Hurricane 2013: Mickey, 13.1 Miles & the Flu

The last two months have (insert cliche about time flying here). In a Rip Van Winkle kinda way, I feel as though I took a quick nap mid-January and woke up browsing for Easter baskets. If only I felt as if I'd gotten that much sleep...

Instead, we've been either in "fast forward" or "full stop" mode all year long. SO much has happened!

The survivor in the top left was my coach!

On January 12th, Bradley and I joined Greenville's Team in Training to run the Walt Disney World Half Marathon. Yes, that's right! We raised a total of $2500 to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society;  it was an unspeakably empowering, surprisingly fun and absolutely enjoyable experience - start to finish.

I worried so much about the 2:30am wake-up call that I couldn't sleep past 1:00!

For a couch potato, nap-loving supporter of the Great Indoors, running 13.1 miles at the crack of dawn and living to tell the tale was enough of an accomplishment for all of 2013. I should start writing "run a half marathon" at the top of each day's to do list, just so I can cross one big, fat item off without breaking a sweat.

B and I in our corral, just minutes before he left me in the dust.

After the trauma and craziness of 2012, I needed to channel my energy into something positive, something outside myself. In August I began training with TNT, and despite an injury in December, I was able to cross the finish line upright and proud.

Cue tears.

The support of onlookers and other runners meant so much during those long miles, especially the miles eight through ten, which felt interminable!

And more tears.

Wearing my purple Team in Training jersey got me a lot of attention - coaches, participants, supporters and survivors from across the country called out, cheered, gave high fives and even ran alongside me for a time. It was invigorating and just what I needed to get me to the finish line.

So ready to be done!

I ran the last half-mile of the race listening to Mary Brooks' laugh over and over again. My feet hurt, my ankle was killing me, and I was ready for a plate full o' carbs. Her angelic little giggle, though, saw me through.

She taught me a lot about what it means to fight, and I was proud to feel like I'd made a difference in cancer patients' lives (through our fundraising) as so many people poured into our family last year. 

B and I walked off the effects of our (very early) morning "jog" by spending the next day and a half in WDW's parks. It was a refreshing little break from our everyday lives, and a very welcome one.

I was achy and tired on the way home, but after 13.1 miles, another 15 or so over two days in the parks, and an eight-hour car ride, it was to be expected.

Not 24 hours after we made it home, though, I started feeling much, much worse. The achiness grew into a full body hurt; I felt like I'd been on the losing end of a bar fight with a raging cold, to boot. I woke up the next morning and dragged my unhappy derriere to the doctor, The diagnosis: flu.

Both babies had gotten the flu vaccine, thank goodness, but we sent them to their grandparents' nonetheless. After a weekend in Orlando and the most contagious days of the flu quarantined, I spent three hours in direct contact with my children over the course of eight days; it was wretched.

After a full week of bedrest, I felt human enough to venture out into the world and, a day or so later, to have Mac and Mary Brooks come back home. It was a joy to see their sweet faces, change little diapers, fill hungry mouths, and hear their noises in the house again.

The energy to shower, if not apply mascara, was something to celebrate.

Turns out "they" are quite serious about the importance of getting your flu vaccine, peeps. And the muscle soreness that typically follows a 13.1 mile stroll can mask the early achiness of flu symptoms. Who knew?

With any luck, this will be my first and only run in with the flu - there aren't enough words to describe the un-fun-ness of that experience.

Just as soon as I got rid of my feverish flu symptoms, it was time to plan Mary Brooks' birthday party at last. It was late January, and my "V Day is D Day" motto had finally come to life. No more time for denial...

I promise to catch up more soon, but this online scrapbook doesn't do me much good if I don't use it. Many of you may have caught up with me via Instagram, the Twitter of 2013, but I'm going to prove to myself that blogging is not an outdated mode of communication chez Smith. Promise.

Hope each of you are well and keeping up with the real world a bit better than I am! Go get that flu shot, y'all - it's worth your time, trust me.

xoxo

Day 27: Solo Saturday

Mac and Mary Brooks are still in Columbia with my parents, so today was spent taking full advantage of our sans kids time.

The smile is a lie here; it was still dark out!

We woke up at 5:45 am (eep - that hurt) for a group run across town on Furman's gorgeous campus.

Biscuit tiiiiiime!

I was far happier afterward, when we were headed for breakfast. Mmm!

After a morning on Caesar's Head enjoying the view and marveling at the freezing temperatures (how is it so much colder just thirty minutes from home?), I indulged in a long mid-day nap. Heavenly. It's amazing how much longer a day seems when you rise before the sun; that's a new feeling for lazy ol' Anne.

After naptime came a two-hour phone call, long overdue, with my best friend, plus a luxurious hour of getting ready. All by myself. It was a total flashback to pre-baby years!

Upstairs solo fashion show!

B and I enjoyed some "on the town" time, and took in the spectacle of some truly, er, original costumes. Holy nudity, y'all. If you can make a costume "sexy," somebody tried. Sexy hamburger, sexy nun, sexy plumber. It was bananas.

We fuddy-duddies enjoyed the good giggle, and after my relatively long (for me) run, my legs were thankful for the walk.

Here's hoping we can sleep in tomorrow, since we didn't today!

*This post is day 27 in my 31 Days of What Matters.

Day 22: A Case of the Mondays

Our weekend was jam-packed and we four Smiths weren't alone for one minute of it.

I'm an extrovert who thrives on socializing, but Bradley is not - and even I need a little downtime after the busy-fest October has been so far.

Any day that starts this way is headed in the right direction.

Today has been just as mundane as I'd hoped: philanthropy work, kiddie play time, a push-myself run and a long walk with a friend, MB beaming up at me from her Bjorn.

A lot of parenting is hard work, with days that feel longer than they are; today wasn't one of those.

Mac testing out B's prototype bar stool for our far-too-tall counter.
Why build a counter taller than any chair on the market? Craziness.

Mac asked to be held this morning and sat beside me most of the day. It wasn't in a needy, draining way; he just wanted to be near me. He told me funny stories, complied when I asked for a little time to work and engaged with me as only a three-year-old can. I hope I remember days like these.

Me in an ancient tee and a post-run grin.
Mac in khakis and the pj shirt he wore 'til nearly suppertime.

I'm barely getting this post in before the midnight Day 22 cutoff, but I've been soaking up an easy, full Monday at home.

Tomorrow morning kicks off another crazy stretch, so I'm off to bed before it's officially Tuesday.

Hope your week started off wonderfully, y'all!

*This post is day 22 in my 31 Days of What Matters.

Day 17: Running Tunes

After six full weeks of antibiotics, steroid shots and more oral steroids (I'm reaching Arnold Schwarzenegger status), I'm well and ready to hit the pavement again. October weather is perfect for outdoor exercise - cool enough that you don't melt but not so cold you want to stay under the covers.

I need serious beats and up-tempo music to keep me motivated while running. Anything that slows down makes me want to screech to a halt, not push through the pain to get a decent workout in.

To that end, I've downloaded a few new tunes and updated my running playlist. It's different from my "regular" workout playlist in that the music worms itself into my brain and drowns out the "stop, stop, stop, you can't do this, let's take a nap!" voice that follows me when I run.

Here's what I've got so far - I'd love your favorite new running song suggestions!

Disclosure: Don't judge. I buy "clean" iTunes versions so I'm not humming four-letter words to myself when reading Mac his evening Bible story.

I need LOTS of options so I can turn off anything that doesn't cut it at the moment. Also, I fancy myself something of a hip hop maven when wearing spandex, hence the old school Eminem and Jay Z tunes. Whatever gets my legs going and drowns out my to do list!

Cheers (Drink to That) - Rihanna
Whip My Hair - Willow
What the Hell - Avril Lavigne
Want U Back - Cher Lloyd**
Part of Me - Katy Perry
Gangnam Style - PSY
You've Got the Love - Florence + the Machine
Lose Yourself - Eminem
Lights - Ellie Goulding**
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together - Taylor Swift
Universal Mind Control - Common
Domino - Jessie J
Club Can't Handle Me - Flo Rida
Blow - Ke$haJ
Let It Rock - Kevin Rudolf and Lil Wayne
Closer - NeYo
Hard - Rihanna and Jeezy
Magic - Robin Thicke
Pon de Replay - Rihanna
Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
Don't Stop the Music - Rihanna
Breakin' Dishes - Rihanna
Big Pimpin' - Jay Z
Dirt Off Your Shoulder - Jay Z**
I Just Wanna Love U - Jay Z
Run This Town - Jay Z and Rihanna
Izzo - Jay Z
Empire State of Mind - Jay Z and Alicia Keys
All I Do Is Win - DJ Khaled
I Know You Want Me - Pitbull
Look at Me Now - Karmin Cover
Clocks - Coldplay
So What - P!nk
Die Young - Ke$ha
Bad Girls - MIA**
Girls Gone Wild - Madonna
Paper Planes - MIA
No Church in the Wild (Clean) - Kanye and Jay Z**
Flesh and Bone - The Killers
Titanium - David Guetta and Sia
Pound the Alaram - Nicki Minaj
Wide Awake - Katy Perry (cool down/warm up)
**The absolute essential songs to make me move these days.

Don't forget to leave a comment on yesterday's post to win a Beaufort bonnet or Beaufort bucket hat from The Beaufort Bonnet Company!

*This post is day 17 in my 31 Days of What Matters.

Treadmill Tunes

My iPod is one-third Dave Matthews, one-third praise music and one-third country and pop. (Yes, I'm a stereotype.) There's one sizable exception: my treadmill tunes.

Heaven knows it's tough to get this nap addict motivated to break a sweat. More than the "walking to your car in August" variety, that is.

As you know, my relatively normal exterior belies a surprising selection of unabashed pop and rap trash, essentially. Whatever gets me through an hour at the Y.

I blogged about my workout playlist in 2009, but it's changed a bit. Some artists have been removed (I'm looking at you, Chris Brown, and am not happy to lose such a fab cardio track) and a new gems have been discovered.

I need a variety of beats for cardio, weights and abs. I can't stand counting to myself while competing with a different beat in my earbuds. I'm not that skilled. So you'll notice slower tunes for abs and angrier tunes (coincidence?) for the tougher parts of my workout.

Note well: I may listen to thugs, but I prefer the profanity-free versions. I have been known to email iTunes when I buy a "clean" version of a song that still contains something I wouldn't hear on the radio.

Some of these rappers are quite talented; I wish their moms, like mine, had told them that foul language is something people use when they're not intelligent enough to find more effective, creative alternatives. Preach it, Louise.

Ready to judge? Let's let it all hang out:
What the Hell - Avril Lavigne

Universal Mind Control - Common

All I Do Is Win - DJ Khaled
Club Can't Handle Me, Flo Rida
Take It Off - Ke$ha Blow We R Who We R
Let It Rock - Kevin Rudolf & Lil Wayne
Mr. Brightside - The Killers
Rumors - Lindsay Lohan
Get It Shawty -Lloyd
Closer - Ne-Yo
So What - Pink
I Know You Want Me - Pitbull Fuego
Hard - Rihanna & Jeezy

Like a G6 - Far East Movement

Run This Town - Jay-Z & Rihanna

Le Belle et Le Bad Boy - MC Solaar
(French rap! Yes, from the final SATC episode.) Magic - Robin Thicke When I Get You Alone
Forget You - Cee Lo Green

Jesus Walks - Kanye West Blacklight - One Call Dancing in the Dark - Mat Kearney cover
Whip My Hair - Willow
Bottoms Up - Trey Songz
No Diggity - Blackstreet & Dr. Dre
What You Got - Colby O'Donis
Gotta Get Thru This - Daniel Bedingfield
Look At Me Now - Karmin cover
Ain't Nothin' Wrong With That - Robert Randolph & the Family Band DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love - Usher

Irony: I'm posting this to feel a bit more motivated to use these tunes for something other than cleaning day dance parties. The time I've spent at the Y lately has been in the pool...

Double irony: Me bobbing my head to "you think you're a gangster 'cause you did time..." when I get frustrated by people who run red lights.

Triple irony: My last workout playlist post was written two weeks before I found out I was expecting Mac. If only I knew how little I'd use my treadmill tunes that year!

Why are there so many angry love songs in my playlist? I've been known to cry while breaking a sweat, but do I need to see a therapist to delve into why only such music gets me moving? I'm thankful so many people have had tough break-ups, I suppose.

What am I missing? What gets you going, workout queens? Motivate me!

Tears on a Treadmill: Take Two

All evidence to the contrary, I don't often cry at music videos - even sappy ones. And, while my complete inability to run long distances has brought me to tears in the past, I rarely ever boohoo at the gym, in full view of strangers.

Yet here I am, acknowledging my second bout of tears on a treadmill. Perhaps I should avoid CMT while I'm running* from now on?

(Side note: My ballet teacher told me in grad school that the only time a woman should run is if she is being chased by a bear. I stand behind this statement. My lower half, however, appreciates a little cardio now and then. If you're wondering why I took dance in grad school, ask my co-ballerina Kristen. Then ignore the other stories she tells you about me in tights.)

I'd heard that "The House That Built Me" was Miranda Lambert's best song yet, but hadn't seen the video until I was halfway through a workout last week.

I was plugging along quite nicely when Miranda crooned:

"And I bet you didn't know: Under that live oak, my favorite dog is buried in the yard."
(1:10 mark)

In an instant, that line had me misty-eyed. Then she followed up with this gem:

"Mama cut out pictures of houses for years from Better Homes and Garden magazine. Plans were drawn and concrete poured. Nail by nail and board by board, Daddy gave life to Mama's dream."
(2:00 mark)

Thank heavens the man next to me was engrossed in his baseball game! Home renovations must be a soft spot for me, because there was more than a little chin quivering going on...

What could possibly explain such a public lapse of any emotional control? No, I'm not sleep-deprived, underfed, pregnant or on drugs. (Odd that those things might have similar symptoms.)



Have you seen this video? Would you indulge me with a, "Yes, I find those lines a touch sentimental, too?"

*read: attempting to run, moving my feet, making a valiant effort to burn a few calories

Things You Should Know: Part Four

I cried at the gym today.

For some reason, exercise has always made me emotional. Just ask Kristen, at whom I snapped on a long run, "Could you please breathe a little more quietly?" Or something along those lines. Bless her heart for not tripping me right then.

So today I was going full steam ahead on a treadmill when Zac Brown's "Highway 20 Ride" video came on. Hearing those lyrics always puts a lump in my throat, but the combination of an accelerated heartbeat and watching a little boy "grow up" onscreen did me in.

There were tears, y'all. On a treadmill. I am mortified.

I've cried every Sunday in church since I found out I was pregnant 14 months ago. That I can blame on hormones, on gratitude, on thinking of our precious son in God's house and feeling overcome with emotion. (I know I'm not alone on this. Brooke, feel free to back me up!)

The people who sit near us each week must imagine I'm struggling with some intense issues. I had to warn our friends who were visiting Grace the other week that I probably wouldn't make it through tear-free, and not to be alarmed. Sure enough, in the last song before service ended, the saltwater started flowing. I was so close!

I have no idea what my treadmill neighbors thought, but I'll tell you one thing: next time I'm changing the channel!

Watch this video and see if you can make it through - then teach me your ways! This line, at the 3:00 mark, gets me every time:

"It was the pleasure of my life and I cherished every time. And my whole world, it begins and ends with you."

Things You Should Know: Part Three

Me to fellow gym mom: They do grow up so quickly. Mac used to sleep swaddled and still; I'd find him just where we put him. Now I'm watching him do baby yoga in his crib!

(Aside: I meant that I watch via his monitor. And I meant baby yoga in that he pulls up his head and shoulders to grab his toes, rolls over and arches his back like a swan, then follows it by stretching in in ways incomprehensible to fully grown adults.)

Gym mom: (Truly intrigued) Are you using a book to guide him? Are there classes at the Y for babies his age? Do you think it's helping his flexibility?

Me: Um, no. I meant baby yoga like baby break dancing... You know, what they do in their cribs when we're not there. Spinning on their heads, stretching their legs, pushing up?

Gym mom: (Realizes I'm not nearly cool enough to have a yogi for a son.) Oh. Well I plan on signing ours up for baby gym classes this summer.

Clearly Mac already has the embarrassing mom in the gym daycare class.

An Exercise in Accountability

With more time at home has come a tremendous feeling of responsibility: what are my priorities and how can I be intentional about making time for them?

I've felt a great deal of freedom to choose what gets done each day, but also a surprising feeling that there's never enough time to accomplish everything I'd like. Work emails, catch-up calls, laundry, housework, daily quiet time, playtime with Mac - so many valid ways to use the time we're given each day.

In addition to my other daily priorities, I'm committing to taking advantage of the childcare services at our gym. There's no excuse for me to avoid exercise; I need to get back in great shape so I can run after Macky once he's a mobile man. (I'm going to avoid discussing or even thinking about a bikini...)

For the rest of the week my gym plan looks like this - and putting it in writing makes me feel absolutely compelled to follow through:

Tuesday: Cardio
Wednesday: Group Power class (a Body Pump/weights class)
Friday: Zumba class

What keeps you motivated to get to the gym? When do you find time for it? (And does everyone else feel completely clumsy in Zumba class?)

Things You Should Know: Part One

I called the gym yesterday to make childcare reservations for the little McNugget. There's another Mac who goes there; I've seen his name on the wall as part of a list of children with food allergies. (FYI, never serve the other Mac peanuts.)

When the gentleman taking my reservations asked for my child's name, I gave him the wrong one! So I had to call back with Mac's correct last name. You know, my last name. It went something like this:

Me: Um, hi. I just called and made reservations for Mac Brown?
Him: Yes, ma'am. I've still got you down.
Me: Well, my son's name is actually Mac Smith. I'm sorry. I (pause) got confused.
Him: (really long pause) Okay. Mac Smith?
Me: Yes. Definitely. That's definitely his name.
Him: Okay then. So I have Mac Smith down for childcare this afternoon.
Me: (Embarrassed, unable to squeak out an explanation for my awkwardness.) Thanks so much!

Awkward.

Macky's sleeping through the night, so I can't blame this on sheer exhaustion. Unless I'll just never catch up on sleep and this spaciness lasts forever?!

Anyhow, I thought someone should know. I'm sure gym guy is telling this story to his buddies over a beer as we speak...

So far, so good...

You may know by now that I am very anti-New Year's resolutions. While I adore the idea of a clean slate, a fresh start and a reason to get motivated, I hate the "let's overhaul everything immediately" urgency that seems to come with the territory.

That being said, B and I have made a very conscientious effort to step up our game in terms of exercising, recognizing the genius of the Food Pyramid, sleeping plenty (never my problem, of course) and staying hydrated as much as possible.

My trick? A cute bright blue water bottle that holds 32 ounces. Two those per work day and I'm set! I bribe myself by figuratively dangling a Diet Coke at the bottom of that good morning bottle of H2O. I'll do anything for that bubbly goodness...including downing a whole bunch of water first!

So in the name of accountability, and the hope that public shaming and/or support will keep me moving in the right direction, here's what's going well - and could use a bit of stepping up.

Yay:
*I'm drinking lots o' water.
*I'm getting plenty of sleep. (It's probably not fair to list this, as it's hardly ever NOT the case.)
*I'm taking a fabulous new weight lifting class on a regular basis.
*I'm cooking more, steaming vegetables and buying lots of fresh foods.
*We signed up for Mint.com and my days of shopping online willy-nilly (stupid click click clicking - feels so easy!) are over. Lots more thought is going into it. Not entirely my choice, but the computer doesn't lie!


Eh:
*As a cheese-hater, I need to make eating yogurt a habit. Every day. It's in the fridge for good reason, self. Let's get to grabbing it!
*Bradley and I are supposed to be running a 5k the first Saturday in March. (There's also a 10k option but I'm not going to push my luck.) While I've been lifting regularly, I've been avoiding the treadmill and need to do some cardio several times a week.
*My housekeeping skills are becoming a bit questionable. While the sheets are always clean and nothing's ever moldy by any means, I need to make a habit of sweeping, Swiffering and wiping things down more regularly. Blech, I hate cleaning.

Did you have any New Year's (non-)resolutions? How are they going?

Ultimate Workout Playlist

Music is the ultimate motivational tool for me at the gym. My workout playlist has different songs for warming up, lifting, running, walking, etc. If I'm not taking a class with a preset soundtrack, I usually put my workout playlist on shuffle and just skip around based on what I'm doing.
I've starred my very favorites in terms of motivation for me. Be warned - I always get the clean version and you may prefer to do the same. These songs do get me going, though!
I trained for my half marathon a few years ago using Ashlee Simpson's entire Autobiography album. I'm pretty tired of it by now, but it was great for me then so I'm including it below.
Take a look and let me know what your favorites are as well. I'd love to add some new music to my workout mix!
Autobiography - Ashlee Simpson
Pieces of Me
Lala
Little Miss Obsessive
Boyfriend

*Single Ladies - Beyonce
*Diva

Baby One More Time - Britney Spears
*Circus
*Gimme More
*Womanizer
Me Against the Music
Toxic

Summer of '69 - Bryan Adams

How I Could Just Kill A Man - Charlotte Sometimes

*Forever - Chris Brown
Kiss Kiss

Ain't No Other Man - Christina Aguilera

*What You Got - Colby O'Donis

*Gotta Get Thru This - Daniel Bedingfield

Mercy - Duffy

American Boy - Estelle

Leavin' - Jesse McCartney

Irresistible - Jessica Simpson
I Think I'm In Love With You

Green Light - John Legend

After Tonight - Justin Nozuka

FutureSex/LoveSounds - Justin Timberlake

Jesus Walks - Kanye West

Whine Up - Kat DeLuna

Over It - Katharine McPhee

*Hot N Cold - Katy Perry

Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson

***Let It Rock - Kevin Rudolf

*Mr. Brightside - The Killers

Red Blooded Woman - Kylie Minogue

**Just Dance - Lady GaGa

I Will Love Again - Lara Fabian

The Right Kind of Wrong - Leann Rimes

Lollipop - Lil Wayne
A Milli
Got Money

Get It Shawty - Lloyd

In My Pocket - Mandy Moore

Harder to Breathe - Maroon 5
Through With You

Come On Get Higher - Matt Nathanson

*Closer - Ne-Yo

**So What - Pink
Sober

New Shoes - Paolo Nutini

*Fuego - Pit Bull
*When I Grow Up - Pussycat Dolls

Don't Stop the Music - Rihanna
Breakin' Dishes
Pon de Replay

*Magic - Robin Thicke

**Live Your Life - T.I.
Whatever You Like

Lolli Lolli - Three 6 Mafia

Shut Up and Let Me Go - The Ting Tings

Love in This Club - Usher

Nolita Fairytale - Vanessa Carlton

Take Me on the Floor - The Veronicas
This Love
*This is How It Feels
4ever
Untouched

Before you start another crazy week....

1. Tell me a few of your favorite gym songs. I am working on a fabulous new playlist and absolutely welcome your suggestions. I use it as a total excuse for all of the crap, um, pop music on my iPod. Britney, Three 6 Mafia, Rihanna, Lil Wayne, Kevin Rudolf, Kanye, Christina, Mandy Moore - whaaat? I know, I know. I keep it to the clean versions, but a girl's got to keep it exciting if she wants to tempt herself onto the treadmill. So add a little to my playlist... I promise to take your advice!

2. Be in prayer for a Clemson graduate and Columbia native who could certainly use them! This adorable girl is engaged to be married this spring and has found out she has two brain tumors. She's set for surgery this Tuesday the 27th to see if they are benign or malignant. I'm praying for beningn!!

3. Join me in hoping that the groundhog predicts a quick and sunny spring next week!!

4. Take a moment to (finally) learn how to tie a stylish scarf. Also, enjoy a good Southern accent, some lovely lady chatter and a bit of good insight into Bachelor contestants' fashion faux pas. This will totally be me in ten years - if I'm lucky, that is!! It goes to show that sorority-style gal pals never go out of fashion!


Scarf Tying 101 from Big Mama on Vimeo.

Fortunately, I can wear stylishly chic jeans, heels and scarves to work. I think I wore one every day last week. Newly acquired are hot pink, lime green and charcoal from (yes, you're reading this correctly) Wal-Mart. I walked by to grab some eye cream and what do you know - they've got cute pashminas!

Add to that my gorgeous orange gift pashmina from K.Dub, the purple one my friend Jennifer just forced me to purchase, a red one that got broken in over the holidays and a mauve one from my summer in Paris well before they were in style - well, you can see how easy it is to throw one on over a t-shirt and call yourself a fashionista.

Have a fabulous, fabulous week, y'all!

This woman will be 63 next weekend...

Holy gym membership, Helen Mirren!!

I can't even talk about it. I'm so flabbergasted that I'm turning off dinner and going to do a few thousand crunches.

In the meantime, enjoy some wise and witty commentary from the Fug girls as well as a British piece about Helen's bikini starting a revolution. Or at least changing the way we look at aging.

Two thumbs up for confidence... And big high fives to whomever gave the Oscar-winning Ms. Mirren her fantabulous genes.

Choreographer Mia Michaels would say this is banoodles - and she'd be right.