Cheers to the Vax Selfie

Dr. Christina Yannetsos... aka ... My first vaccinated friend. 

I thought I would feel jealous. 

In December, my doctor and nurse friends posted their vaccine photos. Several were eligible in the first week and my two sizes two small heart warmed. 

I’ve never wanted to be a doctor or nurse. Too much memorizing, too much bodily fluids, too much life or death ... 

But I know how hard this year has been for those in the field and the vaccine seemed like a much overdue reward for people who put their lives on the line. 

So when the news came that first responders would be vaccinated, I cheered. 

But secretly I worried. 

It’s easy to be happy for the health care workers. 

Let’s be honest, regardless of how you feel about whether you would get the vaccine, not being happy for health care workers would pretty much make you an asshole. 

But I wondered how I would feel as we moved through the phases ... 

I’m Phase Last in almost every state. I’m now hopeful for May. 

I thought as we roll through the phases that I would get jealous of my friends who get their crack at the vaccine weeks and months before I’ll get my go at a lottery that will put buying tickets to see Garth Brooks open for Hamilton to shame. 

I’ve seen articles about whether people should or shouldn’t post selfies before, during or after the vaccine. 

And I say please do. 

Because I’ve been pleasantly surprised that each selfie makes me a little more hopeful. 

Hopeful that the selfie taker won’t have to suffer through COVID. 

Hopeful that his or her family will be more protected. 

Hopeful that people will see the photo and be inspired to sign up. 

Hopeful that I’m one step closer to mine. 

Hopeful that we’re all one step closer to a return to whatever the new normal shall be. 

Friday Favorites

A few weeks ago, an old friend came to town and asked, as he has since 2003: “When are you going to write a book?”

Spoiler Alert: This is NOT my book announcement. In fact, the last time I tried to write a book, I was 10. (For those wondering how it ended ... it was about cheerleaders and it ended in a trash can. Which is where it belonged). 

But the conversation reminded me (yet again) that I don’t write for fun anymore. I write a lot for work. But personally? I can’t even keep up a planner, let alone a journal or a book. 

I can’t even keep up with Sir Sebastian’s desire to make out pandemic cards. 

So I’m trying again ... and figured I’d start with something fun and easy. 

With that in mind, I’m bringing back Friday Favorites ... My hodgepodge collection of what’s making me smile this week. 

Loving ... 

In the world where I didn’t expect to truly see much of Colorado Springs this summer ... ok, let’s be real ... I don’t see much of Colorado Springs during any summer ... 

But trapped in our Covid America, I went to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for the first time in longer than I care to admit. In June, the ability to participate in something outside that wasn’t hiking had a fair bit of appeal and zoo tickets were the summer’s hot item in town. 

So I spent a Sunday afternoon hanging with the giraffes ... and elephants ... and wallabies ... and penguins. 

And then somehow the magic of a friend on the Gram convinced me that if I bought a membership, I could go hang with the giraffes before work and have a cup of coffee (a beverage I don’t drink) and decompress. 

And so I plunked down the loot. 

I’ve now been twice more by myself, plus another trip with friends and, though I still don’t drink coffee, an early morning visit to feed the giraffes might be the best way to Covid destress yet. 

Eating ...

Let’s be real ... if there’s gonna be a food category, there’s gonna be carbs and Ristorante di Sopra does them quite well. 

During the pandemic, Sopra decided to do a rebrand and, poof, slap a bunch of extra letters before your name and it’s like a whole new world!

For those who haven’t been, Sopra was historically Italian tapas. 

Then the world got got Covid and Chef Franco got a fancy pasta machine from Italy. 

Which means that Sopra meets my pandemic eating requirements ... outdoors, lots of carbs, wine and bonus points for pasta. 

And, while we did order, um, three appetizers for three people (meatballs, pancetta and burrata plate and crostini with ricotta for those keeping track) ... it was the entrees that stole the show. 

And sorry, not sorry, that we killed the entrees so fast that there’s no pix. 

But here goes ... 

The cacio e pepe was solid. This isn’t Restaurant X, it didn’t come in a parm bowl. I’m not sure my toes curled. But it was pretty damn good. Butter, cheese, noodles and pepper with homemade bucatini. Definitely not Weight Watchers approved. But you’ll die happy. 

Next up: Pappardelle All Aragosta. Pasta life lesson: If somebody tells you about they make noodles in-house, always get pappardelle. It’s thick and yummy and that’s where the actual difference between “made by hand” and “emptied out of a box” comes out. Aragosta isn’t Italian for lobster. I am not a lobster fan, but I’m near to tell you ... doesn’t matter. Also, the East Coaster at the table deemed the lobster to be legit, cause, ya know ... you cant take my word for such things. 

And finally mushroom and Gorgonzola risotto. Again with the disclaimers ... I rarely order risotto. And I hate mushrooms. Neither matters because it’s damn good. My only caution is that it’s HEAVY. I’m not sure I could eat a whole entree and we know I don’t say that often. 

After allllllll of that ... we had no interest in dessert. But our new bestie, Chef Franco, had other plans and he sent out the full set of desserts. Wouldn’t say the desserts were my favorite part of the meal, but we also didn’t leave a bite behind soooooo ... 

Also, we pretty much took up residency at the table (I know I know!), but we tipped well and the last hour and a half is Franco’s fault as he came to say hello, stayed for a while and then we all got to have some teaching moments, let’s say. The man’s got stories and, well, ya know ... we had to at least try and come close to matching the entertainment. 

Food was amazing. Staff was awesome. There’s a patio in a pandemic. Do you need to know anything else? 

Watching ... 

House. 

Yeah, House. There’s 5,000 newly released shows every other day and yet ... I’m bingeing House. 

Is it because I think my favorite medical curmudgeon is going to fix Covid? 

No. 

Though he could probably do a better job than we’re currently doing. 

It’s because I ❤️ a good medical drama and the characters are both fabulous and absurd. 

Also my mother once told me that I’m the female House. 

If you’ve seen the show ... this isn’t exactly meant as a compliment. 

Listening To ... 

30 for 30: Heavy Medals

I feel like I should clarify up front ... This isn’t a seven episode series about Nassar. He’s referenced. You can’t not reference him when doing hours of coverage on the history of the Karolyis. 

But this is the story of how the weird and successful and tragic dynasty that was Bela and Marta’s impact on the world of gymnastics came to be ... from their days coaching in Romania to how they defected to the United States on a gymnastics tour to Mary Lou, Kerri, Simone and everybody in between (including a great episode with the rivalry between Bela and Steve Nuno at the 92 Games if you’re into being gymnastics nerdy). 

There’s a few notable names who won’t talk ... and never will (ahem Nadia, Mary Lou, Kim ...) But the heavy hitter list is long ... Plus ESPN ponied up allllll the dollars for access to lots and lots of Games audio — both calling the action and interviews after. 

If you follow gymnastics, you’re aware of the Ranch and the carnage left behind in the pursuit of all of those medals. 

But the history of how everything got to that point ... and what the Karolyis were like in Romania ... with interviews of gymnasts from each generation ... that’s what makes the podcast worth the listen. 

40 Before 40

As  I look at the graphic for this post, I’m strongly reconsidering this whole 40 Befote 40 concept.

Maybe ... maybe instead of a bucket list, I need 40 cupcakes to eat (or bake???) before 40.

But alas no.

When I asked for suggestions I got amazing ideas of trips around the world and climbing Sydney Harbor Bridge (which I’ll do some day, honest!)

But instead I wanted a more normal list. Things I’ve never done, but should have. Things I enjoy and don’t make time for. Things to fix. Things to get better at.

You’ll most likely look at some of the verbiage and ask “why does it read like that?” Because I write for a living and have spent too much time around lawyers in my life. That’s why.

Also, because it’s my list. And I said so.

With alllllll of that said, here you go ...

I’m sharing partially because of accountability. And partially because all of these would be better with partners in crime.

So stake your claim early (so I can schedule my procrastination properly of course)...

Forty before 40

1. Take a road trip 
2. Take a trip to a U.S. city I’ve never been to. 
3. Host a dinner party. 
4. Replace floor in living room.
5. Fix flute. 
6. Run a half in under 2:30. 
7. Buy a personal camera. 
8. Have grownup finances. 
9. Have a no social media week. 
10. Lose 40 pounds. 
11. Wear a bikini. 
12. Hike something impressive.
13. Eat a salad. 
14. Find a personal mantra. 
15. Get a hobby. 
16. Read 40 books. 
17. Get a housekeeper.
18. Try lash extensions. 
19. Volunteer for something substantive. 
20. Paint house (including cabinets). 
21. Donate blood. 
22. Join a book club. 
23. Grow something in a pot and don’t kill it. 
24. Make photobooks from vacations. 
25. Make a brunch club. 
26. Eat dinner in restaurants for all four nights at a NAC. 
27. Visit a dermatologist.
28. Get teeth whitened. 
29. Have a picnic. 
30. Make a new recipe every day for a week. 
31. Visit the sand dunes. 
32. Happy hour with the giraffes. 
33. Paddle boarding. 
34. Play 18 holes of golf (or nine, let’s be real!)
35. Ski weekend. 
36. Pull off a surprise 
37. Spring training 
38. Leash train Sir Sebastian. 
39. Row 500m in 1:29. 
40. Wild card 

The Olympic Sports I Shouldn't Try

Every four (two?) years I watch the Olympic Games (or live them as the case may be) and I have a tendency to think "what if?"

I was never an athletic kid and I think I got a bit trapped in the typical Midwest Catholic school cycle of "if you suck at basketball, volleyball, soccer or softball, you should give up now."

But I'm a bit too old to ponder my Olympic would-be dreams for too long. 

(Though if you must know, if I got a do-over button, if have been a rower. Think about it ... Perfect, right?)

But that's no fun to blog about. 

So let's talk about the sports I see on TV and go "Oh helllllllls no" to whether I ever could have done any of the following ... 

1. Pole vault

I love watching the pole vault. It's beautiful. It's athletic. Everybody's strong, but they still fly ... 

That said ... Why would I want to fly? There's planes for that. The pure thought makes me queasy. 

And, let's be honest... I'm uncoordinated and I'd probably break my neck or die. 

2. Synchronized swimming

I grew up a pool rat. 

Love swimming. 

Right side up dammit. 

Swimming upside down? With your nose plugged? Covered in makeup and sequins? 

Nooooo thank you. It's hard as hell and I have much respect for synchronized swimmers. 

But no. I'll pass on the glitter.

3. Platform Diving

Full disclosure ... I'd be a terrible diver. Forget that I don't have the right body type ... I'd just be awkward and terrible. 

But that's not the problem.

I'd be awkward and terrible at most sports. 

A friend once tried me to go down a luge start track. I spent 40 minutes trying to get up the nerve and sitting shaking on a sled. 

(Btw ... This luge start track is in a garage. Do you know what that means? It's not that high).

I'm just a baby. 

And I can't imagine how you force yourself to jump off ledge that's three or four stories in the air. Never mind the spinning and flipping and the belly flopping that would inevitably occur ...

4. Boxing 

Being hit in the head. 'Nuff said.

5. Rhythmic Gymnastics

Realistically, I couldn't do artistic gymnastics either when I never learned how to do a cartwheel as a child. 

But combine the athleticism of artistic gymnastics with the choreography of rhythmic and my coordination level? 

You've got a poorly written SNL skit. 

Though, perhaps for another blog I really should try all of the above ... Except someone's gotta foot the bill on the insurance policy first ... 

An NBC Moment in Rio

Over the past few Games, my blogs have become an entity of their own. 

Usually funny, sometimes fuzzy ... They were a chance for me to tell the stories you don't see.

This Games I was a little hard up for topics ... For funny, goofy moments ... For inspiration I suppose. 

So my apologies. 

But my last night in Rio, one fell into my lap. 

After a day of running around from one end of the city to the other and back again, I had plans to spend my last night at USA House meeting up with friends, having a beverage or two and finally getting to burn one of the two free passes we get without spending the night working. 

I had one last interview though. Other than the logistics of getting into the village to pick up the athlete (three buses right there) and getting credentials into the broadcast building which might have involved emailing some paper offering my seventh born child's soul 96 hours in advance, this was an easy activity. 

I was in for an affiliate interview. No hard questions ... Just some hometown love for an athlete. And, bonus, we were getting dinner first so I could catch up and be social without the hustle and bustle that comes with all the running around.  

And it was easy. The local station was great to deal with, super excited to see their hometown girl. The rain was minimal. The shot looked great.

And then one of the staff said to Kat: "Hey, do you have time to take a tour around?" 

"Ummmmm, yes please" was pretty close to the reply.

And then the magic happened. 

By this point, I'd made multiple rounds of the NBC halls during what is coined as "Managing Victory." And the NBC staff is great. They run a tight ship and everything is calculated down to the minute. Britt and Jennie and crew were great to our athletes (and made sure every one of them was well fed, properly coiffed and made up), but there's not a lot of free time due to that whole, ya know, schedule thing.

But then this guy we'd never met ... Who probably had 500 things to do ... Decided to take a good 45 minutes to show a first-time Olympian around. 

You see, Kat's a women's épée fencer and they missed the medal rounds by one touch. In overtime.

Painful. 

But it also meant that this was her first time seeing the inside of the crazy circus that is NBC at the Games. 

And, while she was just supposed to swing by for a quickie interview, the staffer gave her the full red carpet. A look at the control room ... A trip to the cafeteria. Complete with desserts and McCafe. A visit to the newsroom and pix with the Buzzfeed guys. 

And then a trip to the studio itself where they had a break from taping, so the host who had interviewed several medalists previously chatted her up. The production crew had the lights pulled up for her to take pictures. The backdrop was changed because they thought the flame was a better picture. She was invited to take more pictures at the anchor desks.

The Olympian was like a kid at Christmas and the crew (who admittedly had some downtime before the evening show) loved having an athlete who was just having fun on set with no pressure and no ticking clock. 

At the end, I joked that maybe she should skip med school and go into television and Kat was on cloud nine after "one of the coolest experiences" of the Games.

The whole thing reminded me that, after all the nail biting and stress and drama that goes into this five ring circus is done, the Olympics really is a magical experience. 

And the staff at NBC may or may not have known that they made the day of an athlete who will hopefully be back on that set in four years with a medal. But, for now, she got to live it up in the Peacock Castle and knows what she's in for in Tokyo. And her PR wench got to be reminded of why we all sign on for four years of crazy. 

Friday Favorites

Since clearly I'm having another day where I'm not obsessed with sleep, let's talk about what I am loving today. 

Ranger Up Leggings

Let's just call this Instagram marketing at it's finest. 

These bad boys ended up on my feed a few weeks ago and, though they have ZERO practicality, they're kind of amazing. 

P.S. The site these are on is more than a little weird for my taste. But the leggings are so badass that I can probably get pat that. 

A Post Rio Sabattical

You know what I really want after the Olympics? Six weeks to go into hiding. Maybe bum around Italy. 

For a while I had fantasies of a week in Costa Rica (cause, let's be honest, Brazil is going to be packed with tourists and not sure I have any interest in that).

As reality sets in, I think my most practical option is going to be a long weekend in Vegas. 

But someday I would love four weeks to just go BE. 

Maybe I'll pull a Malia Obama and call it my gap month. 

My Psuedo-Gallery Wall 

In response to too many years of having my blank kitchen wall mock me, I've decided to make it something of a gallery wall. 

So I'll be hanging nine(ish) canvases on the wall with the only theme being that they have to be travel photos that are actually mine (which is painful since I'm still IN LOVE with Serge's wave photo from Brazil) and they can't involve people.

Two down, seven to go ...  

Friday Favorites

Since clearly one of my favorite things to do (sleep) isn't happening, I've decided it still counts as Friday if Saturday's sun hasn't come up yet. 

Thus my latest attempt at Friday Favorites. 

Half Marathons 

I haven't run a spring half since the Nike Women's Half Marathon in DC two years ago and realllllly need some motivation to run. But my April is a disaster and clearly I'm not in shape to do anything in March. Which leaves me with May. 

Strangely, I've never done a half marathon in Colorado (ok not really ... I run at sea level on purpose, dammit). So I'm thinking of the Colfax Half in Denver on May 15. 

If nothing else, the course loops through the Denver Zoo... How miserable could 13.1 miles possibly be if there's giraffes involved? 

Pools 

Let's talk about what I didn't do this week ... Lay by a pool. 

We did Media Summit this week in La and it was amazing and fabulous and everything else.

But I was at the Beverly Hilton for six days and didn't get to lay by the pool once. 

Why? Because I was #SoBusy? That too I suppose, but no ... I could have rearranged flights. Indeed, it's because it was 60 degrees in LA for the entire week. 

I went to a reception by the pool. I had dinner with one of my athletes by the pool. I ate s'mores by myself next to the pool when everyone had left ... But get in the pool I did not. I even bought a new swimsuit. And nope. 

So I'm obsessed both with the pool I didn't swim in and trying to get in a weekend trip to someplace where I can find sun and sparkly chlorinated water. 

Don't get me wrong ... I'd love a beach. But it's an Olympic year. That shall wait. 

In case anyone is interested in the pool I DIDN'T swim in, here it is ... All pretty and decked out for the opening night reception ... 

The Team USA Bear 

The USOC announced that they are rolling out a special edition bear in January and they held a naming contest for the fool thing to come up with Spirit. 

Other than the part where every time I hear it my head goes "We've got spirit, yes we do ... We've got spirit, how bout you?" ... It's a lovely name. 

The catch is that the damn bear is $90.

Yeah, you read that right. NINETY. 

It makes me cringe to read it. It makes me cringe to type it ... And yet that's less than a whole world of purses, so there's that. 

I have to say, though, having seen the bear firsthand this week, he's kind of amazing in person. 15" tall with a little Team USA outfit and shoes. I almost stole it about 10 times. 

Let's be honest ... I'm truly surprised nobody did steal it. 

Is it bad to be in your 30s and deciding your birthday gift to yourself is quite possibly going to be a stuffed animal? 

I mean, at least it's not a tattoo. Or a diamond. Right?