COLD

        You know those little tidbits of information that your parents give you, and you are sure that they will save your life one day? Okay, maybe that was a little dramatic, but you catch my drift.  Well, my dad told me a long time ago about the COLD acronym that he learned in the army.  Every time the weather gets below freezing or I find myself getting dressed for an extended amount of time in the below-freezing temperatures, I remember what my dad told me.  With the ice storms moving through the mid-south, consider this to be my PSA to you.  You're welcome.  

       C- Clean. The first step to staying warm in freezing temperatures is to stay clean.  

       O- Avoid Overheating. If you're outside for an extended period of time while doing something physical (such as skiing, running, working, etc.) pace yourself.  If you overheat, your body temperature rises and it speeds up your breathing through the mouth.  When you are breathing cold air constantly, your airways tighten making it easier to hyperventilate. 

       L- Dress in Layers. This one probably seems obvious to all of you.  However, it can go deeper than just wearing close to every article of clothing you own.  It is very important if you are going to be doing physical activities outside that you wear breathable clothing options.  You need all of the moisture whisked away from from your skin, so wear man-made materials, wool, or fleece.  Never wear cotton as a base layer.  Cotton traps moisture...  

       D- Stay Dry. ...and prevents the ability to follow the final tip for staying warm.  This final point kind of sums up the entire acronym.  Dirty, overheated people that wear cotton produce sweat.  Sweat is a liquid.  Sweat and other bodily fluids freeze.  You know how in cartoons when it gets really cold and the characters have icicles hanging from their noses? That's an extreme scenario, but if you're trapped on the side of the road or stranded while hiking, this is a possibility.  Make sure that you stay dry! 

       So there it is.  I don't have any medical or military training.  This is just what I've been told by my dad who was in the army for upwards of 15 years.  If you see any errors in this post, please let me know! And stay safe and warm out there! 

Day Late and a Dollar Short

     
        Well, well, well... I know it's rather belated, but, Happy New Year! For NYE I was kinda lame.  I did get dressed up in a slinky sequin shirt, tight black pants, and killer black heels, but I ended up staying home and drinking sparking apple cider while watching Braveheart with my mom and brother.  We also played Uno. Hardcore, I know. It actually was a lot of fun.  We nonchalantly said "Happy new year" to each other at midnight.  After our film was over, I updated my Facebook status with the typical "this year changed me so much, etc." But in all honesty, I did cry at midnight (or shortly thereafter).  Thinking about this past year and the year to come made me emotional.
        I know that by now, you're all tired of hearing about everyone else's New Years resolutions.  Alas, I must share what mine are.  I'll make them quick. I promise.
        1. Stop complaining.  I have this unfortunate ability to turn any awkward situation into one where you want to get away from me as soon as possible (and it's not because I am an awkward person).  Whenever I'm in a situation where I may be a little uncomfortable or the conversation has slowed and you reach the 7-second mark of silence, I interject the first complaint that I can think of.  *groans* "I'm sleepy. Ugh, I think I ate too much.  I think it's too cold in here. I have a headache. School is awful, isnt it?" And the list goes on and on.  I'm positive that I may have ruined my fair share of relationships because of my complaining.  So this year, I am going to be happy and stop moaning about everything when I get uncomfortable.  That goes for blogging too.  If I don't have anything nice to type, I'm just not going to type.
       2. Get back to being a flexitarian.  A New Years resolution list wouldn't be complete without a fitness goal, right? Two years ago, I read The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.  I learned that he was, in fact, a vegetarian! I had always wanted to try it, but I desperately love meat.  A trip to Texas de Brazil every once in a while is a must.  My mouth is literally watering thinking about their perfectly rare flank steak.  See? I couldn't ever commit to being a full vegetarian.  I did a little searching on the interwebs, and found something called flexiterianism.  Basically, you're a vegetarian 95% of the time.  If you just cannot live without Cider Braised Chicken Thighs (like I made for dinner last night), then eat them! I did feel much healthier when I was eating like that.  I plan to add so many more beans though. It can be hard to get all the protein you need if you aren't careful.  I'm going back.  It's awesome.
        3. Learn to knit and embroider. Finally, I need a hobby.  I spend far too much time on the computer *coughPinterestcough* I've decided that I need something to pass the time other than being on the internet.  Plus, you get to make cool stuff! I've already decided to take some classes with a good friend of mine to learn the right way.  Oh and since I'm talking about crafty stuff, I've also decided to participate in The Paper Mama's 52 Weeks drawing plan.  More on that tomorrow!