The Art of Flirting

"Flirtation: attention without intention." ~Max O'Rell

Guilty as charged my friends - I am a flirt.
Not in a "sexual way," more so in a "southern charm/smile/pour syrup on that sugar way"... that is..

When I want to.

I don't always want to. Mostly I am cynical and sarcastic. But when necessary, I turn on what we call that "southern charm."

Southern girls learn really early, a wink and a smile will get you far. We draw out our vowels, turn this "sing-songy" voice on which is just an octave or so higher.. bounce around a little more- cock our head to the side, open our eyes a little wider & brighter... etc.

One of the first things one my closest friends discovered upon moving to Nebraska was the fact that the girls there did not do the whole makeup/hair thing when they went out. She said that all of her Nebraska friends would laugh at her, because she was always dressed and ready to go. She was shocked that the women were wearing sweatshirts and jeans with tennis shoes to the mall..

You see... in the south - not so much.

Sure, sure.. there is a HUGE percentage that do dress "down." But for the most part, the southern charm/flirty part - we are always ready. Why? We expect a compliment, and we hand them out like a candy on Halloween.

One of the funniest things I have ever seen is watching someone from (other places.. or as we like to say, "Up North") come down here and get introduced to a group of women. The first thing someone does is immediately find something, anything to compliment them on. This of course, throws off the person and they sort of blush and smile and thank them... then it happens -  If it is a group of women, the smiles, the gushing, the overload of niceties follow - so much so, the person is thrown off and immediately says -"Wow, it IS true, Southerners are so... nice." Actually - it's flirting. Not with you in a sexual way. It's our nature to make YOU feel good about YOU. We do it with men and women.

But don't be fooled by our sugary sweet demeanor. Ever crossed a southern woman? You will be surprised at how quickly we turn, and how quickly we return to a smile. See more:



One of my ex-coworkers from New York thought all of the women were always flirting with the men co-workers. I informed him - no.. actually they are just trying to make them "feel good about themselves." He then asked, were the compliments/smiles/etc. for real.

I winked and smiled and said, "Wouldn't you like to know."

Bone to pick.

Okay, this may go against everything you may believe in - but I have a bone to pick with the Bariatric Surgeons.... STOP DOING THESE PROCEDURES UNLESS THESE PEOPLE ARE SERIOUSLY STUCK TO A BED.

There, I feel so much better.

Look, I get it - it is hard to lose weight. It is hard to exercise when you have bad knees, ankles, toes, backs, etc... but it is not impossible.

I recently met someone (that will remain nameless - and is actually a public figure in Florida) who had bariatric surgery. She went on and on about how much weight she was losing, how her bp was back to normal - etc. I knew her before the surgery. She might have weighed a little over 200, no more than that. Perhaps a size 20 at best. This is overweight, but not an extreme amount - so extreme as to have 1/2 of your stomach removed.

Here is one of my biggest pet peeves - taking the easy way out. HATE IT. Do the damn work. Walk. Slowly if you have to. Make some healthier choices. You CAN do it. You just have 500 excuses not to.

Hell, I know. I can come up with 500 reasons not to exercise or make healthier choices. What does it boil down to? Good old fashioned laziness.

If you have bad knees - what is the physical therapist going to tell you to do? If you have bad ankles - what do they suggest?

That's right - movement. In a pool if you must - but movement.

The only way I would think that bariatric surgery is okay is if you physically could not move (as in 600 + pounds, and all you can do is lay on a bed) and your life is in danger.

Other than that. No WAY, Jose.

Here is why:
As with any major surgery, gastric bypass has risks such as bleeding, infection and reactions to the anesthesia. Possible complications of gastric bypass surgery include:


Vitamin and mineral deficiency

Dehydration

Gallstones

Bleeding stomach ulcer

Hernia at the incision site

Intolerance to certain foods

Kidney stones

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

Possible rare, but serious risks specific to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery include:

Death. The risk varies depending on age, general health and other medical conditions. Talk to your doctor about the level of risk gastric bypass surgery may pose for you.

Blood clots in the legs. Blood clots in the legs are more likely to occur in very overweight people. Blood clots can be dangerous. In some cases, they travel to the lungs and lodge in the lungs' arteries as a pulmonary embolism — a serious condition that damages lung tissue and can lead to death. Walking and using leg wraps that apply pressure can help reduce this risk of blood clots in the legs.

Leaking at one of the staple lines in the stomach. This severe complication can be treated with antibiotics. Most cases heal with time. Sometimes, the leak can be serious enough to require emergency surgery.

Pneumonia. Excess weight places extra stress on the chest cavity and lungs, creating an increased risk of developing pneumonia after the surgery.

Narrowing of the opening between the stomach and small intestine. This rare complication may require either an outpatient procedure to pass a tube through your mouth to widen (dilate) the narrowed opening or corrective surgery that could require a brief hospital stay.

Dumping syndrome. Gastric bypass can also cause dumping syndrome, a condition where stomach contents move too quickly through the small intestine causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and sweating.

***source - the Mayo Clinic

Seriously - why risk?

I am sure some of you have strong feelings on the subject. Maybe you have gone through the surgery. I am sure you had very good reasons. But knowing that I met someone, who literally talked a doctor into writing a letter to an insurance company and after 5 years - it finally was approved. ... hmmm.. I just don't agree with it. At all.

Thoughts?

1, 2, 3 - GO!

It's GO time. There is no turning back. The media tour begins, and my stress level rises.

I actually LOVE this time of year, it's when I get to do what I do best - and that is promote the hell out of something.

It just so happens, what I am promoting is healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke, specifically in women. (I think I have a concern in this area.) It's nice when you can do something you enjoy, that will help you and actually pertains to you.

This week is JAMMED pack with items. I have to meet with North Jefferson News tomorrow for a 4 week profile on a local survivor and health information from us. Then Wednesday CBS 42 is sending their morning Meteorologist to get her numbers checked and she plans to go on air and explain what they mean and what she plans to do about it. That morning, we also have a radio interview on a show called "Perspectives" with Don Daily. 30 minutes of jabbering about our events, a survivor will share her story, and we will go into great detail about Go Red For Women.

We tentatively have a live shot on Good Day Alabama this week on Fox 6 to promote the Go Red For Women Connection Event (national casting call) on Saturday. This is where we screen for a national spokesperson. People come out and share their stories (literally like an audition.) It is waaaay cool.  We meet so many people with so many amazing stories. If you will remember last year - it really took an emotional toll on me. To learn more click HERE.

Next week we go straight into a Midday appearance on ABC 33/40 on Tuesday. Followed by a Morning show appearance (in the Studio) with CBS 42 on Wednesday.. not to mention, we have to follow that with a Board Meeting.  Then Friday we have the LIve shot for the entire morning show on CBS 42 from Xcell Academy. I plan to have a cardiologist there to discuss signs and symptoms for women; someone from B Metro Magazine to discuss the Little Red Dress Party and someone from Xcell Academy to discuss the red hair extensions;  a survivor to share her story; and finally my ZUMBA instructor has agreed to come out and share some fitness tips and moves. Go Red For Women and Zumba have teamed up nationally. Should be a fun and quirky show!

THEN - on National Wear Red Day (Friday, February the 4th) we will spend the day at Xcell Academy, a Paul Mitchell Partner School, for their red hair extension event. Basically - you pay $10 and you get a fabulous red hair extension. Here is a pic with me wearing one.

That night we are heading to the Little Red Dress Party at ALoft Hotel. So excited! Our magazine sponsor will be releasing the February issue with our story as the feature and at this party - there will be a red carpet, two red Porshes and Audis parked outside..

A signature red drink, screenings, swag bags, etc. I will obviously take pics of everything going on. It's all very exciting. Did I mention - tiring?

Which is why I FREAKED yesterday when I woke up a little on the sick side.

Oh yeah - I forgot one more event - The Heart Guild is putting on a luncheon at Fleming's on National Wear Red Day. (It's a small gathering of the women - wearing red, fashion show.. etc.)

Gee - how could I forget that one?

Then to top it all off - there is one big thing happening that is ever so slightly heart breaking. Yes my dears, the egyptian flies the coop the very next day - Saturday, Feb. 5th.

I am fairly sad about this. BUT there is some bright news at the end of that tunnel, but I will reveal it in due time.

As you can see - it's time to get moving. Time to get my game face on. Time to figure out how much red is in my wardrobe to get me through the week. LOL

I wanted to share with you two of the survivor's we are profiling. One is named P.J. and she is a mom of two in her 40s. She got pregnant in her late 30s or early 40s (can't remember) and ended up (due to the pregnancy) with postpartum cardio myopathy (I hope I did not butcher the spelling just now.) Basically Heart Failure. She is the third woman who has shared her story (the exact same one) with me since I started this job. Women in their late 30s, early 40s ending up with heart issues after giving birth.

Then there will be a 37 year old who had a heart attack one year ago. She only had one risk factor - high blood pressure. Scary, right? We will be sharing her story in the community also.

Anyway.. I just thought I would share with you a little of what is coming up. It's fun - it's important, and I hope to get through it. Not to mention - the egyptian leaving.

I am afraid on Feb 5th - I might have an emotional breakdown.. for sure. ;-)

Now I must ask you - Who do YOU go red for?

The Tides are Turning

"If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home. "~James Michener

I spent the day recovering from what seems to be a minor sinus infection. Lovely. I needed something to LIFT my spirits. What do I do in times like this? I call on my good buddy - Tony. You might know him as Anthony Bourdain. He is a chef, writer, travelor and tv host. All of the things I enjoy! Plus his wit and sarcasm is delightfully tacky and unrefined and I love it.

Today he took me on a journey to Uzbekistan, China, Vega, Miami.. and a few other places in between. He did that through the first season of No Reservations. As I was watching, and drooling, and feeling a deep desire to grab my passport and roll.. I realized something..
I have a pretty interesting life.

I was joking with my sister yesterday about things and places and this silly little blog. She said, "Well Nicole, compared to some - you might live an interesting life." I laughed and said, "No Way. I am boring.. B-O-R-I-N-G." 

As I was watching the tv show, I thought of some of my "travel tv" moments. Moments that would capture culture and express what the world was like. Anthony does a great job of expressing how the true culture of a people is expressed in the food. I could not agree more.

So for fun, I randomly selected a few pictures of my "travel channel" moments. You know - the ones that might tell you a story.. or might not.

At least to me - they were ever-so-slightly off the beaten path.

This picture makes me laugh. It was one of those moments, when the Lorikeets sort of flocked to me and began nibbling my shirt. I was covered in birds, so much so - every one stopped and looked. LOL

To me, if I could zoom in, you just would not believe this moment - this view. I am on the Mediterranean Sea in Alexandria, Egypt - and the fishing boats are coming in.

Here I am with two coworkers - enjoying a New Orleans tradition of the oldest outdoor cafe. We were eating beingets and having cafe au lait. The waiter loved us so much, he gave us fabulous caps.

My friend making out with the Dolphin on River Street in Savannah. We sort of caused a scene.

My daily breakfast in Egypt. Tahini, flat bread (that was brought up in a basket on a pulley from the door man) goat cheese, plain yogurt and pepsi.

I had the best time with the local Falafel guy in Alexandria, Egypt

This is where the market is. Two blocks from my egyptian's apartment. We got our groceries here.

Soul Food - in a hole-in-the-wall place in Mobile Alabama. You can't beat it.

Relaxing at a "Country Club" in Alexandria Egypt - smoking sheesha and drinking shay with the locals

My friend having a beer picnic in the middle of a Kroger

A friend enjoying Cheese Grits - a southern speciality in Birmingham at Urban Standard

Attending Fall Harvest Farmer's markets and taking pics of the bounty with a friend

Mall Shopping in Egypt

Strange 'pie' and cheese that has the arabic name for camel poo LOL

The perfect cappuccino

Spending a Saturday with my favorite niece at a Horse Ranch

Picking out the meat - Literally - fresh and alive.

A NuWay Hot Dog in Macon - BEST

Dressing in traditional arabic clothes - in Egypt

Broom Hockey

Fabulous Face Painting excursions

Bakery in Egypt...

Whistle Stop Cafe.. more southern cooking

Green Plaza, Alexandria, Egypt - the cafes

Authentic Egyptian Cuisine on a balcony over looking the Mediterranean Sea with an egyptian family

Fresh - AUTHENTIC- Italian pizza

Prime Rib.. outside.

Southern Desserts

Hot peppers - Hot ticket item down here!

Saturday morning

Authentic soft taco from a tiny Mexican cart

I chose the coconut

Trying a little fondu

Chef Bob creating a breakfast pita on air using the AHA recipe

Recycled Art Installation

Attending a Cake Show - amazing..

These are just a few of the silly items that totally could have been an episode on a travel show - just the ins and outs of normal life.

We all have these moments.

What about you? What is unique about some of the places you have traveled or experienced?

Ouch!

Waking up with a sinus headache has got to be the worst thing in the world. I knew something was up, when I kept sneezing last night. Then, at about 5:30 this morning, I woke up with one closed nostril.

I had to think quick - I could not find my Nasanex anywhere, so I opted for a Benadryl. Which made me sleep until (well - 15 minutes ago) and it is noon. Still hurting, popped a Tylenol.

Maybe I will get some relief soon. It's a killer.

It's Sunday! I wish I could relish it a little longer, but I know what next week and the next entails. Part of me just says, come on bring it on! Then the other part of me is like, okay.. let's just veg and enjoy the day.

My schedule is jammed pack with so many items. Too many items really. With Heart Month one week away, and National Wear Red Day two weeks away - it's just go-go-go.

The egyptian is hanging in there. He stayed up to 6:30 this morning (I am not kidding) chatting up with his friends and family back home. I know this, b/c I had to get up several times and ask him to lower his voice. Remember? The Arabic is LOUD. lol

Nothing exciting is happening around here - and that is good with me. We did go see "Social Network" last night. It was very interesting to see how FB got started, what happened, etc.

That's it guys. I have nothing else today. Honestly. This can go down in history are the lamest post EVER. But between the sinus pressure, the benadryl hangover, and no real excitement - it's all I can give.

Maybe more later.. ;-)

Waiting for the End

This one definitely speaks to me today... here is the song - the lyrics are below. ;-) (You can read along..)

This is not the end



This is not the beginning,


Just a voice like a riot


Rocking every revision


But you listen to the tone


And the violent rhythm


Though the words sound steady


Something empty's within 'em






We say Yeah!


With fists flying up in the air


Like we're holding onto something


That's invisible there,


'Cause we're living at the mercy of


The pain and the fear


Until we dead it, Forget it,


Let it all disappear.






Waiting for the end to come


Wishing I had strength to stand


This is not what I had planned


It's out of my control....






Flying at the speed of light


Thoughts were spinning in my head


So many things were left unsaid


It's hard to let you go...






(Oh!) I know what it takes to move on,


(Oh!)I know how it feels to lie,


All I wanna do


Is trade this life for something new


Holding on to what I haven't got






Sitting in an empty room


Trying to forget the past


This was never meant to last,


I wish it wasn't so...






(Oh!) I know what it takes to move on,


(Oh!)I know how it feels to lie,


All I wanna do



Is trade this life for something new


Holding on to what I haven't got






What was left when that fire was gone?


I thought it felt right but that right was wrong


All caught up in the eye of the storm


And trying to figure out what it's like moving on


And i don't even know what kind of things I've said


My mouth kept moving and my mind went dead


So, picking up the pieces, now where to begin?


The hardest part of ending Is starting again!!






All I wanna do


Is trade this life for something new


Holding on to what i haven't got...






This is not the end


This is not the beginning,


Just a voice like a riot


Rocking every revision


But you listen to the tone


And the violet rhythm


Though the words sound steady


Something empty's within 'em


(Holding on to what i haven't got)






We say Yeah!


With fists flying up in the air


Like we're holding onto something


That's invisible there,


'Cause we're living at the mercy of


The pain and the fear


Until we dead it, Forget it,


Let it all disappear


(Holding on to what i haven't got!)

Meditation Room

I am really excited about transforming my Sun Room! I have been waiting to do this for quite some time.

See, the egyptian took this room (you see to the left) and turned it into a more "modern space" - removed all of middle eastern stuff (b/c he said he grew up around that and did not want to see it anymore.) Oh yeah - he got rid of the cat also. (The one in the pic, don't worry - Lestat the Vampire Cat is safe and sound with my parents.)

Sooo.. I want a mediation room. I want my ZEN space. I am going to turn THIS room into just THAT!

I am excited, so very excited! (How many times have I said that now?)

I have been doing a little research on the subject, and I am pleased to share that for one, I have an excellent space to do this. I do need to get rid of a few things (or rework a few things) - but it is all totally doable.

First of all - what do I need to add or remove or whatever. The decorating and organization of my meditation room? I found a wonderful article by Leanne Kallal on how to create this exact type of room. Here are a few tips she shared in the article:

- When creating your sacred place think of what colors evoke relaxation and a sense of calm in you? Maybe it’s a soothing color like lavender or a calming blue. Maybe you prefer a deeper color like brown or burgundy.
-Another thing to consider is furniture and accessories. Do you want to sit on the floor, on a mat, on a chair, on a couch? Again, there are multiply options here so choose the one that’s best for you!
-think about lighting for your meditation room. Do you meditate best in the dark, in bright light or somewhere in between? Maybe candle light is the perfect lighting for you. You might not know the answer to this question immediately, so don’t be afraid to play around with lighting until you find what’s best for you!

This first one might work for me. Since the room is visible from the Living Room. This space good double as a little den or reading room. I could put my "religious" items on a small shelf or table. Just an idea.

To me - this is just WONDERFUL. Simple, clear on what this room is for.

NICE.  I think my room would look good in the day with the natural sun, and really beautiful at night with the moonlight and candles.

This is very typical of group meditation.

I even found a wonderful link of FREE audio meditations. I want to share the link with you. If you are at work, or even home, and just need a few minutes to unwind - go to this website: Learning Meditation.

Back to the room..

I think I will purchase:

- a larger throw rug

- aromatherapy candles

- remove the paintings from that room, and add items that evoke peace and serenity

- place my cd player in there

- one small shelf

- a tiny "altar" type with candles, etc. (More on that later. I found a way to create my own altar!)

- I have tons of middle eastern cushions.. I will resurrect those

- a large curtain (with pull backs) to separate the living room from the sunroom.

PROJECT!

What about you? If you could turn one room into anything you wanted in your home, what would it be?