This Is It

I've been putting off writing this post, but it's been a long time coming. This will be my last post on this blog. I've tried to keep it up, but I really am not cut out for this kind of writing. Which sounds crazy because isn't all I wrote about before my life? Day to day craziness and what not. It's true, that is what I wrote about but my life was in a completely different place then and writing about it was fun, almost therapeutic. But now writing about my life, as much as I love it, just feels like a chore. No one wants to read a blog that sounds like it was forced, that while reading it you can tell the writer would have rather been doing a million other things. Like watching more episodes of Top Gear or Castle. 

So this is it. Final post. The Single Girl is single no more and it's time to move on to other things. That isn't to say I won't write anymore. I will. You just might not know it's me. I can't believe this little ole blog of mine reached as many people as it did, and I've very grateful to have met the people that I have through it. Of course I still plan on reading all of your blogs and keeping up with you in real life and on twitter. Not falling off the face of the earth or anything. So to everyone who's stayed tuned all these years, thank you. It's been a privilege. 

Cheers, 

Marisa 

Urban Polar Explorers League

Finally. We got some snow. Boy did we get some snow. Which Drew and I couldn't be happier about because we both love the snow and the activities it brings. Our new favorite is that of snowshoeing. So for those of you interested in polar exploration, here is a little info on the gear I use and love when I set off on a snow adventure. First up the base-ics.

Wearing: C9 by Champion Compression Top and C9 by Champion Compression Tights

If you're going to be outdoors in the winter a good base layer is a must. Drew prefers wool base layers I'm a fan of  polypro because it is 1.) Cheaper and 2.) not itchy and I think dries quicker. To each is own though, just invest in a base layer. These actually serve double duty as this is my cold weather running gear. If I get more serious about winter camping and such, I'll invest in different base layers, but for now this works. And don't forget your socks! Liner socks are a must and don't they look hot?

Next up some mid layers, and word to the wise if you've got great base layers that keep you dry and toasty you DO NOT need a mid layer when it's 30+ degrees. If we had actually been out on the trails I might have been in trouble as I was overheating and when I took my down coat off, my fleece got wet and then I got cold which is NOT good. Learn from my mistakes here. 

Wearing: Columbia Omni-Heat half zip (SUPER warm)

This isn't mine exactly but it's basically the same thing

Also in that picture are my snow pants which aren't really a mid layer but an outer. Don't ask why I only wore a mid layer on top. (Dumb) Also I love my snow pants. They're from Patagonia and are da bomb. 

Next up on the super important list is making sure your feet stay dry and warm. Nothing puts a damper on your polar exploration like cold wet and turning frostbitten feet. So you saw the hotness that is the poly blend liners and on top of those I wear my Smart Wool socks. 

You don't have to buy Smart Wool specifically, but definitely invest in some good quality wool socks. My friend Mountain Man Mike likes Darn Tough socks, if you're looking to compare another brand. Sock situation settled you need BOOTS.

Like legit boots, not Uggs. (barf) Mine are Columbia and I heart them. They're warm and comfortable and most importantly water proof. Well warm and comfortable are important too. 

Last but certainly not least, are the accessories. 

Yes two sets of gloves. Kind of like two sets of socks. The black ones on the left are gloves that I use for winter running. They are moisture wicking and makes for a great base layer glove. The silver gloves on the right are my outer water proof gloves by Columbia (surprise) and under neath is my favorite pink fleece hat by Columbia (surprise again) This leads us to our final piece of polar exploration gear which is...the coat.

This photo is from last year. Sorry. But you get the drift. That is my beloved pink down coat by you guessed it...Columbia. And Mike thought I was obsessed with The North Face. Anyways this coat is amazing it's very light weight but very warm, which made my mid layer stupid and unnecessary and made me very very hot. If you have an awesome down coat and a great base layer that is all you need if it's at freezing or just slightly below. Trust. Also that coat is from the kids section. Don't hate, kids can go polar exploring too. 

So there you have it, my long and Columbia filled Urban Polar Exploration gear guide. Anyone else out there snowshoe or do any winter hiking? What gear do you love?

Cheers,

Marisa

Well Hello Again!

Welcome longtime readers to the new layout! Well, and hopefully the last layout...ever. We're getting more settled now, finding a routine, learning how to give each other space in our little one bedroom apartment. So what's with the title you ask? Well this probably won't be a shock, but I looooovvveeee the Mary Tyler Moore Show, which took place in Minneapolis Minnesota. And for those of you not cool enough to have the theme song memorized, here it is for you:

Who can turn the world on with her smile? 
Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile? 
Well it's you girl, and you should know it 
With each glance and every little movement you show it 

Love is all around, no need to waste it 
You can have a town, why don't you take it 
You're gonna make it after all 
You're gonna make it after all 


How will you make it on your own? 
This world is awfully big, girl this time you're all alone 
But it's time you started living 
It's time you let someone else do some giving 

Love is all around, no need to waste it 
You can have a town, why don't you take it 
You're gonna make it after all 
You're gonna make it after all


Naturally I changed the you're to we're. I have yet to get my picture taken by the MTM statue outside the downtown Macy's but rest assured it is on my list. Along with exploring the city more. I really need to get on that. So any readers in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area that want to be my friend, hit me up! I enjoy good food, drinks and anything fun. I have just turned this post into eHarmony. Wow....


I think now that I've got the layout done I can get back to posting on the regular. I've missed it so, and of course I've missed all of your blogs as well! I feel like I've missed out on so much, but I promise I will catch up and it will just be like old times. Until then just remember love is all around :)


Cheers!


Marisa

p.s. Greetings from Bobo & Elvis! They are loving their new digs ;)

You keep alive a moment at a time...

Okay seriously Walk by the Foo Fighters has been on repeat non-stop up in here. Neighbors probably love it. But that line has always been my fav, because isn't it the truth? I used to be the queen of overreacting EVERYTHING HAS TO BE DONE NOW!!!! Anyone else know what I'm talking about? Some obstacle has been tossed in your path and you immediately lose focus on all the other things around you because you HAVE to fix this right now and then that's when you can't breathe, the shakes set in and food? Wait people are supposed to eat daily? Yeah that's how I used to live my life, one "crisis" to the next. Spending hours upon hours agonizing over a  seemingly impossible task or problem, thinking of how I'm going to fail and my life will end and I'll have no friends because who would be friends with a loser like me. This wasn't in the "plan" of how my life was supposed to go. It wasn't until my life did "end" that I actually was able to stop this behavior. Yes despite all the trepidation last year caused me I was faced with two options: I could continue with this self deprecating, anxiety ridden, emotionally damaging way of dealing with my life or, I could muster up the courage to face things head on, rationally, logically and without fear of an apocalyptic failure. 

Obviously I choose the latter option. Sure I still panic initially when I receive a huge blow whether it be emotionally or financially ( please see here) but now instead of letting that panic get the better of me for days or weeks I can take a deep breath, focus and evaluate. And still eat lunch too. Which is always awesome, because I love lunch. 

I'm not perfect. I'll be the first to admit that. There are certain times (ahem) a month that I can't control myself. Despite my best efforts I resort to talking to myself like a parent trying to rationalize with a 5 year old:

26 year old me: This is not acceptable. This is not how adults act.

5 year old me: But he didn't text me back and it's been 15 MINUTES! Whyyy????????

26 year old me: Because we are all adults and have jobs and other responsibilities we can't always reply to texts as quickly as we'd like.

5 year old me: No, no I think he's mad at me. I should call him. Right? Yeah I'll send another text then call. Maybe I should IM first...yeah IM, text, then call....

26 year old me: Dear God there is no hope.

Yes this is the conversation that takes place in my head with whatever minute event that is going on. Bestie didn't IM today at work, Boss didn't  say goodbye when he left, My cat didn't meow at me when I walked in the door. Does anyone else get as frustrated as me when this happens? It's like I know I'm being totally irrational but I Just. Can't. Stop. Please tell me I'm not alone.

Anyway moral of this story being, when big tasks seem overwhelming and daunting, take a step back, evaluate and plan the course of action best for you. Because as much as we'd all like to have our lives planned out for the next 5 to 10 years, when something goes awry and throws a wrench in those plans the turmoil it causes can make us miss some pretty amazing things going on around us.I'll be honest long distance relationship was not on the list of things I wanted to do in life. However I wouldn't trade it now for the world. It was the best leap of faith I've ever made. Had I listened to my first initial panic like, what if it snows so much in the winter we can't see each other? Seriously? It was July why would I be worrying about snow? But had I listened to that craziness, I'd be missing out on so much awesome right now. So friends, remember don't panic, breathe and take a step back. Stop worrying about the what ifs down the road and remember to just live a moment at a time.

Cheers,

Marisa

I'm A Winner!!!!!!!!

Sorry I haven't been around much. I've been busy preparing for my adventure in May and daylight savings has kicked my butt. Anyways, about the title...I actually won something. Like a giveaway! I'm sooooo excited! A big thank you to Kayla at Ramblings of a Small Town Girl for hosting the giveaway and thanks to Kelly at The Pretty Bee (visit her Etsy shop here ) for giving away one of her beautiful pieces...that is now mine!

This lovely little ring is all mine just in time for spring. Yes the weather here in Des Moines is finally turning around. ( Pleeaassee don't do anything to jinx us)

So thank you once again ladies, I can't tell you how happy I am!

I have some good posts in mind but alas you'll have to wait just a little bit longer as I'm still working on them. These 5am workouts + daylight savings have me in bed super early these days. Which is where I"m headed right now. So stayed tuned for all things mountain hiking, a follow up to my skin care routine and mayyybeee a peak inside my closet.  Hope every one has a very green and happy St. Patrick's Day tomorrow!

Cheers!

Marisa