Author: Nicole DiGiose

35 Things I’m Inspired By

Posted on by Nicole DiGiose

I can go on and on, but below are some things that come to mind when thinking about who and what I’m inspired by. I wrote this list in no particular order. I’ve read some other lists and it really says a lot about who you are. Definitely give it a try.

1. Travel writers/journalists

2. Listening to the memories of elderly people

3. People who love animals

4. Documentaries about animals, nature, science, or history

5. Runners

6. Paintings

7. Knitting

8. Open mic poetry readings

9. Musicians who write and perform their music

10. The sun rising or setting over the ocean

11. Finding shapes in the clouds

12. People who find the light in tough situations

13. Cleverness

14. Those who give just because they want to Read More

What Should I Eat After A Run?

Posted on by Nicole DiGiose

Ever since I began running a few years ago, I’ve become more health conscious than ever and aware of what my body needs. This is especially true after coming in from a run. I want to nourish my body. I’ve done plenty of research on which foods I should consume after running, and it’s really not difficult. All you have to do is listen to your body. You want to replenish your energy as quickly as possible. What I crave most after a run are carbohydrates and protein.

After my first 5K in May 2011.

After my first 5K in May 2011.

I’ve learned that after a long run, the focus of your next meal should be glycogen replacement. Glycogen, a type of carbohydrate, is stored in your muscles. You reach the exhausting point when you know you can’t continue when your body is low on glycogen. Many runners consume carbohydrates to build up glycogen.

Through research, I’ve found that glycogen should be restored a half hour after running because, according to numerous studies, that is when the body is most efficient at using carbohydrates to produce glycogen for the muscles.

So, after a run, you want carbohydrates in your next meal. Foods containing carbohydrates are pasta, potatoes, rice, bread, and vegetables. Eating protein with carbohydrates stimulates glycogen replacement. Foods high in protein include beef, beans, cheeses, pumpkin seeds, lean meats like chicken and pork, fish, eggs, lentils, and peanuts. Also make sure to drink plenty of water to rehydrate your body.

Sayings That Make No Sense

Posted on by Nicole DiGiose

A collection of sayings that have made me wonder why the heck someone would say such things in the first place.

I saw it with my own eyes – To my knowledge, it’s not possible to see anything through someone else’s eyes.

It’s always in the last place you look – Why would someone keep searching after they found what they were looking for?

New and improved – If it’s new, it hasn’t been available for improvements. If it’s improved, it’s been around long enough not to be considered new.

Shit happens – Why would someone bring up such a topic?

I don’t mean to interrupt – Oh really? What were your intentions then?

You can’t have your cake and eat it too – The purpose of cake is to eat it. If there’s a piece of cake in front of me, it’s going down.

Break a leg – Are you supposed to try so hard at something that you somehow manage to break a leg? Not worth it.


Things My Dogs Taught Me

Posted on by Nicole DiGiose

Show your love. If there is someone in your life you can’t live without, show them.

Live in the moment. Take every moment as it comes. Learn to be happy in the here and the now — don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future.

Indulge. If you want a treat, go for it. Pamper yourself.

Don’t judge. Dogs don’t care what you’re wearing or what you look like. They don’t care about how much money you make or what kind of car you drive. They love you simply for who you are. An important lesson many people need to learn.

Don’t be afraid to show your emotions. Let loose and express yourself. Don’t bottle up your feelings. There are reasons for them.

Get out more often. Just about every dog gets excited when he sees his leash. There’s nothing like exploring — there are friends to meet, sights to see, things to do and learn outside of the house.

Take naps. It’s all part of the balance. Play when you’re energized, eat when you’re hungry, work when you’re required to, and rest when you’re tired.

Be true to yourself. There are reasons a yorkie isn’t a greyhound and a maltese isn’t a German shepherd. Be comfortable with who you are and what you are capable of.

There are some times when you have to bite after your bark. Defend yourself. If someone needs to learn a lesson, teach them.

Five Things I Will Never Understand

Posted on by Nicole DiGiose

Smoking cigarettes – Why in the world would you pay so much money to cause damage to your body? Not to mention this disgusting habit affects others around you. It’s one of the stupidest things I’ve seen someone do in my life. There is no excuse to start. It’s highly unattractive, in my opinion. Love those yellow teeth, buddy.

Valet parking – Why would I pay someone to do something I can easily do myself? Some people worry about their car as it’s being driven away, too. What’s the guy doing in there? Is he going to steal something? Did I put the GPS in the storage compartment? And then you have to WAIT for your car to come back to you when you want to leave whatever fancy joint you’re at. When your car is in sight, it’s almost an instinct to scope it over for marks or dents, and when you get inside, you check through everything. Just a bit stressful.

“Checking in” on Facebook – Yeah, I’m not home right now. Come rob my house. Also, Pete Johnson and Holly Marie are with me. Be sure to break into their homes too. Look, we even took a picture to prove it.

Majoring in Liberal Arts – I understand the idea of a Liberal Arts college or university, but to major in Liberal Arts? Which sauce would you like with that?

“Reality” Shows – The Jersey Shore. The Bachelor/Bachelorette. Keeping Up with the Kardashians. You get where I’m going. How can people become brainwashed into watching these shows? None of it is real! I don’t understand how these idiots make so much money for being idiots. I’m going to be paying off my student loans for years and can’t find full time work in or out of my field, and these pinheads can just be complete twits and become millionaires?! Seriously, what is wrong with this world?!

What are some things you can’t seem to wrap your head around?

The Nico Blues Heat Up The Vibe Lounge

Posted on by Nicole DiGiose

An article I wrote for SpotonLI.com.

The Nico Blues, an alternative rock band from New Jersey, heated up The Vibe Lounge in Rockville Centre Friday night. They pulled in a crowd of a variety of ages.

The band is made up of Eric Goldberg and Evan Campbell, both vocalists, guitarists, and bassists, Reed Adler, guitarist and bassist, Skylar Adler, drummer and recording engineer, and Dan Goldberg, guitarist. The guys rotate instruments depending on which song they play. The band was founded in 2009, but they have been sharing and writing music with each other for years. Growing up in the same neighborhood, the five of them were friends by the time they were six and seven years old.

The Nico Blues played six of their songs Friday night, opening with “Mugshot In Princeton,” which is on their upcoming EP, followed by “Living Proof,” which the band considers to be their most successful song. The video for “Living Proof” was picked up by MTVU. The audience rocked their bodies and tossed their heads to the intense harmony, wearing stickers on their clothing the band handed out before the show. Read More