WT Health Kick
15 Jan
I’m jetting off to Puerto Rico in 24 days with a bunch of girl friends. I can’t wait. Starting in late October, I begin to slack on the healthy eating and working out because of Halloween(my candy corn obsession gets the better of me), my birthday, Thanksgiving(extra whip on the pumpkin pie please), Holidays (lots o’latkes)…. you name it, I’ve got an excuse to eat like shit, drink lots of wine and use a hangover as my excuse to avoid the gym. Well, now I’ve got 24 days to turn it all around and get bikini ready for the sunny sandy beaches of PR.
Aside from that, I’ve instituted a new healthier work environment in my office in 2013. We will be stocking our pantry with all healthy snack foods and a few of us will be wearing a FitBit (tracks daily fitness and sleep activity) to help motivate us towards living a healthier, fitter life.
As much as I don’t believe there needs to be any specific time of year to make changes in your life, I know many people use the new year as their time for ‘resolutions’. I’ve enlisted a few friends that I know are on health kicks to join me in my quest and I am laying it all out for any of my followers that want to get healthier and fitter as well. For starters, get yourself a FitBit-One so we can link up and follow each others progress. This is not a paid endorsement but maybe they’ll throw me a bone if enough of you buy one:
http://www.fitbit.com/one
Drinking:
Water – Each day you should be drinking at least 6 glasses of water. Keep a cup full of water next to the bed and the first thing you should do when you wake up, is chug it. Your body starts the day dehydrated and craving water. Make it happy, water it.
Coffee or Tea – 1-2 cups (try to go 2% milk or soy rather than whole and Raw sugar instead of Splenda or other sugar alternative).
Alcohol – I’d like to tell you to avoid alcohol but who the hell am I kidding. Any healthy regimen that makes you kick the things you love the most is one you should avoid at all costs.
Sleeping:
This depends on how well you know your own body. I know that I can function well on 6 hours of sleep and if i get more than 8, it makes me more tired. As my mother always said, it’s the hours before 12am that count so try to get in bed by 10-10:30pm.
Morning Exercise:
I read an article this weekend that talked about how morning workouts help kick your metabolism into gear and starting burning off the bad fat earlier in the day. All you need is 8 minutes. This morning I set my alarm for 10 minutes earlier and started doing this.
Side Leg Raises – Knee to Elbow – 2 min
Squats or Lunging Squats – 2 min
Mountain Climbers – 1 min
Plank Pose or Jumping Jacks – 1 min
Abs – any abs will do – 2 min
(Feel free to switch this up to include whatever you like and take out what you hate. If you don’t like it, you aren’t going do it)
Other Exercise:
If you’re a morning gym person, ignore the above and just go to the gym. If you are a night time work out person like I am, then the above should still be done in the morning even if you plan on working out at night. Don’t try to jump into a work out routine that is overwhelming, that’s the biggest mistake. Start slow. I think everyone should own a set of workout DVD’s for those times when you just can’t get to the gym. (I love Insanity but some people are into P90X, Turbo Fire, Chalene – Beachbody.com is big in my town but use what you like. If you want Beachbody DVD’s, click here: http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/laurenmundell
Week 1:
8 minute morning workout – 4 days a week. You can do this in your underwear with no shoes on. It’s that easy.
2 days/week – a work out DVD or hit the gym if you belong to one. Workout should include 30 minutes of light cardio – walk on the treadmill, ride the bike, climb the stairs or elliptical. Follow with a light arm workout. There are plenty you can research online. If I include all of that here, people will stop reading – most of you already have.
Week 2:
8 minute morning workout – 5 days a week.
3 days/week – 30 – 40 min of moderate cardio. Step it up one level on all machines. If you aren’t sweating, you aren’t working hard enough. Get your heart rate up – wearing a heart rate monitor is the best thing you can do for your workouts… especially in the beginning.
Follow with arm exercises – keep the same weight level but bump up the reps.
Abs – 20 – 40 crunches, elbow to knee, leg raises or any type of abs you like.
Week 3:
8 minute morning workout – 5 days a week.
3 – 4 days/week – at least 40 minutes of moderate to high impact cardio. Run – 5.0 – 6.0, Stairs – 8.0 – 10.0, Elliptical – 8.0 – 12.0, Bike – 7.0 – 10.0. (Want more impact than this – ask me about what I learned from Barry’s Boot Camp)
Arms – kick up the weights – if you were lifting 8 lbs, graduate to 10 – 12 lbs. YOU WILL NOT BULK UP. You will burn the fat and tone the muscles under the fat. I’ve used 15 – 20 lb weights and was at my leanest and didn’t bulk. It’s a misconception.
Abs – 40-60 crunches, elbow to knee, leg raises or any type of abs you like.
Week 4 and ongoing:
8 minute morning workout – 5-7 days a week.
At least 4 days/week – 40-60 minutes of high impact cardio. Run – 6.0-7.0, Stairs – 10.0-15.0, Elliptical – 12.0-15.0, Bike – 10.0-15.0.
Arms – Mix it up on different days
Abs – 80-100 crunches, elbow to knee, leg raises or any type of abs you like.
*Any day of the week can be substituted with a class of some sort – spin, boxing, physique57, Barre Method, Yoga, etc.
Mind over Matter: There are things you can incorporate every day into your routine that WILL make a difference. I do things like take the stairs instead of the elevator, run to the gym instead of drive, walk places instead of take a cab, squat at the toilet instead of sit (you’ll feel the burn if you don’t hold onto anything), kegels while typing this blog (did you ladies all just do one? Why is it that when someone says Kegel, you automatically do one -LOL) etc. It’s a mindset people. Once you start to feel good and see results, it will become second nature. Kegel – LOL. Ok, maybe not.
FEEDING TIME:
Overall I’m a healthy eater. This has been something I’ve learned to do for a number of years now. However, if you know me, you know that I am a pig and I’ve been called a Skinny Pig because I eat the things I love. I have trained my brain that MODERATION is key and if I’m a total pig, I know to kick it up an extra notch or two the next day at the gym. I have done a ton of reading on healthy boosters, fat busters and superfoods and this list is not backed by anything other than my expert opinion so do what you’d like with it.
Health Boosters – Eat 4-5 of these each day
Grapes, Blueberries, Tomatoes, Strawberries, Apples, Dark Chocolate, Salmon, Avocados, Beets, Lemon/Limes(squeeze into your water), Mushrooms.
Fat Busters – Eat 4-5 of these each day
Olive Oil, Edamame, Grapefruit, Beans/Legumes, Carrots, Chestnuts/Almonds/Pine Nuts, Figs, Horseradish, Mangos, Eggs, Lean Meats, Sprouts, Ginger/Cayenne/Blk Pepper (great metabolism boosters)
SuperFoods – Eat 4-5 of these each day
Sweet Potato/Squash/Pumpkin, Hummus, Cruciferous Veggies (brussels(ask me for my recipe), cabbage, cauliflower, brocc rabe), Dark Leafy Veggies (spinach, kale, swiss chard, seaweed), Alliums (leeks, onions, shallots, garlic), Whole Grains (Buckwheat, Quinoa – ask me for my Quinoa recipe), Spelt/Flax/Sesame Seeds, Yogurt (low fat – Coconut Milk, Soy, Greek), Walnuts (best nut for Omega 3), Miso (B12 and Zinc – great for immunity), Oregano (just 1/2 tst has same benefits as Spinach Salad)
When you get home, take a lipstick and write on your bathroom mirror in huge letters: NO EXCUSES!!! This should keep you motivated. The other great thing to keep you motivated is a FRIEND. Don’t go at it alone. Recruit someone that will motivate you and you can help motivate them. Also, as an important thing to note….. I have absolutely no background in nutrition or fitness training so the above is based on my own experiences, reading a ton of articles and books and what I’ve learned works for me. If you want this in Excel format, email me at hayley@vergemkg.com and I can send you a chart that you can print each day and put it on your wall to keep track of your progress. If you want to follow my motivational Pin Board on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/hayleybyer/fit-and-fab/
Thanks for reading.
Have a Happy and Healthy New Year, New You.
WT Hayley
WT Homage
4 Jan
This weekend we will say goodbye to a legacy that has been an integral part of our lives from the time we were born. As a child, I was strolled in a pram on it and was fed a bottle from its benches overlooking the ocean. As a kid, I rode my bike along side my parents and walked with no shoes. It left tiny splinters in my feet as I ran too fast to the ice cream stand. As a teen, it was there for many first kisses, long walks hand-in-hand and it watched from afar as I sat on its beach looking out at the ocean on a starry night. It provided shelter from passing rain storms on a hot summer day or a place to change out of a wetsuit. It keep me hidden from beach patrol while I snuck beers and smoked with my friends. It made a rattling noise as my bike slapped against its boards while I rode from Neptune to Grand, over and over again. I’ve jumped from its edge to avoid paying for a pass and sat with friends while they spent the summers as ticket takers. I’ve dripped ice cream and sprinkles on it, stubbed out a cigarette on it and left grains of long beach sand in its tiny crevasses. It gave me a place to sit to watch the surfers catch their waves, scope out the hot lifeguards or just enjoy a slurpy on a beautiful summer day. I’ve watched the summer crowds walk all over it and have enjoyed its solace on cold winter days. It gave us memories that will last a lifetime and will live forever in our hearts.
-WT Hayley 😦
Photo from CB Sullivan
WT Headcold
25 DecMany of my friends are currently laid up in bed suffering from some type of head cold, flu like symptoms or the misery of a stuffy nose and cough. After I posted comments on Facebook the other day about kicking the crap out of my cold in 24 hours, people have asked for my remedy. While I can’t guarantee it will help you all, I’m posting it for those that will do what it takes to get better as quickly as possible.
These are not in order of importance.
1. Mind over Matter. I’m a big believer that the mind is a powerful tool. I spend the first day of my cold in complete denial that I’m sick. It helps to keep repeating ‘I am not sick’ over and over and over again. Don’t just tell yourself, tell everyone around you. If that doesn’t work, keep reading.
2. Nasal Spray. I grew up in a house where my mother and brother were both addicted to Afrin. There was never a shortage of nose spray in any room you walked into. Why my dad didn’t take stock in this company is beyond me. Opening up the nasal passage is the first step to eliminating that feeling like your head is going to explode. My new fav is Sinex. Two squirts in each nostril and you feel like new.
3. Meds. I am not a fan of drugs. I believe that once you start them, your body gives up the fight because the drugs take over and extends the length of your cold. However, if you feel you must, Advil Cold and Sinus works pretty well.
4. Fluids. This is most important and you may not like what I’m about to say. You need to do ALL of the below.
Morning – EmergenC followed by a Fruit Juice with a boost. Like Naked or some other no sugar added, high in vitamins type of smoothie. Jamba Juice with an immunity boost is highly recommended but if you don’t have access, improvise.
Afternoon – cup of chamomile or black tea with two teaspoons of honey. Followed an hour or so later with a vitamin water zero – there is a flavor that includes Vitamin C.
Nighttime – another cup if tea with 2 teaspoons of honey.
Before bed – one mug full of Tropicana OJ. Here’s the kicker – heat it up in the microwave for 1 min. I know it sounds gross but this is what kicks the cold out. Trust me.
5. Food. The age old saying – feed a cold and starve a fever is true. You don’t have to pig out but high calorie and high vitamin means are key. Even though you can’t taste them, these are a few things you should include in your cold diet: chicken noodle soup with spinach, grilled cheese on whole wheat toast with a slice of tomato, rotisserie chicken – nice and juicy, steamed broccoli with fresh lemon juice. Stay away from dairy – too phlegmy.
6. Rest.
Tips from a friend: Vicks vapor rub under your nose and on your feet. Cover feet with socks after and go to bed.
Good luck and hope you feel better in no time.
WT Hungry
4 Dec
I’m sorry but I can’t help myself right now. I’ve never in my life watched the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and tonight, for shits and giggles, I’ve decided to tune in online (to watch the pre show). I’m all for a pretty face but I guess as I’ve gotten older, and gained respect for my body and have begun to treat it right, I am looking at this display of models and feeling sick. At 5’9 (i’m assuming this is the shortest model on the runway tonight), these girls don’t look like they’ve eaten for weeks. Not one of them, and I’m being honest, has any muscle tone in their arms or legs. HOW IS THIS ATTRACTIVE? As one of my guys friends recently put it – “I like meat on my women. Bone on bone does not feel good”. (i’m avoiding vulgarity here just to get the point across)
I’ve decided to write this blog as my boycott. I’m not even planning on turning on the TV to watch the actual show.
While training for the Tough Mudder, I experienced something that I’d like to share with everyone out there that has talked about setting a new goal for themselves. The mind is a powerful tool. I believe you can do anything you set your mind to. I was in decent shape when I started training for the TM. But I was not a runner or a hiker or someone that liked to give my body unnecessary electrical shocks. At the end of the day, I wanted to set a goal for myself to do something challenging. Something that was beyond what I thought I was capable of. I didn’t care how long it took me to do complete the course, I just wanted to make it to the end without damaging myself… and I did and it felt fucking amazing. Was it hard? Hell yes. I was sore for days. Had a stomachache for a week(don’t drink the muddy water) but as I crossed the finish line through the last obstacle (Electroshock Therapy is what they called it), I said “I can’t wait to do this again”. I couldn’t have been more proud of myself and my team for trooping it out and kicking ass. Should you do it? My answer would be ABSOLUTELY!!!! Set your mind to it, and Just Do It(Thanks Nike). And if you need someone to do it with, call me. I’d gladly do it again.
Why is it that we wait until December 31st when we’ve had too much to drink and too much food to eat during the holidays to set new goals for ourselves for the new year. My friend recently started a Facebook group called ‘No New Years Resolutions Ever’. I LOVE IT!!!! I’m declaring every day the time to start making changes. Be healthier, work out more, Be nicer to your spouse, quit smoking, stop cheating, have more sex – whatever it is you are doing (or not doing) that you are planning on stating to yourself or your closest friends when you’ve had too much to drink in a few weeks, SAVE IT. Wake up tomorrow and make the change. Any day is a good day to be a better person, be healthier, be happier, work harder, spend more time with your family or make a commitment to something or someone you love.
As for the people that want to look like a VS model, I have a new hashtag for you….. #StrongIsTheNewSkinny.
I’m including this poll and ask you ALL to vote. Occasionally I am wrong, so I’d love your feedback here. Don’t be shy.
WT Happy Birthday To Me
15 Nov
I am from a tight knit family no matter the distance, no matter the continent. From brotherly love I wouldn’t trade for anything, for whom I would give and do anything and love whole-heartedly and unconditionally.
I am from sharing and caring, treat others how you’d want to be treated, if you make a funny face and the wind blows it will be stuck that way, shit on a shingle, bloody hell, g-d give me strength, work hard play hard, don’t judge a book by its cover, beauty is only skin deep, don’t forget to call your mother and be home for supper.
I am from Atari’s frogger, pitfall, Donkey Kong and Nintendo’s Super Mario Brothers. I am from Black and White TV’s, Rabbit ear antennas and Cable scrambler boxes. I am from summers of boats, beaches and sleepaway camps and winters of ski trips, snow forts and snowball fights. I am from riding boardwalks and riding mountains and riding the roller coaster of life. I am from home cooked meals 7 days a week, family vacations, the ice cream man, playing till dusk and up at dawn. From Chicken soup, Matzoh brie and Grimlisch. From traditions, morals and values that are daily reflections of the past and the goals to achieve for the future.
I am from don’t sit on your ass, go get a job. From newspaper routes, babysitting, summer concessions, the ice rink, the yogurt parlour, office assistant, metro seliger, wells rich green, grey, organic and Verge. I am from success and entrepreneurs.
I am from life long friendships, unbroken bonds and everlasting memories. I am from HADIM. I am from Brooklyn via Russia/Poland meets Long Island via England. I am from a blind date gone right. I am from Long Beach, Montauk, Shandaken, Hartford, NYC, Utah and PW.
I am from daily challenges that make me stronger, from testing of wills and making concessions, from loving and losing but finding strength and respect to work together.
I am from my children. My angels, my light, my purpose, a piece of my heart and soul, my reasons for being that takes my breath away. I am now from Goodnight Moon, Elmo, Dora and Diego, Kai Lan and Mickey Mouse. I am from Ice cream covered noses and chins, long beach sand in little tiny crevasses, snow angels, runny noses and scraped up knees with tasty salty little tears.
I am from lucky – to have what I have, to be who I have become and to see clearly who and where I am going next. I am from ME.
WT Horney
16 Oct
Sorry if you’ve missed me. Maybe I need more followers to feel the need to do more posts. (Look to the right and sign up for the email version of my blog. I promise I wont spam you)
(PS -I’m testing titles to see what generates more hits – stay tuned for the results. I have a good feeling about this one)
I’ve had a few discussions recently with some girls friends, not to be named of course, and believe it or not, we talk about sex probably as much as men do. However, when we discuss it, there is a huge discrepancy between the married sex life and the single sex life. Single women don’t have a problem with ‘not wanting it’ because when they get it, they are happy to have it. However, the married sex life for 99% of people that I know, is based on a few key things. The woman wants it when….. she’s in the mood, the credit card bill has arrived (I have one friend that refers to this as Amex-Sex) or it’s been so long that she’s got no choice but to do it or she’ll end up in an argument with her hubby.
And after polling a few ladies to find out exactly what it is that makes them want to have sex with their husbands, I’ve come to a few conclusions. Guys, I know that I’ve got plenty of male fans out there that want to know how to get more sex out of their wives/girlfriends so you can thank me for this later. (Ladies, don’t be angry with me this should help you out as well). Here’s what I’ve uncovered.
There are a few categories that most, not all, married females fall into. It’s all about women WANTING. What do we want you ask? Well, some of us want ‘things – material things, while others want things done for us – like helping out around the house, making arrangements or taking the kids off of our hands. Then there are those of us that want to hear how good we look, how sexy we are or how much you ‘want’ us and don’t forgot those of us that want some physical connection – hand holding, a snuggle or smooch. Last but not least are those of us that want to spend time with the ones we love. Most importantly, is that you, as the MAN, need to know which category your significant other falls into. While it’s not always about what WE want, it’s also about you not doing basically everything that YOU want to do. Time at home, means time alone. If you want some time to yourself guys, put in the time at home. Not so hard. Want to play poker one night? Bring her some flowers(or expensive jewels), bathe the kids, tell her she looks pretty, plan a date night. We’re not complicated if you can just figure us out. Is that an oxymoron? LOL. Also, don’t be a dumb ass, know what the signs are for ‘I’m not in the fucking mood no matter what you do’.
WE ARE Cyclical: Women are on a cycle, as you all very well know, and that gives us one week, give or take a few days, that we don’t want you near us. While some of us use that as an excuse, it has been said that women are actually hornier when they are going through their cycle. If your woman isn’t, then try her about 7-10 days later when she’s ovulating. Our bodies are machines and our hormones ensure that we are giving off plenty of pheromones during the time we ovulate so that the male can sense it and come calling. Some of you men, think you sense it all the time but that’s probably one of your issues.
In conclusion, spend some time tonight thinking about your ‘ significant other’ and trying to figure out what category they fit into. It’s not just about us ladies, men fall into these categories too.
WTHayley
*Photo courtesy of Forbidden Fruit NYC
WT Hallelujah
11 OctBen Harper at Carnegie Hall on 10/10/12. He prefaced the song saying that one of the greatest moments of his musical career was meeting THE Jeff Buckley, who asked Ben to teach him how to play the slide guitar. Does it get cooler than that?
This will move you. There really are no words. Sit back, close your eyes (since the video was taken from afar and you can’t see much anyway) and just let it take you to wherever your mind wants to go.
Enjoy.
WTHayley
WT HAL
26 SepHappy New Year to all of my fellow MOT’s. For those of you who don’t know what MOT is – Members Of the Tribe or Fellow Jews. If you’re not a fellow Jew, HNY to you anyway – a few months early.
This time of year is especially hard for me. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur have always been a traditional time of year for my family and the time of year that my dad and I would sit in Shul together, his arm around me, snuggling close while I played with the fringes on his Tallis as he hummed to the music and pretended to know the words to all the songs. He would bob up and down and when it came to a word he knew, like Amen, he was as loud as ever. It was embarrassing when you’re 9 years old but thinking back on it now makes me smile. I still remember exactly where we used to sit in the Synagogue, same row every time, all the way to the far side so I’d have to walk length the room to get to him, avoiding eye contact with Rabbi Miller and Cantor Mendelson the entire time. I miss him every day, but during these days in temple, I miss him more than ever.
It’s sad how when our parents are alive we take for granted the time that we have with them. How often do you sit down with your parents and ask them questions about their youth or their life experiences. Have you ever sat and listened to your parents when they are talking to their peers and reminiscing about a memory from way back when? About 15 years ago, I decided that I wanted to learn more about my dad. He was 46 when he had me and while this doesn’t seem so old as I’m approaching 40, back then it was.
So I sat him down with a list of questions and asked him to give me the answers to them. And without hesitation he did. I sat with his answers for a while not really knowing what to do with it. I had always felt that my dad lived such an interesting life but little did I know how interesting it was. After almost 3 years of not having my dad around, I am so thankful that I got to know him on another level and took the time to do it. I feel his presence now more than ever and especially his divine intervention over the last few months. Don’t wait until you have a sick parent or until it’s too late to truly get to know your parents. Even if you think their life isn’t all that interesting, you’ll be amazed at what you might find out. *I had started this post a few days ago and meant to post it before the holiday but didn’t get a chance. Now I know why. The President of my temple said a few words this morning about ‘Leaving our Footprints’ when we are no longer here. This ties back so closely to what I was saying about our parents. What is that people will say about you when you are no longer here. What do you want people to remember you for? What, other than the basics, do you know about your parents from their past? What is the story that you’ll be telling their grandchildren and great grandchildren in years to come? The time to dig deeper into their lives is now, while they are still here. It’s also a time to reflect on ourselves and in the words of Rabbi Z, to look at the road ahead at what we’d like to achieve in our lives and what we’d like people to remember us for.
Some of you may have already seen this because I posted it on FB after losing my dad. It’s the obituary that I read at his funeral. It pretty much sums him up (I’ll let you know when i finally get his biography published):
*******************************************************************
Hal is From….
A few months ago I was at a business event and was asked to participate in an exercise entitled ‘I am from’. It makes you think about your history and who you are because of what you came from. Over the last few days I’ve been reflecting about my father – who he was, what he meant to me and most importantly – where he was from. Many of you here today cover different decades of knowing my dad but I wanted to give you a little taste of where Hal is from. If he were to have written this about himself this is what he might have said:
I am from Herman and Irene – loving, devoted mother whose standards I held to when seeking out my own life partners. Hard working, Old Spice smelling, unaffectionate, and tough love giving father.
I am from fresh off the boat from Russia/Poland, the Bronxville section of Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Long Beach sand in my shoes and the 9th hole of the General at PGA. I am from Coney Island, Jacob Reese Park, weekends in the Catskills, sand dunes of Canarsie and Far Rockaway and Reynolds Channel.
I am from Duncan Yo-yo contests, checkers with Bottlecaps, Marbles, stick ball, street fights and dancing at the Paramount. From Benny Goodman, Glen Miller, Frank Sinatra and Red Buttons.
I am from chicken soup from scratch, Lilly’s Ruggalah, matzoh brie, grimmslich, Dim Sum – Temple Beth Shalom. I am from Zoot Suits, Bell Bottoms, Peatcoats. Palmade, Pompadors and Mustaches.
I am from the WWII, US Navy – boot camp in Sampson NY, stationed in Norman Oklahoma, tour in Guam, ending in Saipan. I am from a never-ending love of the water – from My Two Sons, Bulk Rate and Plane Folks. Summers in Fire Island, day trips to Short Beach and Wantagh State Park, Snug Harbor in Montauk NY. Epis. I am from conception on row-boats, snapper fishing on dingies and big eye tuna hunts on 37 ft Silvertons. I am from falling in love with airplanes at the age of 8, attending the Manhattan High School of aviation trades and 75 years later joining the RC Bush Pilots at the flying fields in West Palm.
I am from work – stuffing spices into envelopes in 1939, selling magazines and flowers, walking dogs, selling trades on Wall Street, the Garment Center, making donuts, printing at Metro, Foster Securities, Committeeman in the 18th district of Long Beach, Championship Show Dogs, Ancestral Land Company of Ireland, NuFoam, Fosters Gourmet Café, Gold Plated Golf Cards, Electrolux Salesman, Magnetic Bracelets, Hurricane Shutters and up until one week ago, Hurricane Shutter Windows. I am from never wanting to retire and never letting myself do it.
I am from two wives – married at 23 to Marilyn, mother of Ronnie, heart-wrenching loss after 18 years. I am from bachelorhood in my 40’s, from woman chasing me down the street with mattresses strapped to their backs only to find an amazing woman on a random blind date in 1969. I am from Susan – a second chance at love and life, my support system, beautiful both inside and out, iconic mother and devoted wife – even till the bitter end.
I am from a second family in London – Jimmy and Sadie – second parents, fun loving, hardworking, salt beef boiling, pastry making, American car driving in-laws. John, Sandra, Tracy, Rochelle, Jimmy and Simon.
I am from my children – Ronnie, Bradley and Hayley Beth. Speechless at what they have achieved, who they are and what they have become. Chef, Business Developer, Entrepreneurs – success. I am from Barbara, Melissa and Darin – my other three children where the term in-law never applied, always part of my family and forever a special place in my heart. I am from Uma, Pilara, Marley and Jackson – my four little princesses that gave me overwhelming joy, thousands of smiles and a reason to fight for my life these last few months. I am from to-know-me is to love me, short-tempered, selective hearing, tenacious, always doing it my way, roaring like a lion but soft as a pussycat. I am Proud and fulfilled and now I have moved on. I am from Forever.
In memory of my dad, WTH
WTPhilly
8 Sep
Philadelphia….. Wow. What a weekend. I will start off by saying how much I truly adored the city and the area we stayed in. While I won’t judge Philly on the people (since I don’t want to insult a few nameless Philly friends)but based on what showed up at this music festival, I will say that a) I saw some of the ugliest, scariest looking people I’ve ever seen in my life(photos for your entertainment pleasure below), b) people in Philly Music Festivals have the WORSE sense of style EVER and c) I’m horrified that I have two girls and am strongly considering locking them in the house until they are 21. 
Food. My favorite was Dandelions – a small, upscale British pub-type feel on 18th and Walnut. If you ever end up there, please get the fries. I saw them after I had already eaten and almost offered the table next to me $10 just to try one. Big phat steak fries, well done with salt crystals and a side of malt vinegar. Yummy. Late night dining at Little Pete’s (open 24 hrs on 17th/Chancellor) wasn’t all it was cracked up to be but when you’re as hungry as we were at midnight, there aren’t many options. Best part about Little Pete’s was the old school cigarette machine in the front entrance.
Music. I will sum up the two day festival of music by saying this: Pearl Jam ROCKED the house(as usual) with a mix of their ‘best of’ and a few random songs here and there. Run DMC still has it (even without Jam Master Jay). They gave us all of the old school jams like ‘It’s like that’, ‘Tricky’, ‘My Adidas’, ‘Mary Mary’, ‘Peter Piper’ and ‘Walk This Way’. I truly felt like I was in High School again. Jay Z, who I’ve never seen live before, was awesome and brought a few guys up on stage with him to keep it interesting. I am now a big fan of Gary Clark Jr. He’s got guitar riffs along the lines of Hendrix and a fantastic stage presence. Also want to shout out to Jill Scott, Drake and Calvin Harris who mixed it up big time in the Freedom Tent, a.k.a. the Molly tent. If you don’t know what this is, which my sorry old self didn’t, it’s the new name for Ex. (Scary) Given that the festival was called Made in America, it took me a few hours to figure out why so many people were decked in Red/White/Blue attire. (I was extremely tired that first day and brain was not functioning all that well). Speaking of tired, I was truly impressed with myself for being able to fall asleep in the midst of a raucous called MMG and I was very thankful for the VIP status I obtained from Gilt Group.
Here are some of the outfit highlights….. Enjoy.
WTHayley
wthayley 