December 11

So went to bed at 12:21 but couldn't sleep. Reading German took care of that though.
Got up for my dentist appointment at 8:05. I'm so tired now...time for bed.

December 10

So went to bed at 12:48...no good. Especially since it was not for a good reason (was watching the Xfactor!). No migraine when I went to bed. Woke up at....10:41. That part was so bad! I don't really know what I need to do to make myself get out of bed. But sleeping ten hours makes it hard for me to go to bed on time. Of course I had a slight migraine when I woke up like I always do when I sleep too much. Also didn't make it to BBF (although I tough at night). Definitely don't feel as good because of that.

A weird thing has happened though. For the longest time I've been so used to sleep deprivation, that I make excuses in every facet of my life (don't work out as hard, watch a video instead of doing work, eat crappy food). I rationalized everything because I was tired and couldn't deal with life. I no longer have that excuse and it's challenging psychologically because I have to hold myself to a different standard.

I think this experiment may drastically change other aspects of my life, even if it doesn't affect my migraines.

December 9

Well, today I did pretty well going to bed 12:02, but had trouble falling asleep (probably from the two cups of coffee I drank to try and get rid of my migraine). Waking up was a huge fail though. 10 am :( Still had a slight headache. But BBF took care of it! Pretty good start :) 

Sleep and Exercise

Here is the plan. For two weeks I will sleep from 12 am to 8 am every day. Also, I will take one BBF class per day. I've read some articles about regular sleep preventing migraines so I'm giving it a shot. Chris and Judy Erb also swear by this as the most effective preventative method. It's going to be really really hard, but I'm willing to try in order to prevent the terrible migraines I get. I also think it may be a good way to get more work done in the morning.

The exercise is to increase endorphins. That's supposed to help too. Ok, let's see if I last longer in this challenge than just tonight. Lol....I'm notoriously bad at going to be early. Here we go....all the way until December 23. And just to be scientific, let it be recorded that today I have a migraine.

Finally Employed

I've taken a long time off from these challenges to look for work. Now that I'm happily employed and ready to get back in the game. The main reason I started these challenges was to improve the quality of my life and to explore new things. Now I'm going to focus on the first reason. Migraines have been a huge challenge for me for many years. I've tried so many things but in sporadic and unorganized way. So now I'm going to be as scientific as possible. I've decided to do my experiments in two week installments. The first one starts today.

Marilynn's response to Barre Bee Fit :)

Hi all. My name is Lydia, and I'm a huge poop face. I teach this dance class where I'm mean to my friends and I make everyone cry. It's the German in me. I tell you "how vell you are doing" and then I laugh at you. ("ohohoho!")
Seriously though, that class kicked my ass. I had to stop at least once in every exercise. Starting with the first one. Currently, I am struggling to sit cross legged, because I'm too sore to convince my legs to stay in any position other than crumpled. Also, my butt hurts. And my arms. And I think my brain shut down about 15 minutes into the class. Although that might not be Lydia's fault.
I should go. this typing is making my abs sore.
Hey Lyd, It was nice to see you. Thanks for punching me in the face. I was so excited to see you, and we ate and had ice cream and then you told me to lay down on the ground so you could kick me and hit me with weights. That's cool. Whatever. Fuck you too.

Send Thank You Notes

Taking a break from politics to read an article my boss at the LRC sent to all of us. Is this a hint??? I like the first one. I totally got the first one. Story of my childhood since my mom wouldn't let us open the next Christmas present until we had written our thank you notes!

http://www.inc.com/eliza-browning/business-etiquette-rules-that-matter-now.html

Russia's 9 m Muslims

Today's article was about labels. The most interesting point was that "Muslim world" and "Arab world" are sometimes used as near synonyms. But what about Russia? Russia has about 9 m Muslims (more than Lebanon and Libya combines.) Good point whoever wrote this. I also read about the life of Henry Luce-very fitting as I am about to start working on my application for the Luce Fellowship again!

Mission Accomplished

Andie finally made it to class! Way to go girl :) She totally rocked it too. (Update from June Challenge)

Really want to read this book even though the Economist thought "Hiro's analysis is marred by gaps and inconsistencies." But mirlyn doesn't have it in the catalogue :( #firstworldpains

America's Fastest-Growing Minority

I always joke with people that I only date foreigners. Of course it's not completely true, but I definitely enjoy the learning that comes with intercultural dating. I've never know much about latino issues until I started dating my current boyfriend Marco. Today I read an article about the rapidly growing latino minority in the US. Unfortunately, this minority is still vastly underrepresented in the US government. What hits closer to home though, is the issues within higher education.

Here is a great video that everyone who is reading this should watch:

http://www.upworthy.com/why-honor-students-across-the-country-are-being-thrown-in-jail?g=5

Russia, China and Nuclear Non-Proliferation

So I'm reading an economist from 2010...why? History is interesting! And I didn't really have time to read in 2010 anyways. Today I read about nuclear sanctions on Iran. I gravitate towards this issue because it involves my favorite players in any international policy conflict: The US, Russia, China and the Middle East. I've been trying to think of a research topic for my Fulbright Proposal. Could this be it? Could a lowly Public Policy BA do any meaningful research on a topic that is so existentially important? That's definitely what attracts me to it. I feel like nuclear non-proliferation is more exciting that any other topic because if something goes wrong, we all die. Plus it's a hot topic in the UN. Definitely a contender for what I'd like to be studying next year. 

July Challenge

July's challenge is to read at least 20 minutes of international news everyday. Why? Because I always say I'm going to do it and I never do. And that is exactly what these challenges are for! Plus I have a bunch of old Economists I've been wanting to get through. 

June Challenge Recap

My June challenge was a tough one. The challenge was to work out every day. This was challenging for a couple reasons. First of all, I was really really busy. Chinese intensive started on June 6 (3.5 hours of class and 4-6 hours of homework everyday). Secondly, I was working a lot which left me little to no time to work out. That being said, I worked out pretty much every day and feel great. It helped a lot that I was teaching almost every day at Barre Bee Fit. That helped me stick to my challenge even during the busiest times.  I still have more toning to do, but as of this morning I am one pound away from my goal weight. So exciting! I've been really inspired to try out different workouts and I plan on doing them even though the challenge is over. Here are some things I'd like to try:

• Pure Barre (just out of curiosity)
• Bikram Yoga (love the hot room)
• Rock climbing (however this is a little pricy) with Craig
• Swimming with Dad
• Canoeing on the Huron River with Sara
• Early bird workouts at the Y with Taib and Rae
• Getting Andie to finally try BBF :) 

More updates to come!

Hot Yoga

Starting off the June Fitness Challenge with Hot Yoga!

BEFORE



AFTER

...And shopping for clothes since this was an awesome and spontaneous last minute decision. I still don't know why Alex didn't buy these pants. She looks like a hot yoga pro :)

Taste of Ann Arbor

Celebrating the end of my vegan challenge with...vegan Ethiopian food and
mini cupcakes!!!