Thursday, April 29, 2010

Pens NHL Playoffs - Round 2

I could never be a journalist for the one main reason: I am for the most part completely incapable of retaining an unbiased opinion. I can write at a 5-8th grade level, give the “whos, whats, wheres, whens and hows”, and could most likely even dig up a decent story or two, but when it comes to most subjects people care about, I am completely incapable of hiding my bias. Now, I’m sure that those of you who know me (even just a little) think you know exactly where I’m going with this point, but much to all of your surprise I’m not going to sit here and talk about the Capital’s first round choking act (though, my first draft of this blog post went on and on about it for at least a good couple hours). Since I’ve already done my “I said so”s on that matter (which…I did…say so), I’m just going to go ahead and talk about how excited I am for the Pens vs. Canadiens series.

Not only do I have a thing for good hockey, but I also have a thing for French Canadians, so, between the two teams, I might just lose my mind. Le Club de Hockey Canadien has one of the richest histories in hockey, and Rocket Richard is one of my all time favorite players, so I’m always eager for a first-rate Canadiens-Pens series. Do I think the Pens will win? Yes, but it’s not going to be easy by any means. If Jaroslav Halak continues to do his best Patrick Roy imitation and the Habs keep up their defense, then the Pens will certainly have their work cut out for them. The difference could just be in the Pens third line. As in…they have one. Jordan, it’s all riding on you! Pens in 6

On a side note: Congratulations to Sidney Crosby for being named one of the three Hart Trophy Finalists. Fittingly, Alex Ovechkin (Washington) and Henrik Sedin (Vancouver) were also both announced as finalists. The pessimist/realist in me says Ovi will probably win again...because the Caps don't exist without him, and disappearing in post-season and Olympics has no impact on the award. Sid's got great chances though! 

I’ll be at the game tomorrow night so look for me...I'll be the one wearing white. Allez les Penguins!!! Les Habitants, peut-être je vous encourageais hièr soir, mais je ne ferai pas la même demain...certainement pas! LET’S GO PENS! 

Don't forget to visit the NHL Beard-A-Thon website - lots of good foundations to donate to! 



Thursday, April 22, 2010

Karmic Yogurt - Shadyside

As a kid, ice cream was always my absolute favorite snack. The instant my cousin and I would walk in the door after school, we would immediately load up on a giant bowl of cookies and cream and race to the TV in an attempt catch the 4PM Ricki Lake Show. (Third grade was a tough year, okay!) Now of course this was a little before the featured stories on childhood obesity, so let's fast forward about 15 years.

Karmic Yogurt is my newest Pittsburgh obsession. After our kickboxing classes, my cousin and I now head over to Filbert Street in Shadyside for our delectably healthy reward. If you've been to places like Mr. Yogato in DC, it's the same concept. Each cup of yogurt is about 90 calories, and it's full of all the good, healthy stuff that 3rd grade Tara would have hated, like probiotics and riboflaven. It's even kosher and gluten free, too! You can get the yogurt in a few different favors: either the creamy or tart Karmic flavor (which is pretty much just frozen, plain yogurt), Pom (pomegranate), or Matcha (green tea). I typically get the tart yogurt with lychee and mango, but there are lots of yummy topping options - even unhealthy ones. I must say though that I can give full credit to Karmic Yogurt for single-handedly creating my new obsession with lychee. So if you ever find yourself in Shadyside try out Karmic Yogurt....because it is scrumptious and delicious and tastes nothing like chicken!

(I hear rumors of one opening in Squirrel Hill, too - reports to come)
Click here for more information about the health benefits of Karmic Yogurt.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Playoff Beard - Day 7

So this playoff beard thing is getting pretty rigorous. I knew it would be a difficult task, but I had no idea just how annoying it would be. I'm constantly getting food stuck on my face, and the other day I was drinking a beer and walked around with beer fuzz all over m'stash for at least half an hour. There are some benefits however. I was outside in the frigid cold for my cousin's wedding this past weekend, and I'm happy to report  that my playoff beard without a doubt helped to cut the the skin to wind ratio significantly. I now understand the various winter beard theories amongst my many male friends. I must say I’m really digging the shape of my beard though. It really accentuates my eyes and definitely contours my face…In some (all) light you can’t even tell it’s there!

And of course the most significant and important benefit of the playoffbeard is the 3-1 series lead that the Pittsburgh Penguins now hold over the Ottawa Senators (all due to my personal efforts).  I must admit that I was somewhat skeptical of the Pens playoff successes, but it seems that they have really picked up their game. I mean, let’s be honest, at this point Sidney Crosby could practically win the Cup on his own, but now we’ve got guys like Adams, Kuntiz, and Talbot back in the goal scoring mix. And hell, the Geno and Gonch duo is basically my favorite ever! (Mostly due to the fact that I’m Malkin’s self-declared best friend.)


I would be remiss if I didn’t congratulate Jordan Staal (because he obviously reads my blog). Along with the Red Wings’ Pavel Datsyuk and the Canucks’ Ryan Kesler, Staal was nominated for the Selke Award, which is given to the best defensive forward in the league. My bet’s on Kesler, but a great honor for Staal nonetheless.

Don't forget to visit the NHL Beard-A-Thon website. I’ve just learned that all Washington Capital proceeds are benefiting the Alexander Ovechkin 2020 Presidential Bid...Sarah Palin is anticipated to make a well asserted claim that she is indeed Ovi’s hockey mom - a statement that will be supported by her ability to see Russia from her house. 


(For more on my playoff beard efforts see previous posting My Playoff Beard Starts Today!)

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

My Playoff Beard Starts Today!


NHL Playoffs!

It’s once again my favorite time of the year in the Burgh…and no, it has nothing to do with yet another Ben Roethlisberger sexual assault accusation, despite the fact that Mr. Roethlisberger seems to be all anyone wants to talk about. By “favorite time of year” I of course mean the NHL Playoffs. Year after year I watch my guy friends grow their awe-inspiring playoff beards, and the best I’ve been able to do to show my team support has been strategic tequila shots and dirty, unwashed jerseys à la 2000 JV softball. (And I’m talking Wachovia Center dirty!!). So this year, to show my devotion to the Pittsburgh Penguins, I will be growing my very own playoff beard. Overcoming the double X chromosomes won’t be easy, but I think it can be done. In order to make for the optimal beard growing conditions I will be consulting my brother, Sean, beard grower extraordinaire, on effective beard growing techniques. Additionally, my inspiration will come from none other than Pittsburgh Superstar, Maxime Talbot.

In the spirit of the playoff beard, it wouldn't be right if I didn't remember to direct you all to the NHL Beard-A-Thon.

Visit: https://www.beardathon.com/penguins to make donations to the fundraiser - search for your favorite beard or look for a friend's profile. The Penguins' donations are going to the Mario Lemieux Foundation, but God forbid you're unfortunate enough not to be a Pens fan, look for your own team to make a donations to their chosen foundations. (Unless you're a Flyers fan - those donations go to the city jail.)

I hope to have to learn to sustain my beard for for the remainder of the Spring, but in order for that to happen, the Pens have really got to take it up a notch. Regardless, the Western Conference will win the Cup. Just sayin'...


LET'S

GO

PENS!


LET'S GO PENS!



Monday, April 12, 2010

Killer Pollen!!!



I’ve realized that, no matter how many times I’ve said it myself today, “I’m hoping it’s just allergies and not a cold” has got to be one of the most annoying, nonsensical, and irritating phrases in the English language. If you spend your entire day feeling like total shit, does it really matter whether you have a cold or if the pollen count is just slightly higher than your body can take? Either way, you feel crappy and no drug no legal drug is going to change that. In fact, I have no doubt that the makers of Benadryl and Dayquil spend each March - June aboard nauseatingly colossal yachts, secretly laughing at us all for funding their villas in St. Maarten. With this said, Spring does tend to be a rather confusing time of year. It’s cold season, yet the pollen count is out of control. Naturally, this leads me to wonder if it’s possible that cold germs may have actually joined forces with the pollen kingdom to attack the human race (which coincidently is the subject of James Cameron's next epic blockbuster). If this theory does eventually prove true, it will support my long time belief that I am indeed allergic to EVERYTHING. Now…of course this is TREE pollen I’m talking about. I’m sure that as soon as the tree pollen has sufficiently mutilated my sinuses, the grass variety will be more than happy to take its place – followed by weeds of course, and undoubtedly the flowers will have their way with me as well.

So basically, I’ve spent the greater part of the past few weeks hoping I didn’t have a cold, but suffering through itchy eyes, a sore throat, constant sneezing, inability to breath, and a stuffy nose. I really just want to feel like a human again - cold no cold, allergies no allergies- but either way, don't forget - noses in need deserve Puffs indeed!


(I know you're all relieved I didn't bring up my neti pot...)

Friday, April 9, 2010

Kickboxing: I would like to do more kicking and boxing and less crunching and pushing…

For those of you who don’t speak French, the name of this blog, C’est Ma Vie, means That’s My Life. Despite the fact that I have not written for my faithful readers (mom, dad, dog) in months, I have actually been doing some decently cool things with my life - One being kickboxing, which I find fantastically awesome and fun. Basically, I run around kicking, punching, and lifting for an hour and then feel like total shit for a few days after. Just when I’m able to sit, stand, sleep, and walk without any hint of pain, it’s time for another session with Ryer.

Here are some helpful tips for the kickboxers in you:

  1. It really helps to picture the boxing bag as someone you don’t particularly like or care for. This is an easy way to maximize the intensity of your workout, while minimizing the monotony of punching a giant bean bag on crack for what feels like a lifetime. For full disclosure, for me this is typically a guy. Before you go questioning my sanity in this regard, don’t worry, I normally picture someone I don’t actually know…like Alexander Ovechkin or Tom Brady. But to be honest, punching a dude you don’t like never gets old… Disclaimer: The phrase “let’s take this outside” does not apply here. Just because you feel fulfilled punching a fake person in fantasy kickboxing land, it does not mean you can go punch that person in real life. Additionally, guys – I would not suggest turning your kickboxing supremacy into punching an imaginary girl, because even if she’s fake, that’s not cool. Sorry that the double standards of the world are just so cruel…Life isn’t fair.
  2. Okay…this tip is a little more “sane.” Pick someone in the class and try to beat them at every exercise. I’m a highly competitive person where sports are concerned so competing with myself just doesn’t do it for me.
  3. If you ever find yourself being forced to do crunches in a puddle of someone else’s sweat the best way to avoid it is to….. Okay! I have no answers for this one. It happened to me last night and it was gross.
  4. Ladies, just embrace the pink boxing gloves because women’s gloves apparently don’t exist in any color but pink.
  5. Don't eat for like 3 hours before class. Just don't do it... I've heard stories!

So for any Pittsburghers interested in taking up some martial arts, check out the Ryer Martial Arts Academy in Shadyside (http://www.ryeracademy.com/) It’s a really cool place right on Center Ave above a pizza/fried chicken restaurant whose smell makes me wanna barf after every class. I’m going to start parking next to the Subway instead…