Running From the White Car

This morning I woke up to drizzle and grey - perfect morning for a run. I headed left on North Cartwright Road and just kept going towards South Ferry. We take the North Ferry to get to Shelter Island so I've actually never been near the South Ferry until today.

I got my hair cut on Friday and I have a lot of short layers. One has decided to stick up Alfalfa-style. Cute...

My mother was attacked in close proximity to wild turkey hens on Saturday. I've never seen her move so fast and I'll admit that they were ugly and frightening. This morning I found their husbands.

When I turned back from the ferry landing, I saw a white car slow down and pull over, giving the car behind it very little warning and almost causing an accident. I was a little ticked off that they stopped the car right in front of me, but I moved over to the middle of the lane and kept running. Then I noticed that some idiot in the passenger seat had been shaking her hand at me and it crossed my mind that they thought blocking my path would make me stop. Since I don't live on Shelter Island and can't really answer questions, I went on my merry way.

Less than a mile later, the white car makes a left in front of me into a driveway and stops. I figure that perhaps this is their destination. As the car doors open, I focus on the road ahead of me and keep my pace steady.

About a quarter mile after that, the white car pulls to the side of the road and this elderly woman gets out and tells me she has to ask me something. She's dressed vaguely Amish and has a frayed leather book, and my first thought is, "Shit, the Jehovah's Witnesses found me," but then she says she's lost. I tell her that I don't live on Shelter Island but ask what she's look for anyway. I don't know where South Thompson is and tell her so. Her passengers and she are creeping me out enough as it is so I don't offer to look up South Thompson on my iPhone. I apologize for not being able to help and keep running.

And then they pull up behind me again. That's when I got over my 9+ minute mile pace and started trucking at around 7s. By this time it's pouring, and while I normally enjoy running in the rain, I can't help but tell myself that if someone is going to cut me up in little pieces and play with my liver, I'd rather it be the gastroenterologist than some ugly old woman in ugly old shoes.

I made it home in one wet piece and made a beeline for the shower.

Sunday Funday: Hiking with the Parents

The first rule of taking your parents anywhere is making sure they are dressed appropriately and otherwise prepared. Try as I may to get them covered in bug spray and wearing suitable footwear, they chose to disregard my warnings.

Garmin, seltzer, Keen hiking sandals

Shelter Island Run

Greetings from Shelter Island! The Echeverria Family (minus my sister) Summer Vacation has begun!

My dad rented a house on North Cartwright Road and the view of Coecles Harbor is beautiful. My parents foolishly chose to an upstairs bedroom in an upside down house and I capitalized on their folly by quickly moving into the master bedroom downstairs.

view from the deck

Birthday WOD

I had an incredible birthday this year, which is saying something because I usually abhor my birthday and refuse to acknowledge that it occurs. Ron Swanson and I have similar sentiments regarding celebrating the days of our birth.

The 23-year-old got me an Under Armour 2013 NFL Combine Authentic Shatter Performance Compression T-Shirt. At first I was a little concerned that it would be too small.

I thought I had gotten stuck.

Then I remembered that I'm not a fat-ass anymore. I tried it on for a little trip to CVS. If I keep my stomach muscles tight and suck in, I have an incredibly flat stomach in this top. Thank you 23-year-old! I love my present!

I promised to be on my best behavior at work on the day of my actual birthday. Even though I accidentally SnapChatted my pikachu to some of my friends instead of just the intended recipient, I was in great spirits. And only mildly hungover from dinner at Momofuku Ko the night before.

I wore my tiara all day.

This is what I wore for dinner at Ko.

I went to the 9th floor to make Selby take pictures with me. We talked about the day's WOD, which I don't think he did. I was really excited for it and was fully prepared to do my birthday burpees.

WOD:

Strength

BHN Snatch Grip Press

De-load

5 X 40%

5 X 50%

4 sets of 5 X60%

Conditioning

3 rounds:

400m Run with plate overhead 45/25#

5 Snatches 135/95#

For time.

What Really Happened:

The training bar and I have become best friends. I started my behind the neck snatch grip press with just the bar. Then I added 5 lbs plates, moved up to 10 lbs plates, and then did my last set with a 12.5 lbs on each side. I only made it to four reps with this weight (35 lbs - or 36 depending on who is weighing that training bar) and I turned to Anthony and said, "I can't do it... yet." That behind the neck stuff kills me, but I've gotten a lot better since the time I got stuck under the bar and the Good Samaritan had to save me.

I rearranged my schedule to be able to do this WOD because I really wanted to do the conditioning portion. The 400m run was pretty much a brisk walk with lots of breaks for everyone in the class. We walked single file or in groups of 2 down W 36th Street to the corner of 9th and back, stopping at landmarks like the parking meter, the flags on the hotel awning, and the streetlamp. For two of my "runs", I ended up falling in line with this guy named Al and we chose our landmarks together. Wednesday was the first time I really felt like I was part of CrossFit Hell's Kitchen and that made a pretty awesome birthday gift. Since we were out on the street, we caught a lot of people's attention and some cheered us on. One woman was so impressed by seeing women hoisting 25 lbs plates over their heads that she walked along and offered encouragement. I liked her.

I finished in 18:21, which I found kind of fitting since my birthday is 8/21.

BIRTHDAY BURPEES = AGE + 1

I wore my tiara to CrossFit but not during the WOD. This meant I had birthday burpees. I love burpees but these were pretty dang tough after the WOD. I felt super accomplished and ready for soccer and my birthday dinner.

Back in the office, post-WOD, while a puddle of sweat gathers at my feet.

The Training Bar

I felt like I had barely closed my eyes when my alarm went off this morning at 5. My second alarm went off at 5:15 and I swear only seconds had passed between the two. Despite the nagging voice in my head saying, "Get back in bed! Get back in bed!", I got dressed and headed towards the bus. I usually feel pretty damn good by the time I get to the office, but today I was definitely dragging.

"Why I am taking selfies in the bathroom at work before 6:30 AM?"

Once you show up to your office in your gym clothes, you really have to go to the gym. The 7 AM class had a good crowd this morning and I was pretty psyched with the WOD.

WOD:
Barbell Gymnastics
15 minutes to establish a 1RM of the following complex: Hang snatch + Behind the neck push-press + Snatch balance

Conditioning
AMRAP 12 mins:
Ascending ladder of:

3 Thrusters 95/65#
3 Box jumps 30/24″
3 C2B

6 Thrusters 95/65#
6 Box jumps 30/24″
6 C2B

9 Thrusters 95/65#
9 Box jumps 30/24″
9 C2B
….until 12 mins is over.

What Really Happened:

I very quickly realized that even the lady bar was too heavy for me to snatch balance. The girl behind me and I made eye contact and then walked across the room to grab training bars. Training bars are around 11 lbs (5KG) but I think folks tend to say they weigh 10 lbs. (I'm still confused about when to round when talking weight.) The training bar plus 25 lbs was perfect and I felt like I could actually execute the complex without worrying that I'd drop the bar on my neck. GAMECHANGER.

source

Today's conditioning was sick and I had a great time. Sometimes, when the conditions are right, I'll be working out and this feeling washes over me and I'm like, Wow. You are bad fucking ass. There is no direct correlation between my aptitude at the given workout and the feeling that I am just plain awesome. Cut-off sleeves and DMX, however, do appear to have an impact.

I did my thrusters with 35 lbs. Apparently everyone hates thrusters and I don't, so I'm thinking I might be doing them wrong. I used a 20 inch box for most of the workout because that was what was available until my last round. A guy near me was either a round ahead or behind me and I got to do 15 box jumps on the 24 inch. Big fan of the 24 inch box even though one of my knees made a funny noise.

look at those legs

I'm really over not being able to do a pull-up without bands. Today I used a blue and a red band, and if I'm being honest, I actually really needed them in order to get my chest to that bar. I will be able to do 5 unassisted chest to bar pull-ups by Christmas. Mark my words.

I posted 12 + 35 (35) and bands on the board, which means I completed three ascending rounds (12 reps each) and then I got through 15 thrusters, 15 box jumps, and 5 C2B using 35 lbs and my bands. Yes, I had to ask what weird math equations people were writing on the board. The great thing about CrossFit is everyone seems to love to answer questions.

I Love Kickboxing

I bought a Groupon for 10 kickboxing classes last May and I decided I should use them before they expired. iLoveKickboxing has a location down the block from my office and I registered for the 7:30 PM class.

I really liked the class. Our instructor Frank was funny and engaging and clearly knew what he was doing. We spent the first 14 minutes warming up with jumping jacks, punches, kicks, burpees, mountain climbers, and bicycles. I found anything plank-like while wearing those gloves to be really rough on my wrists. Stronger wrists will help me in CrossFit so I'm thinking that this is a good supplement to my current routine.

We moved onto partner work and I was paired of with a girl named Francesca. Bless her heart for putting up with me. It takes a moment while for me to get into the rhythm of multiple moves and it was hard trying to transpose the sequence in my mind so I could block Francesca's punches and kicks. I enjoyed it even though I made a ton of mistakes, including foolish things like jabbing from the wrong side. Come on, you'd think after so many years of Yves' classes that I would know these things like second nature.

The bag work was my favorite. We alternated holding onto the bag while our partners performed punches, front kicks, and side kicks. FYI, it hurts to stand on a semi-broken toe while kicking with the other leg. We finished up with push-ups and crunches.

looking skinny

I ended up being talked into buying a 35 class card that allegedly never expires. I didn't really want to spend the money, but I was able to save $150 so I think it was a sensible purchase.

This iLoveKickboxing location does not have a shower so it's definitely a post-work activity.

the women's lockeroom

Sunday Funday: Birthday Bikram

Today I woke up with a mild headache from the Dewars I downed last night, but nothing remotely close to the hangovers I've learned to deal with over the years. I was starving and no one would eat with me so I took myself out to brunch at East End Kitchen and then got a pedicure. Then I went to the office for an hour before heading to Bikram. I know what you're thinking - Who is this responsible person and what did they do with ISOOM? It scares me too.

Bikram Yoga Herald Square gave me a free class for my birthday, which is on Wednesday, and I needed to take advantage of it before I leave for my vacation. The 4 PM class with Elizabeth had just the right number of people in it - it was neither too crowded or to empty.

this photo was taken after class was over

I had noticed an improvement in my Bikram skills when I went in Houston, but I amazed myself today. I usually struggle in awkward pose (that funky chair pose-like move that requires standing on your toes and looking like you really have to pee), but I was able to hold my balance pretty well. Although I had trouble crossing my legs all weekend because my quads felt like someone had taken a weed-whacker to them, I was able to wrap my foot around the other side of my ankle in eagle. And I made a right angle with my body in standing head to knee pose and got my elbows down.

Not everything was easy. My standing bow pulling pose kind of sucked. I realized that I was holding my foot instead of my ankle halfway through my unlimited month last spring, which was a real gamechanger, but unfortunately I reverted back to my old mistake in class. My triangle pose was pure shit but my glutes are so tight that I was surprised I got into that lunge at all.

The most incredible moment was when I lowered down into toe stand pose for the FIRST TIME EVER. I didn't even mind that I couldn't get back up. I also rocked camel. The very first time I tried to do camel, I was convinced I was going to paralyze myself. Today I was all, Sure - let me just bend my body back so I can see the wall and rest my hands on my heels. N B D.

In the case you want to see what these poses are supposed to look like, go to this site.

I was surprised by how not-hot (I wouldn't go as far to say cool) the room felt. I thought Bikram in the summer would be a nightmare based on one class I took in June 2011, but I felt less gross and sweaty leaving the studio today than I did in March. I get really unhappy when I shower after a workout and then start overheating as I try to get home or back to the office. What's the point in showering if I end up just as disgusting as I did beforehand?

CrossFit has obviously made me stronger and more fit, and these improvements are showing themselves in other workouts. I demonstrated my increased strength by carrying my friend and co-worker up 9th Avenue on Saturday.

why do guys instinctively donkey kick their legs out?
you have to wrap your legs around the person carrying you

2 WODS in 12 Hours

I hadn't planned on Thursday night CrossFit, but I saw the WOD on my way into work and promptly signed up for 7:45 PM class. Fast forward through a rather long day for a Thursday and I was psyched to see that my friend from work was also taking the 7:45.

who wears short shorts?

I'm really into the barbell gymnastics classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and can't believe I was once intentionally avoiding them. I also really love when Anthony is the coach because he covers the mechanics of the moves, models the moves, and diagrams the angles of the moves. I'm a visual learner and a nerd so this really helps.

WOD:

Barbell Gymnastics

EMOM for 7

1 Power Clean + 5 Front Squats + 1 Split Jerk

As heavy as possible

Conditioning

3 rounds for time of:

50 Double-Unders or 50 Tuck Jumps

20 Steps OH Lunges in place 115/75#

10 Burpees

What really happened:

I got up to adding 20 lbs to the bar for the power clean, front squats, and the split jerk. Anthony says I'm not getting my front leg out far enough and I can tell that I'm landing a little off. I find that the heavier I go, the more likely I am to get in the correct position.

I also set up my area behind the really really hot guy (by accident, I swear) and I was totally distracted by him, his muscles, and his new CrossFit Nano 3.0s. They are so pretty - like him.

The conditioning portion of the workout was the reason I came and I loved it. I did the tuck jumps and I started off with 10 lbs added to the bar (5 lbs plates), but I dropped them after the second round. This workout was killer and I thought I was going to throw up. I finished in 11:06.

Here are some selfies I took in the bathroom before the WOD. Autumn has come in August in New York and I finally got to wear jeans again. I think I look adorable.

I ended up deciding not to shower at the gym and on the way home got a text from my race car date asking if I wanted to join him and his friend at Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House. I rolled up exactly the way I left the box - sweaty and in booty shorts. The waitstaff was horrified. I couldn't give a fuck. Del Frisco's has the most amazing bacon I have ever tasted and I think their Double Eagle cooked medium-rare is actually a better steak than you get at Peter Luger. The cauliflower and Brie au gratin was sinful and the onion rings were everything an onion ring should be - big, crispy, and slightly firm yet still translucent in the center. And we drank a lot of red wine. The sommelier was really into whatever he was serving us, but I'm not really into red and I'm not particularly interested in wine unless it's in my mouth.

I ended up getting home around 11:30 and then after showering, checking for home invaders, and deciding if I should keep the AC off, I got a text from this guy I kind of like who lives in San Francisco. He says the distance is killer, but I'm more inclined to complain about the time difference. I was up until after 1 AM. The 5 AM alarm clock this morning was a bitch and I ended up back in bed for 10 minutes after changing into my workout clothes.

There was no way I was missing today's kettlebell WOD, even if it meant showing up to the 7 AM with less than four hours of sleep. It's Friday and I'm not hungover. It's a summer miracle and must be taken advantage of.

Oh hello. Back here less than 12 hours later?

WOD:

Strength

Snatch Pull

Warm up

5 X 40%

5 x 50%

3 X 60%

Work

5 X 75%

3 X 85%

1+ X 95%

Conditioning

12 minute AMRAP of:

10 KB clean & jerk (left) 24/16kg

15 KB swings 24/16kg

10 KB clean & jerk (right) 24/16kg

15 KB Hi-Pulls 24/16kg

Note: The KB should not touch the floor on any rep of clean and jerk or hi-pull.

I can't lift that heavy yet so my warm-up and work are pretty much the same thing. I got up to adding 25 lbs to the bar. I used a 10kg kettlebell for the conditioning workout and in hindsight I wish I had used the 12kg. It was effing hard and my performance wasn't pretty, but I didn't look as bushwhacked as my classmates when we were done. I got through 3 full rounds and the right side of the 4th. I wish I had started with the left so that my weaker side got more work. Only one person dropped their kettlebell so we had to do 3 burpees at the end. I realized that I was getting the clean and jerk confused with the kettlebell snatch. I would have had few no-reps if I had figured that out sooner.

Now I am in search of food because I am starving. I really wish I had that Del Friscos' bacon.

Sports Leagues for Adults

I've spent the past year looking for a league of my own. (See what I did there? A play on A League of Their Own? Yup.) New York City loves bringing young professionals together to play sports on fields and courts two sizes too small and then encouraging them to get shitfaced on weeknights at a local watering hole that you'd never choose to frequent otherwise.

I started off by joining my company's ZogSports kickball team. It was pretty fun when I worked in the other office and the games became my time to see the folks from across the street. Then I switched offices and the novelty wore off. And I realized that I hate kickball. It's everything that sucks about baseball, plus being whacked by a rubber ball that is more painful than one would think. The last straw was playing in the late fall aka winter league and it was freezing and everyone was sad and we had to go all the way to Hamilton Heights each week.

happier days before the first frost

I was then asked to join my friend's NYC Social Sports Club volleyball team. I signed up even though I knew I was awful at volleyball the last time I had played - in the fifth grade. Guess what guys? Being able to run thirty miles doesn't translate into hand-eye coordination. My crappy playing really bothered many of my teammates and I ended up taking myself out of as many rotations as I thought I could get away with. NYC Social is almost more about the post-game drinking than the actual game and I carried their asses in flip cup so booyah. I also met one of my best friends by playing on that team so weekly humiliation and epic hangovers at work were totally worth it.

quite the cast of characters

My volleyball team signed up for flag football but my travel schedule prevented me from joining. I think they were secretly relieved. Then one of my coworkers and I were having lunch and she asked if I wanted to play soccer on a NYC Soccer team with some of her outside of work friends. They needed girls.

I played soccer through the ninth grade so I really thought this was my opportunity to play a league sport well. Nope. Not good. My only true value-add to the team is my willingness to throw my body in front of players on the opposing team in an effort to get the ball away from them. That's how I ended up clotheslining myself on a guy's shoulder last night. Most people hesitate when they see me charging at them. As I came closer to this player, I could tell that he wasn't backing down and I was like, I respect that, and then I felt the impact of his shoulder slamming into my jaw and then I was on my back looking up at the sky. He helped me up, I brushed myself off, and kept playing.

I'm not sure if I'll play on the fall soccer team. Ideally the folks from volleyball would play soccer in the fall and I'd practice a lot and get good. I have some time to make a decision.

Night Run

Some photos from last night's run.

5 miles on the East River running path

My first Slurpee since December 2012. I still haven't gone back to Coke or Diet Coke yet.

I walked home from an appointment in Columbus Circle and had some time to kill before my doctor's appointment in the East 80s so I hit up Jack Rabbit. They didn't have anything that I wanted in my size. Blessing in disguise.

Race Car Driving

So last Wednesday, I was sitting at the bar by my apartment in my soccer clothes, when a guy sits down next to me. Neither of us had eaten yet and after asking for dinner menus, we decided to be adventurous and share one of Jones Wood Foundry's eel pies. It was pretty bland, but what do you expect from British food? Anyway, we got to talking and I happened to mention that I really miss driving, and then my new dinner companion asked if I would like to go race car driving. Yes, this is my real life.

My good fortune meant an invitation to Monticello Motor Club yesterday. MMC is an automotive resort and private race track, and maybe the coolest place I've ever been. I mean honestly, I got to DRIVE A RACE CAR ON A RACE TRACK!

We left Manhattan at 7 AM to drive up to Monticello, which is about 90 minutes north of the city. The drive was pretty if uneventful. We made it to the club, got me signed in, and then I was sitting in my novice driver instruction course. Once we covered safety protocol and the meaning of the different flags, I met my instructor Arlene and we headed over to the cars.

I cannot drive stick (yet) so I got to drive a Jaguar F-Type S. I love Jaguars for many reasons, including that I was brought home from the hospital in one when I was born. I also just love cars in general. The man formerly known as my uncle was really into cars and I thought he was fascinating and therefore found cars fascinating. Out of his many cars, my favorite was the aluminum Shelby Cobra.

Arlene drove two laps with me in the passenger seat to give me a feel for the course. At 3.5 miles and 18 turns, it's a pretty long track to learn on, or so they tell me. My first session was a little nerve-wracking because it felt weird to drive on the entire road. I was hesitant to drive very fast and a few of the drivers were passing without permission. You don't use your blinkers to signal to other drivers, but instead use hand signals. Your arm out the window means pass on the left, your arm out the window pointing over the car means pass on the right, and your arm out the window in a fist means going into the pit. If you're not signaling to the car behind you, they really shouldn't be passing.

borrowing a personalized helmet required me to picmonkey out some identifying details

When I wasn't driving, I was sitting shotgun in a tangerine Corvette. I'm not usually a fan of the color orange, but the tangerine hue really grew on me. The only thing that might be as fun as driving on a race track, is being the passenger in a car on a race track with a driver who really knows what he's doing.

We stopped for lunch and the midday break. Driving takes a lot out of you because you have to be hyper focused so I appreciated the chance to just hang out, enjoy the weather, enjoy the company, and stare at the cars.

I normally drive with my seat so far back that I'm practically in my backseat, so this felt a little strange.

I sat one session out and then got back on the track. My date and I had spent time going over the map to figure out where I needed to improve, and it definitely made a difference when Arlene and I got back out there. My last two laps were incredible. It finally clicked that I need to look at the farthest cone I could see and by doing that, I would be able to smoothly transition between each section.

The day was obviously amazing and I had a great time. Driving 110 mph in a suped up Jag on a beautiful day was a pretty decent way to spend a Sunday.

6 AM CrossFit

I knew I wouldn't get to CrossFit today if I didn't get my ass up and at the 6 AM class. The team stepback has finally occurred in the NY office, but although I didn't have to fly anywhere, I still have little control over my day. I actually ended up really liking the 6 AM class, which made waking up at 4:45 AM seem like something I might do again.

Cold enough to wear a sweatshirt!

I'm covered in bruises to the point where I had to wear my long shorts to avoid awkward questions about domestic abuse (I think they're soccer related) and fortunately I have these nifty 

Champion bermudas.

Today is the first day I've made it to a barbell gymnastics WOD since that first trial class I took in June. 

TUESDAY's WOD

Barbell Gymnastics

EMOM for 7

Power Clean + Push Press + Push Jerk + Split Jerk

As heavy as possible, provided you can control the weight down. remember, DO NOT DROP. Eccentric strength is what we want as well as power...

Conditioning

5 rounds for total working time:

15 Lateral box jump-overs 24/20″

15 Push press 115/75#

Rest 1 minute between rounds

Note: Lateral jump-overs should be done with a touch on top of the box.

What actually happened:

We started off with a warm-up of 5 rows, 5 front squats, 5 push presses, 5 back squats, and 5 bent over rows.

I did the Power Clean + Push Press + Push Jerk + Split Jerk using 45 lbs for the first two rounds and then went up to 55 lbs. I am a huge fan of the split jerk, but I totally suck push jerk. I am going to dismantle the broom and get some more practice in. My boss's boss is in town for our stepback and she passed by during this portion and we waved and then I felt super special when she brought up seeing me in our meeting later today.

Conditioning was solid. I started with 55 lbs the first round but wasn't executing properly so I dropped down to 45 lbs. My total work time was 9:12.

A lovely woman named Michelle dropped in from Oregon and introduced herself to everyone. This made me realize that I probably come across as an awkward frigid bitch and this likely explains why I have no friends.

In case you are wondering why this post sounds like a random stream of consciousness, remember that I have been up since 4:45 AM, got an hour's workout in by 7 AM, was in my office showered by 7:15 AM, and sat in a meeting from 9 AM to 5:15 PM. Then I hid in the secret room and rested on the bean bag bed until dinner.

Avoid missing free dinner at any cost, no matter how tired.

Soccer and Insomnia

So last night I returned to my soccer team after missing two consecutive games. I dreaded going all freaking day but I ended up having a great time. And somehow, clearly it was all the practice in Houston, I had greatly improved.

Fifty percent of the battle is looking good and take a look at that color-coordination below. The shorts even have yellow booty shorts built in.

the return of the work bathroom selfie!

So we finally have an early game at 7:55 (yup, that's the early time) but since it's all the way in Williamsburg, I gave myself an hour to get there because I hate being late and I hate being surrounded by hipsters so you can only imagine what happens when I am late while surrounded by hipsters. I arrived by 7:25 and spent the next 20 minutes in search of a place that would sell me iced coffee but not require me to sit down and learn how the beans were lovingly grown by a band of travelling orphans or whatever. It was a struggle but I succeeded.

mandatory Manhattan skyline Instagram from the field

The team has been playing very well in my absence so the only value-add I have is my willingness to aggressively insert myself in the immediate path of whomever has the ball. I also know to stay down to make sure the ref calls in my favor. I played the entire game again, nbd, and actually passed a few balls this time. We lost 2-1. Or is it 1-2? I've actually never bothered to learn this because I prefer solitary sports.

After a beer with the team, us Manhattanites headed back to Manhattan. I made it to my apartment, showered, ate some orzo salad, discovered that Time Warner screwed with my DVR and didn't record Young and the Restless, and then shit when downhill from there. CBS.com kept freezing at the same commercial every time (get your effing devices in sync and sign the damn player before the other team snatches him up goddammit!) and I lost that wonderful opportunity of Melatonin-induced bliss. And I stayed awake until after 1 AM and then I woke up at 4 AM and I have been awake ever since.

Once I ran out of Candy Crush lives, I took another shower, dried and straightened my hair, and then accepted that there wasn't anything else I was interested in doing, so I went to work. This is what the office looks like before you turn the lights on at 6:57 AM.

someone forgot to turn off the conference room light last night. oops.

I'm not sure what's going on around me, I have lost all of my Excel skills, and I am overly entertained by the stream of emails I am receiving about our plans in Atlanta this weekend. I need to go to sleep and stay asleep. I found myself googling, "Can you feel hair grow?" this afternoon.