Not Your Average Gal

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Currently Caroline, September 2016

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Currently I’m:

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Located: On my couch, with my cast and toes above my nose.

Listening to: Million Dollar Listing New York: Ryan’s Wedding

Thinking about: What it will feel like to walk again. *sigh* And drive again. And pee at 3am without getting on my scooter to head to the bathroom.

So remember that MRI I had last month? 2 completely torn ligaments. 1 partially torn ligament. 1 fracture. And I was walking around on it for a month…whoops. Doc threw me in a cast for 6-8 weeks. Then a walking boot for 2 weeks after that. Then physical therapy after that. Oh yeah, and I’m non-weight bearing. Meaning, I can’t even walk in this cast.

I had to cancel two trips because I’m not allowed to fly — blood clots. Oh and my Thanksgiving holiday may be in jeopardy too if I don’t heal well because my family doesn’t live within a 1,000 mile radius and I always have to fly to see them. Plus, did I mention this is my right foot, so I’m not allowed to drive. Not only can I not really push on the pedal, it’s also illegal allegedly. (I asked.)

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Looking forward to: A weekend to relax and reflect. I really can’t do much else. #castlife

Drinking: La Croix water. Duh. (I have problems.)

Thankful for: Fucking awesome, helpful coworkers who are kind enough to drive me to and from work. I don’t know what I’d do without them. Well I do, I’d Uber, but that shit adds up. Plus, a dear friend of mine from elementary school (!) set up a Meal Train for me and friends came out of the woodwork to donate and make sure I was able to have stuff delivered to my house. I was so touched.

The hubster also flew home last weekend to tend to my immobile ass and it was really nice having him by my side. I got to sit on the wall of Fort Lauderdale Beach and just relax. It’s one of my favorite spots in the world.

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Worried about: If this is the last cast I’ll have. Yes, I’ve had two so far in this immobilization process. She wants me in a cast for 2 weeks at a time, come back to be examined and then re-casted (is that a verb?) again. This last time I asked if it would be the last cast and she said to not get my hopes up, but to bring my walking boot for my next appointment in 2 weeks.

SO SEND POSITIVE WALKING VIBES MY WAY, PEOPLE.

Laughing about: The bell one of my coworkers got for my scooter. I’d say it’s pretty spot on for me, eh? Plus, my brother and sister-in-law got me some sweet flowers and streamers to attach to my scoots.

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Mad about: Being lied to. Never feels good. Feels worse that the person who is lying 1) thinks it’s okay and 2) doesn’t think you know. Rise above it, Caroline. Riiiiiise above it. (Yes, this is the same thing as last month. Apparently, I’m like flypaper for liars.)

Curious about: This next month. Not only is it our busy season at work, one of our writers has resigned and well, it will hopefully be a smooth transition while we hire another one. Additionally, you know, I’m quite immobile, so everything takes me twice as long to do, including making lunch or dinner. And peeing. God peeing is the worst, hopping up and down on my good leg to pull my pants down. So mix in busy season, an added workload, stress and being limited to one leg…let’s just say I’m curious how it will end up.

I’m meditating in the mornings.

Also, drinking tequila at night.

 

How That Long Distance Marriage Thing Is Going

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The reactions to us announcing we’d be living apart while the hubster starts his ER Residency were somewhat varied. Some people were supportive and great. And some people left me thinking, “You know, people can be real aholes sometimes.”

Just about 3 months ago, the hubster left South Florida for the frozen tundra of Southeast Michigan. I won’t get into the details of that day. It was a blurry mess of ice cream, tears and lots of reality trash TV to keep my mind off of having just waved goodbye to my husband.

I’m asked about it a lot, so here we go.

How are we doing with living apart?

We’ve seen each other about once every 3 weeks. I’m flying there or he’s flying here. Flights haven’t been too obnoxiously priced just yet and we all know the thrill I get just flying for funzies, so I’m totally okay with it. Right now, though, we don’t have any flights planned until the beginning of November. <deep breath>

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I had to learn how to depend on myself from a very young age. The transition back to living alone wasn’t as frightening as everyone was trying to convince me it would be. I know I have a unique history, but being on my own wasn’t the scary part. Choking on a piece of steak and not having anyone to do the Heimlich on me, now THAT scares me more.

Med school prepared us well. I truly believe people either didn’t believe me when I said you have to be okay being alone when you have a med student spouse OR they truly don’t understand the grueling hours involved in becoming a doctor. Very often he’d be 10 feet away in his office, but utterly unavailable to have a normal conversation. Sort of like what we’re doing now.

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With his current schedule, I’d barely be seeing him. He was working night shifts there for awhile and we’d really have to figure out our phone calls. It basically was me talking to him for 15 minutes while I was leaving work and he was heading into work. If we lived with each other – I wouldn’t have seen him anyway.

Planning ahead prevents misunderstandings. We learned we needed to layout when we’d have our Facetime calls or phone calls ahead of time. This helps because his schedule can change week to week and I’m also type-A and want to scream when the phone rings just as I’ve sat down for the first time all day. (I swear I’m lovable.)

Creativity is key. We went to the movies together this weekend. 1,300 miles apart. We saw Sully. HIGHLY recommend it. You’ll be fist pumping, “America, F*ck yeah.” as you’re leaving.

We’ve had our moments. This past week, after especially unnecessarily mean things happened at work, not being able to exercise due to my ankle, a lack of response from someone I reached out to which has me feeling like crap, and quite frankly, coming home unable to just hug my husband, I had a meltdown. Full on, ugly-cry meltdown. The hubster listened and encouraged me. (And I was somewhat thankful he wasn’t witnessing it.) I’ve noticed when I’m feeling down, it stings more when he’s not here.

We’ve said we’ll do a check-in with each other every 6 months to see how it’s going and reassess anything if necessary. So far, so good.

I mean, you guys, I put something in the fridge and it’s in the same damn place when I go back! HELL YEAH!

Rock Those Lady Twins with Rock It Red

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I probably spend way more time than the average person thinking of synonyms for breasts. #copywriterproblems

Remember how I became a Race Ambassador for ENELL earlier this year? Remember how their sports bras allow me to run half marathons, bike, yoga and generally dance around the house without knocking myself out?

Yeah, that’s ENELL. Love their sports bras.

Well, exciting news. THEY HAVE A NEW COLOR!

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Boom.

Welcome to my life, Rock It Red. I know it’s early on in our relationship, but I love you. As a Race Ambassador, ENELL sent me one and I honestly should have recorded it when I opened the package.

“Ohhhhhhhh.” <pets it> “Prettyyyyyyy.”

It’s pretty enough to wear alone, but you don’t even have to go shirt-less to feel good in it. Plus, ENELL is offering 10% off for a limited time on this puppy.

Head on over to ENELL.com and use the code ROCKIT10 for 10% off and FREE shipping until 9/12!

Currently Caroline, August 2016

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Currently I’m:

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Located: In my bedroom packing for another trip (shocking!). I’m heading to Detroit this week to see the hubster over Labor Day weekend.

Listening to: The NYC Real Housewives Reunion.

Thinking about: Different ways to say the same thing for one of our major clients because that’s what one thinks about while packing. Ugh. #copywriterproblems

Looking forward to: Hugging the hubster. Eating dinner at a table with the hubster. Laughing in person with the hubster. Watching TV and zoning out with the hubster. Going grocery shopping with the hubster. Petting the hubster. Too much?

Drinking: La Croix water. Duh.

Thankful for: Supportive, honest family members who always make me giggle when shit hits the fan.

Worried about: The results from my MRI on my ankle and foot. Doc wasn’t too encouraging, “Really, really interested to see what’s going on.” I am too. She was cool though. MRI is scheduled for this weekend. Who knew they had hours on Sundays? GLORIOUS.

Plus, because my health insurance is through the ER doc hubster, if I get my MRI in Michigan through their hospital network, it’s only a $300 deductible. If I do it in-network, but in Florida, it’s a $3000 deductible. Basically, if I need anything major done, it’s cheaper for me to fly to Michigan. Oh health insurance, you fickle beast.

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Laughing about: How excited I am for a Delta Biscotti cookie. Yeah buddy!

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Mad about: Being lied to. Never feels good. Feels worse that the person who is lying 1) thinks it’s okay and 2) doesn’t think you know. Rise above it, Caroline. Riiiiiise above it.

Curious about: How long this hair dye will last. Oh yeah, I colored my hair pink! It’s something I’ve always been intrigued by and I finally did it. I love it!

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#NYAGmile – How did you do?

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I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon this week, that’s how well I did. Ha!

As you may have seen on the Not Your Average Gal Facebook page (<—– psst. You should Like that page, I have entertaining updates), I sprained my ankle with only 2 FRIGGING DAYS  LEFT in the #NYAGmile challenge.

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It hasn’t healed enough for the ER doc hubster to be satisfied. I can walk on it, with a bit of a hobble. It’s painful at the end of the day. So it’s either a really bad Grade-2 sprain, or I have a hairline fracture somewhere…we’re assuming. Mind you, this is the same ankle I’ve had surgery on from an old soccer injury, and if I’m ever wobbly, it’s the only ankle to give out and roll.

So needless to say, I should get it checked out officially. Hence the orthopedic surgeon appointment. Wish me luck.

ENOUGH ABOUT MY BUM ANKLE, how did you do in the #NYAGmile? It was so wonderful to see so many kick-ass people participating. Tell me about it in the comments!

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#NYAGmile –  Things I Learned

I like to give up when I’m tired.

By the third day, I wanted to throw in the towel because I had a long day at work and just wanted to veg on the couch. The mile doesn’t take that long, there was no excuse good enough.

Consistency is king.

I should have gotten up at the same time each day and do my mile before work. Sometimes I was successful, other times I knew I had one more thing to do when I got home.

Podcasts are pretty cool.

I’m not sure why I never got into them. But hey, if you’re walking for 15-20 minutes, why not bang one out? That sounded gross. Or did it? Did my perverted mind just think it did? I digress. I like the Hal Elrod podcasts.

LOTS of you wanted to have a daily activity like this.

That says to me we, as a whole, lack a lot of “me” time. So many of you voice that the #NYAGmile is just want you needed to get “back into” something or have a goal to meet by the end of the month. It says to me we aren’t alone in wanting more for ourselves.

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How did it go for YOU?

Is Airport Lounge Access Worth It?

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For me? Yes.

For you? That depends.

Ah, the elusive airport lounge, with its ever-changing rules, special tickets, access cards and secret handshakes. Or at least it seems like that, right? It’s fairly easy to chill in one, I’ll show you how.

Whether or not gaining access to airport lounges is worth it, depends on what you value. Below you’ll find my 5 Reasons Why I Value Lounge Access. But, before I jump into that, I’ll let you know how to break into the lounge screaming, “I’m important, look at me! I have lounge access!” <hair toss>

How To Get Lounge Access

Airline Status

Many airlines will allow you to indulge in unlimited wine at their lounge simply by flying a shit-ton of miles and gaining status.

I currently am a Delta Gold Medallion member and have access for free, only when flying international though. If you want to access it and are flying on Delta metal, you can pay for a single-day pass for $59.00.

At the Delta Sky Lounge in Detroit.
Delta Sky Lounge. Detroit Metro Airport.

 

Credit Cards

There are quite a few credit cards that allow you free access or discounted access to lounges. These are the ones I have:

The American Express Delta Platinum card gives me Delta Sky Lounge access for $27, regardless what class I’m flying in and whether or not it’s domestic or international.

The Citi Prestige card gives me a Priority Pass Select Membership (with unlimited visits and 2 free guests). Priority Pass Lounges vary from airport to airport, some are luxurious and offer lots of amenities. Some are basic and you’re only going in so you can try to cure your tequila headache with unlimited water and greasy food. Ah-hem, Cancun. It additionally gives me American Airlines lounge access (only when flying American though).

The American Airlines Admirals Club. Tokyo Narita Airport. Tokyo, Japan.
The American Airlines Admirals Club. Tokyo Narita Airport. Tokyo, Japan.

 

The Chase Ink Plus Business card gives me Lounge Club membership, which is two complimentary visits each year and subsequent visits for only $27. They pull from very similar (and a lot of the same) lounges as the Priority Pass.

Annual fees: There are various fees for some credit cards. You need to weigh whether or not those fees are worth it to you. For me, the fees pay for themselves in the end and then some.

Lounge Membership

You can become a member outright of particular lounges: airlines, credit cards and third parties. I am a member of them through my credit cards and airline status, but you can also pay a yearly fee to become a card-carrying member of any one you fancy.

American Express has super posh Centurion lounges at specific airports, just for their Platinum Card members. I’m not fancy enough though…yet.

Annual fee: Varies

5 Reasons Why I Value Lounge Access

1) It’s free (or costs me $27).

We all know paying for anything in the airport is runway robbery. (Get it? I’m hysterical.) Often these lounges have magazines and newspapers to read, while you’re sipping your free wine and munching on delicious cheese.

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The American Airlines Admirals Club. Tokyo Narita Airport. Tokyo, Japan. (Ugh. That headline.)

 

2) Peace and space to work.

Now that I’m working remotely more and have a husband living 1500 miles away, this is important for me. I don’t need to elbow anyone for an outlet and pay for wi-fi. You get wi-fi for free at all the lounges, not to mention the space to actually put your laptop down and work.

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Asiana Business Class Lounge. Incheon Airport. Seoul, South Korea.

 

3) Free drinks, food and amenities.

I once paid $15 for Woodford Reserve, on the rocks, at an airport bar. $15! I was on my way to the fam for the holidays and it was much needed to prepare. That said, $15 is absurd! I can eat and drink for free until my heart’s content in a lounge. Even if I’m paying $27 to get in, it’s cheaper than a meal at the airport. Some lounges have better offerings than others. My favorite so far is Star Alliance Lounge at the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX. I was there chilling on my way to Australia. Did that sound snobby? Good.

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Star Alliance Lounge. Tom Bradley Terminal. LAX. (Photo Courtesy of One Mile at a Time)

 

Plus, lots of major lounges have massage chairs, spas, barbers, even a place to get your nails done.

4) Avoid the masses.

As exciting as it is for me to listen to your loud phone conversation, I’m usually happier to get away from it and chill in a lounge. Sadly, though, you can run into business douches who talk just as loudly in the lounges. Either way, it’s nice to get away from the elbowing that occurs in the gate area.

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Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge. Hong Kong Airport. Hong Kong.

 

5) Assistance with your flight.

Flight delayed? Need to make a change to your itinerary? Want someone to tell you when you need to leave the lounge to get to your gate? WELCOME! Probably one of the best parts of the lounges are the friendly assistants that can give you updated flight statuses or let you into the shower rooms. Yes, those exist. And yes, I’ve used them. Nothing feels better than taking a shower before or after a long-haul.

 

Tips

  • I use the app, LoungeBuddy to find which lounges I can access at certain airpots.
LoungeBuddy app helped me find a lounge while in Cancun.
LoungeBuddy app helped me find a lounge while in Cancun.

 

  • I don’t use a lounge every single time I’m at the airport. It needs to make sense for me. If a free lounge is nearby, I have a long layover or my flight is delayed, I’ll take advantage.
  • It never hurts to go into the lounge and politely ask how you can go in, if you don’t have access from any of the tips above.
  • Some lounges offer great food that can essentially be meals, others charge additional fees for a sit-down type meal. Check first if that’s important to you.
  • They don’t start serving alcohol until 7am in most lounges. Blasphemy!

What do you think? Are you a fan of lounges?