hot take on hot flashes

I have been saying for a while now that the list of ailments the medical establishment has yet to help me with is more than I can count on my two hands. 

What they don't know about me is that I'm a scientist. And I keep the receipts. I keep notes like a lab notebook with dates. 

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2025/06/hello-june.html

It's not like I haven't been asking for help. I went to my doctor right after my first LA Marathon finish, calm and confident. I said, "I'm an athlete. I've been training. I know my body. Something is wrong."

The first symptoms I cited were uncontrollable itching. Itchy skin. Not because I'm sunburnt, or allergic, or haven't showered. Just EVERY DAY. The palms of my hands and my feet and legs itch so much I want to scratch until they bleed. A cream compounded with steriods did absolutely nothing, if anything, it got worse.

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2024/12/christmas-eve.html

Insomnia, night sweats, anxiety, rage. They didn't come out of the blue. They have been there for some time. Initially, I treated myself with Benadryl because it was already in my medicine cabinet; it stopped the itching, and it helped me sleep through the night.

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2024/01/mom-rage.html

It really gets me mad to look back on these old posts and see how long I was having symptoms before I even asked my doctor about it. Spoiler alert, she didn't offer any solutions. Feeling like an insane person, with this rage that can't be calmed no matter how much I try to meditate. No strategy that has worked in the past is working now. I think that's a really common thread.

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2023/11/rundisney.html

The musculoskeletal symptoms are pervasive, and I wrote about that. Also, the terrible PMS has been going on for years. I don't think people in menopause are weak or can't stick to a training schedule; I think we're genuinely in pain. And doctors either don't know how to help or won't help for some reason.

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2024/11/moving-on.html

The weight gain is unreal. Honestly, I've had times in my life where I dropped a lot of weight. In my 20s, I did Weight Watchers and successfully lost 60 pounds. In my early 30s, I ran and cycled and probably dropped 30-35 pounds. In my late 30s, I counted macros, did HIIT, and lost ~35 pounds. It's not like I don't know what to do or how to do it. It's just not working now.

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2025/04/5-days-until-rose-bowl-half.html

Mood swings that make your head spin. I've been on hormones for about two-and-a-half weeks. I feel this is the first time I'm clear-headed enough to write this post. It really was like Oprah says, with the first hit of estrogen, the sky is blue again. For me, it was immediate return of sex drive. I hadn't wanted or felt the desire to have sex with my partner for years. Every time I go near my labia, I end up with a yeast infection.

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2025/09/perimenopause-or-not.html

Let's talk numbers. Blood pressure. High cholesterol. 

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2022/11/how-is-weaning-going-update.html

Heavy periods. Unpredictable cycle length. Passing clots.

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2025/07/perimenopause.html

Anovulatory cycles. Painful ovulation. Needing bifocals. I understand; perimenopause is confounded with aging, so it's hard to tell which is causing the symptoms. Hair loss.

http://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2011/10/formula.html
http://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2019/12/pregnancy-part-18.html
https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2020/05/postpartum-part-10-beauty.html
https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2023/02/beauty-regimen-for-toddler-mom.html
https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2025/07/perimenopause-beauty-routine.html

Dry skin. Flushing. Rosacea.

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2019/06/fertility-part-14.html

At least it seems like my monthly migraines have gone away.

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2013/09/impatient-scientist.html

It seems like the last time I felt grateful to be a woman was in 2023.

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2023/07/i-am-creator.html

Meno belly. The shift from fat storage in the hips and butt to the belly. I have had an hourglass figure for most of my life, I've never been an apple or pear shape. Now I have these huge tender breasts, and I'm no longer breastfeeding. I've discussed breast reduction surgery with my chiropractor, asking if he can write me a letter of support to have the insurance company pay for it. He's not a fan.

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2012/03/between-sheets.html

Brain fog. Forgetting words. Feeling stupid. Like being educated and feeling like, oh I used to be so smart. Now I can't speak or spell.

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2025/07/we-do-not-accept-skinny-bitch-season.html

Flat feet. Big feet. Collapsed arches. Feet that are 1.5 sizes larger than they have been your entire adult life. No wonder we don't recognize ourselves.

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2026/04/gingerbread-in-july.html

Crunchy joints. A general lack of lubrication throughout the body. Pain everywhere: shoulders, back, hands, feet.

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2026/08/marathon-shoes.html

And it feels like I'm a broken record. Nobody wants to hear about it (again). I'm screaming into the void.

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2024/11/mental-load-of-motherhood.html

Fuming. Unreasonable. Not wanting to take care of other people anymore. I'm starting to think the patriarchy should love birth control because it regulates unruly women. You'd think they would want to hand out hormones like candy to keep us all copacetic.

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2025/04/priorities.html

Luteal misery. Completely lacking the capacity to regulate body temperature. Imagine being trapped in a closet with a radiator that you can't shut off.

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2025/08/new-shoe-new-you.html

Blood pressure surge so extreme I went to the urgent care for an EKG because I thought it was a heart attack.

DO YOU KNOW HOW I KNOW THAT ALL THIS SHIT WAS REAL?

Because in less than a month, some of the symptoms have been fixed.

After 3 days "And you didn't yell at me. I didn't know you were on a new medication. You should get more of that medication. Because it's really helping you." ~ my son

After 2 weeks "It's really working. You're so calm." ~ my husband

Also, I feel like my belly fat is going down, although the scale weight is still going up.

And I feel my hair loss is slowing. I can take a shower and not create a huge hairball.

And why am I making this list now? Because I have an appointment with an OB/GYN on September 24th that may actually help.

This is what I want to ask for versus what I'm taking now ( marked with a 🤩)

From July 6 & 13 2026, of The New Yorker (print version)

Estrogen patch (estradiol, 75 mcg)

Vaginal ring (Estring, 7.5 mg)

Estrogen cream (estradiol, 0.01 per cent)
🤩 10 mcg ethinyl estradiol

Oral progesterone (Prometrium, 100 mg)
🤩 1 mg norethindrone acetate

Compounded testosterone cream (start at 1 mg, then move up to 2 mg - up to 10 mg)

What I have taken before (during fertility treatments) to make a nice, perfect endometrium

Estrace (Estradiol) 2mg tablets
Delestrogen (Estradiol Valerate) 20mg/mL x 0.1 or 0.2 mL injection
Endometrin 100mg vaginal capsule

Other medications of interest

Blood pressure medications: Clonidine, typically used for high blood pressure, might offer relief from hot flashes for some individuals.

NK3 inhibitors: A non-hormonal medication, fezolinetant, targets brain receptors to help manage body temperature and decrease hot flashes. 

On August 9, 2025 I wrote this list:

high blood pressure

anxiety

hot flash 

heat intolerance 

Panic attack

Racing pulse

Estrogen and Progesterone:

Anovulatory cycles are often characterized by reduced estrogen and progesterone levels. However, estrogen production may still be sufficient to stimulate some uterine lining growth, leading to bleeding. 

7 stages of perimenopause 

STRAW Stages:

Reproductive Phase:

Stages -5, -4, -3: Represent early, peak, and late reproductive stages, characterized by regular menstrual cycles.

 

Menopausal Transition: 

Stage -2: Early transition, with menstrual cycles becoming variable (cycle length differing by 7 or more days). 

Stage -1: Late transition, with skipped periods or amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) for at least 60 days, and increased FSH levels.

 

Postmenopause:

Stage +1: Early postmenopause (first year after last period). 

Stage +2: Late postmenopause (following the first year after the last period).

On July 30, 2026 I wrote:

Wouldn't it be nice if the doctor took your VO2 max and counted the number of sit-to-stands you could do in a minute, or the weight you could curl or press, or any other fitness metric before recommending the ambiguous "diet and exercise" as a program to address high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Some of us are already doing the work.

On August 13, 2026 I wrote:

Focus on diet and exercise

But don't do high intensity exercise

But don't just sit on the couch

Make sure you get enough protein

But don't eat anything to raise your cholesterol

Take estroven with black cohosh

But also, this is just a normal part of aging

Avoid salty foods, you don't want to raise your blood pressure

But also, it's probably genetic, and there's nothing you can do about it

I can offer you some Paxil

I can't give you hormones until you complete all your cancer screenings

I did all the screenings [radio silence]

Here's a 2-month supply of birth control [with no instructions for what to do when the freebies run out]

Do I take this list of symptoms and what I want, or do I let him ask the questions? Will he be suspicious if I come in with a laundry list? Will he even listen to me? Stay tuned. I will surely write about it.

Atma Health ARx - MedSpa: Located at 10242 Reseda Blvd, Northridge, CA (Phone: 818-626-9552). They offer bio-identical hormone therapy and menopause management options. Dr. Vineeta Keswani

https://atmahealth.com/membership/  $200 / month

Dr. Ara Poladian, MD, FACOG 10718 Riverside Dr. North Hollywood, CA 91602 (818) 763-2992 : An obstetrician-gynecologist serving the Northridge area who manages reproductive health, perimenopause, and menopause care. https://www.drpoladian.com/ We accept many types of insurance.

hormones

I have been holding this post back for a long time since it is so personal. And I get frustrated navigating the medical establishment. I was finally able to convince my doctor to order a hormone panel and here are the results that I got back. The blood was drawn on my cycle day 2.

Estradiol: Ranges from 30 to 400 pg/mL during reproductive years, but drops significantly to 0 to 30 pg/mL postmenopause.

Adult Female Range
Follicular phase 12.5 - 166.0
Ovulation phase 85.8 - 498.0
Luteal phase 43.8 - 211.0
Postmenopausal <6.0 - 54.7
Me = 16.2 pg/mL

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): A normal premenopausal level falls between 5 and 21 mIU/mL. In postmenopause, the brain works harder to stimulate the ovaries, pushing levels to 25.8–134.8 mIU/mL.

Adult Female Range
Follicular phase 3.5 - 12.5
Ovulation phase 4.7 - 21.5
Luteal phase 1.7 - 7.7
Postmenopausal 25.8 - 134.8
Me = 7.3mIU/mL

Testosterone in women normally ranges between 15-70 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).

Premenopausal 10.0 - 55.0
Postmenopausal 7.0 - 40.0
Me = 18.4ng/dL

Luteinizing hormone (LH) During weeks one and two of the menstrual cycle, LH levels are normally between 1.37 to 9 IU/L. After menopause, levels of LH rise dramatically. The average range is 19.3 to 100.6

Adult Female Range
Follicular phase 2.4 - 12.6
Ovulation phase 14.0 - 95.6
Luteal phase 1.0 - 11.4
Postmenopausal 7.7 - 58.5 IU/L.
Me = 3.5mIU/mL

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) normally between 0.5 and 4.0 mIU/L.

Me = 0.949 uIU/mL

 
Progesterone below 1 ng/mL in the menstrual and follicular stage. Between 2 to 25 ng/mL in the luteal stage of the menstrual cycle. Postmenopausal below 0.2 ng/mL.

Follicular phase 0.1 - 0.9
Luteal phase 1.8 - 23.9
Ovulation phase 0.1 - 12.0
Postmenopausal 0.0 - 0.1
Me = 0.3 ng/mL

Prolactin
Normal 4.8-33.4 ng/mL
Me = 11.8 ng/mL


Calculating Hormonal Dominance - Progesterone to Estrogen | Testmottagningen
https://www.testmottagningen.se/en/kalkylatorer/progesteron-ostrogen-ratio/

Me = 18.52 P/E2

Progesterone levels should normally be between 200 to 400 times higher than estradiol.
A calculated result below 100 indicates possible estrogen dominance.
A calculated result above 500 indicates possible progesterone dominance.

Expect a postmenopausal progesterone-to-estrogen ratio of nearly zero without supplementation.

Perimenopause: During the transition years, ovulation becomes erratic, causing progesterone to plummet while estrogen levels can still spike. This leads to relative estrogen dominance, which triggers symptoms like weight gain, heavy periods, and breast tenderness

Target Ranges: For symptom relief, optimal target ranges are generally 50 pg/mL for estrogen and 10 ng/mL for progesterone, though these vary by individual need.

Given all this information, and using the Flo app, I determined that since I am still having periods every 13-38 days (roughly every 27 days) I am not yet a candidate for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). What I can do is take hormonal birth control to deliver a consistent dose of hormones to my body. For the last week, I've been taking Lo Loestrin Fe.

24 Blue Tablets: Active pills containing 1 mg norethindrone acetate and 10 mcg ethinyl estradiol. These molecules are a synthetic progestin and a synthetic estrogen, respectively.

Ethinyl estradiol binds to estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), which stops the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Norethindrone acetate binds to the nuclear progesterone receptor (PR), which prevents the endometrium from proliferating excessively, thickens the cervical mucus, and suppresses ovulation. Norethindrone acetate also inhibits the secretion of gonadotropins, specifically luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Taken together, these active pharmaceutical ingredients help in managing the symptoms of menopause by providing hormonal stability.



It does feel better to know that I'm not making these symptoms up. I really did have low estrogen and low progesterone. I've been taking the pill for a week now, and it does seem to be helping.

Marathon shoes

I got an idea from the show Inside the Factory, Season 2, Episode 6. In the sneaker business, the model for a foot is called a LAST and there are separate ones for men and women. The men's is wider. So a regular men's is a wide women's. Since perimenopause is wreaking havoc on my feet, they have become longer and wider. So I got the genius idea to order men's shoes.

https://tv.apple.com/us/episode/shoes/umc.cmc.4w3gt3naq1999at1wxqeo09oq

I looked for runDisney x Brooks collaboration and found out that those shoes from previous race weekends were still available and on sale. Also, by looking for men's and knowing that my foot is smaller than an average man, I was able to find my size(s) in stock. I got the larger size in Ghost Max 2 because of availability and also when I read the reviews, people suggested to size up.

Ordered July 7, 2026

$99.95, Ghost 17 Men's Chip & Dale, 8.5 Wide, 10mm drop, slightly more tapered performance fit and a flared heel tab

• Ghost 17: Best for a traditional daily trainer feel that handles steady miles and moderate uptempo paces with equal ease.
• I've run in a Ghost before.
• https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2024/10/consumables.html
• Not sure why I stopped. Maybe once I switched to a stability shoe, I never went back.

$119.95, Glycerin 22 Men's Stitch, 8.5 Wide, softer heel and more responsive forefoot, 10mm drop, slightly roomier toe box.

• Glycerin 22: Best for long recovery miles, easy runs, and standing for hours due to its ultra-soft impact absorption
• Yes, I can agree with the pillowy description. The thing I dislike most is there is a part of the toe box that bends and irritates my toes. 

$104.95, Ghost Max 2 Men's Mickey, 9 Wide, Rocker shape, 6mm drop, stable platform with a secure midfoot and generous volume to accommodate orthotics.

• Ghost Max 2: Best for walking, high-protection cruising, and easing stress off the forefoot and joints via the rocker geometry.
• Actually of the three new pairs, this is my favorite.

Retired shoes (teaching only)

• Dec 12, 2025, $125.67, Adrenaline GTS 24, 10 extra wide (grey/pink) 76.9 miles
• Aug 15, 2025, $301.82, Brooks Ariel GTS 24, 10 wide, (black) 127.5 miles 
• Aug 15, 2025, $301.82, Brooks Ariel GTS 24, 10 wide, (purple) 101.7 miles
• Feb 8, 2026, $164.63, ASICS Gel-Kayano 32, 10.5 wide, 89.5 miles (black)
• Dec 14, 2025, $181.03, ASICS Gel-Kayano 32, 10 wide, 141 miles (white)

I know people say that you can get 300-400 miles out of one pair of shoes, and maybe that's true for some people. But for me, I do log the mileage using Strava. So these miles are just dedicated running miles, not walking or standing. I still love the Ariel for its stiff support. I dislike the Kayano because it's too soft. I don't love the Adrenaline for running but I do like it a lot for walking.

Some older posts about running shoes

The post celebrates the arrival of spring with reflections on a bike-filled Bay Area trip, staying active through hiking, running, and Zumba, and the practical challenges of traveling with a bicycle and replacing well-worn athletic shoes. Looking ahead, the author is excited about upcoming 5K races and obstacle events while finding humor, movement, and adventure helpful for staying energized through a busy semester.

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2014/04/april-fools.html

The post bids a sentimental farewell to a collection of well-worn shoes, reflecting on the races, travels, teaching, cycling, and everyday adventures they supported before being recycled. A new lineup of running, cycling, teaching, and dancing shoes takes their place, with the hope that each pair will find its own specialty.

https://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2015/06/if-shoe-fits.html

Add-ons and modifications

• $6.24 pink lock laces
• $10 brown & black lock laces
• $17.20 toe spacers & purple lock laces

I thought the lock laces would be the answer to my foot pain. Turns out no. The pain across the top of my foot may have been caused by running downhill. When I stopped doing that, the pain went away. But I do love the ease of lock laces for getting out of the house quickly. I would definitely consider continuing to replace the laces of my retired shoes with elastic. 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q331MT4

The other great thing about these lock laces is that they have reflectors in them. When I photographed my shoe collection, the runDisney shoes didn't light up at all. It's hard to believe the designers would have taken such care to include characters but neglected a safety feature as important as high-vis reflective panels. So adding lock laces would give a bonus of increased visibility.

I wasn't able to run with toe spacers, they ended up causing a pinch blister on the pad of my baby toe. It was a good concept to try to keep running in shoes with too narrow a toe box, but ultimately not a permanent solution.

I'm reading that rotating more than one pair (different styles) of shoes is a good idea. And I tried that. But I tend to find a favorite and keep going back to that one. So I ended up seeing the Brooks Men’s Ghost Max 3 on sale for $109.95. It's not a runDisney design, but that's okay. I bought two pairs. So it's possible the Ghost 17 Chip & Dale and Glycerin 22 Stitch will be more glamour shoes than running shoes. It gave me an opportunity to try a few different styles that I wouldn't have otherwise. I probably would not have tried a Ghost Max without Mickey Mouse on it.

Birthday month

July 2026 has been a wild ride. I am proud of my bravery, there are some tough things I have tackled. Small things have been adding up to create real change.

Some of what we did was to take advantage of birthday coupons and browsing Buy Nothing. That was my mission the first full week of July. Get free stuff. Also, I did a garage clean-out and gifted the excess.

✅️ 7/6 BuyNothing pickup

✅️ 7/11 Slay 5k

The second full week / weekend of July, we went to the Inland Empire and celebrated with friends and family. We had to cancel some things to make it happen, but it was a nice quick vacation.

🚫 7/16 donate blood

✅️ 7/16 Annika bday party

✅️ 7/18 Jeremy bday party

🚫 7/18 NaughtyIRL

🚫 7/18 F4M sip & Swap

🚫 7/19 CicLAvia

The third fill week of July, I focused on health stuff. I spent the better part of a day making appointments for my health gauntlet. I completed the process of getting our son a new pediatrician, since his pediatrician's office is closing for good at the end of this month. Also, I organized my clothes closet so I can get dressed easier when school starts.

✅️ 7/22 Donate Blood 🩸💉

🚫 7/25 F4M BOOK 📖 CLUB

✅️ 7/26 Run the Valley fest

The last week of July, some of the plans and orders made earlier in the month came to fruition. We did some crafts and some field trips. At the end of May, we weeded out old books and papers from a closet, then left all the toys in a disordered manner. This month, we finished the project by removing all toddler toys and organized the remaining stuff into categories.

✅️ 7/27 Reg Bimbo Global

✅️ 7/28 Chiro

✅️ 7/31 Ob/Gyn

Yes, we spent a lot of money, but it was good. I am preparing for back to school, another season of marathon training, and halloween. Once school starts, I feel like I will be so busy.

Running stuff

$356.53 = shoes

$50 = RunDisney shirts

$100.97 = F4M shirts

$17.5 = 5 stickers

$30 = sparkle skirt

$70.83 = bra & Nike shirt

$16.47 = fleet feet fuel

=$642.30

Amazon

Spinning wheel $10

$140 face cream

Beads, foam pumpkins, fairy jar supplies $94.67

Watch band $8

Rose gold bra hangers $16

Glow sticks $6

Travel / Entertainment

Michaels $138.80 + $7.35

USPS $59.28 + $14.50

Mall day $63.48 (curacao, wetzel, chi, bath & body)

Harleys Bowl $23.60 + $5

Red Robin playdate $65.94

Five below $13.86

Wetzel $10.15

AMC $24.78 + $11.08

Miguel's $13.15

$50.73 McDonald's

$201.01 Marriott

$76.97 Spaghetti Factory

$29.33 Taco Station

$31.50 Farmers market

Santa Clarita pool $12

Michaels $101.82

Beach parking @ Venice $9

4 pairs Goodr $47

Discovery cube $37.67 + $21

SkyZone $32

=$1,100.96

Halloween / running

Aurora tank $36

Aurora crown $7

Chiro 

$20.8+$26+$15.6+$26

=$88.40

Considering 20 weekdays, the entertainment category ends up averaging to $55 per day or $275 per week. Day camp at Northridge Park is $220 to $310. Prices for CSUN Sunny Days camp starts at an Early Bird rate of $350, moving to a Regular rate of $380, and a Late rate of $410 per week. So what I can conclude from this is, we're doing okay.

It was a great birthday month.

Cousin Campout Debrief

I have been microblogging this trip on Instagram, but I wanted to recap the budget.

$279.50 campsites 

$438 Disneyland tickets 

$176 Character Breakfast 

$37 photopass 

$544.22 glamping dining

$48 6/20 CSUN 5k walk, seed bombs craft

$312 6/21 cinnamon rolls, mint juleps, 10k shade walk, Gas and Groceries

$189 6/22 Disneyland food and parking

$106 6/23 dunkin + doctor, Target

$60 6/24 griffith park + zoo

$58.2 6/25 ikea + pool + Chick-fil-A

$267.46 6/26 Costco Gas and Groceries

$132.12 6/27 Zuma Beach, Neptune's Net

6/28 BuyNothing & Garage Party

$314.46 6/29 Groceries & Kidspace museum + McDonald's

$37.73 6/30 BuyNothing pickup, walk to Dearborn Park, 7-11, Manhattan Beach Aquarium

$151.52 7/1 Shell Gas, In-N-Out, Sierra Doughnuts, California Botanic Garden

$5 7/2 Short term parking Burbank airport

$101.15 Photo stuff 

$99.55 food & sunscreen for camping 

$690.84 car repairs

GRAND TOTAL

$4047.75

Now while this may seem like a large number, averaged on a per day basis it is 23 days of entertainment. That averages out to $176 per day for 3 kids and 3 adults. Or you could say LESS THAN $60 per kid per day.

Summer day camps cost between $40 and $178 per day, while sleepaway camps range from $150 to over $400 per day. So I guess it was a good value.

The camping was less than $100 per day. Or less than $34 per child per day.

Disneyland was $840 for one day, or $280 per child.

The in-town part (not including Disney) was $1491. That is about $150 per day, or $50 per child per day. 

I have already forgotten how much daycare costs. I want to say we paid about $63 per day for just one child. So I guess we could say that it was a bargain? Haha mom math.

We had a feeling that the camping was significantly cheaper than being in town, and these numbers definitely bear that out. It looks like staying in town is about twice as expensive as camping.

Instagram is just a highlight reel 🎬 📽 🎞 but...For real, who has been gatekeeping on Carpinteria? It is gorgeous, walkable, accessible by Amtrak. Kid approved. We saw dolphins 🐬 sand crabs 🦀 and pelicans. Surf 🏄‍♂️ and a farmer's market 🍓🍑🥗. Did the kids eat white bread and s'mores for dinner? Yes. And cookies for lunch. But it's summer, who cares? 🌞 Day 1

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZfGjNkOBDS/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

Night 2 of tent camping ⛺️ 🏕 went better than night 1 for me at least. Morro Bay SP was super quiet but not near a sandy beach. Morro Strand has all the sand. Leftovers from Carpinteria farmer's market elevated our humble camp dinner. Humidity is the enemy of our clothesline. But the cool temps are so chill. Could not see Morro Rock due to fog 🌫 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZhwlWmF1CB/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

Days 3 and 4 San Francisco

We took a tram to Mission Dolores and thrifted at the Salvation Army. A nearby playground was a godsend. Bookended by U-Pick strawberry farms, we feasted on fresh produce including potatoes, carrots, and sugar snap peas. Live Earth Farm's owner Tom gave us an unforgettable hayrack ride.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZlO6_SSLcF/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Day 5 Sunset SB - Pines Hollow and Dunes Camp 

The beach is a short hike away, up and over the dunes. We saw birds, bats, and a huge racoon raided our camp. The homemade sidewalk chalk worked a dream. Go Fish, Tic-Tac-Toe, and Nature Bingo were the camp activities. We stopped at Swanton Berry Farm to restock our strawberry feast. Just a sensible portion of monster cookies for a bedtime snack.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZpblzDG_Sj/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

Hearst San Simeon SP - Creek Campground Lower Section Day 6 

We collected so many gorgeous rocks, and found a tiny shrimp. There were so many birds and squirrels in our campsite. We had an amazing dinner with salad, beans, and tamales. Camp breakfast and lunch were burritos, quesadillas, and pancakes. Weather has been great. Lotería, Crazy 8's, and keepy uppy with a beach ball were our camp games. We saw a swallowtail butterfly near our tents.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZs6H7myz26/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

Day 7 Pismo SB - Oceano Camp

We had a quick stop in Cambria to mail 📫 postcards and pick up some baked goods. Beautiful drive to Grover Beach. Fun in the sun and soft sand. The campground has an accessible path around the lagoon. We heard frogs all night 🐸. We saw a duck swimming. We flew kites on the beach ⛱️ 🪁. Camp game was decorating the totes with stickers. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZutPSXG7z2/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

Point Mugu Day 9 

I wouldn't have wanted to do this trip with anyone else. Driving the CA-1, living the SLO life.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZx6WGtSktO/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

Every day was a strawberry feast 🍓 we hit a roadside stand for avocados, figs. 

We had another run-in with raccoons. A mama spider sheltered on our tent. We crossed the CA-1 like surfers. We ate wood-fired grilled zucchini and curried chicken. S'mores were toasted. It was awesome.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZx6-kiScNp/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

Expectation vs Reality 🤯 

I thought I would miss stuff like ice. Like a nice cold ice water. I really didn't.

After 2 nights of camping, I wasn't ready to return to a city. After 6 nights of camping, I was done.

The two things I missed most were soap and moisturizer.

I woke up this morning and wished I was still outside.

#summersolstice☀️

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZzrLFUStMP/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

What are you doing for the summer? Camps?

This is a common question among working parents trying to piece together care. 🧩

I feel extremely grateful for family @hamer5588 @annehamersky for being brave enough to go out into the unknown with 3 kiddos ❄️

I am thankful for my communities @laroadrunners @fit4mom_west_sfv and my Buy Nothing group for planning events (whether we are able to attend them or not) 🏃‍♀️

Kudos to @lapubliclibrary and @lacountylibrary for the Discover & Go program to help us keep our costs down 📖

I have had the time of my life parenting with you. Thank you for bringing Nebraska out to California. ✈️

https://www.instagram.com/p/DaK_eB6parG/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

When can we do this again? The soundtrack to Disneyland's "Paint the Night" parade.

Of all the things we did on this trip (Disneyland, LA Zoo) the thing I want to do again is camp 🏕

https://www.instagram.com/p/DaLZ3EuuhPe/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

So fun recreating Disneyland recipes at home #disneymagicalmoments 

Juniper juice aka Mint Julep, Main St Cinnamon Rolls, and Grand Californian Peanut Butter Blondie. Made with love during #cousincampout2026

https://www.instagram.com/p/DaQSSz3lBSn/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

FREE visit to @californiabotanicgarden thanks to @lacountylibrary Discover & Go

My favorite part was lounging in the hammock with Albert. It felt like the wind and the trees were caring for us. The weather was perfect ☁️🌬 cool, cloudy, and a slight breeze.

We had a cute picnic at the Tongva Village. It is an absolutely massive park, we probably saw about 20% of it. Toodling at the speed of a 1-year-old is highly recommended.

Honestly, it felt like the perfect bookend to our camping adventure. Native plants, birds, habitat.

#cousincampout2026 #outsideisfree 

#youngandwild

#Faerieswelcome

https://www.instagram.com/p/DaRDPy6geN7/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

To all those trying to recreate 90s summer ☀️

5 parts sunscreen

6 parts watergun

4 parts towel

5 pool noodles

2 life jackets

1 pair of goggles

Combine all ingredients in a wagon, walk to the community pool

Sprinkle in pool toys, some sink, some float, and that's okay

Dilute with pool water

Mix thoroughly

Simmer 50 minutes

https://www.instagram.com/p/DaT9WwWGgt9/?img_index=4&igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

sane seen safe

This post started out as a Month of Mama recap and it definitely still is that.

4/30 MomsIRL

5/1 Chiro

5/2 NaughtyIRL

5/3 Bowling with Sally

5/4 eighth and final workshop

5/5 Albert dentist + New shoes

5/9 Dance your way to fitness

5/10 Mothers day Target run

5/13 Chiro + ultrasound

5/14 Watched Netflix on the couch + Dinner with Rashid

5/15 Chem Grad Party

5/16 Cobra 5Kai + Karin party

5/17 Salute to Recreation

5/20 submitted grades + Walmart run

5/21 donated blood

5/22 summer chop haircut

5/23 applied for EDD + D Line

5/24 IKEA scavenger hunt

5/25 Memorial day

5/26 eye doc

5/27 Dodge Bros walk + Skate

5/28 watched Netflix + LORs

5/29 kindergarten graduation

5/30 decluttering + Happy Ice

5/31 pool / recovery day

In summary, it was a good Month of Mama.

I titled it SANE, SEEN, SAFE because that's how Fit4Mom classes make me feel. Being in community with other moms helps me keep my sanity by lowering my expectations. I feel seen by the other moms who are all in the struggle. And it's amazing to be in a safe space with other women. MomsIRL, NaughtyIRL, and Moonlight Rollerway rainbow night are examples of safe spaces. I wish everywhere would feel safe for women.

Cobra 5Kai Race Report

The event itself: Where? How long? When? Weather?

Owensmouth Avenue in Canoga Park is the official western terminus and headwaters of the Los Angeles River. There is a Class I bike path on the south bank to Vanalden, which is about 5k. This event offered 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances. Jed & Ted's excellent races are movie-themed and happen about once a month. The Cobra Kai-themed race was held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 7:00 AM. Participants were given the opportunity to choose a team, whether Miyagi-Do or No Mercy. Weather was great, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit with 83% humidity and a very slight breeze.

Course description and evaluation of event logistics

We rolled up just 10-15 minutes before the gun time, pinned on our bibs, did a few warm-ups, and we were off. We tried using 5 minute run / 1 minute walk intervals, which worked ok. The only hills were underpasses at each street, which we sometimes walked or ran. We stopped for water at the turnaround point. Great course support.

How did you train for the event

I followed Fit4Mom 5k plan A, very loosely. I did most of the weekday runs and weekend long runs. I did most of the cross-training. I tried adding in more long walks and dancing. I wanted to enjoy this race, and I did. I maybe should have done more runs at race pace, because I maintained zone 4 (anaerobic) 141-157 bpm for the entire race. I don't push myself like that very often. I was sore the next day.

Gear and Nutrition

I didn’t bring much on race day. No liquids, no gels, no music, just vibes. We were like just out for a quick run and done. Got some finish line photos and a video.

It was my fastest 5k in 2026 but not a decade or lifetime PR. This was my first hard effort since the LA marathon in March.