Alex: A lot of people in LA go sober for the month of January. Mostly because they drink so much over the holidays and need a refresh. I decided to join the trend and take on the challenge. I don’t have a drinking problem or anything, but I wanted to realign my will power. As a writer, you set a lot of your own deadlines and I felt like I was slacking with self discipline so I needed to remind myself that I control my choices. I went with what I thought would be simple… sobriety. But it wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. I noticed how much of a crutch drinking is in a social setting. The booze becomes a security blanket that warms me up when stepping outside of my comfort zone. It’s easier to talk to someone you just met or dance and not care what anyone thinks once you’ve had a few drinks. But after the first night I realized how much more I appreciate a sober conversation. You’re not only more present during the conversation, but you can remember them afterwards. It was eye-opening to be the only sober one at a party and watch people talk about the same things over and over. After a couple of weeks, I started to feel more motivated, it was easier to get up in the morning; life just seemed a little more grounded when I wasn’t prioritizing the weekend escape. I’m not saying that I’m done drinking, I’m just done pretending like I’m still in college.
Nik: Although I just had a Sunday mimosa and am a little buzzed as I type this, I must admit there’s something really powerful about going sober. I don’t consider myself the most devout person, but every year I give up something for Lent. I like the discipline of it and the psychology behind giving up something that’s challenging to live without. One year I gave up french fries, another year shopping and one year I gave up booze. I was sober for 40 days. It was hard at first, mostly because as a single person in LA, a lot of what you spend your time doing includes drinking with friends at dinner or various events. But without it I found that my conversations with friends were more succinct and meaningful, my mood was more balanced, I slept better, I got more done, and I just felt an overall sense of well-being that can only come from that sort of discipline. It was pretty great. And man that first sip of wine after taking 40 days off tasted like poison. It was crazy. I think it was really good that you participated in Sober January. I think it’s a good lesson in self-discipline and makes you really understand that you’re in control of your choices and the power that comes with that.
Alex: French fries?! What are you giving up this year for Lent?
Nik: I gave up negativity. It’s so hard! I mean AWESOME!
Alex: Boss status. I like the idea of giving something up each month.
Nik: Me too. It’s such a great practice in mindfulness and forces you to be present.
Alex: I agree. Hmm what should I give up next?
Nik: Pizza.
Alex: No.

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Nik: Paleta.  That is all.
Alex: What kind of balls are those? Beef balls? Chicken balls? Lamb balls? Man balls? You plate like a whore.
Nik: Ate like one too.
Alex: For how long?
Nik: Two weeks.
Alex: And they deliver?
Nik: Yep, every morning.
Alex: And the food was good?
Nik: Really good. It’s great for anyone who wants to kickstart a diet or reacquaint themselves with healthy eating habits.
Alex: I like the word reacquaint.
Nik: I like meatballs.
Alex: I like you.
Nik: I like you too.

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Nik: I love this sunscreen so much I want to marry it.
Alex: Nikki Dermalogica.  Has a nice ring to it.
Nik: Seriously. It’s really good. You have to try it.
Alex: SPF 50 is a little high for me. I try to stick with SPF 4 or lower.
Nik: What’s the point?
Alex: A healthy glow.
Nik: Why do you think I look like I’m still in my twenties?
Alex: Green juice?
Nik: Wrong. SPF 50.
Alex: Ew, is this what growing up feels like?
Nik: No, being able to choose your own JammyPack is what growing up feels like.
Alex: Speaking of JammyPacks…
Nik: Bye.

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Nik: The people I work with introduced me to GUNPOWDER the other day and you will thank them. It’s way better than coffee.  I was so clear-minded and had tons of energy all day, but not tweaky like when you drink too much coffee. Not sure this is an everyday thing for me, but when I need a little extra something to get me across the finish line…
Alex: What the hell is Gunpowder? It sounds dangerous.
Nik: Fresh brewed Guayusa.
Alex: Still don’t know what it is…
Nik: An herb from the Amazon.
Alex: You had me at herb.

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Nik: I love a challenge.
Alex: Me too, especially when there’s food involved.
Nik: I wonder if I can actually commit to something for 30 days.
Alex: Well there’s only one way to find out. I’m signing up!

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Alex: I love my Tiny Tea. I’ve only been drinking  it for a few days, but I definitely feel and see a difference. My bloating is gone entirely and I have a little more energy in the morning right after I drink my first cup. Before I forget, I want to tell you that you can save your old tea bags and make a facial scrub! In fact, Janae just opened the bag and smeared it all over her face and her acne spots started to go away. I haven’t used the word smeared in a while. Smeared. Have you started your Teatox yet?
Nik: It’s been sitting on my counter.  I’m having commitment issues again.
Alex:  It’s tea not a proposal.
Nik: But it’s fourteen days of repetition.
Alex: Don’t you brush your teeth everyday?
Nik: Obviously, but that habit was formed at a very young age.
Alex: Have you ever gone an entire day without brushing your teeth? Be honest.
Nik:  F@#$% no!  Well, actually when I flew to Paris.  It’s a long flight.
Alex: You spell fuck funny.
Nik: Smeared.

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Nik:  I will wear sunscreen, I will wear sunscreen, I will wear sunscreen… Why is so hard to put on effing sunscreen?  As I make this my habit, I’ll tell you that I’ve tried so many and this is the best.  I don’t break out or get itchy from it.  I know we didn’t wear it much in Wisconsin because there are only like two weeks of summer there, but in Cali you get blasted daily and it’ll take a toll.  Trust me.  This is probably the BEST mentor advice I’ve given you.  WEAR SUNSCREEN.  Start now.
Alex:  Say blasted again.
Nik:  Blasted.
Alex: FYI that’s definitely not the best mentor advice you’ve given me. Remember when you said “hope is an innate characteristic we all have and it’s tough when the realization that it’s time to let go sets in because it signifies that what you’ve hoped for isn’t possible”? That has really stuck with me.
Nik:  That’s sweet, but this is the best advice.  You just won’t realize it until you’re my age.
Alex: You’re sweet.
Nik:  No you are.
Alex:  You are.
Nik:  You.
Alex:  No.

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Alex:  Remember a while back when you went to that place and sweated for like 8 hours?
Nik:  The sweat lodge.  Yes.
Alex:  Well, I just found an urban version of that. It’s called Shape House. Have you heard of it? When you go to their website there’s just this sexy body with sweat dripping down it. Then the words: come. sweat away your weight or your stress. improve your sleep or your skin. come cleanse your body or re-invent your life. stay. because you feel great when you do. book a sweat… I MEAN COULD THEY SPEAK TO ME ANY LOUDER? I’m booking an appointment. Want to come sweat with me?
Nik:  That sounds really uninviting, no offense.  I’m curious how it’ll compare to the sweat I did.  I have to say, my sweat was a spiritual experience.  I noticed so many shifts in the weeks following including deep sleep and an inspiration to take really good care of myself.  Superficially,  my skin was incredibly soft and clear. The thing you have to be careful of is dehydration.  It’s so important to drink tons of water and get proper minerals and electrolytes before you go in.  You know it’s water weight you’re losing, right?  It comes right back…
Alex:  If it comes back in my titties, I’m cool with that.

Shape Lodge

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Nik:  I WANT TO TRY SOULCYCLE AND BLOG ABOUT IT… ALEX, WANT TO TRY A CLASS WITH ME SOMETIME?
Alex:  Sure do. When can we start? I’m fat.

Nik:  I love that this has been sitting in our post draft box for three months and we haven’t tried it yet.

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