Top Ten Lists

Tonight I went out and ran about 7.5 miles. Since I'm not very fast, it took me a while. Sometimes when I do long-ish runs, I make Top Ten lists in my head. Sometimes it's something like the Top Ten Vacation Spots I've Been to, or maybe the Top Ten Vacation Spots I Would Like to Visit. A few weeks ago it was the Top Ten Jobs I Would Like Other than the One I Have. Tonight, I was thinking about the Top Ten Products I Can't Live Without. In no particular order:

1. Garmin GPS 405 Watch

It's amazing. I can't figure out how it does the things it does, like mapping my run when I am through. I would feel naked running without it. It's surprisingly more accurate than the old model of the Garmin we ran with before this--and we thought the old Garmin was pretty damn cool when we got it.

2. Splenda

I know I am a little all over the place here, but bare with me. I probably consume more Splenda than anyone else on the planet. I put it in oatmeal, smoothies, cookies...You name it. If they ever say it causes cancer, I'm done for. I think Splenda is one of life's little miracles.

3. Tivo

We know have a DVR in our family room, but we have Tivo in our office. Tivo was where it started. An ex-boyfriend introduced me to Tivo. Although the relationship didn't work out, I am forever grateful for how he exposed me to a new world that changed my life for the better. I got over the boyfriend--but I still haven't gotten over Tivo yet. I will never stop loving you, Tivo. You are amazing.

4. Sedu Flat Iron

This is my current flat iron. I've tried others, but I think I like this one the best. I am absolutely obsessed with straight hair. I always tell my husband that if I turn up missing, he needs to see if my flat iron is gone. If I've left without it, I've been taken against my will. Although there are a lot of things I refuse to spend my hard-earned money on, a flat iron is not one of them. I have discovered that this is one area where you get what you pay for.

5. Sleek.look Blow Down Extreme Creme

Again, my quest for straight hair has given me away. I discovered this product about 4-5 years ago. I think it's the best straightening product on the market. If you use too much, your hair gets greasy, but using about a quarter sized dollop works well for me. Unfortunately, it's expensive. About $16 a tube. I've tried to replace it with cheaper products but always regretted it and gone back.

6. Yak Trax Pro

I could not run outside in the winter without these. They are amazing, and not just for runners. I know several people who are scared of falling on campus during the winter and invested in a pair....with great results. A great bargain for $30.

7. Paula's Choice Skincare

Although I've tried her make-up and found it to be average, the skincare products are outstanding--particularly the AHA exfoliants. I also really like her teeth whitener because my teeth are too sensitive for Crest Whitestrips and stuff like that.

8. The Furminator

This is the best product for brushing pets, no question. I get more fur off my pets in 2 minutes with this than I do with 10 minutes using a traditional brush. After I use it, it looks like we have an extra, and very furry, pet on the carpet. We have a smaller one. If they were a little cheaper, I'd invest in the biggest available size for Karl.

9. DROID

It's not just a phone, it's a DRIOD. Need I say more? What did I do without you, DROID? We could use better reception in our house, but that's not the DROID's fault.

10. The Gentle Leader

The designer of this product was genius. Murphy is at least 200% better behaved while running with the gentle leader on than without. He even resists the urge to participate in his favorite past time, rabbit-chasing.