out from the rafters.
Flying now, off the rooftops.
Falling now, into laughter.
There’s an ocean in her mind now,
She can feel the pulling currents.
There is an undertow, which carries her,
It’s taking from her vision.
And there is something that does guide her,
But it is only just a feeling.
And it is only just a glimpse there of
The hand, which you are giving.
And she is sure that this is one more chance,
One chance she’s been given.
I saw her running for the doorway,
I saw her holding to her vision.
And she is going to grab your hand dear,
So please, pull her through the window.
And she is going to walk into the light
With shadows all inside her
And she is climbing now, up the ladder.
Peaking out from the rafters.
Flying now, off the rooftops.
Falling now, into laughter.
I was walking to school the other day, and a song came on. A song I haven't heard in years. But the lyrics resonated with me. Lyrics that had been long forgotten. It came up in a week where I probably needed it most, to be reminded of earlier times - of who I was, or who I wanted to be. And how far off I've fallen. Because as much as I've forgotten, I am still unhappy with answers that I don't feel, and I am still open to the one more chance I'll be given. I am still flying off the rooftops and falling into laughter!
Soul Mate by Sarah Wheeler:
She is looking for a soul mate.
You see, she’s waiting for an answer.
And she’s been listening to all he’s said,
To everything he gave her.
But these words, they are not helping,
You see, ‘cause she doesn’t feel it.
And all the anger that was once inside her,
She’s transformed it and revealed it.
And she is packing up her suitcase.
You see, she never really moved here.
You see, she never planned on staying.
And she is giving up all her fear.
She is climbing now, up the ladder.
Peaking out from the rafters.
Flying now, off the rooftops.
Falling now, into laughter.
There’s an ocean in her mind now,
She can feel the pulling currents.
There is an undertow, which carries her,
It’s taking from her vision.
And there is something that does guide her,
But it is only just a feeling.
And it is only just a glimpse there of
The hand, which you are giving.
And she is sure that this is one more chance,
One chance she’s been given.
I saw her running for the doorway,
I saw her holding to her vision.
And she is going to grab your hand dear,
So please, pull her through the window.
And she is going to walk into the light
With shadows all inside her
And she is climbing now, up the ladder.
Peaking out from the rafters.
Flying now, off the rooftops.
Falling now, into laughter.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
rabies
Last night I was at a cook-out with some friends (in Tejas we have to be very careful about throwing around the word BBQ, if its burgers and veggies on the grill, it's a cook-out). The hosts have a tiny crazy English Bulldog, who spent the entire night trying to get out the kitchen door and on to the stoop with all of us. At one point another dog, a boarder collie, wandered over and finally they let the bulldog out to play. The two dogs chased each other around a bit, but the the bulldog retreated back inside. The collie hung around for a long while, and our hosts admitted that they'd never seen this dog in the neighborhood. Ever. The dog had on a collar and a flea collar, but no tags - other than his rabies tag. We began calling the dog Rabies. He was super responsive to this name, and hung out for a few hours. We gave him water, which he slurped up with the quickness. We also gave him table scraps (or really, less scraps and more actual pieces of food). I even played the best game of fetch with Rabies for about 35 minutes. He was much fun, but we felt bad because it became obvious that he was likely lost. With nothing more than the rabies tag to go on, we called the vet number on the tag, and then the answering service to report him missing. The vet we spoke to was not able to get to the office and asked us to hold on to Rabies for the evening so that we could sort it out tomorrow. Our cook-out hosts penned Rabies up in their backyard, and the vet had my number to call in the morning.As the night progressed Rabies got louder and louder in the yard, angering all the neighbors, so they had to let him out of there. Sadly, when the vet called this morning none of us had thought to write down the tag number - so we have nothing to report about where Rabies is from, who he belongs to, and whether or not I can keep him - afterall, I'm gonna have a big back yard in a matter of weeks! Hopefully he found his way home, or will find his way back to the bulldog house, where they can call the vet again!
*NOTE: this picture is NOT Rabies. See the leaves, wherever this picture was taken it was Fall. We don't have that season here.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Catch-22, defined
The problem: I've been spiraling out-of-control down this slippery funky slope where things I used to enjoy have become a burden, there is a significant lack of motivation of any kind (internal or external), and copious amounts of self-pity have set in. Allow me to clarify (for those who might be worried for my mental health), I don't actually feel sad or unhappy, and I still spend 90% of my day giggling uncontrollably. I just feel like doing nothing. Forever.
The answer: Probably to get off my butt and start running again. I've matched my run-cycle with this weird-funk cycle perfectly. Running makes me happy. Running makes me productive. Running makes me less stressed.
The catch-22: I can not muster the motivation to get out of the house and actually run in order to pull myself out of said spirally-disaster. Which only results in further depths of unmotivated lump-dom. And on the two occasions I did get out the door, it was such an awful run...cue the self-pity.
The cure: I'm gonna run in the morning, and I'm going to like it. And I'm going to do it the next day, and again, until I don't have to write about it on the friggin' interwebs just to make sure I get out and do it.
The answer: Probably to get off my butt and start running again. I've matched my run-cycle with this weird-funk cycle perfectly. Running makes me happy. Running makes me productive. Running makes me less stressed.
The catch-22: I can not muster the motivation to get out of the house and actually run in order to pull myself out of said spirally-disaster. Which only results in further depths of unmotivated lump-dom. And on the two occasions I did get out the door, it was such an awful run...cue the self-pity.
The cure: I'm gonna run in the morning, and I'm going to like it. And I'm going to do it the next day, and again, until I don't have to write about it on the friggin' interwebs just to make sure I get out and do it.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
undecided
Dear Internets,
I'm so behind on documenting my ever-so-exciting life that I can't decide if I should try and play catch up, or if I should just skip the past events and start anew. The reality is, you aren't missing much. But there are a few things I've got queued up to write about. Like, well, my trip to San Francisco*. Or the day I gave up cable. I ran another race which involved big exciting goals to be met. Oh, and how about, I haven't eaten meat in over 6 weeks. I feel like those could all be interesting stories, and I'd like to tell them. But, I'm so tired, Internets. I'm so tired, and also a little insane. Observe.
Date: March 30th
Time: 4pm
Location: locked in an empty testing room with no windows.
Event: I was using my laptop and I clicked something, to open something. And then I was waiting for it to open. As I was waiting, I forgot what I was waiting for. I only perceived about 15 seconds of time had elapsed, but I had no clue what I was waiting for. Looking at the computer screen did not help to answer said question. To this day, I still have not remembered what I was trying to open/click on/look at or what I thought I was waiting for. Hopefully, it got accomplished somewhere.
Date: March 31st
Time: midnight
Location: perched on a bar stool at my table in my living room.
Event: I spent about 45 seconds hovering between the "send" and "save" buttons in gmail when trying to send an email. It took me 45 seconds to determine which button would actually achieve my desired results. Whats worse, I had to resort to a two-step process of figuring this out; 1.) what IS my desired result? 2.) which of these words means that. 45 seconds is actually a very long time for someone hoping to get their PhD to spend deciding between the words SEND and SAVE.
Date: April 1st
Time: 8am
Location: the shower
Event: face wash......shampoo......face wash......shampoo......face wash......shamp - wait a minute. Conditioner!
Respectfully yours,
me!
*If I link you to my photos, and N's posts here, here, and here, I think we can check this one off the list!
I'm so behind on documenting my ever-so-exciting life that I can't decide if I should try and play catch up, or if I should just skip the past events and start anew. The reality is, you aren't missing much. But there are a few things I've got queued up to write about. Like, well, my trip to San Francisco*. Or the day I gave up cable. I ran another race which involved big exciting goals to be met. Oh, and how about, I haven't eaten meat in over 6 weeks. I feel like those could all be interesting stories, and I'd like to tell them. But, I'm so tired, Internets. I'm so tired, and also a little insane. Observe.
Date: March 30th
Time: 4pm
Location: locked in an empty testing room with no windows.
Event: I was using my laptop and I clicked something, to open something. And then I was waiting for it to open. As I was waiting, I forgot what I was waiting for. I only perceived about 15 seconds of time had elapsed, but I had no clue what I was waiting for. Looking at the computer screen did not help to answer said question. To this day, I still have not remembered what I was trying to open/click on/look at or what I thought I was waiting for. Hopefully, it got accomplished somewhere.
Date: March 31st
Time: midnight
Location: perched on a bar stool at my table in my living room.
Event: I spent about 45 seconds hovering between the "send" and "save" buttons in gmail when trying to send an email. It took me 45 seconds to determine which button would actually achieve my desired results. Whats worse, I had to resort to a two-step process of figuring this out; 1.) what IS my desired result? 2.) which of these words means that. 45 seconds is actually a very long time for someone hoping to get their PhD to spend deciding between the words SEND and SAVE.
Date: April 1st
Time: 8am
Location: the shower
Event: face wash......shampoo......face wash......shampoo......face wash......shamp - wait a minute. Conditioner!
Respectfully yours,
me!
*If I link you to my photos, and N's posts here, here, and here, I think we can check this one off the list!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
44.44%
That is the percentage of things in my fridge that are either a.) expired b.) growing mold or c.) actually empty but still in the fridge. I'm not sure what the worst part of this is: the cold hard facts, or the indication that I actually took the time to calculate this data point. Or maybe it's that two of the items pictured here in my fridge on March 2nd are still there today. It's a sad state of affairs down here these days. I look forward to April 8th with hope and determination for a better life!
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