Grateful Sunday: Daylight Savings Time

I'm grateful for the return of Daylight Savings Time! Some people hate losing an hour, but I am doing happy yoga poses in my driveway because I think it's so great! While it sounds silly, time outdoors helps keep me balanced and focused, and the return of DST means I still have an hour of sun when I get home from work. Yippee!

Ancient but true, a daily "constitutional" is good for everyone! Happy Sunday!

--Erica

Dating Advice: Erica

Continuing our February series on advice, I recorded a short video post discussing my top tip for dating with a difference. Let me know what you think in the comments ... I'm trying something new!

iGive.com Gift Guide: For Teens

It's easy to sign up and start contributing to CCA using iGive.com. This year, our Gift Guides feature items with a great donation rate to CCA and some other cool goodies. Learn more about iGive.com here and happy shopping!

1. WANT: "Drink in your favorite tunes with this innovative sports bottle design. Perfect for the gym, beach, or travel, a slot for your iPhone 4 or 5 amplifies songs through the bottom of the bottle as you sip your sports drink or hydrate after a long, musical run." This bottle makes a great gift for your active teen! [4% donation to CCA]
2. NEED: "Cozy up and 'Deer to be Different'  (or 'Hare to Be Different') with these wintry woodland accessories, showcasing a red deer bucking the trend and standing out against a crowd of uniform gray pals. Made of recycled cotton and acrylic yarn in a third-generation, family-owned facility in Binghamton, NY," these charming designs are a perfect, needed staple to any winter wardrobe. [4% donation to CCA]
3. WEAR: This awesome tank boasts one of my favorite sayings, "Weird is just a side effect of awesome!" I love wearing t-shirts with a message. It's a great way to start a conversation on a positive note nonverbally. 
4. READ: Writing and reflection are very important ways for teens to channel emotions and work through difficult issues. Reading these prompts helps budding writers hone their skills at personal reflection, self-improvement, and writing.  "This handy workbook will give anyone plenty of fun, low-pressure opportunities to get the imagination flowing. Collected from the minds and notebooks of the San Francisco Writers' Grotto, the book's prompts range from personal reflection, to silly lyric writing, to character development, and everything in between and beyond. Take them seriously or just have fun. Grab a pen, open this book to any page, and find the writer inside you." [4% donation to CCA]

Grateful Sunday: iGive Shoppers

Just in time for CyberMonday, we want to remind you about iGive.com - an awesome way to share a percentage of your purchase with CCA when you shop online. We're so grateful for everyone who shops with iGive.com and selects CCA as their designated charity, because every donation adds up! In 2013, I've earned $18.73 for CCA ... and I know you guys shop, too!


It's easy to sign up and start contributing to CCA. This year, our Gift Guides will feature items with a great donation rate to CCA and some other cool goodies. Learn more about iGive.com here and happy shopping! --Erica

1. WANT: I love this office-friendly print! Hang it over his desk as a reminder to each other and visitors that kind words are spoken here.
2. NEED: Kiehl's products are perfect for him. This no-fuss moisturizer with SPF should be a staple in his medicine cabinet. [3.2% donation rate at iGive.com]
3. WEAR: Lentil-gear helps support Lentil's Ambassadog awareness activities and is lots of fun. Hook him up with this classic tee with a cute twist! 
4. READ: Tom Rath is a NYT Bestselling author with a rare genetic condition that makes his health uncertain at best. His books on leadership and well-being are critically acclaimed. In his latest book, Eat Move Sleep, he reports on his research of the importance and interconnectedness of eating, moving, and sleeping. [2% donation rate via iGive.com]

Grateful Sunday: VUCA

VUCA is an idea straight from one of my business classes that I like to remember when practicing gratitude.

VUCA stands for a situation that is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. In a recent lecture, I heard this term and the key message was "in VUCA you can find opportunity." If you find yourself in a VUCA situation, remember this is the area of opportunity. Be flexible and be open to change and look for the opportunity within the uncomfortable situation.

I got this awesome picture sent right to my inbox from PhotoYOLO. It's like my ZENbox.

Thoughtful Thursday: My Mantras

“Meditation is the ultimate mobile device; you can use it anywhere, anytime, unobtrusively.” 
-Sharon Salzberg

I am guilty of a bad habit: a lot of negative self-talking. My younger self tried diligently to manage every possible outcome of a situation before it happened. I was constantly afraid that my friends would be embarrassed by me, my coworkers/boss would be disappointed with me, or I would just look stupid when I attempted ... anything really, from taking a turn bowling to asking a cute guy to share his class notes.  

To get over these anxieties and negative thought patterns, I've read a lot about meditation and “Being present in the moment.” Being present helps me perform better in meetings and interviews, it allows me to stick to my principles in difficult situations, and it calms my mind when life gets overwhelming.

However, meditation is definitely something one must learn and practice. I’m still a novice, but I have claimed a few mantras that help me return to the present when I find myself languishing in the past or nail-biting the future.

Erica’s Top Four Mantras

1. Time Will Pass. I have several iterations of this mantra, but I have found this phrase to be comforting whenever I'm "stuck" in a situation. I particularly like to use this mantra when I'm feeling regretful or embarrassed. I get in plank position (also great for core strength!) and repeat "time will pass." Taking even 3 minutes to slow down and focus reminds me that every situation is temporary and meditating prevents me from putting a negative thought reel on replay.
2. Feelings are just feelings. I had a great counselor once share this with me: she said, “So what if you feel crappy? It’s just a feeling. Feel it, acknowledge it, but realize this feeling is an emotion, made up of chemical responses and thought patterns.” What you decide to do in a situation should not be based on a feeling, because feelings come and go. When I have a feeling that is overwhelming and halting my progress, I sit in dignity* and repeat “Feelings are just feelings.” Pretty soon, I don’t feel the same – I feel calmer, slightly more in control, and even a little hopeful. (Remember I said this took a year to practice? Just trust the process and keep trying.)
3. Abide with me. This mantra is actually a hymn my Mom used to sing to me when I had to wear a dental device that required nightly tightening. It hurt quite badly and I would be very upset when it was time for the crank. My mom would have me lay on my bed and close my eyes. She would softly sing the song and rub my hand. I still remember the peace that came over me in those moments. Now, when I am in intense pain that can't be avoided, I lay out flat or in child’s pose, and I repeat the mantra in my head. I love the word abide when dealing with pain. With pain, you can't just will it away; you are forced to abide in it. This song reminds me of the people who are with me in spirit: from my family all the way to my ancestors who never had the luxury of medication, climate-controlled bedrooms, and a post-surgery Coca-Cola.
4. Show Up, Be Tough. I feel a twinge of guilt admitting this, knowing what my CCA little brothers and sisters go through on a daily basis, yet it's true: I freak out a little when I have to get an IV. Once the blasted needle is in and taped up, I'm fine, but right before or during the sticking part I sometimes usually faint. Oy. Last week I had to have an IV, so I decided to try my meditation skills to prevent myself from fainting. I chose "Show up, be tough," because showing up means being in the moment. I didn't want to let my brain check out and faint as a defense mechanism -- I wanted to be in my body and acknowledge the care being given. Be tough means just that and I channeled my younger CCA sibs and their natural-born toughness to get through it. I also played a couple of calming songs on my iPhone and my nurse shared that she does this too during dental procedures. Full disclosure, when she flushed the IV, I did almost faint (ick, that taste and smell) but through meditation I stayed present and avoided passing out. I consider this a huge success and you are free to chuckle at my wimpiness. :) 

So, those are a few mantras that work for me. Think about ones that may work in your life and here's another blog post about mantras with even more suggestions. I encourage you to begin incorporating meditation into your wellness care. I can honestly say I knew about the benefits of meditation before I started practicing, but after just a year of practice I have found that meditation is a wonderful tool for medical patients.

Namaste, y’all. 

--Erica

*Sitting in dignity is a pose where you sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor, back straight with shoulders relaxed, with your hands flat on your lap. Your eyes should be closed, but you should look straight ahead. Try to feel your muscles relaxing all the way from your head to your feet, as you breathe in compassion and breathe out fear, anxiety, and negativity. 

Grateful Sunday: The End of A Run

I talk a lot about running ... probably because I'm always doing it or thinking about it ... but also for the lifestyle benefits any type of training offers. Even though I love running, on days like today when I really wanted to skip my run and watch football on the couch, I hit the road on logged my miles. The reason was simple - I wanted that feeling of "I did it!" that comes at the end of every run. No matter how fast I ended up or if I got awful stitches in the middle of the greenway, the feeling at the finish makes it all worth it.

It's the same with any goal: at some point you are going to want to quit. The feeling may come before you even get started or it may surface when you're closest to the finish line. When I think I can't, I remember the feeling I have at the end of my runs and usually I can muster up enough energy to chase the goal a little longer.

So was it worth it today? Absolutely.
Here's proof:

Grateful for the Aldridge Creek Greenway ... aka My Happy Place

--Erica

Acceptance is a Journey

Fifth grade was tough. I remember the fights and the tears to this day. No, not with my classmates but with my sweet, exhausted Mama. You see, I didn’t just want to wear makeup, I needed to wear makeup. I believed I had a legitimate argument for my case, too: It would help me feel better about myself which would obviously* help me succeed in life.

Mom finally relented and agreed that I could begin wearing makeup on the first day of sixth grade. In preparation, I remember picking out a little green compact in Wal-Mart that summer along with pencils, rulers, and a new backpack. That compact held so much promise: “You’ll finally be beautiful with this!” it seemed to call from its packaging. My permitted instruments of beauty (er, success) were a CoverGirl pressed powder compact, brown mascara, pink and clear lip gloss, and Love’s BabySoft perfume.

You may know where this is going... I got my whole face full o’ slap put on and looked in the mirror. What did I notice? That makeup doesn’t make you look different. A bookish, precocious sixth grader should have known that, but I can still remember the disappointment I felt: no amount of makeup was going to change my face. I would have to change how I felt about myself and learn to quiet my inner critic, a journey I’m still on.

During CAM, our focus is sharing the message of awareness and acceptance. We contact our friends, we contact the media and we take over Facebook with yellow messages of support. But the challenge many times is finding that same acceptance for ourselves as cranio individuals (and parents). We don’t ever arrive at acceptance because life is full of challenges, but we can practice it daily. And no matter what your source of insecurity – your speech, your finances, your weight, your learning style – we can learn together that inner critics don’t get to chart the course.

For me, acceptance goes beyond becoming comfortable with my looks and outward presentation. It is more than a obtaining a series of accomplishments to hang on the wall, because acceptance is not overcompensation. Finding acceptance has required me to recognize and admit my vulnerabilities. It has also required me to adjust my expectations – not in a way that limits me, but in the sense that I know and accept my responsibilities.

Acceptance is a journey that each and every human can take. When you fully accept yourself, your goals take shape and obstacles become a part of the course meant to be climbed up and over, not an individual burden you must carry on your back for the entire path. Acceptance means knowing what you offer and what you need. It is also the ability to articulate both to those around you.

Acceptance is a journey. Every day that we wake up we can approach life defeated or with moxie. I’m walking with moxie today, but on the days I don’t? I just put one foot in front of the other and keep walking... because acceptance is a journey.

xo,
Erica

*Can you tell debate team was an early favorite extracurricular?

CAM Photos: Erica

Today was a great, sunny Labor Day, so I wore my CCA 2012 retreat tank on a run.

Happy Craniofacial Acceptance Month! 

Erica, Alabama

Do you need some CCA gear? Order this month and you'll get FREE Priority Mail shipping through September on all BEYOND THE FACE TEES! http://www.promotes.me/

Want to submit a CAM photo? Send in your CAM photos to [email protected]. 

Your submission is permission to post your photo on the blog. 

Grateful Sunday

This summer is the first summer we've participated in a CSA - Community Sponsored Agriculture. A local farm supplies "shares" of vegetables they've harvested over a number of weeks for a set price.

The veggies differ every week from whatever the farm is producing. So, every week on Thursday afternoon I hop in my car to pick up my CSA. It's one of the highlights of my week. It's like getting a fresh, gorgeous bouquet when I pick up my little white boxes brimming over with red tomatoes, green cucumbers, yellow squash and even purple bell peppers!

Three Peppers & Onions

Getting this share was an experiment for us, but we have found it's actually helped us save on our grocery bill substantially -- we start from scratch and use all we can -- and it's forced us to be creative in the kitchen. I never would have purchased an eggplant before, but this summer alone I've had over a dozen eggplants come in my share, so I've made baba ganoush, eggplant ragout, and something else eggplant that wasn't quite successful.

Blueberries & Blackberries

This Sunday, I'm grateful to have the opportunity to eat delicious, healthy, local food. I feel more connected to my food and truly appreciative of the process by which it comes to me. I enjoy tasting the season and a true joy of cooking has taken over our house!

Home Fries from Local Potatoes

Happy Sunday,
--Erica

Freshman 5: (my) Top Tips for Succeeding in College

You may have heard of the dreaded "Freshman 15" -- yeah, it happens when make dining hall froyo a daily indulgence -- but I offer the Freshman 5: (my) Top Tips for Succeeding in College.

Being a little nerdy, I like to keep lists of life tips, but after assisting with new student orientations all summer, I decided to actually write down a list of the best lessons I've learned while getting my Bachelor's (check), Master's (three more classes), and working on a college campus. 

So here's the list of my top tricks for getting ahead while getting your degree:

1. Time yourself and learn how long it takes you do things. 

First things first: you need to learn straight away how long it takes you to get from one building to another: on a sunny day; with headphones in; if you stop for coffee; or if it's raining. Time yourself! Wear a watch or use the timer function on your smartphone. Having accurate counts of how long it takes you to do certain tasks helps you be more efficient, do more things, and manage your new-found freedom wisely. 

Even more importantly, you also need to time how long it takes you to answer a discussion question, read a packet of articles versus reading a book chapter, and how long it takes you decompress each evening before hitting the hay. (Insomnia is no fun, so be prepared to adjust to college hours where they often start club meetings at 10pm!) Timing tasks is perhaps my most often-given piece of advice to anyone: When you know how long it (honestly, truthfully) takes you do to tasks, you are more efficient. It also helps you schedule down time, which is essential when dealing with the pressures and stress of deadlines, expectations, and new challenges.

2. Learn to find answers for yourself. 

At colleges, there are a million people to help you do everything from register for classes to practice mock interviews. However, just because colleges are spending your tuition dollars on hiring helpful faces, doesn't mean you shouldn't learn to find answers on your own. Attempt to make your own schedule, then have your advisor review it. Don't call the departmental receptionist to ask for your Professor's email (or name, eek!) -- look it up on the website directory. If you're stumped on a math problem at 3am, don't give up -- at least watch a Khan Academy video and see if you gain any understanding when the material is presented differently before hitting "Send" on that desperate email to the math lab TA demanding help.

That said, after you've attempted to find the answer yourself, use the help provided you! From my experience, most of the folks who work in academia are inspired by students and love their energy. We genuinely like to see students succeed for the warm fuzzies it brings. By all means, utilize the resources you pay for and meet the staff who can help ensure your success... which leads to #3.

3. From Day One, start developing your network and making friends. 

Some 7 years after my college graduation, am I finally realizing how important the network I made in college is to me now. I made connections with peers my age, a few years older in graduate programs, and with professionals during my time as an undergrad. Through the magic of Facebook, I now see those connections experiencing wild successes from publishing books to being featured on national news! I am so happy for them and when they offer advice, I listen. Keep in touch with these people and be a good friend. Don't just collect names and business cards; really invest in a manageable amount of friendships and working relationships. In today's economy and business environment, a group project classmate who remembers your work ethic and pleasant disposition could be the most valuable thing you gain from college (but definitely not the only thing!).

4. Read widely. 

This is advice for life! Read what your instructors assign (and learn when to simply skim it) but also read what the opposition says. Read dissenting arguments and contemporary research, read what different voices say on the matter, and keep a file of your favorite scholarly articles that relate to your field. I still have a purple file folder in my garage of some of the most relevant articles I picked up in college and yes, I occasionally refer to it to pull out an author's name or quote. Having this knowledge not only makes class discussions richer and more enjoyable, but it also begins to establishes you in your chosen industry. Even a few years after graduation, you'll be able to say that you have been "following the literature" for nearly a decade. Being relevant and knowledgeable is critical to success in your field. 

5. Find an easy, comfortable, "go-to" outfit that looks professional and put-together - and wear it often!

College is the only time you get to run around interacting with professionals in PJs. Enjoy this time, but don't abuse it. Professors respect students who look awake and engaged in their classes, and it's okay to cheat a little on this tip: a comfortable pair of black leggings, ankle boots, and an oversized button-up shirt are just as comfy as sweatpants, but look a million times better! Invest in a khaki blazer -- preferably one with elbow patches -- and wear it over a solid t-shirt and jeans and flats. A jersey dress with sandals (and that same blazer) feels like a nightgown, but worn with a wisp of mascara and stud earrings, looks instantly polished. Image isn't everything, but college is the time where you get to determine your style. Experiment with looks, but remember: Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. 

... So do you have any life tips to add?

--Erica

Summer Reading List: Erica

The CCA Blog Contributors are creating lists of their top recommendations for a "Summer Reading List." Here are my recommendations for some fun reads with a relevant message for the 18+ set.

My summer reading list had a nice theme this year: Comedians. I chose these books because I admire all of the women who, in some way, each overcame (enjoyed?) awkward childhoods with humor. And I am totes obsessed with comedy right now!

Is Everybody Hanging Out Without Me (and Other Concerns)? 
Mindy Kaling
Kaling's book is a little definitely softball for my style, but it's a good read that highlights the power of supportive friends and family.

Kaling's isn't really my type: she's a romantic and believes a chapter can consist only of a list (No!) while I'm more of a pragmatist and who can't post a blog under 1000 words. However, despite our differences, Kaling's love for family and friends is heartwarming and comforting. This book is perfect for a beach read or, as Kaling would likely suggest: that first week of college when you don't have any plans or homework yet, so you need an acceptably nondescript book to read in the student union while you wait for someone from your dorm to show up, so you can accidentally bump into them and suggest grabbing a coffee. It's like the perfect romantic comedy set up, y'all!

Favorite quote from the book: 
"Teenage girls, please don’t worry about being super popular in high school, or being the best actress in high school, or the best athlete. Not only do people not care about any of that the second you graduate, but when you get older, if you reference your successes in high school too much, it actually makes you look kind of pitiful, like some babbling old Tennessee Williams character with nothing else going on in her current life. What I’ve noticed is that almost no one who was a big star in high school is also big star later in life. For us overlooked kids, it’s so wonderfully fair." 



Bossypants 
Tina Fey

Tina Fey for Mayor of Life! Fey is amazing. She's funny, sincere, and a good advice giver. This book made me laugh and cry. If Mindy Kaling would make a great bestie, Tina Fey would be a stellar life coach. In between hilarious jokes about fashion fails and in-general awkwardness, Fey peppers in solid advice. One of my favorite stories was when Tina decided to compete for a job that she knew would knock another, very deserving woman, out of the running. Workplace ethics interest me and kind of I love this quote: [Stealing that job] "makes me sound like a jerk, I know," she writes. "But remember the beginning of the story where I was the underdog? No? Me neither." This book is more than a great read; it's a a collection of little life lessons.


The Bedwetter 
Sarah Silverman

Confession: I am only halfway through this book, but Silverman's struggle with enuresis -- bedwetting -- lasted into her teenage years and she also describes, in the lightest manner, her ongoing depression. This book is by far a raunchy romp, so delicate readers, run back to Kaling! Silverman's description of moving to NYC (another common theme in all three books) is easy to read, fun, and full of comedy tidbits.

Current favorite quote from the book:
"My stepfather, John O'Hara, was the goodest man there was. He was not a man of many words, but of carefully chosen ones. He was the one parent who didn't try to fix me. One night I sat on his lap in his chair by the woodstove, sobbing. He just held me quietly and then asked only, 'What does it feel like?' It was the first time I was prompted to articulate it. I thought about it, then said, 'I feel homesick.' That still feels like the most accurate description - I felt homesick, but I was home." 


-- Erica

PS: All of these are somewhat insensitive, especially Silverman, about people with differences and tossing around the word retarded. I just grin and bear it, but it miffs me. I understand you can't police comedy, but I hope that younger comedians grow more aware and replace outdated terms and stereotypes. :) 

Thinking about buying these books instead of renting? Order online via iGive.com and CCA will receive a portion of the sales! 

Friday Remix: Prudie's Advice

Happy Friday, everyone!

Today's Friday Remix comes from the advice column "Dear Prudence." I think advice columns can be great resources for advice on difficult life situations, especially when written by credible sources.

Prudie (Emily Yoffe) recently tackled something that most of us reading this blog struggle with: How do I deflect negative comments about my looks? What do I say? (And Moms) How do I keep from blowing a gasket when someone is mean on the playground?

I think Prudie offers some sound advice, minus all the cosmetic/treatment suggestions. If cosmetics make you feel more confident, by all means use them! But to me, they don't guard against nosy / rude people effectively and they do not address the root issue of how to handle something as emotionally jarring as a stranger assaulting your appearance. So that advice is kinda meh and not applicable. However, I wanted to remix her column in our blog because it offers another perspective on something that we all deal with on a regular basis.

How do you think Prudie did? What you would recommend to "Unwanted Comments?"

Q. Unwanted Comments: I have a skin condition that causes me to look really red, like a bad sunburn. I've talked with my dermatologist, but unfortunately it's incurable with no treatment options. Sometimes if I'm really stressed or if I've been physically exerting myself, it flares up, and I'm loathe to go out in public. I've had complete strangers go up to me and trumpet, "Wow! Your face is really red! I mean, REALLY red!" I try to brush it off by saying, "Well, that's what I get for taking a cruise ... " However, last weekend I was shopping with a friend when an older man came up to me to (loudly) comment about how red I was. He even called his wife over to look! I uncharacteristically snapped and swore at him, calling him things I can't type here and getting in his space until he quickly slunk off. To be honest, it felt good to let him know what I really thought of all of these awful comments! My friend was shocked at how rude I was and told me that I shouldn't have done that. She knows about my skin condition and has heard the comments before, but when I told her he deserved it and I was sick of being polite, she told me she had to go and left the store. Prudie, I'm so sick and tired of these comments. I'm also upset that my friend doesn't understand how embarrassing and frustrating it is to have people constantly commenting on my appearance. What should I do?

A: It is truly astounding that strangers think they have a right to invade the privacy of those with unusual conditions or disabilities or who have children of a different race, etc. Over the years I've had many questions from these beleaguered troops on how to deflect nosy strangers. The most helpful advice has come from others in the same circumstance, who often advise quick disengagement. Simply walking away can be the best strategy. That way you have underlined the rudeness of the inquiry without the emotional cost to you of engagement. Others have suggested a quick, "Excuse me, I don't talk to strangers." But the key is to have a go-to response that allows you to deflect the inquiry and get on with your day. I totally understand that on this occasion this man was so rude that he flipped a switch in you that caused you to make a scene. However embarrassed your friend was, surely she should have been appalled by the crudeness of the man who insulted you, and she should have understood that sometimes things are just too much and we snap. Of course, you don't want to make a habit of letting fly, but if giving this guy the business this one time gave you a sense of relief, then he sounds like a particularly deserving recipient. Now that things have calmed down, you could reach out to your friend and explain that being pointed at like a circus freak simply made you snap and that you're sorry she had to witness a scene that upset her. If she isn't understanding, then she's not much of a friend. I'm also wondering, however, how much of a doctor your dermatologist is. Of course he or she may be right and there may be simply nothing to do about your condition. But I think this requires a second opinion to make sure you are not missing out on any possible new treatments. I also think you should look into temporary cosmetic fixes. There are skin foundations that are used to cover birthmarks that may be a good solution for you. You say your condition is sometimes so bad you don't want to go out in public, but it's terrible to feel constricted that way. It could be with a few minutes of cosmetic art, you could much more confidently blend into the crowd.

Father's Day Gift Guide

I really enjoy shopping for the men in my life. What typical men's products lack in color, they make up for in utility and sophistication of design. If there is ever a "man's version" of an item, it's usually a) indestructible or b) humorous. Plus, when I ask most dads what they really want for Father's Day, they're honest and simple: To grill out and relax. That sure beats a dress-up, fresh-flowered, mimosa brunch any day in my book! Sorry, Mom. :)

In short, Dads give the biggest bear hugs, the most practical advice, and you can usually count on him for a corny joke when you're feeling down. Make Father's Day a little extra special with this fun gift guide for the Poppa in your life.

Want. Need. Wear. Read (Read).

WANT: Like mowing the grass or changing the oil, heading to the office can be a chore. But liven up Dad's document processing with these fun Star Wars characters thumb drives. I know CCA has some huge Star Wars fans, leaving only one question: Which character will you pick?

NEED: Okay, Dads, I know I won't find most of you laying around with cucumbers on your eyelids, but seriously, "mancuring" is a thing. Kiehl's makes it simple: Cleanse, Shave, Moisturize. With this handy kit, even the most minimal morning routine will leave you fresh and awake. 

WEAR: Fathers are excellent activists and advocates for their children. Supply Dad with a stockpile of these "Choose Kind" wristbands and he'll surely share them with his golfing (fishing, motorcycle, Crossfit...) buddies. It's a simple, effective method of introducing CCA to another network of allies and supporters.

READ: In his new book, Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success, Phil Jackson talks about what it was like to be the head coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers and winning more championships than any coach in the history of professional sports. He also talks about what it was like to manage, coach, guide, and inspire larger-than-life personalities. If he is a sports fan, Daddy-o would certainly enjoy reading this book in a new ENO Hammock. I had to throw this extra gift idea in the mix because seriously, it's summer and these hammocks are amazing! I've enjoyed mine several times this year and they couldn't be easier to hang. Toss one up for Dad and bring him a cool glass of lemonade. Day made? Pretty sure. 

*Make sure you visit these retailers via iGive.com, who donates a portion of each purchase to CCA!

xo,
Erica

Becoming Body Positive

I know this will shock no one, but I love blogs.

(Before reading on, I wanted to disclose that the links in this post may be PG-13.  Additionally, this post does not represent the views of CCA, only me. Okay, you're free to continue.)

One of my favorite types of blogs recently is "body positive" blogs, also called fat acceptance blogs. If you're wondering what the heck a body positive blog is, let me suggest you check out "Pudgy & Peachy" or "The Militant Baker." 

I started following these blogs for the fashion because these women (and men) have superb style and are excellent photographers. The more posts I read, though, the more I loved the message. These bloggers are fighting the shame and stigma that comes from being overweight by wearing what they want, when they want. People who are larger or overweight are constantly marginalized, misrepresented, and even mistrusted. People assume they are all lazy or unhealthy, which is certainly not the case (obsv, right?!). And these bloggers aren't sweet, meek activists. They are aggressive in their approach and refuse to let critics haters define their bodies. Their insistence on bodily sovereignty and commitment to loving themselves in the face of their loudest critics is inspiring. Their willingness to be so open slowly, but surely, chips away at the rigid definition of beauty in our dominant culture. 

But the best part about body positive blogs for me is that they share the experience of being judged on looks alone. How many times has someone assumed you were incapable or unintelligent because of your looks (or your wavering self-esteem)? Too many, I'm sure. How many times has someone commented on your ability to do or not do something based on their assumption of your physical abilities? Probably, more than you'd like. But like body positive activists, let's fight the culture that says looking different - whether it is weight, a facial difference, or a disability - isn't beautiful, sexy, and worthy-of-super-self-love.

you wouldn't tell a flower

that it is too oddly shaped 

to be given to someone you love.

you wouldn't tell the ocean that 

its waves are too curvy to

kiss the shoreline.

and you wouldn't tell the moon 

that it is too round to illuminate

even the darkest of nights.

so why would you tell 

someone that they are too

big to be beautiful?

n.d.

--Erica

Grateful Sunday

We talk a lot about reading on our CCA blog and one reason reading is so important is because when you're born "different" you inherit a different perspective on life, whether it's spending weeks of your childhood in a hospital or seeing how other kids, who are perhaps less outspoken, get treated in Special Ed classes. If you're like me, growing up, I often had time alone to simply observe. Sometimes those observations are horrifying, but many times they're truly heartwarming.

I believe writers are society's observers and they also see the world from a "different" perspective. I'm so grateful for people who have the courage to write down their thoughts and share their experiences, so others may find knowledge, encouragement, or just enough strength to say, "Wow, humans have been struggling with these feelings for eons. I don't feel so alone all of the sudden."

One of my favorite writers is Kurt Vonnegut. Vonnegut was modern and witty, pained but yet positive. He wrote about war and science fiction, politics and fantasy. I love a great many of his quotations and works, but this one recently struck a chord. You could say it's another (maybe slightly more emphatic) version of "Choose Kind." In his own words, Vonnegut wrote,

Hello babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
It's round and wet and crowded. On the outside, babies, you've got a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies-"Dang* it, you've got to be kind.”

In my words? Life is long and hot and itchy. Kindness is a cool, refreshing salve. Lather it on before you go out into the world.

Rest easy today, friends, and practice kindness.

--Erica

*only slightly edited

Grateful Sunday

Today I am grateful that even animals can spread the message of acceptance!

Click to see the incredible story of Lentil, an adorable puppy born with a cleft lip and palate.

Lentil, the tiny French Bulldog

You can read more about Lentil at http://mynameislentil.blogspot.com/

--Erica

Tips & Tricks for Scars

Today I wanted to share with you some information about post-op scarring.  I tend to heal slowly (from all “owies,” not just surgery) and scar fairly severely (i.e., granulation tissue and keloids). Knowing that, I have been conducting my own experiments in scar mitigation and I am here to report my findings. Fortunately, these tips cross all scar boundaries. I started, of course, treating my post-surgery scars, but I've found that these tips work equally well for skinned knees, vicious bug bites, and even zits!  

SCAR CARE TIPS

1.  As soon as you are cleared by your medical professional to wash your wound or incision, keep it very clean. Never rub or scrub the wound with a rag or loofah, but rather lather just your hands with a mild liquid soap and warm water to "flush" the area. Many times, this flushing is enough cleaning, but if you have gravel, dirt, or sweat in the wound at any time, you can use gentle, circular motions with your fingertips to clean your wound. Be especially careful when scabs start to form -- you want to let them soften and fall off naturally. Do not, I repeat, do not pick off your scabs! Bottom Line: Follow Drs. orders, but keep that sucker clean!
2. Use Neosporin on large wounds for 3-5 days (for smaller wounds, like zits and tiny incisions, 1-2 days will suffice). With clean fingers or a cotton swab, dab a smooth layer of Neosporin over your wound and if all possible, let it absorb into your skin in the open air for 15-20 minutes before covering it with a bandage or putting on clothing.
3. Use Mederma immediately (just after the 3-5 days of Neosporin if you have a large wound). I could seriously write an ode of joy to Mederma praising it for its abilities grow skin cells ... okay, so maybe it’s not actually growing cells, but it works! Mederma is always in my makeup bag and it is a part of my skincare regimen each morning and night. For best results, you need to apply Mederma several times a day, so consider buying two tubes and keep one in your desk or purse and one at home; but at the very least, apply it in the morning and at night. I have also had great results in trying to fade old scars. Old scar therapy takes considerably more time (several months with repeated use), but if you're concerned about scar appearance, then it is worth it.
4. You'll probably hear me talking more in the future about going natural and organic (I am slowly transitioning my food, health, beauty and household products to natural and organic when possible) and if you've already made that lifestyle change, KUDOS to you! So with that concern in mind, for the all-natural types, I recommend this product: The Left Hand Soap Co. Skin Salve. This soothing salve is handmade without any petroleum products in sustainable, craft batches, so it's better for you and the environment. I use TLH salves for maintenance of minor scars after Neosporin and in addition Mederma, but I'm confident you could use it in place of those two products and experience excellent results. It keeps the skin moist, which is the main premise of healing wounds without scarring. 
5. Let the affected area breathe when possible. For some post-op care, you'll have to keep it bandaged, wrapped, or covered, but sans any specific instructions, think breathable fabrics and less is more. You’ll want to keep the skin moist and germs out, but after a few days, Band-Aids seem to keep the wound “mushy,” so I generally only use them for a couple of days. Moisture is still important, even after the wound has dried, so keep a medicated moisturizer on the affected area for several weeks.
6. Massage. A CCA mom gave me a tip prior to my last surgery and recommended cross fiber massage as a post-op treatment. She said her son had benefitted from it and suggested I try it. Wow, was she right! I was skeptical at first, but the healing hands of my massage professional made a real difference in my healing process. In the therapy, we first focused on draining lymph from my face and jawline, which tends to accumulate, causing a puffy, red look and the feeling of warm inflammation in my face. After she drained the lymph, we worked on loosening up the scar tissue for about six months. I experienced very positive results, which I will be sharing in an upcoming blog post about medical massage ... so stay tuned!

Hopefully these tips about scar care will help you fade old scars. But one of the most important things to remember is that scars tell a story. I think scars are intriguing and beautiful. So don’t hide your scars – celebrate the person you are and the struggles you've overcome. And remember, scars are cool. If you don’t believe me, just ask these three!

"It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be."
J.K. Rowling, Author, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

"I love it because it makes me a person who has an interesting past, 

and it reminds me that I can survive any pain." 

Padma Lakshmi, Top Chef Host & Model

Padma has a seven inch scar on her arm from a childhood car accident 

and discussed it in the May 2009 issue of Allure.

"I believe that in all forms of art there has to have been some initial adversity: 

that is what makes art, as far as I'm concerned," he said. 

"And it's not something you outlive: once you experience it, it's always with you. 

It forms part of your makeup; probably it's the reason for your makeup."

Seal, Musician and Celebrity

Seal has often discussed the scars that showed up on his face when he was 23,

an effect of discoid lupus erythematosus.

--Erica

Race Update

Happy Friday, everyone!

As promised, here are several pictures from the half marathon I ran. I was very happy with my time, overall, even though it was very lopsided: I made time by killing the first half with a personal record pace, but then at Mile 8 it got really rough. I managed to trot across the finish line with a time of 1:49:13. Hooray!

Thank you to everyone who supported me. My Facebook wall was nothing but love for two days straight! What a wonderful experience.

Ahh... sunrise in Seaside. This is what the morning looked like. It was sunny, but only 32°. Brr!

The starting line was this adorable little post office in the center of town.

And we're off. You can't see me in this picture, but I'm in that crazy mob (towards the front, left side)!

The race course was lovely and almost peaceful.

I made it! Crossing the finish line.

Thank you for your support, everyone! 

Thanks to Endurance Imaging who shot these excellent race photos.

Grateful Sunday

I'm grateful for spring runs... ahh! And it's never to early to be grateful for football season, is it? ;)

-Erica