#18 and #19: 40 days of fun (or something like that)

I wanted to give a sneak peak into my next two adventures but be sure I will keep everyone posted on my progress, or lack thereof.

I can't ever remember giving up anything for lent. Can you? Well this Lenten season I will give up one thing and take on another. The next 40 days just may break me and if they don't, I'll be a heck of a lot stronger for surviving them.

What I'm giving up for Lent:

#18: Give up dirty words

Holy sh#t! (no pun intended) It's true. For the 40 days of Lent I will be giving up those 4 letter words that have always brought so much joy to my life. This was my mother's great idea. I had originally planned to give up either sweet tea or mayonnaise.

What I'm taking on for Lent:

#19: 40 Days to Personal Revolution

Starting March 6 I will be embarking on a 40 day journey, courtesy of Southern Om Hot Yoga Studio, to discover clarity of mind, body and spirit. I will learn more this Wednesday but essentially my next 40 days will include daily yoga practices, meditation, a cleansing eating plan (scary) and healthy thinking.

I'll be sure to update these posts as things develop. So keep following!

#17 Acupuncture

Not as painful as it looks...

I've spent the last few weeks planning out the rest of the 30x30 list. The tasks ahead are daunting, or maybe it's just the completion of them that is. And, moment of truth here, I had my first tremblings of an "almost 30" freak out. I hear they say you can have a quarter life crisis at twenty-five, so is thirty a third life crisis? And if so, where do these third, fifth, eighth...whatever crises end??? If I run into a fifteen year old complaining of a 1/6th life crisis, I will have no choice but to slap him or her.

With that said, I felt the need for some balance in my life. I'm still working on my yoga practice and #18 on the list will also be an effort to center my life. However this Thursday I decided to try yet another Eastern approach, acupuncture.

A clinic co-located with my gym offers "Group Acupuncture" several times a week. I know. Acupuncture sounds scary enough, why does it have to be a group thing. And no, there's no needle sharing going on.  It's just a circle of six lazy boy recliners in a room. I was the only patient for most of the time but was later joined by several other characters.

Baby needle in my hand.
Those are NOT my feet in the background!

So here's the scoop. After an assessment of your needs and issues, the therapist applies the hair-thin needles into the nerve points that coincide with your needs. I ended up with 7-8 needles from the base of my big toe to the top of my head. At insertion it feels like being poked with a pine needle but afterward its just a feeling of pressure.

The result. I felt enlightened and definitely more focused. Am I a newfound acupuncture junkie? Well, that's yet to be seen.

# 16 Riding a Bike

Look mom, no shoes!

Growing up, I was the kid that always had some type of cut or scratch (stitches, concussion, bruises, what have you). The one most violently burned into my memory was that of my first bike ride on my brand new big girl bike.  Most girls can easily picture the bike. It was a Huffy one-speed with a banana seat accessorized with pom-pom streamers on the handlebars, a basket, and those damn clinky things on the spokes.  This was well before Xzibit and Pimp My Ride existed but I think he’d be impressed even now.

That's not chocolate on my lip.

On our virgin voyage, the fancy new bike and I went for a tumble. Being the speed demon I’ve always been, I took a turn too fast and face planted into the asphalt. The end result, a busted front lip as well as some nasty knee and palm scrapes. I did ride again but handed over the bike for rollerblades as soon as I could.  So some 20 years later and in the spirit of new adventures, I climb back on the bike for the ride of a lifetime. (Someone please punch me for saying that).

On a recent trip to San Francisco, I thought that a bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge would be a great idea. After hitting up Wikipedia, I learned that the bridge itself is only 1.7 miles so we’re looking at 5 miles max in my mind. NOT TRUE. The entire ride was 8-9 miles which still isn’t that far. But like any good tale, there’s always some mischief involved.

First of all, I am by myself on this ride without clearly marked paths and one very misleading map. A few miles in and I take a wrong turn and venture up a very steep San Francisco hill. Not sure of my move, I asked a few transportation workers their advice and well, they were wrong. After a few miles I knew this couldn’t be right so I found my way back to the original path. The only problem was that this involved picking up the bike (I’m guessing 30 pounds) and carrying it down several very steep flights of stairs. By this point I am beyond angry and a part of me wanted to just throw the bike down the stairs but I didn’t. I conquer the stairs only to find myself at the base of a monstrous hill. The idea of calling a cab starts floating around in my head. That was, of course, the first of many calf-screaming hills and not the last time I thought about calling a cab.

I made it across the bridge and down to Sausalito without incident and celebrated with a heavy beer and a sandwich on fresh sourdough.  Good times!

Fake smile!

Almost there!

I'm on the bridge!

And done! (real smile)

The Forgotten Blogs

I seemed to have lost some of my motivation and it started with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays. From the looks of things I am slightly behind on my 30 by 30 when in all actuality, I am not. So without further adieu, I bring you #13, #14 and #15. My apologies if the posts are not filled with my usual charm and wit. I blame the fact that I’m writing these after having been housebound for over 48 hours during the worse southern-based winter storm I’ve ever experienced.

#13 Help the Less Fortunate (Locally)

Our December session for Leadership Greenville was focused on Human Services. To kick things off we split into groups and were taken around different parts of the county to explore the poverty in those areas. I was really impressed with the amount of support that is provided to those less fortunate in the Downtown area. But all these support mechanisms are nothing without people to help them carry out their missions.

So here’s my call to action. I have a list of just some of the places you can volunteer your time in the Greenville area. 

Project Host Soup Kitchen

525 S. Academy St.

Contact Sally Green at 864-235-3403

Frazee Dream Center

37 Pettigru St

Contact Alise Brown at 864-616-8867

Meals on Wheels
15 Oregon St

Contact Kerri Brison at 864-235-6565 ext 2335

Triune Mercy Center Food or Clothing Bank

222 Rutherford St
Deb Richardson-Moore at 864-233-3402

For my Mississippi friends:

MADCAAP (Madison Countians Allied Against Poverty)
www.madcaap.org
601-407-1404 or 601-421-6729

I personally spent a few hours at the Frazee Dream Center back in December. I’ll admit that it was not the easiest experience of my life as one of the kids I worked with persisted on seeking my attention through her constant flatulence. But that aside, the volunteers at Frazee are providing a wonderful service to the community, the kids are really great and they need your support.

#14 Take a Self Defense Class

I don’t need to tell any of you that this world is a violent place. The event in Tucson is just another reminder of how we are never as safe as we would hope. Did you know that most violent crime occurs between people that are acquainted? That South Carolina ranks very high (highest, I think) in its level of violent crime?

Well I don’t really want to scare anybody or give off the impression that I’m some paranoid crazy pacing her living room with a loaded weapon in her hand(s). (Okay, there was that one time but who in the world plants trees in your side yard at 10:00pm on a weeknight?) I do, however, think it’s important to be armed with the knowledge and confidence to protect myself.

A Women’s Basic Self Defense Class seemed like a great addition to the list of 30. It’s not the kick them in the groin and run class that you would think. It’s a lot about carrying yourself with confidence, knowing what to do if you have to protect yourself and being prepared to literally rip someone’s face off (after all, it is mostly soft tissue).

Where to go:   Safe Women Safe Kids

                      The Basic Self Defense Course is only $30

                      Click here for website

# 15 Be in a Book Club

Of all the things I done, this one makes people laugh the most. It is pretty ironic given that besides the Women’s Self Defense Class, the book club is probably the only ladies only thing I’m involved in.  Furthermore, I was the queen of Cliff’s Notes during high school. I actually wrote a literally research paper on a book I never read (I read the Cliff’s notes and watched the movie instead).

Though I have been a slack book club participant in 2010, I plan to step off on the right foot in 2011. To prove this, I am going (and excited about going) to the book club planning night instead of going to the PULSE hockey game this Thursday night.

To answer any of your speculations…Yes, I actually read the books now. Yes, we do actually make an effort to discuss the books. But yes, we do drink a lot of red wine and eat delectable food.

My current reads (non-book club):

In the Meantime: Finding Yourself and the Love You Want

Iyanla Vanzant

Until Today!

Iyanla Vanzant

(Daily devotional – highly suggest)

One of my yoga instructors read a passage from Until Today! during savasana that really spoke to me. So in the spirit of the New Year and resolutions (and continued self improvement) I’m giving this author a shot. 

With that, I am officially at the halfway mark!

#12 Host Thanksgiving Dinner

Talk about biting off more than I can chew....

Thanksgiving has always been a family event in the Miller (actually Bass) household. Every year since I was born, and even before that, we would all come together to enjoy a enormous meal at my grandmother's house. For many years, that meal took place just in time for everyone to watch the Egg Bowl (Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State). Things have slowly changed over the years so I thought it may be a great time to push completely out of tradition for once and invite my immediate family to Greenville for Thanksgiving. (Note to rest of family: you are more than welcome to come. If you leave now you can probably still make it).

As much as mother would love it, I am not completely bucking tradition to serve her favorite Fried Chicken with Rice and Gravy. Luckily her sweet brother Steve and his wife Zina made it for her last weekend.  I am changing things up a bit mixing some traditional elements in new weird (more tasty) ways. 

On the menu:

• Maple Roasted Turkey Breast (bc Maddox doesn't need to eat the pounds of dark meat that we discard)
• Mixed greens with walnuts, cranberries and gorgonzola (in place of cranberry sauce in a can)
• Cheese Souffle (sorry, no dressing this year)
• Green beans wrapped in bacon (bacon = good)
• Mashed sweet potatoes (funny story - see below)
• Freshly-baked french bread (we'll see if this really happens)
• Chocolate Tart sprinkled with Maldon (fancy salt, don't hate)

So I'd be remiss if I didn't tell the sweet potato story...

About 6 years ago, Mom, Josh and I were in the kitchen preparing our portion of the Thanksgiving meal. Mom and Josh in the kitchen together sometimes reminds me of two squirrels chasing each other around a tree. (love you guys, but its true!) So in an effort to soothe my nerves, I pour myself a nice glass of Makers Mark. (mmmm!) Some time later I'm mixing up the sweet potato casserole and decide that it would be a great idea to add a little bourbon to the praline topping (then a little more, and then a little more). So I got a little overzealous with the bourbon, whatever! You're supposed to cook it long enough to cook out the alcohol anyways. So I figure no harm, now foul.....

Well...It's safe to say that it didn't cook long enough, which may not be a big deal for most families. The Bass family, especially at this point, were non-drinkers (or at least closet drinkers). In respect for our matriarch, May, the only beverage we ever had was sweet tea. Add to that, two of my mom's uncles were at Thanksgiving that year, one of which was a recovering alcoholic. (In my defense, he was dying of lung cancer and this was my little treat to him for bringing all those Honey Baked Hams to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners over the years).

Halfway through the meal, one of the uncles commented, "Jennifer, is there bourbon in these sweet potatoes? Because these are the best ones I've ever tasted." My face went red, my grandmother shot daggers at me, and the whole table erupted with laughter. Needless to say, I've been making them ever since.

So Mom and Dad are set to arrive this afternoon. I'm going to squeeze in a quick Power Hour of hot yoga before taking a few days off from the exercise routine and protein shakes. In order to not completely sabotage my healthy streak,  I will be taking the family on a nice hike to Raven Cliffs Falls either Friday or Saturday so check back for photos.

And be sure to check out my brother (and Matthew's) blog, Kitchen Mischief for a multitude of mischievous cooking stories.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Post Thanksgiving Post:

I survived but have emerged with a profound respect for those out there that attempt, year after year, to provide a Thanksgiving meal to his or her family. With the help of Mother, I managed to prepare all 7 dishes without any scorching or burning or any other food-related disasters (minus a burned thumb, of course). I did, however, eat my Thanksgiving dinner with my apron still on and not having showered. As for next year's Thanksgiving Dinner....Well, we'll just have to see.

#11 Try Hang Gliding

I remember the call.

Me: Hey Dad, I just wanted to let you know that I'm okay.
Dad: Why wouldn't you be okay?
Me: Oh well, I just got back from skydiving.......

This took place back in 2001 when I was living in British Columbia, Canada. I was only a few weeks away from being accepted into their socialized medicine system. Not that it would have mattered anyways.

Skydiving in BC was a little different that it is in the US, at least from my experience. I did what they call the First Jump Course instead of Tandem.

Basically, you crawl out onto the strut of the plane and hang like Superman until they tell you to let go. At this point, they release a mini-chute which then activates your full parachute within 10 seconds or so. But from the second you crawl out of the plane you are all alone and hoping like hell those "in case of..." instructions do not have to be put to use.

I tell you all of this because there have been numerous suggestions to add skydiving to the list. So instead of having a skydiving part 2 adventure, I opted for something entirely new, hang gliding.

I was a tiny bit nervous at this point

Hang gliding is awesome and could possibly become my new hobby. There's something peaceful about soaring through the sky like a bird.  Even better, I was able to convince my brother to come along. (David was along for the journey, not the adventure but we still appreciate his camera skills).

The rest of the weekend in Chattanooga was a lot of fun. We had an delicious but interesting dinner at Easy Bistro (interesting because a couple was breaking every PDA rule and perhaps several state laws as well). If you go there, have the Cinderella Pumpkin Ravioli. And just because, you have to See Rock City.

It's a bird, it's a plane...

Resources:

• Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding
• Easy Bistro
• See Rock City

And one final note.....

No trip is ever complete without a sock monkey appearance. I really wanted to wear the sock monkey costume in Rock City but that would have been a bad idea on many levels - not fitting through Fat Man's Squeeze, falling off Lookout Mountain, getting attacked by moonshine drinking gnomes......You get the point.

Now on to the next adventure.....

#10 Try Yoga

I am a huge fan of urban dictionary. Whereas some people receive a word of the day from dictionary.com, I receive my Urban Word of the Day. So I found it ironic that the same day I decided to try a new hour and a half hot yoga class, the Urban Word of the Day happened to be hot mess.

Hot mess: when ones thoughts or appearance are in a state of disarray but they maintain an undeniable attractiveness or beauty.

see: hot mess

I am in no way calling my post yoga self portrait an example of undeniable attractiveness or beauty but I was a mess (given I’d been in yoga positions I hadn’t done in 5 years) and most certainly hot (given the room was probably 100+ degrees and I was sweating out toxins I ingested in college).

I don’t plan to stop at just one class. In fact, I got a deal through Living Social for 20 classes for $20 at Southern Om. The catch is I have to complete these 20 classes by the first of the year. Have you checked for Living Social deals in your city? They’re pretty cool daily deals that only last 24 hours or until they sell out.  But be warned, I could easily see how a person could get obsessed and end up spending their Saturdays doing a 2 for 1 photography session after their discounted facial while eating half-off Mediterranean food. 

So with the yoga class, I have made it to the one-third mark, ten down and twenty to go. I’m going to attempt to complete 5 more before the end of the year, most excitingly, I’m going on a hang gliding adventure with my brother this weekend.

One more thing. A person behind me totally farted during the middle of class and it was the first time I’ve actually heard an instructor laugh out loud. (yeah, I couldn’t leave that one out and I’m giggling now just thinking about it).

Check it out:

• Southern Om
• Living Social: Daily Deals
• Groupon
• Urban Dictionary