Journey From Philadelphia to Myrtle Beach to Run 13.1 Miles

By Lauren Grant

Let me first begin by saying that everything that could have gone wrong on this trip, did. To tell this story, I should probably start from the beginning.

Several months ago, I tried to convince my boyfriend to run a half marathon with me, but he declined. So when a friend mentioned she would be going to Myrtle Beach to run a half with a friend who lived down in North Carolina, I jumped at the chance to go. And so we began planning our days off from work, our flights there and back and our hotel, much to the dismay of my boyfriend and my parents who declared this trip a waste of money as there are other half marathon closer to Philadelphia. I should have known.

We soon learned that the friend, who we would be meeting down there, had asked her mom and sister to come down for the race, but since they live nearby, the four of us (me, my friend, and her friend’s mom and sister) booked the flights and hotel rooms. I started training for the race and as it quickly approached. I learned training in the Winter is not the most enjoyable thing to do, but I had to because I was paying all this money to go to Myrtle Beach. I couldn’t back out even if I wanted to.

There was a threat of snow for the day before we were schedule to fly to Myrtle Beach. The amount predicted increased from a few inches to over a foot. We began to get nervous our flight would be canceled, but never thought it actually would. The snow came and we were pounded with over a foot, which meant my friend and I couldn’t drive to the airport the next day as both of our cars can’t handle snow well.

Eventually we learned that our 7am flight had been canceled. Our layover (which we didn’t know we had until that day) was in Michigan, a mere 7-hour drive. Long story short, we were stuck with only a few options: drive, try and get another flight, take a train or forget the whole trip. The sister and the mom spent the rest of the night on the phone and my friend and I learned that they had decided to get us a flight out of Norfolk, VA, a 6-hour drive from us and about halfway to Myrtle Beach. Despite the fact that the roads were barely plowed, we were picked up around 7am, and then rented a car to drive down. The rental company, who will remain unnamed, was so backed up as 7 of their employees called out that morning, that we waited for a half hour to get a car. We were told the information would be added into the system later in the day as that took too much time with only a few workers. We didn’t think anything of it.

Since we left Philadelphia around 8am, that gave us exactly six and half hours to drive to Norfolk, drop off the car, get through security and make our flight. Over the course of the next five and half hours, we ran out of windshield wiper fluid (which when it snows and the salt flies up, makes it impossible to see and therefore drive) and the one store we stopped at was out of the fluid. We used my full water bottle to refill the empty wiper fluid. We switched drivers once from the mom to the sister, who proceeded to drive 90 MPH for most of the way. Then we hit traffic -twice- and we thought we were done for.

Everything seemed fine after the traffic in Northern Virginia until the car told us we were only 10 miles from an empty tank and riding on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, not the smartest thing to do but the sister refused to stop. As the gas went down, she kept going and driving at very fast speeds. She eventually stopped and put in $4 just to be able to make it to the drop off at the airport. When we finally got to the drop off, we did the quick checkout and ran for the airport. Thank God this was a small airport or we would not have been able to get through security and check-in as quickly as we did.

We made our flight and flew into Georgia and then hopped on a little “Puddle Jumper” to Myrtle Beach, where we learned they were calling for snow the day before the race.

It would be the first time in 10 years it snowed in Myrtle Beach. Of course it would. At this point we didn’t think it could get any worse, but it did.

Because of the impending snow, the race director decided the day before the race to push back the start from 6:30am to 7:00am. As the night went on, it began snowing, lightly at first and it wasn’t sticking. A decision for the race was to be made at 5:00pm, and then that was pushed back to 10:00pm. Finally at the end of the 10 O’clock news the anchor announced that the city decided to cancel the race because of the snow.

This was the worst news. Everything we went through up to this point to get down there was in vain. Still, we didn’t want to waste all of our training efforts so decided to still run the 13.1-mile course at 7:00 am. We began a little late but started near the planned start line and tried to follow the course. There were tons of runners out on the course. I felt proud that we were still out there, but sad I wouldn’t receive my medal I had worked so hard for.

I ran alone for the majority of the run and turned around at the spot my friends and I had agreed on, but I never saw them. I got back and was picked up by the rest of our party who informed me that several people were wearing medals. I ran down the finishing chute and no one was there. We drove around for a while looking for the other two and for those medals with no luck. We drove back near the hotel and found the other two. Then we drove back to the finish to see if there were any medals there, and there were. So we all ran down the chute together and got our medals. I felt like I really accomplished something, even though the time wasn’t official. I had a great time that day. Despite the snow that was the cause of all our cancellations and the interesting trip down, I had a good time and I’m happy I was there.

By LaTasha Hewitt

When we talk about relationships, most people think of relationships with their partners, family, friends, coworkers and even their pets. However, not many of us think about the relationships that we will have with our home. Any one who has ever owned a home will tell you for both good and bad reasons you will form relationships with your house. In all reality how could you not form a bond and relationship. Homes are where we live our lives.

For many, the thought of such a large investment can be a little overwhelming as the idea of “signing their lives away” haunts them. But home ownership does not have to be a daunting experience. If ever there was a time to consider owning a home, it’s now. This is the case for three great reasons:

Low Home Prices
The downturn of the economy has had a significant impact on the real estate industry, particularly home values. What this means for the buyer is that they can get more bang for the buck. A home they may not have been able to afford 5 years ago could be well within their reach in the present market.

Low Interest Rates
Interest rates are at record lows, averaging between 4.5-5.5%. What does this mean to the buyer?… lower monthly payments and less money paid throughout the life of the loan.

Tax Credit
First-time home buyers who purchase a home by April 30th of this year, and close by the end of June 2010, will qualify to receive an 8,000 tax credit on their taxes. That extra cash could really come in handy to add a little TLC to a room or simply furnish one.

There is also a monetary incentive for current homeowners who have lived in their homes for 5 of the last 8 years. They are eligible for a tax credit up to $6,500. The great thing about his credit is that homeowners can either upgrade or downsize that next home.

So with all these incentives, I’m sure you’re asking…What do you need to do?

1.Save!
Because of the many homeowners who bit off more than they could chew by buying homes that could not realistically afford, most loans do require putting some money down, usually 5-20% of the purchase price. Lenders are viewing the money down as proof that you are financially prepared to handle home ownership.

2. Check your credit
Each person is entitled to one free credit report per year from one of the credit bureaus (TransUnion, . Take advantage of this so that you can address any questionable findings before your lender does. Pay down as much debt as possible so as to positively impact your score What this means to you: Your credit score affects your eligibility for a loan and also determines what your interest rate will be.

3. Do Your Research
Shop around with different mortgage companies. You are not obligated to go with someone suggested by your realtor, but it is a good idea to get recommendations from friends or family. While doing your research, be sure to inquire about 100% financing that may be available on qualifying homes.

4. Once you have found a lender that meets your need, get pre-approved for a loan.
This will aid you in determining how much you can afford and will prevent you from looking at homes out of your price range. Avoid the disappointment of falling in love with a home that you cannot afford.

5. Find a real estate agent.
Search for a realtor that you can trust. Family and friends are a great resource in this search as well. Look for someone with who is interested in listening to what you need and is committed to finding you what you want.

6. Go Looking!
This is the best part of the process. Go out and start looking at available homes. You’d be surprised how your needs and wants can change. Imagine your flat-screen on the wall or select which room would be best showcase your collectibles.

Happy House Hunting.

LaTasha is a real estate agent specializing in first-time home buyers. She believes in making the home-buying experience a memorable one. She is a family-centered person whose heart is overwhelmed with love for her husband and little girl!

Have real estate questions? I’d be glad to answer them. E-mail them to latasha.hewitt@prufoxroach.com or visit our website at a2zRealtorPA.com

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Giving Up the House Life for Apartment Living … Maybe

By Cynna Woo

When people are young many long to leave the city and save every dollar to get more space out in the burbs. Somewhere along the line, the goal may change.

Here it is a new year; as I was heading back to NJ after a much needed 10 day break for the holidays. One of the best perks of working in higher education is the time off at Christmas. Let’s not forget about the four day work week in the summer either, it is one of the reasons I applied for this position 65 miles from my home.

Now, we’re a two home couple, one is a big drafty house that could use updating after 22 years of fixing things mostly when they break. The other is a tiny condo with one bedroom, where I never lose things. However, the big house is jealous of the small house because it has the coveted walk-in closet.

This new year brings a new promotion for my husband and it has me thinking that I’ll be driving into this morning sun glare for some time yet. Plenty of time alone in my car to start constructing our plans for the future.

If he is going to stay in PA, I think I would like to sell the big house and move to a center city apartment.
An apartment!
My friends are already exclaiming, “Why would you throw your money away like that?”

I think that it would be nice to not be responsible for everything that breaks. I wouldn’t feel guilty for not “updating” the old house. My commute would be cut by a half hour and I could do it by train if needed. I think we could be OK with renting for a bit, I don’t want to jump right in and buy in the city. I need to know if city life is more fun and exciting or more expensive and dangerous. I also probably haven’t even thought about the expense or hassle of parking two cars in the city either. Still, I would like to be able to walk to dinner or a movie or even the theater, a wish common among other empty nesters.

Ah that word, empty nester, how it saddens me, although there’s really no reason to be sad. My children have been out of the house for quite some time now. In fact my son is planning home renovations of his own. How funny the words, “Everything costs so much,” are coming from his mouth. I think his bathroom will cost the same as our first house.

The time raising children is endless when you are going through it and looking back it went by far too quickly.

Almost to work, and I can’t wait to see that Galloway Wawa, with the gas price twenty cents cheaper than PA. This week I’ll be facing re-admit students. These are students who left college a few years ago or sometimes a decade ago. They’ll be surprised if they have more classes to go than they thought. It’s funny how one remembers needing only a few courses to graduate when a few may be a year or more of academic work. But I’m glad they’re coming; it keeps me in business.

The Commuter is a column by Cynna Woo. She has been commuting between South Jersey and the Philadelphia suburbs for the last four years. When she first landed her great job as an academic advisor in N.J. she did not mind the drive. But, driving 65 miles one way grew old very fast. She shortened the drive time by buying a condo in Smithville, NJ. She now lives like a single person during the week and commutes to her “big house” and husband of 35 years, on the weekends. She would like to share her commuter musings, while driving. She will actually write them down when she gets home, because she hasn’t perfected writing while driving quite yet. Cynna enjoys reviewing movies, show tunes, listening to Howard Stern, speaking in french, collecting mermaids, hiking, and spending quality time with her amazing family.

By Lora Erickson, B.S., CPT, CES

As an athlete my body is always being challenged and is in a constant state of repair. Recovering from a run or workout in a short time is important to me. One of the ways I speed recovery is by eating healthy everyday. Many sports nutrition articles focus on supplements and how to eat right before a race or on race day. While this is important on race day, ProLong Magazine and I believe that we stand to benefit more on a whole from how we eat on a daily basis. Personally I feel like the best foods come from nature in the form of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and quality proteins such as fish, nuts, beans, legumes, and seeds.

As a runner and triathlete the need for antioxidants, quality protein, iron and water is greater than a regular person. There are many antioxidants, but one I feel has particular importance for a runner is ascorbic acid or Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to synthesize the protein collagen and is important for tissue healing and immune function. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which can help clean up free radicals produced from exercise. Free radicals are believed to initiate the cancer process and Vitamin C can help limit our exposure to them by donating the electron they are seeking (this topic deserves its own blog post – so check back). Cardiovascular exercise challenges the immune system so it is important to give the body the nutrients it needs to function optimally. Major sources of Vitamin C include green peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, strawberries, papayas, romaine lettuce and citrus fruits. While the adult RDA is 60 milligrams per day, an endurance athlete may require up to 200 milligrams per day. Consuming Vitamin C also helps with non-heme iron absorption making it alkaline in the small intestine.

Another important nutrient is iron which forms the hemoglobin of the red blood cells and myoglobin in muscle cells. This is important for respiration, immune function and compounds of energy production. Low levels of iron in the body can result in anemia which decreases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Anemia can also cause fatigue, loss of appetite, poor temperature regulation and a weakened immune system. Obviously this would be a vary hazardous condition for any athlete. Getting enough iron is important and being careful not to over consume foods that decrease its absorption are key. For instance polyphenols (tannins) found in tea can reduce iron absorption.

In an effort to get enough iron we may be tempted to use iron supplements, however we must remember that high levels of iron at once can affect the absorption of other important minerals such as calcium and zinc. The best way to ensure nutrient balance is getting enough quality protein, fruits and vegetables in your daily diet, which is not as difficult as some might think. Iron can be found in red meat, legumes or beans, leafy green vegetables, broccoli, peas,bran and enriched foods (bread).

A great way to ensure a balanced diet is to keep a food journal. By logging what we eat daily it is easy to see where adjustments need to be made. Focus on increasing water and fruits and vegetables gradually. The goal is to consume and combination of 7 (women) to 9 (men) servings of fruits & vegetables per day. This may sounds like a lot, but it is really quite reasonable to get this amount. Generally a serving size is ½ cup or small piece of fruit. I suggest getting 2 fruits and 5-7 servings of vegetables per day. However, if you are not even close to that, just add 1 or 2 servings a day and work up to that level. Honestly sudden changes in diet can cause a lot of gastric distress and intestinal issues. Small improvements over time allow your body time to adapt to the increased fiber.

So in short, incorporating more quality protein, fruits and vegetables into the daily diet and maintaining the proper hydration levels will help speed recovery and help you perform better as an athlete.

Happy Training,
Lora
The Blonde Runner

Lora Erickson aka Blonde Runner is a competitive runner and triathlete with over 25 years of experience. She is the owner of Blonde Runner Health, LLC in Bountiful, Utah where she currently resides with her husband and four children. As a USATF certified running coach since 1996. She is also a certified personal trainer, health educator and nutrition consultant. Lora welcomes comments and questions. Contact her directly at lora@blonderunner.com or visit The Blonde Runner for more information.

Adventures in Apartment Living

by Jennifer Maugle

Many of us have had the opportunity to meet some interesting and sometimes disturbing characters living just doors away. This is especially true when living in apartments under shared roofs and I am not even about to tackle landlords. Regardless of where you live, you have to wonder if you ever truly know your neighbors. Prior to taking the plunge and purchasing a house in 2007, my husband (then boyfriend) and I cohabited in a 2 bedroom apartment located in the northern suburbs of Philadelphia. We called this place “home” for five years and we can recall both good and not-so-good memories.

First, a quick recap of good memories and experiences: a fairly inexpensive place to live, use of pool and tennis courts (none of which we utilized – ever), free gym, numerous parties and gatherings with family and friends, we got got engaged while living here, and in our final years of apartment living we were privileged to have the company of good friends living just down the hall. This allowed for many hangouts, movie nights, dinner dates and more.

But let’s move on to the not-so-good memories, shall we? Sometimes when I look back on our time there, I have to just shake my head and laugh (and feel blessed to have the home we now live in). As anyone who lives in or has lived in an apartment knows, there could be a variety of characters (um, neighbors) to deal with or come across.

Enter “Eddie”. Eddie, his significant other, and their baby boy moved in across the hall from us and seemed like a nice enough, young family. I was asked once if I would ever babysit (they did not know me whatsoever) and when I said, “No, I am 27 and have a full-time job”, they were surprised and thought I was actually 17. As they settled in across the hall and time passed, we began to notice the distinct smell of pot coming from their apartment, the hallway and landing of the staircase. I realize that this probably isn’t an uncommon thing but it still irked me that it was seeping under our door fairly often and oh the fact that they lived with a small child who was inhaling second hand weed.

We soon realized this wasn’t much of an issue compared to what was about to happen. Fast forward to the time when our good friends and neighbors had their car stolen right out of the parking lot beneath their window. I probably shouldn’t go into great detail but suffice it to say we all know who did it or at least who was associated with the incident. The car was found in northern New Jersey, stripped of its parts.

Let’s continue. Who doesn’t get annoyed by bugs and infestations? Well we did, that’s for sure. It was bad enough when the cockroaches began parading under our front door from across the trashy-smelling neighbor’s apartment. We sprayed and killed them one by one and even came up with names for some of them: Cocky (the original), Jocky (the quick one), Stocky (the slow, dumb one), and Papa Roach too. Not surprisingly, when the tenants moved out and the apartment was cleaned, we didn’t get any more roach visitors.

However, the worst was yet to come. One day, we noticed that we were starting to get bites and welts all over our arms and legs. They didn’t itch too much but it was summertime so we just thought we had a mosquito or four stuck somewhere in our bedroom, sucking our blood in our sleep. Well, as the bites didn’t go away and we never found any mosquitoes, we weren’t sure what was going on until one night when we put a bedroom light on in the middle of the night. Much to our shock and dismay, we saw a plethora of little brownish-black bugs crawling on our bed as well as on us(they were too light-weight to even feel). I about lost it. To make a long story short, we had a nasty case of the bedbugs. We had pest control come numerous times to treat our apartment and our possessions (these buggers are incredibly hard to fight). We had to throw away our bed (where the bedbugs infest, multiply and leave black spots of excrement under the mattress edges) and sleep on our futon in the living room for approximately two weeks. How and why did these blood suckers come to us and where in the world did they come from? Who knew that bedbugs actually existed in real life and not just in the catchy kids’ phrase “Sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite”? We eventually learned that they came from a recently evacuated apartment down the hall. Articles about bedbug invasions began
appearing all over the Internet and the news, especially being an issue in New York. They were easily being brought over unknowingly from foreign countries, becoming an issue for hotels and travelers, bedbugs attaching to luggage and so on. Although they pose no major threat of disease or harm, they are highly annoying and difficult to get rid of. Bedbugs my friends, are not cool.

And what would apartment living be without the danger of fire? It was around midnight one evening when the smoke alarms sounded out in the halls. We didn’t immediately rush up and outta there given that these things tend to go off for no apparent reason or because some juvenile decided to pull the alarm for fun. After too many minutes went by without it being shut off, I started to worry and opened our door to the hall to peek out. Smoke! Lots and lots of smoke! My significant other and I promptly went down the three flights of stairs and outside to where everyone else was. I seriously considered taking our cat with us but I was persuaded to keep her inside and that everything would be fine (although we didn’t truly know). As we passed one of our neighbor’s doors, we noticed it was slightly open and discovered that it was the source of all the smoke. We stood outside chattering with other residents as four township firetrucks pulled up to assess the situation. In they went and out they came a bit later with our neighbor, in a state of much confusion and/or drunkenness, wearing nothing but tighty whiteys and a dull look in his eyes. I don’t think he had a clue as to what was happening – we later found out that he fell asleep with items burning on the stove. Class-act neighbor right there.

I could go on and on with other stories such as the children who shot BB guns outside at each other (and put dents in cars in the process) or the time I came home from work to find helicopters swirling overhead and police cars and ambulances staked out all over the place (there had been a shooting in the apartment building next door). Or, amusing stories about our male neighbor who enjoyed blasting his Britney Spears techno music with the lights off except for his rotating party lights ball. Or the fact that we had another neighbor truly named Chuck Norris who drove a jaguar.

We had five years worth of interesting apartment living I must say. I look back and laugh now but also thank my lucky stars that we were able to get out before anything else happened. We are very thankful for the home we now own thirty miles north of Philadelphia. Home owning is a whole other bag of stories but I’ll save that for some other time. For those of you currently living in apartments or other community-based living arrangements, hopefully you’ve had better luck than we have. If you’re holding out to make an eventual house purchase – good luck, you will get there! And remember, sleep tight my friends … and don’t let those bedbugs bite!

Valentine’s Day originates from the ancient Roman fertility festival of Lupercalia, which was celebrated on 15 February in honor of the gods Lupercus and Faunus, as well as the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. During the festival, young men would draw the names of women from a box, and each couple would be paired until next year’s celebration. Often they would fall in love and marry.

Source: http://didyouknow.org/

By Jim Shields

Do you enjoy hiking, camping and exploring some of nature’s most precious gifts? Even if you are not a hard core rock climber or class IV kayaker you will always face risk when stepping off of the sidewalk or sand and onto the trail. So naturally when making the decision to get out into the wild there are certain risks and precautions that we must all think about. On May 15 and 16 there will be a 2 day course held at the Silver Lake Nature Center in Bristol, PA for anyone interested in becoming certified in Wilderness First Aid. This course is being taught by Wilderness Medicine Institute instructor and Director of Bloomsburg University’s QUEST outdoor program, Brett Simpson. Over two days you will learn in the classroom and practice simulations outside of the classroom. Students will learn how to help themselves and help provide wilderness first aid to others that are in need. Everything from sprained ankles, to bee stinks, to treating hypothermia will be covered and much more. If you are interested in attending this class please read the registration and pricing information below.


Wilderness First Aid Course with Wilderness Medicine Institute (WMI) of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)

DATES AND COST: Our next WFA will be May 15-16, 2010. The Cost is $175 for participants till April 10th. $185 after April 10th. You can also receive $10 off for each person you get to register for the course.

LOCATION: Silver Lake Nature Center, Bristol PA.

REGISTRATION: You must pre-register for this course. To register contact the instructor, Brett Simpson at (570) 854-4095 or e-mail bsimpson@bloomu.edu.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The WMI of NOLS WFA/WFR Recertification course is an introductory level course designed to provide outdoor leaders, guides and rangers an introduction to First Aid and patient care in remote settings. Special topics include, but are not limited to: wound management and infection, realigning fractures and dislocations, improvised splinting techniques, patient monitoring and long-term management problems, plus up-to-date information on environmental emergencies. Emphasis is placed on principles of treatment and decision making, not the memorization of lists.

Upon successful completion of the course a two year WMI of NOLS Wilderness First Aid certification will be issued. All levels of training and experience are welcome. This course does not include
CPR.

WFR RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: In order to recertify Wilderness First Responder through this WFA course, WFR Recertification students will be required to successfully pass a practical exam. Students must have a current WFR certification from WMI, SOLO, NOLS, WMA or WPT. Students are required to submit a photocopy of WFR certification cards on the first day of the course (Bring a copy with you as there is not a copier available at the course). There is a one-year grace period for recertification of WMI cards. (Keep in mind that you are not current during this grace period and therefore cannot work as a Wilderness First Responder.) Please check your WFR certification closely; WMI will not recertify cards from organizations other than those listed.

REGISTRATION/POLICIES: Tuition payment in full is required to reserve your spot in the course. Tuition is non-transferable. Tuition is payable by check (with driver’s license number), money order, cash or PayPal (with a small transaction fee). The tuition fee covers textbooks, syllabus, equipment and certification cards. A full refund will be given if we are forced to cancel the course for any reason.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY: There is a non-refundable deposit equal to the amount of the course tuition needed to register for the course. .
If you notify the Instructor of your cancellation after the full payment has been received you will be refunded as follows: If cancellation notice is received not less than five weeks prior to the course, you will receive 75% of the balance due after the deposit.

For cancellations received not less than four weeks prior to the course will be a 50% refund of the balance due after the deposit. There will be no refund for cancellations received less than four weeks prior to course. If you can find a replacement for your spot we would accept that.

NO PETS PLEASE: Pets are not allowed at the teaching site, this includes leashing them outside. No exceptions. Any student bringing pets to class will be asked to leave class until the pet is safely situated in a kennel or other facility.

NO SMOKING OR ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED ON SITE

CLASS FORMAT/ EQUIPMENT: Check in is at 7:45 AM on the first day of the course. Course days run from 8:00am to 5:00pm. The format for the WFA/WFR Recertification is classroom lectures integrated with practical scenarios. Scenarios, and practice sessions will take place both inside and outside. Please bring outdoor clothing appropriate for lying on the potentially wet, muddy or snowy, cold ground playing the role of both rescuer and patient. Frequently stage (moulage) blood and make-up will be used to emphasize the reality of a scenario. Generally the classroom environment lends itself to a pair of comfy shoes/slipper and a crazy creek-type chair. Please come equipped with a light day pack, waterproof top and bottom, light hiking boots, and layers well suited for spending time outside playing the role of patient and rescuer.

By Pam J. Bernd

With snow in 49 out of 50 states this week, chances are that you are cuddled up on the couch this weekend with your loved one. Whether snowed in or not due to the weather, make sure that you don’t forget the essentials. A cork screw, some glasses, a good bottle and some great company is sure to jump start your weekend.

February is the time of year when we all want to do something special for our loved ones. When we were younger, we passed out Valentine’s to our classmates or made Valentine’s for our parents. Anyone remember candy grams in school? Those were great, and especially the anonymous ones that created just enough mystery. We then progressed to chocolates and baked goods. Now that we are all mature adults, at this time in our lives, what is better than giving a nice bottle of wine to our loved ones? Here are a few suggestions that should put a smile on that special someone’s face. However, if you happen to be alone this Valentine’s Day, ProLong Magazine salutes you for the amazing individual that you are and will continue to be with or without a partner.
Note: A significant other is not needed to enjoy these delicious wines.

The first thing that comes to mind is a nice sparkling dolce (or sweet) red wine. Banfi’s Rosa Regale is produced from the Brachetto d’Acqui grape. This being one of the few sparkling red wines, it is sure to please, and is also one of the few wines that pairs well with all kinds of chocolate. It offers a savory and sweet pairing. Banfi’s Rosa Regale has frothy, semi-sweet flavors of strawberry, cranberry and raspberry, and your palate will be enticed by aromas of rose petals. This retails for around $20.00. Banfi’s Rosa Regale

Moet & Chandon usually offers some very exciting gift packs this time of year. Look for Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Rose NV Chill Box. This bottle of fine champagne comes in an elegant pink container designed to maintain its ideal temperature for up to two hours. If you cannot find the Chill Box, the champagne is a great buy even without the accessories. This champagne can stand alone for sipping, or pairs well with steak, lobster or fresh strawberries. With or without the Chill Box, this Rose retails for around $50.00. Moet & Chandon

Next on the list, check out Montes Cherub Rose 2009. This should be marketed as the quintessential Valentine’s Day wine. The label shows an adorable chubby cherub, and the wine is absolutely delicious! Created from 100% Syrah, it is a seductive dry Rose with aromas of cherry and hints of spiciness. It supplies a lengthy finish with its excellent structure of tannins and acidity, making this a perfect wine to pair with any food. Montes Cherub is very reminiscent of a Tavel Rose from France, but with a much more appealing price tag at around $15.00. Montes Cherub

Some say that chocolate and wine cannot be paired together, but I disagree. I believe they actually complement each other, if paired correctly. Here are a few tips for pairing chocolate and wine:
• When pairing wine with dessert, always choose a wine that is sweeter than the food.
• Dark and bittersweet chocolates pair well with stronger red wines, such as robust styles of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Syrah.
• A great Port would be wonderful with dark chocolate. The sweetness along with strong tannins makes a perfect complement.
• Milk chocolate and white chocolate pair better with lighter reds or sweeter white wines; I suggest Moscato d’Asti, Riesling or Orange Muscat with white chocolate. Whereas a Pinot Noir or a light bodied Merlot will complement milk chocolate.

Whatever wine you choose, make sure to remember the essentials; a corkscrew, some glasses, and great company! Happy Valentine’s Day!

As ProLong Magazine’s official Wine Expert, Pam J. Bernd is excited to share her knowledge and advice with readers and show that even the most hardcore beer drinker can become a fan of wine. Pam started her college years wanting to work in the field of Information and Technology. Bachelor’s degree in hand she started selling wine. After learning about the different regions that make up the wine world, she started teaching a beginners class. Now she purchases wine for a retail organization. Having moved from her home town, she always enjoy going home and hanging with friends.

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By Georgia Cameron

I admit it. I have a problem. When I look into the eyes of a dog or cat on death row, or one that happens to wind up at my back door looking for food, I can’t help but get involved. There’s an intrinsic high you get when you save something that is near death, and seeing them off to their new homes with people that love and cherish them makes me feel like a super hero. I can’t imagine a drug that feels this good; on every level I am tingling with master-of-the-universe like power. I just saved a life.

After several years of near bankruptcy because of my condition, a few girlfriends and I pitched together and started what was supposed to be a tax umbrella and a little help for the vet care we put into our strays. Within three years we had grown to a point that was beyond a combined addiction – it was sheer insanity. With only 6 real volunteers and 4 foster homes, we managed to save over 220 animals in 2009. Of that number, more than ¾ had been marked for euthanasia at municipal shelters either because of space constraints or because they had failed behavioral tests. What makes our rescue different is that one of our founders is a professional dog trainer; we combine training into every single aspect of the rescue experience. Our dogs are rehabilitated from the ground up, and where once stood a terrified Chihuahua that would try and bite is now a happy family dog that enjoys hugs from children.

There are varying levels of rescue addiction. Some people watch Craigslist; others forward emails, some occasionally foster. Then there are the full blown addicts who are just crazy enough to try and start an actual organization dedicated to saving these animals. You are in a whole new territory when people are contacting you directly to save a dog they saw tied to a stop sign – and you actually go pick it up.

There is a lot of learning when you first start a rescue. Effectively filing your 501 application is no small feat, and finding ways to raise funds and stick to a budget is just as difficult. You will fight amongst yourselves, but in the end you’ll realize it takes the group effort to make a true rescue succeed, not just one individual.

Your personal life will suffer. Only a compassionate partner will understand when you have to skip a romantic dinner date so you can crawl through the mud, trapping kittens under an abandoned house that’s about to be torn down. You will reach points of sheer exhaustion, but you somehow manage to carry on (although not always coherently).

You will spar with your supporters. Some think you are miracle workers, others see you as paper pushers who just make the process more difficult with reference checks and adoption fees. You will quickly realize who your true friends are – the ones that will listen to your crazy stories and let you cry on their shoulder when you have a melt down. They also forward your frantic emails looking for homes when you get in 5 death-row dogs in one day, and somehow also managed to find a stray on the side of the road.

Your outer self may seem more tired, more world weary, and more jaded. You’ll have scars from bites, scratches and random accidents, and you’ll get more than one tetanus shot. Like a used car salesman you will start plugging your adoptable animals to everyone you know or meet. Yet the biggest change will come from within.

Your inner self, the one you know so intimately and can count on to act rationally, becomes like a lightning rod and occasionally a stranger. You will begin to feel the power of the universe as it moves through you, putting you in places at times that can’t be coincidence. You experience miracles that take your breath away. You will do things that sane people would walk away from, but you somehow embrace with the passion of a person who can see the difference they are making in the world.

In a short amount of time, you will become as one who does not feel complete if they aren’t juggling 20 balls at once. The people at PetSmart will know you by name, and your friends will begin to include veterinarians, animal control officers, and those similarly afflicted. You will love and hate the animals you save. You will fall to your knees in near ecstasy when that black mutt that’s been in your program for nearly a year smiles at you as he’s walked out the door by his new owners. You will cry when the dog that was dumped at the kill shelter for having cancer loses her battle, asleep on your bed. But you will thank the powers that be that you get to participate in this crazy ride that is animal rescue, and feel blessed for the ups and downs that now mark your life.

I am a rescue addict, and I am proud to admit it. In fact, it’s the thing I am most proud of about my life. It makes me whole just as it tears me apart. My inner-me has never been so lovely, just as my outer me has never had such a messy house or so many scars. But to save the life of a deserving animal, and give it a second chance, is the greatest accomplishment I can ever claim.

My name is Georgia Cameron, and I am the Vice President of a no-kill, non-breed specific animal rescue in Denver, Colorado. What started on a whim has turned into a full-time job and hobby. Check out NSC Rescue to learn about our organization and find out how you can get involved.

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By Robert J. Ottaviani

I took the standard oath when I signed on to blog for ProLong thereby surrendering my first born or designated child that I wished to sacrifice. They put me through all of the DNA testing,the secret handshake and signing off on the clause that prevents me from blogging for a competitor.
I know as I write the following I’m being semi-sacrilegious because part of ProLong Magazine’s objective is to promote a longer healthier lifestyle. However, the way I view it a sense of humor is vital to a healthy body and mind.With that in mind and in the style of a certain late night TV host and with tongue firmly planted in cheek I give you the following:

Top 10 reasons for not living a healthy lifestyle
10.Don’t have to concern yourself with those pesky expiration dates
9.Can use treadmill as an additional source of hanging clothes
8.Puts all you can eat buffets back into play
7.Amusement park rides don’t have a weight restriction only height
6.The rise in popularity in over sized furniture makes the timing oh so right
5.Calorie schmalories … give me some of that bacon fat
4.Polyester clothing with Lycra has great elasticity qualities
3.It gives one the opportunity to “super size” it
2.We will end the prejudice against fat people in our lifetime
1.Sugar is good food

Top 10 reasons for not exercising
10.Putting on twenty is easier than losing twenty
9.Eliminates choosing a favorite fitness guru to follow (Sorry Matt Tucker)
8.Riding a stationary bike gets you nowhere and the scenery is boring
7.Endorphin high isn’t as good as the one you get from donuts
6.Sweating is largely overrated
5.Assuming sedentary position makes it easy for people to find you
4.Eliminates those pangs of guilt when you cheat
3.Couldn’t figure out how to hook up the new exercise equipment to the sofa
2.Anything less than a lifetime commitment is considered failure
1.No time wasted kneeling on a mat at the gym staring at some unsightly posteriors

Top 10 reasons for staying off drugs and alcohol
10.The faces you wake up to the next morning are familiar
9.Able to avoid that one always annoying jerk
8.Have the ability to actually recall and recant stories with details
7.Wake up the next morning without corn stalks hanging out your car windows
6.Rehab is for losers
5.State store wont revoke your platinum membership status
4.New circle of friends are okay with you staying home to watch a movie
3.Less recyclables to put out each week
2.English becomes your first language again
1.”Let’s do some shots”

Robert J. Ottaviani (Bert) is a cusp born Aries the ram who has lived through summer of love in the late sixties and the hippie culture that bled into the seventies. He has a passion for music, gardening and all things nature … and laffy taffy. He is freakishly aware of music trivia to absurd levels. Most days you can find him playing his guitar or jotting down lyrics. He was so impacted from the moment he first heard the Beatles that he has Beatlemanianized his life,been to Liverpool, England and remains convinced he is the fifth Beatle. He is married to a gentle and lovely vibe of a woman with three wonderful children. He currently lives and resides in strawberry fields forever.

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