🍪 Time to destress, get moving, and stay away from those holiday cookies
Ep 63: The fading light of shorter days, combating horrible winter weight gain, and twelve things I love.
I thought I’d start by sharing a picture I took from our hotel a few weeks ago when Elizabeth ran the NYC Marathon. It captures the fading light of these shorter days pretty well, with the sun hanging low in the sky. Our ornamental grasses have been cut back and put by the road, there are no more leaves to rake, and the outdoor furniture is hibernating in the shed. I guess that means it’s time for Thanksgiving and the ensuing parade of holidays! I hope this finds you well and that you have a wonderful week ahead.
A Tip for the Modern Worker
Use your mute button like a pro. You join remote meetings using your cell phone, computer, or another device that supports streaming audio. Regardless of what you use, learn how to use the mute button like a pro. Others shouldn't have to talk over your neighbor’s leaf blower, kids yelling, dishes clanging, or (gasp) sounds from the bathroom. Don’t we all have a story like that? Don’t make that mistake.
This tip is one of 365 in my Handbook for the Modern Worker. Can we all agree that we’ve gotten good at this after years of pandemic-induced practice? Maybe a little too good, based on how often I hear this said to others in meetings: “Hey, you’re on mute.”
#365DayDraw
I drew this and wrote the accompanying annotation as part of my #365DayDraw project 7 years ago today.
Nobody likes to be lied to early in the morning. Nobody.
It’s no wonder I wrote this in the ramp-up to winter. My body typically gains weight in the winter, as do many others. Why does this happen? Here are a few potential reasons for this seasonal condition. It’s time to set an intention to destress, get moving, and stay away from those holiday cookies.
Commentary
Tim Ferriss’ latest 5-Bullet Friday gave over double the pleasure as he presented 12 things he loves, all of which make great holiday gifts. I thought it’d be fun to use the same template for myself. So, here’s a list of my 12 items in the same categories Tim used:
Outstanding game that I’m playing with friends and family
Our go-to games are pretty standard fare: Clue (vintage), Scrabble, Monopoly Deal, and Forty Below.Book I’m rereading and gifting
I gifted The Overstory this year, and also Jessica Seinfeld’s Vegan, at Times. Check out my Goodreads list of books I’ve read to get a sense of my tastes. If you’re on Goodreads, I’d love to connect with you!Sleep technology I’m using nightly
Tim recommends the Pod 3 Cover by Eight Sleep. We tried it but ended up sending it back. It was too noisy for me! Instead, the only technology I use nightly is Sleep Cycle. It’s useful to have the tracking, but I don’t use any wearable or any other tech to get a good night’s sleep.Eye mask I swear by
The Nidra Sleep Mask provides total darkness. It also keeps the fabric off your eyes. I’ve worn them on a bus, plane, and in hotel rooms where there’s too much ambient light.Two tools that save my lower back
These aren’t mechanical tools, but they provide an effective prehab to reduce the risk of back discomfort: yoga and acupuncture. We do twice-weekly hot yoga, and monthly acupuncture.Electrolytes I depend on
We were turned on to Superieur Electrolytes after it was included in a welcome packet by YogOdyssey in Ithaca. After trying several other brands, we found that Superieur had a mild, not-too-sweet taste we were after. Bonus: the ingredient list is pretty clean!What I’ll be wearing while skiing and snowboarding this winter
Well, I hope we get to ski this winter. Maybe? It’s been a few years, ironic given our involvement with the club when our kids were ski racing. My favorite ski gear includes Hotronic heated ski socks and Seirus heated mitts. Spendy, but worth it.A delicious little indulgence for a cheat day or any day
I’m a sucker for Licorice Allsorts. So good.Coffee gadgets I and my friends adore
Tim and I agree that the AeroPress Original makes the list. It was one of our pandemic mainstays for preparing an indulgent latté at home. However, we also rely heavily on our OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker. I used to use a glass bowl and coffee filter in a strainer, but this is so much easier.Health supplements I love for sleep and performance
Not for sleep, but for performance: Honey Stinger. I’m a heavy user of their waffles and chews. They’re good, clean fuel, and help with pretty much anything that gets my heart going.Delicious meat I’m devouring this holiday season (and every season)
We belong to a meat CSA run by my friend Rodney. It’s just up the road, next to our vegetable CSA, and I couldn’t feel luckier to have this option nearby. Everything tastes amazing!A device that most moms (or parents) will love
This isn’t specific to parents per se, but anyone who’s felt sore muscles at the end of a hard work day will appreciate a Theragun Mini. It’s on sale for Black Friday (surprise!) and you won’t regret getting one.
Miscellanea
👽 Jackie likes to read poetry and other inspirational works during the long savasana between hot yoga’s standing and floor series. I always enjoy this part of the practice, and after class, someone asked about the source of her inspiration for that day’s reading. Her husband Mark told me about a website and newsletter that’s great for things like that. “It’s called the Martian Alien.” Well, that’s a bit redundant, I thought. Wouldn’t all Martians be aliens? “Hmm. The Martian Alien,” I confirmed, “How do you spell that?” M-A-R-G-I-N-A-L-I-A-N. The Marginalian. Damn. I have to get my ears checked.
🔪 We pulled out a serrated knife at a recent dinner to carve into a loaf of artisanal bread our guests brought. They marveled at how sharp it was and wondered how you could sharpen a knife like that. Theirs, at home, wasn’t quite so sharp. “You can use a credit card,” I replied. They stopped cutting and looked at me skeptically. “Really? How?” I smiled. “You walk into B&W Supply, put down your credit card, and ask for their finest serrated knife.” There’s another alternative, though, using a honing steel or ceramic hone. Your choice.