District of Sunshine

Popping in to give a quick recommendation if you’re like me and have no formal or home training on hair styling. USE THIS. (Not a referral link because why would I do that.)

It’s 42 american dollars which I would never in a million years spend on my hair (honest to god for the last 3 years, I’ve used Costco shampoo and conditioner and some Garnier Fructis moroccan oil). BUT. I got a promotion in January and have been working an extra job and am slowly digging myself out of the financial hole that was 2016, so treat yoself to this one gd thing? I guess? Idk still pretty frugal over here.

I mostly got it because I work out before work and also try to get to work by 7:30 which leaves me 45 minutes to work out, 10 minutes to shower, and whatever else time to leave the house by 7. SO I like to dry my hair in the car and then blowdry/straighten at our gym at work. This works perfectly if I let my hair dry  about 25% (so still mostly wet) and then throw it in and do my hair about 10 minutes later. It’s awesome. I look like a queen.

NOTE THOUGH I did hate this product when I put it on my fully wet hair so do let it dry a bit before applying. If you don’t drive to work or don’t have a gym, you could also blow dry a bit of your hair to get to 25% dry before you apply.

A family friend commented - I'd babysat for his family prior to college - that we were headed to Hell in a handbasket and something to the effect of "you're still a teenager, you've got a lot to learn." He was wrong about Hell, right about having a lot to learn.

Over the past 8 years, I've learned that I'm a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat. A bleeding-heart Liberal.

I don't think President Barack Obama is a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat like me. I thought - and now I know, after 8 years - that he was a Good Guy. He chose to be a Democrat, to enact and uphold Democratic policies as a Senator and President, because Democratic policies align closely with that moral view of being the Good Guy.

The ACA/Obamacare (DEAR READER, THESE ARE THE SAME THING!1!!) was passed in 2009 (2010, 2011, 2012...ongoing). It didn't affect me much, as I could be on my parents' healthcare until 2020 if I wanted, plus by 2012 I had a full-time job with reasonable benefits that included healthcare.

Before I lose you, let me tie this back together. The family friend for whom I'd babysat for years found out three weeks after the 2016 election was decided (I've not a clue how he voted as I deleted him approx. 3 minutes after he commented on my status in 2008.) that his son has Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes.

The policies of the Democrats, the policies for which Barack Obama has been responsible, have already directly benefited this man -- should the Republicans with whom this man aligns himself repeal ACA without a replacement, his son will be uninsurable due to a pre-existing condition.

So, no, I will never align myself with the GOP. I will - and you're welcome for this - never flippantly say, "Well, like, I'm socially liberal, but fiscally conservative. I'm like, moderate." Nah. I'm flagrantly a Democrat. Because, over the last 8 years, I've learned what that means, from a shining example of a Democrat - Barack Obama.

Seasonal depression (any depression) is really scary. Beyond even being depressed, feeling like there’s this huge storm coming because it’s almost winter and, with winter, comes this five month long angry-sad-confused-irritable-lonely time. It doesn’t have to be that way, but the fear (oh my god, the FEAR) is still there. 

In case you feel this way too, here’s how I do my best to beat it every year, from THIS POST in January. 

1) GO SEE SOMEONE. I never talked about it last year, but in late August, I started seeing a psychologist. I know! Me! Who seems SUPER MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY WITH IT. (Kidding.) No, I just felt like after the last couple of years being really tough, it was time. I recommend going in with a goal. Mine was “figure out the emotional toll that going to college at 14 took on me!” and also “work around Seasonal Depression” but yours could just be “talk about your feelings” or something. I don’t know. Find someone you like and feel comfortable baring yourself to (this is hard) and make sure that you are getting something out of every. single. session. Your time and money (major resources!) are precious and so are you, lil muffin.

2) GET A SUN LAMP I use mine at work. You may recall that I started a new gig in November (prime sun lamping time) and you know what? No shame in my sun lamp game. I use it every week day from around 9 AM to 11 AM - really no more than 1.5 hours depending on when I get in/remember to turn it on/remember to turn it off. I don’t use it after 12 PM because I don’t want to mess with my circadian rhythms (oh shit, big words - just means like, your sleep cycle). You do you with this but I believe in the power of the sun lamp.

3) GET UP EARLY Oh my god, the worst one of all! I am a morning person but I hate getting out of bed. I also live in a den with NO WINDOWS so for exaaaample it could be 11 AM and one might think it’s 3 AM and one might stay in bed for the entire day. One might. I wouldn’t know. But seriously, get out of bed. Go for a walk. Go to the gym. Get to work early. Be up with the sun so that you get the most out of the daylight. (insufferable)

4) WORK OUT It’s true. Endorphins make you happy and happy people don’t kill their husbands (or rather, happy people don’t get too too bogged down by the late sunrises and early sunsets). Also, find a place that you like. I like classes, it’s the only thing that motivates me, and furthermore, I like classes at a place that cares if I’m there (not sponsored but if you’re in DC get you a spot at Biker Barre). If your preferred exercise is the elliptical or stationary bike or walking your dog or yoga, try to do it in the morning.

5) DEEP BREATHS AND REPEAT: “THIS WILL END.” Summer is coming, I promise. The deep, dark, depth that you feel enveloping your heart and brain will not envelope your brain forever. One of the most helpful things that my therapist has told me is: “You’re getting anxious and sad about things that haven’t happened. These lines of thoughts in your head are being CREATED by you.” When I argued back that I’m a planner, I like to plan for the worst, she said: “Plan for the worst and then let it go. If the worst happens,” - WHICH, BTW, IT HAS - “You have a plan, but dwelling on it will not make it better.” Do something about your sadness, but do not dwell on it.

6) STAY BUSY This winter, I’ve committed to: - Swing dancing lessons once a week - Working at Biker Barre twice a week (in the mornings) - 7 Biker Barre classes a week - 3 yoga classes a week - I joined a women’s rec basketball league so practice once a week, games once a week on Sundays Bottom line: Find something(s) you like to do that you can maybe do by yourself (learn a language! join a book club!) that will get you out of the house and ideally better yourself so that you can get all up on your high horse.

7) MAYBE DON’T DRINK I DON’T KNOW IT’S UP TO YOU By no means am I doing Sober January (but good for you if you are!) but I have stopped drinking for the most part. I didn’t drink much before - I don’t drink on weeknights anyway but I’ve cut way back (holidays excluded WHAT A MESS) because red wine hangovers are not conducive to waking up early, making work outs, or really being my best self. UNFORCH.

8) DO DRINK LOTS OF WATER This is all year round though, you hydrated diamond you.

Five things that have happened lately:

- I started a new job at a really large conglomerate and it’s been cool. I sit next to our Product Innovation team which is basically the best placement ever because I get free, useful things all the time. My new favorite perfume is from them. I have a new Swell water bottle from them. I also like my new job.

- My consumption of ranch dressing is still out of control. I went to the Nats game on Monday night with free nosebleed seats and instead sat at the restaurant next to the field, which are basically the “nice seats.” There’s usually an hour time limit but it was a Monday night game that coincided with the Washington Football Team game, so our waiter told us to stay as long as we wanted. It was the most fun I’ve had at a game for a total cost of $15 (the chicken sandwich). Oh! Back to the ranch dressing. I got a chicken sandwich and they brought me caesar dressing instead of ranch...let’s talk about the dressing that is the most dissimilar to ranch. It’s caesar. I sent it back and got my ranch.

- I realized the other day that my gentleman friend and I have been dating for 8 months which is wild. It feels like I’ve known him a day but also like 27 years. Time flies!

- I was on a panel last night about the Data Community in DC and as I was turning into the parking garage downtown to park, an Uber driver pulled forward from where he was illegally parked and hit me. Charlene from Geico was an absolute delight to speak to (no sarcasm, she made what was a stressful time a very easy process) and it’s all figured out. Plus for some reason I sprung for rental car coverage in my insurance so I’m all set. Hurrah. Fuck Uber.

- Then I went and actually did the panel and it was amazing. I used to work directly with students and like 7 of them showed up to the panel to hear me speak, which ?!?!? uh I dance floor make out on a regular basis are you SURE you want to hear me speak publicly and give you guidance on your career??? Anyway it was all very sweet and special.