The Power of Positive Female Friendships

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I can’t believe it has been months and months since I have written. I want to thank everyone for not judging (if you are, keep it to yourself!). I have been busy living life…but I have many ideas for future blog posts! Let’s see how many of them come true!

I have been mulling around the idea to talk about the power of positive friendships, specifically starting off with female-to-female friendships because I truly do feel that the more of these I build/maintain, and cherish in my adult life the more wholesome I feel.

POSITVE FEMALE FRIENDSHIPS

With the change of the political climate I’ve become more focused on using our (female) collective power and speaking our truth. Let’s be honest…if you are a woman, you live a different life than if you are a man.

Side rant: A few months ago, a male director at my job told me that I should smile more and I shut that down right away telling him I considered that comment sexist because we both knew that would not be said to any male. He apologized and it never happened again. I am done putting up with that stuff and if you are female, you also do not have to put up with it. You can argue with me about this but until you walk in our shoes you don’t know SH&$ (#sorrynotsorry)!

I did something strange over the past year and made a list of women that I know and admire that perhaps I didn’t get a chance to hang out with and I made it a mission to try to schedule time with them (sometimes as a double date, sometimes as a coffee date, sometimes as lunch or dinner and drinks…any way that worked). I am not finished going through my list and I have also realized that it takes a lot of effort to keep these “friend-dates” recurring (which I am also still working on). This has been a positive experience.  I feel renewed and energized after spending time with these ladies. I have learned these women share resiliency. They all have different personalities and I admire them for many different reasons. They are all strong, funny, and smart in the most unique ways.  My goal is to continue to connect with the women I have crossed paths with in my life.  Something I would like to reflect on is the WHY. Why do these relationships with women leave me energized as opposed to tired and annoyed? It is because these women are busy bettering themselves and they have #goals, they aren’t trying to compare themselves to me and they are supportive. That is the difference between my early life (high school/college) to now. I have no time to give energy to people that want to compete or have envy. I do have time to mentor and support #goals of others in a healthy positive way.   In the words of AMY POEHLER: Good for her! Not for me. #positivefemalefriendships

Orange Theory Fitness…I have gym friends! #OTF_fam #workingout #theORANGElife #orangetheoryfitness

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Hi Everyone! I am restarting my blogging because in my #yuppie #dink life I am trying to focus on what makes me happy and making time for it. On December, 1, 2018 #thehubs and I started working out and tried our first Orange Theory Fitness class (basically, I forced him try it with me #happywifehappylife). Firstly, because we had talked about wanting to be more consistent about working out and being healthy and more active to have the energy to travel and have fun as well as have more room on plane seats. Secondly, the first class was free so if we didn’t like it there was no loss. Thirdly, because we had a few friends and family that joined Orange Theory (OTF) and had great things to say about their experience. Fourthly, because there was a gym conveniently about 5 mins away from our home.

Lets start with answers to your burning questions:

What is it?

  • High Intensity Interval Training
  • Focused on various heart rate zones (targeting 12 mins in the orange)
  • Base, Push, All Out!
  • Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption = Orange Zone
  • 60 minute workout class with about 20-30 other people
  • One dedicated coach offering support, education, and always ensuring you are safe and listening to your body
  • Treadmill/biker/strider/water rower/weight floor (+TRX straps+Bosuballs+abdollys+benches)-lots of options
  • Amazing positivity, accountability, good music, stretching at the end, and fabulous staff

What is the cost?

  • Memberships are based on a monthly….you really do get what you pay for.
  • You do have to purchase a heart monitor from them…which you need for your workouts. If you forget yours, you can always rent one on the spot.
  • Membership cost depends on the area that you live in.
  • A Premier plan offers unlimited classes and is likely comparable to the better rated gyms in town. Sorry–can’t tell you the cost because then you would know exactly how much we can afford to spend on this.

How did you hear about it? Do you go everyday? How is the culture?

  • Several friends and a close family member raved about it constantly.
  • #thehubs and I started going about 2x week and gradually increased to about 4-5x a week. It is important to take a rest day.
  • We generally go at 5 am (most of the time) because it works best for our schedule and helps give me that good feeling. Yes, it is hard getting up early but #totesworthit.
  • Culture is positive. There is a dress code–so no “hoochie mama” or shirtless men. Staff from our home studio knows our name. Coaches are always concerned about safety first. We have OTF friends! Everyone is supportive of everyone and exercising with modifications is encouraged if needed. A truly inspiring environment.
  • Also, the owner, head coaches, and managers are dedicated as can be! I was struggling and having a difficult time with the mindset finishing a 5k months ago and they ran back to finish the race with me!

SIX MONTHS LATER WE ARE STILL WORKING OUT AND GETTING STRONGER! It is an investment but it is one of the BEST decisions we have made for our health and well-being. I am NOT ashamed to be that person that is into fitness.

Also some cool links I have discovered:

 

 

If something smells fishy… #prescriptions #chooseyourpharmacy #dotherightthing

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fish seafood market sea

Photo by Tookapic on Pexels.com

Sometimes you just have to go with your gut and if something smells fishy that probably means there is bad fish somewhere (I learned on TV that fresh fish should smell like the ocean–not yucky and fishy).

I went to the eye doctor today…and have chronic dry eye. Afterwards I was prescribed various eye drops and “homework” in preparation for a recommended procedure (which of course I’m unsure of especially because insurance doesn’t cover it…).

Here is what is fishy:

  1. After the eye dr consult they told me the rx just got sent to a pharmacy that the provider prefers (though I hadn’t told them where I fill my prescriptions). This was Community Pharmacy (specialty pharmacy), A Walgreens Pharmacy, on San Mateo and Montgomery.  This in my opinion, is not ok. You ask the patient first and then make suggestions about what pharmacy to use if asked. In this case–I told them that I was ok with it–only after they had sent the script. They didn’t check to ask with me until after they sent it. FISHY!
  2. They told me that the providers at that practice prefer that pharmacy because they do a really good job coordinating with the eye dr office on medications, especially for Restasis (a specialty eye drop medication that usually requires prior authorization and makes pharmacies $$). A lot of pharmacies are busy and PA’s are stressful but it doesn’t take much to fax a PA request to the provider…really it doesn’t. Again, FISHY! Because, guess what?  The provider’s office should be the one completing the PA request to submit to insurance…unless they contract it out. Which makes me think…are they contracting that out to this pharmacy? Or even worse, do they get something (kickbacks?) for sending patients to this pharmacy?
  3. Another fishy thing: Location. I tried to open the door and I thought they were closed…but then realized you have to ring a doorbell to be let into the pharmacy. Ummm…no thank you. I don’t want to use a retail/specialty pharmacy that needs to have that type of security but has a store front. FISHY!
  4. The name…nice try calling it “Community” and underneath stating it is a Walgreens pharmacy. Sneaky.
  5. My plan to be done with the stinky: Wait and hope the PA for my rx comes through then transfer my prescriptions to my pharmacy. Because  from my experience working in pharmacy and knowing how insurance works this is all too FISHY for me!

**Disclaimer: The pharmacist and technician (I assume) were very friendly and helpful and I do not blame them for the fishy “smell”.

Apps on my phone

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1. Why do I have it?  2. How often do I use it?   3. Do I recommend it?

In no particular order:

untappd fullsizeoutput_f73

  1. Because #coolalex said she’d be my friend if I joined it and she is very enthusiastic about beer.
  2. Use it sporadically to log new beers I try. Depends on if we visit breweries or not. I average about 1 beer every 2 weeks (tends to spike in the summer).
  3. Yes-if you like beer and also have a hard time remembering what you tried and where, this app is for you! Also, you earn badges!

 

homegoods   fullsizeoutput_f74

  1. Because that gives me instant pretty decor gratification. It lets me browse at a few items that depict the style of furniture the stores have at the moment.
  2. Several times a week. However, I’ve never been inclined to buy anything featured on the app. Mainly it is eye candy.
  3. Unless you want to waste your time or you are on the look out for specific furniture don’t download it.

 

ankioverdrive fullsizeoutput_f6f

  1. Because my nephew had the racing track and I wanted to race him.
  2. One day, during the holidays. It was such a good time!
  3. If you know anyone that has the ankioverdrive racing track….downlad the app. It really is fun…especially when you trash talk to your nephew and tell him you have adult allowance because you have a job so you can buy a bigger and better track! #meanaunt #toughtlove

 

bj’s fullsizeoutput_f77

  1. Coupon offers, priority seating, and you get to pay on your phone rather than waiting for the check.
  2. Every single time we go to BJs.
  3. If you eat here…YES! If you need to go as long as you tell the server/hostess you can see your order on your phone and also pay for your meal (I really dislike waiting for the check and for the server to bring my credit card back). You get rewards like $5-10 off, or a free pizookie.

 

recyclebank fullsizeoutput_f78

  1. I thought I could do this and rack up points for free magazines, etc…
  2. Almost never.
  3. Don’t bother unless you want to kill time on your phone doing quick learning modules. Just stick to doing it on your laptop.

 

nelnet fullsizeoutput_f72

  1. Because I have never ending student loans and this app for my lender makes it easy for me to keep tabs on how much I owe and when payments are due.
  2. Once a month at least but usually weekly because It is more convenient than finding my laptop.
  3. YES! If you have student loans get the app for whomever your lender is! Remember that working towards financial freedom is a big part of being a good feminist.

 

mint  fullsizeoutput_f6e

  1. Because I needed something on my phone to help me stay on budget.
  2. Every day because it sends me annoying alerts.
  3. No. It has the ability to track spending pooling from credit card accounts, checking and savings accounts but it does give you alert fatigue. Too many alerts (stop telling me I went over my eating out/coffee shop budget). Also, it is not very intuitive about  categorizing your purchases and doesn’t improve. Try a different money management app.

 

AHRQ ePSS fullsizeoutput_f6d

  1. This is US Preventive Services Task Force preventive services database. You plug in age, sex, pregnancy status, tobacco use status, and sexual activity status and it gives you recommendations for preventative health based on age and risk. You can also browse resources on counseling, preventive, and screenings. Many other tools that I haven’t explored.
  2. multiple times a week.
  3. Yes–because who can remember everything. Recommend for students in healthcare as well as professional. Especially if you are in primary care.

 

ASCVD plus fullsizeoutput_f75

  1. To calculate cardiovascular risk for various individuals/patients. Also provides recommendations for prevention (statin recommendation, etc). It gives you the likelihood of having a heart attack in the next 10 years.
  2. Multiple times a week.
  3. YES. Free and a great easy tool to use to teach patients how their weight, smoking status, blood pressure. Also developed by the American College of Cardiology.

FRAX: fracture risk assessment tool fullsizeoutput_f76

  1. Also for work…provides 10 year probability of a fracture. Easy plug and chug.
  2. I’ve used it once or twice.
  3. Not unless you see geriatric patients or postmenopausal women or need something to do.

 

Spot On Period Tracker  fullsizeoutput_f70

  1. It tracks my menstrual cycle and form of birth control I choose to use and I can track my mood and PMS symptoms on it as well.
  2. Almost daily.
  3. YES! It is free and by planned parenthood. Allows you to track activities, mood, period symptoms. Also great app to have when you visit your doctor’s office and they ask when your last menses was! And if you suffer from migraines, pain, etc you might be able to see how your menstrual cycle affects your body.

 

Noom fullsizeoutput_f71

  1. Because it is supposed to be an effective weightless program and I’m easily persuaded by online advertisements.
  2. 5+ times a day because I do little education modules, track my weight, talk with my team and log the food that I eat.
  3. Not sure. I think it has a lot of tips and helps with accountability. You have to pay 6 months at a time (it is affordable-less than a dollar a day based on your own goals etc). If you could just pay monthly then I would say YES!

Weekend fun #geocaching #visitingaspecialtree #familytime

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Hello peeps! This weekend #thehubs and I did a decent amount of swimming in the morning and then errands/fun stuff. One of my new favorite neighborhoods to walk around is the Altura Park area in town. The houses are beautiful and have such unique styles (I love midcentury modern and New Mexican/adobe/stucco). They also have uniquely landscaped lawns with character. I am that person that will almost always choose the smaller/odd  home when watching house hunters because of the history and character it has! #sorrynotsorry. Anyway, we decided to take a walk in this area because #thehubs kept getting a pokemonGO gift from his friend that had his grandpa’s memorial and we had to go pay a visit.  If I could go back in time I really wish I could have met #thehubs paternal grandparents because after hearing so many stories and facts about them I think they would be a hoot to get to know…and also because I know how important they were to #thehubs. Also, conveniently the park had a neat geocache for me. Enjoy the pics!

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#thehubs next to his grandfather’s memorial tree

The Best Family Man

Because of this man I have a wonderful husband and father-in-law.

How is this a geocache?

Geocache underside

Surprise!

 

Serious stuff.

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Hi blog readers. This post is about serious stuff: sexual harassment in STEM.

In my volunteering I met this #hustlinfuturelatinadoctor (I literally want her to be my doctor when she graduates) and I spent a decent amount of our Wednesday nights (in between seeing patients and misc. duties) chatting about life, coffee, and hashtags. Alejandra is inspiring, sharp, funny, honest…and also experienced sexual harassment. It is especially saddens me because this happened in the Health Sciences Center of the institution I work for. She reported it…you’ll read the outcome in her essay.

Her story is featured in Intersections: Critical Issues in Education, an online, peer-reviewed, open access academic journal sponsored by the University of New Mexico’s Department of Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies.

Please know that thought this is a story about a woman who experienced sexual harassment…this is not exclusive to the one gender/sex…it can happen to ANYONE. 

Here is her story: 

If You Experience Sexual Harassment You Must Report It… Right?

 

Hobbies: byebye photography & hello eBay

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Confession…I stopped trying to learn about photography for a few reasons:

  1. I obviously didn’t like it enough to make time for it.
  2. And I don’t miss it or feel guilty for not learning more.
  3. I would rather spend time swimming or cleaning.
  4. That is what Matt Blasing Photography is for…I will just stick to my iPhone for convenience like the rest of us muggles.

Another confession, I like to indulge in retail therapy. Normally this is not an issue but considering the upcoming job situation (spending money on things is probably not the best idea) I have to realize that for now retail therapy has got to stop and be replaced by something else. And by something else I mean selling stuff on eBay! It is a win-win: get rid of stuff and get paid for it. My #blondbestie told me about how easy selling/buying on eBay was and it turns out she was onto something. I have only ordered a few times from ebay and assumed it was beneath me and kind of sketchy since I’m more of an Amazon prime type of gal. However, after successfully posting a few items for bid and selling them I am more open minded about this unique marketplace. After all, NastyGal did start on ebay!

200w

More to come in the following posts:

  • Guest posts by my fabulous friends/family about their passions

  • Ohio trip (reason for almost two weeks with no posts)

  • Favorite books I have read this year

  • The apps on my phone

  • Garden update!

Golf to relax away the stress

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The Memorial Day weekend (thank you to everyone who served our armed forces and gave their lives protecting America) was a time to “get out of our heads” and relax. We are so glad that we took our parents’ (my in-laws which I will refer to Mom and Dad)* offer to visit Pendaries “mountain community and golf resort” (northern NM). I wish it were closer to us because the weather was perfect (averages 75 degrees). ** In this community there is a restaurant, a pro shop, a snack bar, and chapel. The restaurant Pendaries, The Moosehead, had the most delicious margaritas (in the top 3 I’ve ever had in my lifetime) and good food (I will have to remember to Yelp that tomorrow).

hubs at the driving range

Handsome #thehubs practicing his swing (he is a lefty) at the driving range. Look at those sexy legs!

Full disclosure: I assumed golf was boring and only interesting for wealthy business executives/attorneys and people over age 50. Very close-minded of me!

I had a golf lesson with a really nice and helpful teacher and I am shocked to say it was fun! I learned about the right way to hold a golf club and the basics of a golf swing. GASP! Grip, Aim, Stance, Posture!  The next day #thehubs and I had fun playing 9 holes (I skipped a few holes and may have not followed the distance rules…but who cares) with Mom, Dad, and #shortstack (sis-in-law).  I could get used to driving a golf cart around…feels like driving a go-kart but bigger, more comfortable, and faster! #speedracer #nowisomewhatunderstandwhypeopleracelawnmowers

Golf lesson time!
I’m trying to convince #thehubs I need one for my bday.
Me driving!
We need more rain!

After golf we headed to Las Vegas (NM not Nevada) for some shopping and stopped by #thehubs friend’s bar. Great craft cocktails (especially if you like infused liquor) and mocktails!

The Martinez

The morning of our trip back home we decided to stop at a coffee shop where we had eggs benedict and cold brew. The eggs had a mouthwatering hollandaise sauce with lemon and red chile  powder in place of paprika. A nice start to our morning traveling back to Albuquerque…

 

*Mom and Dad are my awesome in-laws. Mamá and Papá are my biological parents. This makes it easy.

** I can not handle heat very well, so anything more than 80 degrees F is too hot for me. If summer went away I really wouldn’t be upset…though I do like summer holidays and outside pools!