sweating responsibly (for you and the planet)

Greeeeat. Now they're saying that a lot of the athletic apparel fabrics we have been wearing, specifically the kinds that claim to wick away moisture and keep us dry, contain toxins that our skin absorbs. It makes perfect sense when I think about it. Our skin is our largest organ and we are wearing this clothing while it is, by all accounts, a sweaty sponge. We all know that cotton is good for just about everything but exercising (I've heard some serious outdoors-men and women refer to it as the "fabric of death"), so over the years I've come to rely on my Nike Dri Fit and Under Armour gear. And, if you're like me you have never been much of a sweat-er, then you turned 30 and, well...

Fortunately, a few companies out there are making use of what's available to us here on our fine planet and developed some great, natural fiber athletic apparel. One of my favorite "fabrics" for working out is merino wool. Here is a great write-up on why "All you need is wool", from Rivenndell Bicycle Works' awesome website.

I have to make the disclaimer that one of my best friends works for Ibex, and recently opened their flagship store here in Boston. Still, I have to say, their products are absolutely beautiful, well-cut, and comfortable, and they work. I ran a race in 35 degree weather in October wearing only the Woolies crew under the Zephyr zip up. I was totally warm, comfortable and dry. I also think that Ibex's products are great looking and function as nice layers even if you aren't exercising. And as a tall person, I love that they are cut longer. I have yet to wear any of their merino wool t-shirts or tanks for yoga or to run on a warm day (it feels weird to even type that), but you have to figure that if this is the same stuff that keeps sheep warm in the winter and cool in the summer, it should work for us, too. Here are a few of my favorite Ibex picks.

Another company that uses not only merino wool but bamboo, is New Zealand-based Icebreaker. I may have to order some of these tops. I love these colors and think that v-neck tops are flattering and can make you feel sexy when you're working out. There's nothing wrong with a little sweat shimmering on your chest when you're at the gym. Yep, I said it.

Alo makes a lot of their clothes with recycled material like bamboo. I got this great Alo pullover at City Sports not too long ago, and they have some other nice things on their website like this yoga top. It is made from 67% bamboo, and I think the color and cut are really pretty.

Hope you do something that makes you sweat this weekend!

get yourself a good bike

This weekend my "little" brother George is visiting me from San Francisco, and for the first time in my life when expecting a visitor, I have nothing planned. Were he not the most easy-going person in the world, I might be a bit concerned, but I am actually looking forward to having a spontaneous weekend.

I live about a block away from Mellow Johnny's, a bike shop owned by Austin native Lance Armstrong. Aside from having a great little cafe dubbed "Juan Pelota" (if you speak Spanish and know anything about Lance Armstrong, you'll know why this is funny), they also rent out bikes by the hour.

If I could plan one thing for this weekend, it would be to rent some bikes and drive down to Lady Bird Lake and over to South Congress on Saturday.

Thinking about this reminds me of one of my favorite travel adventures, 15 days that I spent in November 2005 in Budapest. I'll take Budapest over her stepsister Prague any day of the week. Interesting people, delicious food and wine (they have as many wine regions as California), I never felt alone or bored on this trip. One day I walked over to Margaret Island, really an outcropping in the middle of the Danube River between Buda and Pest, where I rented a charming old Schwinn. These are some photos I took on a beautiful fall day on Margaret Island. I remember feeling really happy.

week two

I am going to try to be consistent with these these updates, even though I am so exhausted I could pass out right now! It was another challenging week at the office, but I think the team here is getting adjusted to the new work load and responsibilities. I did not expect to feel confusion about who I work for, or what office I work in, but I admit that having a new team to build and mold has been rewarding and I will truly miss the people here. I still participate in my research group's daily call, but I am feeling a bit out of the loop with what is happening, and in a way I feel more connected to and proud of the people I work with in Austin.

When Friday came, I was so tired, but looked forward to another weekend of getting to know Austin. After work I went to dinner at a Japanese restaurant called Uchi with some girls from work. I know, sushi in land-locked Austin would probably make most stomachs turn, but it was some of the freshest, most delicious I've ever had. The restaurant is in this charming little house off of a busy street that is hidden behind tall swaying bamboo and rattan screens. The interior is beautiful with a bold red Asian-inspired toile wallpaper and very pale, egg blue ceilings. We started with these amazing bond rolls filled avocado, sun dried tomato, salmon and wrapped in delicate white soybean paper. They were so small, and slightly smokey. I think I could eat them every day. Another memorable part of the meal was a little appetizer of tiny brie cubes served tempura-style with tart apple matchsticks and shoe string squash, served over a sweet vinegar reduction. The food was delicious and affordable. Including wine and several courses, it was only around $55 per person. A far cry from what you'd pay in Boston or LA.


On Saturday, I mostly relaxed, got my first Texan manicure and pedicure (it took forrrrrrrever - there is no rushing here!) Then I stopped into this amazing Mexican supermarket called Fiesta. I meant to take a picture because it just had so many interesting things, including authentic Mexican dresses, cowboy hats, cowboy boots, Mexican spices, dry bulk containers with everything you could think of. The shelves were also really low, and you could see over them across the entire market. There was also a place to get your jewelry repaired, a pawn shop, a small health clinic, a huge food court, and a Wells Fargo. There was a line of about 30 people waiting at the bank, mostly immigrants transferring money home to their families, I presume. This reminded me a lot of California.

Today, I woke up late and went for a 2 hour walk around Town Lake. This could be why I am so exhausted now! It was really windy today, but just great to be outside and clear my head a little. I was telling my sister Christina earlier today that it seems like everyone here exercises. One moment you'll pass a ripped, 70 year hippy dude with a ponytail, and the next, a tattooed 26 year old bartender with huge headphones will sprint by you. There are also quite a few UT athletes and others who take advantage of any of the different distance loops around the lake. I am going to try to make these Sunday walks a ritual, as it is great people watching and I have figured out a strategic way of arriving right at Whole Foods to do a little shopping for the week before I return home. Dangerous, expensive, but amazing. I could dedicate an entire post to the Whole Foods world headquarters in Austin. It's truly incredible.



Right now it is close to 10p.m. and I have the big windows in my bedroom open to let in the breeze. It's about 70 degrees out and I have not figured the AC out in this place. I am actually not sure that there is a "cool" setting on my thermostat, only a "no heat" setting... That could be a problem as we get closer to summer. I have a big tree outside of my window so I can hear the leaves blowing in the wind, as well as the fountain in the courtyard. It's quite peaceful, and the perfect sound to soothe me to sleep before an another early morning and long week.

More from me later...