Hike the Grand Canyon

I'm going to be real here for a minute.

I'm not what you call... outdoorsy. I don't camp. I hate bugs. And I'd really rather someone bring me a large, frozen margarita than to scavenge the woods for food (ok, a bit overdramatic). 

#lifemotto

But that leads me to a new series that was really a catalyst for this blog. My intent is to share experiences and stories of people living life to the fullest. No regrets. Jumping in and doing things that challenge them. 

My dear friend Heather came to me late last year and said Hey! Let's hike the Grand Canyon. 

I thought, cool. A day hike. Then we can find a great bar overlooking the big ol' hole in the ground with cocktails to nurse our inevitable wounds. 

Until she said those dreaded four words: three-day overnight hike. 

Oh heckkkk no. Why would I want to intentionally throw myself down the canyon? Overnight? And then hike back up? 

But, in the interest of challenging myself - I decided. Why the heck not. 

Under one condition... I didn't have to sleep in a tent. 

I agreed to this great adventure, so we did some research, packed our bags and hit the road to Arizona.

Arrival
After threatening to turn around because there was 3 feet of snow on the ground  much anticipation, we headed out on our great adventure. 

For all interested, we started our hike on the South Rim - South Kabab trailhead. 

Smiling. Obviously haven't started hiking yet.

Legitimately, the first step I took, I not only slipped and fell. I tumbled. Down the side of the ledge. 

Yeah, that's ice.

It looked a lot like this. 

But after about 30 minutes, the ice started to melt and we were on our way down. Looking back, I think we were blissfully unprepared for the trip. We carried a lot of water, too much food and far too many clothes. All fine and good - except we did not pack hiking sticks (I didn't want to look like a hippie. Because image is important in the middle of nowhere) and ice clamps for our shoes (WHO THOUGHT THERE WOULD BE ICE IN ARIZONA?). 

Hiking down, there are several moments when you just have to stop and watch out for the mule poop  take in how awe-inspiring the view is. 

You can stop and smell the roses... but all you'll smell is mule poop

We stopped to drink water and have a snack every hour or so. Prior to the trip, we went to every outdoor camping store in the area to indulge the salespeople in conversation about best practices in the G.C. (hip to the lingo). After we blatantly lied  fibbed about how outdoorsy we were, they suggested Camelback water bladders (3 gallons) to keep us hydrated for the hikes. We also loaded up on sunscreen, electrolyte mix, gluten free granola and a first aid kit (guess who needed it the most). 

See that bridge waaaaaay down there? Yeah, that's where we were going. PS: Colorado River was not pretty when we were there. Powerful. Scary. But muddy.

After about 12 miles hiking down, we finally made it to our camp site. It reminded me of a run down girl scout camp. But at least we didn't have to sleep on the ground. #diva

Phantom Ranch is booked up to a year in advance... but keep calling because people always cancel

We stayed at Phantom Ranch, which offers a Canteen area with breakfast and dinner options. And of course, zero gluten-free options, so I stuck to my rice cakes and peanut butter. Yum. 

Day 2

The camp has two wake up calls for breakfast. 5 AM and 7 AM. Since we were staying in a dorm-style cabin with 6 ladies, we figured we'd be woken up at 5 AM anyway, so might as well get on with it. 

We were going on a day hike to a place called Ribbon Falls. Our legs were still feeling a wee bit tender from the day before as we started the mostly flat 14-mile roundtrip hike. 

Look at this beauty. 

One thing that struck me throughout the entire trip was the utter and complete silence. At the beginning of our hike, we encountered a decent amount of people- until you hit the "point of no return" for the day hikers.

After that, we rarely saw anyone. 

The silence is awesome. No people. No traffic. The only sound is the rushing water of the creek or the rustle of the bushes when a deer comes by. 

We reached the waterfall, and lingered by the water for much of the day. It's crazy how different the terrains are when you go to different sections of the Canyon. From a desert to a lush garden to a tropical-feel by the waterfalls. 

We met one group of older folks at the waterfalls who took care of us on the hike and showed us where to go. Being foolish  adventurous, Heather and I decided that we were "experienced" hikers and could go with the group across a rushing river. Let's just say I may or may not have had to utilize a few people to...assist me out of across the water. 

Heather was a bit drier than I was at the end

Final Day

With a long journey ahead, we packed our bags, filled our water bottles and were out the door by 5:30am. This time, we were going up a different trail - Bright Angel.

Luckily, as we were crossing the Colorado River, we caught the sunrise. #swoon. 

Not even going to lie. Going up the Canyon sucked. Even after training and completing a marathon only 3 months before, it was seriously grueling. 

My only advice? KEEP GOING. Every time you stop for a long period of time, it's that much harder to get going all over again. There are some parts when it's crazy switch backs for miles, and some parts when it's just straight up. It's hard to remind yourself to look at the beauty all around you -- especially when all you want to do is sit down, tend to your blisters and drink a gallon of vodka infused gatorade. 

Turn around and look how far you have come 

So, after 3 days, 43 miles, 1023 photos and four blistered, ugly feed, we made it to the top. It's such a feeling of immense accomplishment and overwhelming joy to have finished something that's physically grueling and so beautiful at the same time. And I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

So. Key takeaways from the journey. 

1. Go with someone you enjoy being around, that will cheer you on, but also to tell you to stop your sorry complaining and keep going. 
2. Be thankful for a body that is able to climb. and breath. and survive.
3. But you're going to be tired and sore and hungry. Get over it.
4. Everyone you encounter is so incredibly helpful. Embrace it. 
5. There's no cell service. No wifi. The only way to communicate with the outside world is to send mail via Mule. So turn off your phone and unplug from the world for a few days. It'll all still be there when you get back.
6. Schedule a massage ASAP
7. Just do it. Why the heck not?!

We didn't kill each other / fall off the side of the cliff / get eaten by a wild animal made it! 

Hump Day Happenings

Hump Day Happenings is a a roundup of fun-and-interesting fodder to add to your procrastination at the office  Hey, you deserve a break. 

The perfect answer to a hot summer day (but add tequila) 

Instagram Profile of the week? This one. If you've ever felt like the third wheel, this one is for you. 

Looking for a great housewarming or hostess gift? I mean, I'd invite you to my house if you brought this. 

The Story of Seersucker. But really. If you don't know, you should know. (Shoutout to FV!)

Eating out? Check out this list of how "healthy eaters" order at fast food restaurants! 

Whoop Whoop! To the Arizona Cardinals who just hired the NFL's FIRST female coach. Get. It. Girl! 

[the best] Case of the Mondays

 

I think we all can agree that Mondays just. plain. suck. 

You're coming off two days of doing things on your own terms, on your own time. Or doing nothing at all. #nojudgement

But then you are forced back to reality. Damn you, Monday! 

My thoughts on Mondays. 

Well. I've decided to take back Mondays. Or at least provide a bit of commiserating with fellow peers slugging through that dreaded first day of the week. 

Alas, the {best} Case of the Mondays series. Each week, I will feature a Monday in the life of someone who can provide some comfort / humor / inspiration to the start of your week. 

This week, it's me. Welcome to my Monday. 

5:30am: Alarm goes off. Whyyyyyyyy. 

5:32am: Fumble to find glasses and pick up phone. Refrain from checking email. Partially because I cannot see yet. 

5:45am: Finally pull myself out of bed and move like a zombie to my coffee machine. Thankfully had enough forethought to program it to be ready. Speak to no one until first cup is consumed. 

6am: I sit on my porch with my coffee and do a daily devotional. Some people meditate to get their days rolling… My faith is important to me and this time in the morning, especially on Monday, helps me get in the mind frame of not screaming at people being patient and loving. 

6:30am: I reserve this quiet time to work on one big thing that is going on for work -- even before I open my email. That way I am not distracted by the ping of my email or a last-minute call. 

7am: Turn on the Today Show. I’ve always loved the news (shoutout J-School!) - and I think it’s a good thing to be informed about what’s going on with the world. You never know who you’ll be sitting next to on the airplane and can discuss J. Lo’s revealing outfit for her 46th birthday. 

7:30am: Head out the door for a quick 3-mile run. It helps me get my blood flowing and my creative ideas moving. Most of the time I don’t run with music, but I’ll bring my phone in case I need to jot down any genius ideas / call 911 if I break my ankle. 

8:00am: Run through the shower and make a quick smoothie. I throw spinach,vanilla  vegan protein powder, chia seeds and flax seeds with some water & ice and GO. It's delish and gets me through the morning. 

8:30am: I am blessed in that I work remotely... so I travel the twelve steps to my office, and crank out a few to-dos. 

9:00 - 12pm: Work on several big events that are coming up for a client. I take about a 10 minute break every hour to give my eyes / mind a break. Working from home has a lot of perks, but a lot of distractions... More on that in another post.

12:30pm: It’s hot as all get out here in NC in the middle of July, but I try to get outside for about 30 minutes halfway through the day. I take Teddy, the chocolate lab, out for a quick walk around the neighborhood. It helps keep my his crazy level to a minimum. 

1:15pm - 3pm: Conference Calls.

4:00pm: Around 4pm each day, I think about what I have left on my list of to-do's for the day and crank out the most important ones. I also try to clean off my desk so I don't have a million cups / papers, etc. lying around for the morning. It helps me jump right into the actual work in the morning. 

5:15pm: Walk out to my garden to check on my veggies. Come back with a farmers market. (But really, anyone need squash or zucchini?!) 

5:30pm: Head to the YMCA for a cardio strength class. It's one of those sweat-until-you-drop classes. You dread it. And then you love it afterwards.  

6:30pm: Pass out Chug water and chat with some friends at the Y 

7pm: Head to my LifeGroup meeting. It’s a bible study through my church with an awesome group of girls that meetings 3 times a month. 

9:00pm: Arrive home ravenous and whip up a gourmet meal of frozen veggies and grilled chicken. 

9:30pm: Take the dog outside and try to prevent him from attacking three large deer in my backyard. Wish I was kidding. 

Attack dog. 

9:45pm: Head back to my office to send a few emails and jot down ideas I had during the day. 

10:45pm: Turn my phone on Do Not Disturb (aka unless you are in my "Favorites" list, see ya in the AM!) and read. I've really been trying to cut down on my screen time before bed - so I'm going old school with checking books out from the library. Currently reading: The Beautiful and Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald. 

11:15pm: Slip off to sweet, sweet slumber. Alarm set for 5am for a barre class!

So, Mondays aren't THAT bad. What's your way of getting through the first day of the week??

Why the heck not: Give Podcasts a Chance

Last year, I trained for a marathon. 

That's right. 26.2 miles of bliss hell just me and the wide open road. 

It took me 20ish weeks to train for it, which means a lot of time to think / listen to Spotify playlists / contemplate why the heck I was doing this to myself. 

I wish I would have discovered my love for Podcasts during that time to take my mind off the pain and provide entertainment and information. I mean, there is only so much soul-searching you can do while listening to a Ke$ha song. 

For those not hip to the lingo, Podcasts are short (usually 30 min - 1 hr) audio broadcasts that are for download (typically free) that can cover a wide range of topics depending on what you are interested in. 

Basically a blog but in audio format. 

Apple has made listening to podcasts SO easy by the automatic install of the Podcast app on your homepage -- all you have to do is find podcasts you enjoy and subscribe. They will automatically be downloaded to your device and ready for you to listen to in the car, while you exercise or when you clean your house / procrastinate. 

If you aren't an Apple user (uhhhh why not?), there's Podcast Addict, which will allow you to download podcasts to your non-Apple device. 

There are all sorts of podcasts for you to discover: politics, sports, latest on Reality TV. There is even a podcast called "Gilmore Guys" in which two dudes watch the Gilmore Girls and break down each 10-year-old episode... if that's what you are into... 

Podcasts that I LOVE: 

Serial. Ok, this is old news --  BUT if you have not listened to this, you'll be hooked. This was my first podcast. I'll save the details so you can become obsessed as well - but it is a true story of a murder in Baltimore - and a journalist trying to figure out whether the accused murderer is actually innocent. And the best news? It's coming back SOON for a season 2. 

Being Boss Literally just starting listening to this podcast this week, and I'm so glad I found it. Two female entrepreneurs discuss the ins and out of being creative in the working world. One of my new faves.  

Happier with Gretchen Rubin If you have read any of Gretchen Rubin's books (Happiness Project, Happier at Home, Better than Before), this is a condensed weekly version. Gretchen and her sister talk about current events, strategies to remain sane and other easily transferable tips for happiness in your daily life. 

Start Up I'm a nerd, and absolutely love to hear about what makes companies succeed and fail. This podcast features a business (just wrapped up season 2), and follows their struggles and victories as they attempt to grow their new startup. It's pretty transparent too-- sharing financials and strategic tactics that could be useful to utilize in your own business. 

NPR- TED Radio Hour This is my "I'm going to be educated as I wash the dishes" podcast. Each podcast features a brief cut from TEDTalks, interviews with speakers and some culture for your day. 

PS: The links above go to their corresponding websites. If you want to subscribe, just click SEARCH in your Podcast App / Podcast Addict. 

Do you have any podcasts that you love?

You've MADE it to Wednesday. Halfway through the week. You deserve a cocktail gold star.  Or just a break from the monotony. 

Wednesdays at Why The Heck Not, we offer you a roundup of fun-and-interesting fodder to add to your procrastination at the office called 'Hump Day Lumps of Gold'. Hey, you deserve a break. 

If there is one thing you watch this morning: Let it be this. This family is super involved in the church I attend, and lost two children in a car crash a few weeks ago. Their strength is unreal.

These people get A+ for Creativity. Proud to say these folks are from North Carolina. SMH.

A little political fun. 21 things that look like Donald Trump. I don't care what your political affiliation is... that's funny. 

Recipes to try. 5 slow-cooker recipes UNDER 500 calories. Imma need some of that. 

Have you ever wondered? How your Facebook Feed works?

Heading to the beach? I think this is the perfect cover up. 

celebrate every chance you get.

One of my favorite things on this earth is entertaining.

I love to feed people. I love to provide a reason for people to get together. Overall, I love to celebrate the big (and little!) things in life. 

One of my dearest friends from college / sorority (AXO ITB), Maggie, will be marrying the love of her life in September. To to kick off the season of love and marriage, I had the distinct pleasure of co-hosting a shower with some of my best friends for the lovely Maggie. 

With most of my friends happily engaged or married, I've gathered some tips along the way to make the best of celebrating your friend at a bridal shower. 

1. Make it personal. Being from the South, it's all about MONOGRAMS. And personal touches. And a theme (Champagne and rosé, please). 

2. Set up an awesome Mimosa bar. Fit for a queen, with lots of options: orange, grapefruit and cranberry juices. As well as peaches, blackberries and mint for garnish. Try champs with peaches and mint. To. Die. For. 

Don't forget those who don't care to partake in the booze as well - have water and iced tea available. And word to the wise: Buy three more bottles of champs than you anticipate (#afterparty)

3. If you feed them, they will come. Provide food according to the time of the shower. Hosting a 2pm shower? We served pimento cheese sandwiches (I mean, we are in the South), chocolate covered strawberries, caprese skewers and red velvet cupcakes (bride's fave). Hosting a shower around lunch or dinner time? Serve more substantial food. You don't want to be picking Aunt Mimi off the floor after a day full of champs and no food! 

4. Make it about the Bride (and Groom). This is a season in their lives in which to celebrate-- and show appreciation for the bride and groom! Encourage the bride to share who she wants at the shower, do's and don'ts  and any other requests. Share toasts, quick stories and embarrassing {PG} games that will liven the mood. 

5. Have a game plan. Things don't always go as scheduled - but have a tentative "Run of Show" to help organize the flow of the party. Where will purses and gifts go? Where will everyone eat / drink / sit / ooh and ahh over gifts? Who's playlist will you use / please please please double check there are no songs with profanity? Who is in charge of making sure the bride's champagne glass is always full? 

6. Take photos. Lots of them. As the host, you'll want to be able to share these moments with the bride-to-be! 

7. Enjoy the moment. One day when you and your friends are talking about the color of baby poop  fantastically interesting parenting techniques, you will look back and long for the days of celebrating your friends! Enjoy these moments - stressful and exciting and scary and joyful.... they are fleeting. Be grateful for the journey and find any (and every) reason to celebrate!

One last tip: Crank the AC prior to everyone coming... lots of hot women makes a hot house! Ain't nobody got time for back sweat in their new Lilly dress :) 

Get it over Mondays: Clean out your EMAIL. Now. Just do it.

It’s Monday morning. You’re coming off the high of the weekend… until you realize that the weekend is over. Your alarm is still going off, already running late and nothing but dread for the day to come. 

Well… two ways to get your day and week going on a better track. 

1. Coffee. Lots of it. 

2. Do something that you dread. 

The second one sounds counterintuitive, but studies show that motivation and concentration peaks in the morning. So why not go ahead and tackle the day head on? 

Especially if it is something you continually put off, hoping that it will get done...eventually.

For me, that’s my blackhole gmail account. 

Yes. That is my actual Gmail account. Yes. 2,130 emails in my inbox. Judge me.

So… why the heck not GET IT DONE first thing on Monday morning. Spend 20 minutes this morning unsubscribing to those terrible clothing stores that you shouldn't shop at anymore because you are no longer 21 mass emails instead of perusing Facebook for your first cup of coffee. 

My secret weapon? Unroll.me. This service allows you to look at every single subscription that you have signed up for and either automatically unsubscribe or place certain emails tucked away in a folder for you to look at when you'd like to. 

For example, I love seeing all the fun deals Groupon sends throughout the week. You never know when there are some good happy hour specials going down (can I get an AMEN). BUT twelve emails a day is a bit excessive. Now, I have all of my Groupon emails sent directly to a separate folder so I can scroll through when I am taking a break. 

And voila! After 20 minutes this morning, I have already crossed off an item on my to-do list and ready to take on the day. Or, at least another cup of coffee.  

What is something that you've been putting off... and that you can get done first thing this morning? 

that time I got older.

This past weekend, I celebrated another year of getting closer to 30 bliss. 

One of my favorite birthdays was when I turned 7. My parents surprised me with a LIMO ride for me and my girlfriends to go to the pool. #ballin’. 

I mean, check out those ruffled shoulders.

That said, this birthday was pretty close my adolescent spoiling. I'll spare you the deets, but it involved a fantastic dinner, surprise drinking and friends that I couldn't live without. #mushygushy.

28 ain't so bad.

Turning another year older makes you reflect on the blessings you have, what you still want to achieve and the greater grandiose plan. I've (hopefully) learned a lot more than 28 lessons, but here are 28 of my favorite life lessons II think one should know by the age of 28.

1. Just dance. Stop standing in the corner eyeingeveryone bounce along out of rhythm. Really. No one is watching. Have some fun already. 

2. Failures are ok. It brings you that much closer to what you want. 

3. Get up early. It’s annoying. But do it. You’ll be way more productive and have a better outlook on life. 

4. Put that phone down when you are with people. The world isn’t going to stop. Paying attention to the people you with is far more worthwhile than mindlessly scrolling instagram. 

5. Having a dog makes life better. Even if you have to pick up poop along the way. 

6. Get yearly checkups at the doctor / dentist / eye doctor, etc. No one likes it. Get over it.  

7. Spend the extra money to get your clothes tailored. You’ll look more put together if your pants hem isn’t holey after being stepped on while you walk. 

8. Work hard. It takes just as much time to work hard as it does to be lazy. Think about it. 

9. Figure out what is your go-to drink. #TitosandSodawithLemon

9. A lot of friends is great. A few really great friends is soul-filling. Choose quality over quantity. 

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10. Take photos every chance you can. 

11. Figure out your Love Language. And then figure out the love languages of the people around you. It will help you find out out what you need to feel loved and appreciated (Mine are: Quality Time and Acts of Service. Holla). 

12. Exercise is vital. Every. Single. Day. 

13. Starting saving for retirement now. Seriously. Now. We won’t have the luxury of social security checks when we leave the working world #realtalk. 

14. Education doesn’t end when you graduate. Immerse yourself in something new everyday. The news, a book, an online class… You are the only one that is going to make yourself smarter!

15. If people don’t make you happy, YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE FRIENDS WITH THEM. We are adults and can choose (for the most part) who we hang out with.

16. Put things back where you got them from. It will save you time in the future (aaaand I am becoming my mother). 

17. Know what you believe. Whether that’s in Jesus, presidential candidates or which Real Housewives city is better (Beverly Hills. Obvi). 

18. Eating like crap will make you feel like crap. Plain and simple. 

19. Connect people who can benefit from knowing each other… even if it doesn’t benefit you. 

20. Always ask for an upgrade when checking into a hotel / at the airport / getting a rental car. What’s the worst they can say? 

21. Be kind. 

22. Always be willing to admit when you are wrong… even if you are right MOST of the time.

23. Listen to Brad Paisley: “Have no fear, these are no where near the best years of your life.” 

24. Self explanatory  "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is 'Love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:37-39

25. Take pride in your appearance. The clothes don't make the (wo)man, but a swanky outfit can surely make you feel goooood. 

26. Celebrate. Celebrate everything. Life is short. So throw birthday parties. Take a friend out as congratulations for a promotion. Have a bonfire to celebrate a friend's breakup with a terrible boyfriend. Life is too short to be boring. 

27. Call your parents. They always want to hear from you. 

28. When in doubt, margaritas. 

Looking forward to a year full of laughter, exciting changes and continually asking: Why the heck not?

Back for another addition of "Hump Day Lumps of Gold". 

You need something to look forward to on Wednesdays... or at least something to distract you! 

That dress I wish I could wear without getting awkward stares. 

Currently Reading: I Know How She Does it: How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time.

DIY Of the Week: Felon or not, Martha got it going on. This is a great housewarming / hostess gift. Trying it this weekend. Cross your fingers I don't cut off one of mine.

New Recipe to Try: The best lentil salad ever. Literally. Quick, cheap, easy. A CROWD pleaser. 

Things I'm Pumped For: This movie. 

Interesting Read: Why the Apple Watch is Flopping. I don't want to have to check a text when I'm in the bathroom #justsaying

Can I be you? This 10-year-old has visit 30 countries already. #JEAL 

Dream Home: A Windmill.