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At the Charlotte airport shamelessly day drinking (just one) and eating. On the way to sunny South Carolina for family time. https://www.instagram.com/p/B6bLByyhFPf/?igshid=1auc3zi761rqp

Day 88. Ugh! I swore I wouldn’t do this, yet here I am. I’ve been reduced to running around like a lunatic, throwing belongings in bags, and calling it “packing.” But, in my defense, I cleaned up and did laundry because I hate returning to a dirty house! Perhaps next year I’ll get it 100% correct? No promises. #writersofinstagram #6wordmemoir #lastminutepacking https://www.instagram.com/p/BrttZvKhcsG/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=2m2l4qhvazt9

Day 87. My subconscious has been brewing, stewing in creative juice. I have a project I’ve been researching and it’s time to execute. I’m taking an unsuccessful half hour pilot to a (hopefully) successful hourlong pilot. Since I travel home for the holidays on Sunday — and because I love to write whilst traveling— I think I can get it done! We’ll know in 48 hours. Start the clock! ⏰ #writersofinstagram #6wordmemoir #television #tvpilot #deadline https://www.instagram.com/p/Brq9RYghTin/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=qfvv7lbyfbru

Day 86. My news cycle was interesting. I read about genocide, the Affordable Care Act, migrants, mental health issues, and black lung disease. Oy vey! I decided to keep this post festive, light, and go with the first thing I completed today: holiday shopping. I always wait until the last minute. I find that ironic seeing as how I just ragged on the Black Friday rush. Funny how tables turn. Thank goodness for Amazon Prime! I found 13 presents in an hour. All set to be mailed by December 22nd. Whew! Will I wait until the last minute again next year? Probably....#6wordmemoir #writersofinstagram #christmas #christmasshopping #amazonprime https://www.instagram.com/p/BroXPgyhtw1/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1xk22novcfk3y

Day 85. I’ve watched that National Geographic documentary at least 10 times this year. All three runners were amazing, but I continue to be inspired by Eliud Kipchoge and his approach to the sport. He recently shattered his personal best and set a new world record this year in the Berlin Marathon: 2 hours 1 minute 39 seconds. He recently ranked 2nd in ESPNs list of “Most Dominant 20 Athletes,” and was named 2018 IAAF World Athlete of the Year. I think about what breaking two hours in the marathon requires: running 13.1 mph for 2 hours! How grueling is that?!? I’m amazed by his mental strength. How long can you hold a 13.1 mph pace? In perfect conditions I can give you 4 minutes, but NOT 2 hours. I think about his commitment to running every time I complain about having to train for a 1 lap race. #6wordmemoir #writersofinstagram #fitness #running #marathon https://www.instagram.com/p/Brl2yNrBb1H/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=nilv4kiv41v4

Day 84. Woke up congested, feeling feverish and tired. My first thought was, “Oh, I’m still gonna train.” That’s what I did. The results were surprisingly good. I was able to do some long sprints even though I couldn’t breathe. Today, my body led my mind. If I let myself think about how obsessive I was being, I would’ve rationalized stopping and going home. Not today. #6wordmemoir #writersofinstagram #train #fitness #sprinting https://www.instagram.com/p/BrjXWh-Bgmf/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=12m5ktuehhhdw

Day 83. I start every year with goals, a template, a plan for the entire year. As I get older, wiser, my list of goals changes. I’m excited for 2019. It’s going to a year of self-discovery! A continuation of the lifestyle I’ve built this year. But, I’m not quite done with 2018 just yet. I’m determined to squeeze every drop of opportunity from these remaining 14 days. Remember: some of the best running/work is done in the home stretch of a race. Hold your form and run through the finish line, friends! #6wordmemoir #writersofinstagram #resolution #goals https://www.instagram.com/p/Brgt6i8Bfh7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1f0zthtaem61n

Day 82. I took a long run today. 64 minutes. I ran 8.5 miles. I burned over 1,000 calories. But the numbers don’t tell the entire story. Over the course of the hour I did high intensity intervals, I walked, i ran a few slow miles, ran uphill, and threw in some 60 second quarter miles after the 40 minute mark. It was tough. But I felt better when I was done. I went in not knowing what I’d do over the course of the hour. But I rose to every challenge. As humans we can’t predict the future, but we can always promise to give our very best effort. #writersofinstagram #6wordmemoir #fitness #running #trackandfield https://www.instagram.com/p/BrePWwGhFGy/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ttukxfb9tafx

Day 81. If you had told me when I finished the second draft that I’d be doing a third draft, I’d have said, “You’re a crazy ass hater.” But, after dinner with my homegirl, The Pittsburgh Pollyanna, I know that I need to EDIT, EDIT, EDIT! There’s too much content. Memoirs are tough and never done in a few drafts. But, I have a plan of attack. I’m certainly not afraid to press ‘DELETE.’ For all of you writers out there, be encouraged! Motivate yourself through the draft process. Never be afraid to press ‘DELETE.’ #writersofinstagram #6wordmemoir #memoir #draft https://www.instagram.com/p/BrbjOviB9Z8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=yhy141q77379

Day 80. My Writing MFA Program lasted 3 years. I hosted a reading series for 2 of them. I decided to crash the readings tonight. I graduated a while ago, but it’s nice to reminisce AND be inspired by new work! #writersofinstagram #6wordmemoir #literature #fiction #poetry #mfa https://www.instagram.com/p/BrZMdf_hTDc/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1s9n6kly3l2y2

Day 79. Scientist He Jiankui of Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, China claims he created twin girls from embryos whose DNA he had edited in his lab to “protect the girls from the AIDS virus.” This admission has sparked worldwide debate amongst scientists about if/how gene-editing science should be handled. I’m still very confused and forming an opinion, but I can say: if I were a parent and my still-forming kid could be saved from a hereditary disease with gene editing, I would give it serious thought. But, what about those living with disease? Can they be saved with gene editing? My dad has Type II Diabetes. If he could reverse it through gene-editing now, would he? Would you save an unborn child? A parent/sibling? What’s the cost on humanity for altering genes? It remains to be seen. #writersofinstagram #6wordmemoir #science #geneediting https://www.instagram.com/p/BrWXxtBhVZl/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=7edgwfkf0d7s

Day 78. “I’m lit. Don’t mess wit it. Stand back. Lemme do my shit.” (LIZZO “Worship”) Today started out like crap. I woke up late. My alarm didn’t go off. Can’t blame anyone. I forgot to set it! I hate being late. Took a ton of toxic energy with me to work. Around noon I was in full grouch mode and going into sepsis. Then I got up from desk, out of the office, and decided NOT to be in a bad mood. I pulled up my Amazon Prime Music collection and climbed out of my funk thanks to LIZZO. I changed the trajectory of my day by moving my body outside; filling up my lungs with good, clean air; and letting everything go! Stay active even if you have a desk job! #writersofinstagram #6wordmemoir #music #lizzo #amazonprime https://www.instagram.com/p/BrT1Jjxh7ow/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=v4wulzgydxoe

Day 77. The first edition of the abridged version of the Bible, “Parts of the Holy Bible Selected for the use of the Negro Slaves in the British West-India Islands” was published in 1807. Currently this document is displayed at the Museum of the Bible in Washington DC. This version of the Bible was used by missionaries to convert and “educate” slaves. Curiously, it excludes portions of text that might inspire rebellion or liberation. 90% of the Old Testament is gone and 50% of the New Testament. For perspective: there are 1,189 chapters in a standard Protestant Bible. This Bible contains only 232 chapters. Galatians 3:28 was removed. Ephesians 6:5 was kept. The Galatians verse encourages equality. Ephesians, servitude and obedience. This Bible was used in what is now Jamaica, Barbados and Antigua; but the effects are global. I find it all very suspicious that this new Bible was created a few years after the modern world’s very first successful slave rebellion (Haiti in 1804). #writersofinstagram #6wordmemoir #slavebible #religion https://www.instagram.com/p/BrRJzb6hFpq/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=wyrkk6dc8kst

Day 76. In the 1970s an exercise boom swept through America. A subset of people who began jogging, surfing, weightlifting, cycling back then are in their 70s now (septuagenarians) and still going strong decades later. A recent study in the Human Performance Laboratory at Ball State University found that the lifelong exercisers had a cardiovascular system that looked 30 years younger. This is significant because for the average adult the ability to process oxygen declines by about 10 percent per decade after age 30. The muscles of 75-year-olds who’ve exercised for life were about the same as the muscles of 25-year-olds. So how can YOU do it? Is it too late to start exercising? No. 30 to 60 minutes of moderately paced exercise (brisk walking) a day could be the key to a healthy life. Put on your walking shoes! Stay young at heart! #writersofinstagram #6wordmemoir #exercise #fitness https://www.instagram.com/p/BrOnZMTh8kD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15qpo027lwv7c

Day 75. Sometimes people are only in our lives for a season. Luckily, seasons repeat themselves. Fatefully, we can rediscover old friends. The best case scenario: we both will have grown in ways we’re excited to share with one another. Everything came up roses today. Thank you, universe. #writersofinstagram #6wordmemoir #friend https://www.instagram.com/p/BrMIh0GBDnn/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=k60fyqzxvjnt

Day 74. I FORGOT TO POST YESTERDAY!!!!!! I was hoping I’d make it 365 days — you know, be perfect — but these 6 word stories have taught me so many lessons about embracing my humanity (flaws and all) instead of the veneer of perfection. We’re all beautifully human and sometimes we make mistakes. I’m only now realizing it’s not the end of the world. #writersofinstagram #6wordmemoir https://www.instagram.com/p/BrMHUG8ho6M/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=14morotknicl

Day 73. “Everything Is Love” is a lyrically potent slow burn that has gone under appreciated by the Grammys. I think it’s one of the best albums this year. But, then again, I’m still listening to “Lemonade” and the Grammys thought that didn’t deserve Album of the Year either.... #writersofinstagram #6wordmemoir #grammys #thecarters #otrii #beyonce #lemonadebraids #lemonade #jayz #444 https://www.instagram.com/p/BrF5rXnFqKX/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=v9dhp6l1wmlt