Livin' the Life

The beach life is the good life!  The beach, great outdoors, BBQ, water sports, numerous men in nothing but swim trunks...doesn't get much better than that.  As the "real world" starts to creep back into my life I can't help but reflect on all that the past couple of weeks has brought me.  I was wise and made the decision to not work the last week of my summer vacation and soak up the beach lifestyle.  In that short period of time I was capable of taking on many new experiences for the first time.  Below are detailed accounts of events that I hope to enjoy again!

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
SUP is a water sport on the rise after first becoming popular in Hawaii.  The sport is a combination of surfing and traditional kayaking or canoeing.  The individual stands atop a larger version of a traditional longboard surfboard and using a kayak-like paddle with an "elbow" (or angle) paddles through the water.  The SUP can be used on flat or wavy water and is easy to learn to use, making it versatile and appealing to a diverse population of people.  It offers a great full body work out as it requires core strength to stabilize, lower body strength to remain in a stable body position, and good upper body strength to paddle through the water.

My first SUP experience was arranged for a Friday night with 5 other women that I knew from or through VWC.  We utilized a groupon price offered by VB Suf Sessions for a 2 hour lesson and tour that would take us through the Rudee Inlet - an inlet that's fed from the ocean.  We met Tony, our instructor, as he arrived late to the scheduled time - beach time.  He was a young guy eager to get on the water and enjoy and share a sport that he clearly loved.  After a brief how-to instructional it was time to get on the water and explore this booming sport.  After only a few minutes it was obvious to all parties that SUP is in fact an incredibly awesome sport.  It allows the individual to leisurely explore their environment, but is also capable of providing an incredible full body workout.  An attribute that my group-mates saw first hand as on the way back in I was attempting to "fly" as Tony had insisted we would be able to do.  In order to do so I relied on my previous research to put myself in the proper SUP position (a slight squat) and paddle in an effective and pacey manner.  I was sweating by the time I got back and provided the rest of the group free entertainment and a good laugh as I apparently did a little "butt pop" with each stroke.

Overall, this sport is much easier than I had initially anticipated and provides a great mode of transportation, great workout, and versatility.  Unfortunately, SUPs are quite expensive, but I'm far more encouraged to make such an investment since it is a water sport that I can actually perform in the Midwest!  Check it out here: http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/paddleboarding.html

                                                                                         SUP on flat water      

Crabbing
I was forced to go crabbing upon the birthday request of a friend from VWC.  Since my roommates and I live on the bay it was our responsibility to host the event.  My one roommate, Megan, is from the heralded crab land of Maryland so she provided us with expert instruction on how to catch crabs.  We started by tying raw chicken backs to pieces of string that were then attached to a stick.  After assembling this makeshift fishing rod you simply throw the chicken out into the water and wait for a crab to grab on.  Once you feel the crab biting on the chicken you slowly reel it in and make sure you don't lose the crab on the way in.  Finally, you scoop the crab up with a net and place the crab in a cooler with water. 

After the grossness and weirdness of the crabbing set-up had worn off I actually started to catch some crab and marveled at the fact that we were actually catching crab!  Rain and storms hampered our outing a little bit, but the clouds cleared enough for us to steam the crab in a pot on the community BBQ of our apartment complex.  I learned how to get the minuscule amount of meat out of the crab and quickly learned that the whole process is more work than what they're worth.  It was a good thing that we supplemented our limited amount of crab meat with hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and of course birthday cake. 

                                                                          Learning how to crack a crab...

Massage
So, I've never been the touchy type and have always respected the personal bubble, but since experiencing tight calves for an extended period of time I decided to schedule an appointment at the local massage therapy school.  The low prices, great reviews, and the opportunity for student development drew me to the particular massage therapy school.  My roommate decided to get one as well before the onslaught of preseason.  With a little bit of nervousness and excitement we headed out to the business and got our massages.  We were happy with the results!  I did not experience any slow, quite talking, incense or weird "calming" music.  Instead, I received an effective deep tissue massage from a former firefighter and paramedic.  Following the massage I felt better and would do it again.

Surfing
Saved the best for last!  STELLAR, AWESOME, SWEET, AMAZING, FUN, & ADDICTING!!  Just a few of the words that pop into my head concerning my surf lesson.  After experiencing immense jealousy and envy of my roommates and common friend who all know how to surf I wanted to learn myself - especially after seeing Soul Surfer and only being able to body board as the three of them surf.  Using a portion of a summer paycheck, I registered myself for an all day (9am - 3pm) surf camp, again using VB Surf Sessions.  Again, the session started late, but the very attractive surf instructor, Langley, quickly went over the basics of what goes into creating a wave, surfing etiquette, and how to stand up on the board and then we all hit the water. 

I was grouped with three other females and worked with Langley as he pushed us into waves and directed us when to pop up.  I was able to stand up a few times between the water breaks and eventually started to paddle into my own waves - of course still needing to be instructed by Langley as to when to paddle and when to pop up.  Between the successful waves I managed to get many compliments on my "awesome wipeouts."  During this time I also acquired my first jelly fish sting.  This was only moments after I was admiring a jelly fish that Langley was holding in his hand that looked like blown glass.  Like I was told, the area stung for a while, but did not cause any serious damage or lasting symptoms. 

After having such a blast, I plan on scheduling a private lessons (hopefully with Langley ;) ) to learn more about the timing of catching a wave and getting more detailed tips of how to better pop up, stay up, and hopefully move across the wave.  When you come and visit we'll be sure to hook you up with a surf lesson or two!   
So overall, this past week has been unreal and I wish it didn't have to end.  But as everybody knows, vacation doesn't last forever and "real life" always finds it's way back.  It's my hope that I can bring the same amount of enthusiasm and joy I have about these latest experiences to the new academic and professional ones I will surely have in the coming weeks and months.

A Global Force for Good

A week has gone by and flags are still flying at half staff in Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads area following the death of 30 special operation troops, most of whom were members of Naval SEAL Team 6 which is based out of Virginia Beach.  This is a sensitive topic that has reached across America, but has a greatly stronger, more profound impact on the people in Hampton Roads, an area that is home to one of the nation's largest concentration of military personnel.  This is an especially difficult time as it comes not too long after other members of Navy SEAL Team 6 killed Osama bin Laden.  I admit, coming from a region that has just a single naval station that is rarely covered in the media and has seemingly little cultural influence I experienced some culture shock upon my arrival in Norfolk last year.  It was here that I saw uniform clad servicemen and women at every store, restaurant, and business I entered; yellow ribbons were a staple yard decoration, more cars than not have a military base decal, "Military Monday" on the radio, military discounts and local traffic is heavily dependent on base schedules.

Before this most recent war loss, the only way I could describe this particular culture was "weird".  I truly lacked the words to describe the immense affect the military presence has on Hampton Roads, but now I can see that the men, women, children, and families that make up this community are dedicated, patriotic, loving, united, and deserve celebration and respect.  To say that I understand what they are going through or just how great of a sacrifice they all make on a daily basis would be a lie as I can only marvel and wonder how I would react if I were a part of the television show "Making the Cut" - a show documenting the training experience of military personnel seeking spots on elite forces teams.  Although I still cannot quite pinpoint the proper terms to describe this unique and special community I am proud to be exposed to it and be a part of it!

Now that I have a greater appreciation for this spectacular community I ask that you embrace and support the same community no matter how small or big.  Please be aware of the sacrifices these people make to survive and keep the people, and not the politics in your thoughts and prayers.        

 

It's Gonna Be a Hot One!

You know, I understand when people say that back home, I understand when people say that in mild places, but I have no idea why people say that in southeast Virginia because EVERY DAY IS A HOT ONE!!  Not only is it hot, it is extremely humid.  We are talking 85 degrees and 72% humidity overnight.  It is just unreal the amount of sweat I can expell while doing nothing but stand or sit.  I mean who thought I could become dehydrated while driving to work?!  Or that my body can produce enough sweat to cause my bra to temporarily stain my skin blue?!  Or that I can sweat immediately after exiting the shower?!  Or that a gear shift button can give you a 2nd degree burn?!

This weather has also pushed my runs to 7:30/8:00 pm, increased my febreeze usage, and placed more Gatorade in my pantry than I'd care to admit.  But perhaps I'm losing a good amount of water weight... I am seriously trying to loose weight after my primary care physician told me that I was overweight and my weight appears to be on an upward projection.  With that, I have been exercising regularly and have started to actually cook for myself!  Thanks to great ideas from friends and family I've been able to eat at home for pretty much every meal :)  I don't own a scale and I am hoping to judge my progress by the way my clothes fit - I cannot afford to buy a whole new set of work khakis so this plan needs to work! 

In the meantime I have never been so happy and thankful to have central AC and live in a place that provides long term outdoor weight loss activities.  I will continue to log my progress, stay hydrated, and pray for a cold front!

Farewell     

Year Two

I can't believe just about a year has gone by since first coming out to Virginia!  Since that time I have had my good times and bad times.  Most of the good times were not had a school, and most of the bad times were not had at the beach.  Last year started off very rocky and proved quite a struggle academically and professionally -- HELLO real world!!  However, after a few tears, a good talk with a mentor at school, and a break at home, things started to look up and work out better.  I earned higher grades, kept more student-athletes healthy, and actually got a little bit excited about my thesis research.  Then summer came ... had friends, family, and fun on my mind, not research!!  So the month of June went by way too fast and I find myself back in Virginia. 

Since driving back, I've moved from urban Norfolk to the beach of Virginia Beach - literally, I live on the bay!  The new place is AMAZING: 3 bedroom, 3 bath, vaulted ceilings, in-unit washer & dryer, fireplace, central AC, and floor to ceiling mirrors in the living room.  First time I've had my own washroom and I could not be more elated - I had no idea how much I was missing out on!  I'm living with two of the VWC field hockey coaches that befriended me last year while I was serving as their athletic trainer and I am already having a better time than I did with my previous roommate and apartment.  For the remainder of the summer I will be working as an athletic trainer for the summer sports camps at VWC and of course fill free time with surf, sun, thesis research, and bedroom decorating. 

On the left is what my apartment looks like on the exterior.  The little shelters are located around the pool where there are community grills, an outside kitchen, and of course a small swimming pool.  Just beyond that is a private staircase that leads to the beach and Chesapeake Bay.

This year will prove to be just as challenging as the first with time consuming coursework, intense research priorities, teaching, of course fulfilling duties at VWC, and figuring out my future.  I look forward to the end product, but am still fearful of the great challenge that stands between me and an advanced degree.  So please, join me on the journey, share in the joys, frustrations, and beautiful sunsets!  And I look forward to updates from you, too!

Farewell