Being “In the Moment” Amid Today’s Technology
8 comments November 6, 2009
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
When I was in Hebrew School, this little boy several years younger than me (Curtis) used to always say “Eat, drink and get married!” instead of “eat, drink and be merry” after we’d say the blessings over the bread and wine.
After my work event yesterday, I have to admit … I ate, I drank, and was merry. And you know what? It felt human. Divine.
The digital event we hosted went off beautifully, seamlessly. Since event planning usually comes with drama, I have to say, knowing it went well really made me feel great.
And though I was too nervous to eat beforehand (I had a big breakfast) I sure made up for it last night at Osteria via Stato with my coworkers!
I feel like I’ve really been able to let go a little the past week, and hope I can continue to challenge myself (within reason, of course).
Hope you have a wonderful day — sorry this week my posts haven’t been too exciting; just a ton going on and I leave for San Diego Saturday for a conference, so things are just a bit nutty!
2 comments November 5, 2009
Coping Mechanisms for Anxiety
Today, the big event I’ve been planning for the past six months will finally happen here in Chicago.
As is typical with any event, there have been plenty of hiccups along the way, but now I’ve planned all I can at this point and the only thing left is for the event to start.
For as much as I love event planning, there’s always some degree of anxiety when putting an event together–especially when it’s for work.
I try to adapt the carefree “it is what it is” attitude, but it’s not very easy for me to do. It’s definitely counter-intuitive to my “hardware.”
But I am trying. (more…)
2 comments November 4, 2009
More Proof Diet Soda Is Dangerous
When my friend C. shared this link yesterday with me, “What Soft Drinks Are Doing to Your Body” she noted I was ahead of the curve in wanting to get rid of my addiction to Diet Coke, and with good reason.
Now, there’s more evidence just how dangerous soda–diet or regular–really is.
“…You may come to the conclusion that diet or sugar-free soda is a better choice. However, one study discovered that drinking one or more soft drinks a day — and it didn’t matter whether it was diet or regular — led to a 30% greater chance of weight gain around the belly.
Diet soda is filled with artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, or saccharin. These artificial sweeteners pose a threat to your health. Saccharin, for instance, has been found to be carcinogenic, and studies have found that it produced bladder cancer in rats.
Aspartame, commonly known as nutrasweet, is a chemical that stimulates the brain to think the food is sweet. It breaks down into acpartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol at a temperature of 86 degrees. (Remember, your stomach is somewhere around 98 degrees.) An article put out by the University of Texas found that aspartame has been linked to obesity. The process of stimulating the brain causes more cravings for sweets and leads to carbohydrate loading.”
3 comments November 3, 2009
Rediscovering a Love of Running
Check out my latest post over at WeAretheRealDeal.com. You can read it here or after the jump.
3 comments November 3, 2009
Libra Seeking Balance
My BFF (since we were 11!) and I at the wedding this weekend 
I I had to give myself a headline, I’m pretty sure it would read something like this: “Libra Seeking Balance.”
Of all the things I strive for, balance has been the trickiest.
I do really well at over-achieving, and I admittedly suck at failure … I don’t know how to “half-ass” something. I tend to over-analyze things to death, so I’m very reflective … but balance has remained elusive, a Holy Grail for me, if you will.
I’ve had moments of clarity over the past year and a half, but try as I might, in spite of being a Libra (for which balance should be more natural), I struggle relentlessly with finding it and, more importantly, maintaining it.
As a naturally anxious person, this makes perfect sense. But I’m learning to work through my anxiety, and being away is always a good opportunity to put the pedal to the metal.
And so, this weekend, I let go. I lived the life of a recovered disordered eater. (You heard me; go ahead and nix the “ing” suffix, ok?!) (more…)
7 comments November 2, 2009
Travel Blues
Hello!! I had *major* travel delays tonight due to President Obama being in Newark today (blogging via Blackberry from airport now!) but I hope to have a post up tomorrow night!! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!
My highlights? Time with my family, an amazing wedding, new Joe’s jeans while shopping with my mom and sis, a salt bagel, a slice of pizza and three awesome morning runs! More to come tomorrow!
4 comments November 1, 2009
Leavin’ on a Jet Plane …
Hi dear readers, I’m off to NJ to visit my family and to go to my (guy) BFF from high school’s wedding. I’m not sure if/when I’ll be able to blog while I’m home (kind of hoping to disconnect as much as I can from the blogosphere), but if inspiration strikes, you know you’ll hear from me! If you’re bored, you can always follow me on Twitter or friend me on Facebook
Check back again Monday, if not sooner! Have a safe, happy and healthy week/weekend! I’m SIX days Diet Coke free now! And I feel great!
Back to the daunting task of packing …!
Love, Melissa
3 comments October 27, 2009
When Does “Diligence” End and “Obsession” Begin?
This is my latest post over at WeAretheRealDeal.com. You can read it here or after the jump.
9 comments October 27, 2009
Two Progress Tales
Saturday, my husband and I had a late lunch in Ann Arbor, where he had a study session for school. I was a little peckish a few hours after we got home, so I had a snack.
He was hungry-hungry, and so while we were watching MILK (awesome movie!) he made a toasted cheese and tomato sandwich, using Trade Joe’s Tuscana bread, real Swiss cheese (not the low-fat kind I usually have) and fresh tomato. He offered me a bite, and it was delicious.
I didn’t say anything about wanting one, but he could see I enjoyed it. And knowing me, he knew I wouldn’t want a full sandwich myself.
So a few minutes later, he came out of the kitchen with a mini version of this delicious sandwich for me, and a regular sized second one for him.
I gave it a split second of thought, and devoured it, savoring every bite. (more…)
15 comments October 26, 2009
