Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 09:58 AM
Chris and Laura are the epitome of perseverance, drive, and passion. These two let nothing stand in the way of their dreams and reality. Laura recently opened up an awesome restaurant in Seattle called PoDog located in Capitol Hill. This isn't your typical hotdog stand... this is gourmet tastyness and the hot dogs are to die for. We've had everything from their Wasabi Egg-roll Dog to their Thanksgiving Dog that is loaded with all the fixin's and have yet to be disappointed. I honestly never thought hot dogs could be so good. She is in the process of opening up her second restaurant in the U-district and we couldn't be more excited for her... Seattle needs more PoDog yumminess!

And just when you thought it couldn't get any better than that there is Laura's very talented other half, Chris Pardo, who is the genius behind what we believe to be one of the best modern architecture/design firms out there, Pb elemental. We were introduced to Chris's work at Pb through our neighbors whose house was designed by Pb elemental a few years back - we absolutely adore it (you can peek at it here) and since then we have followed Pb's work throughout the Seattle area dreaming of one day having a design similar to the one our neighbors have. So when Chris reached out to us about photographing their wedding we were stoked, flattered and honored. These two get it. They know what they want out of life and are running after it with everything they've got.  For their session we ran around their neighborhood in Capitol Hill and it was a beautiful sunny Seattle day.  So without further adieu, meet the fabulous Laura & Chris.











Thoughts
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Feuza says: Thursday, February 25, 2010, 08:43 PM

love love that first shot and that bike one and the sunray ones and love how your logo looks on the pictures

Christina says: Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 07:48 PM

Just blog-hopping and scrolled along (like the little arrow said to do!) and I got tears in my eyes when I saw the first picture of him kissing her forehead. That is a perfect moment captured.
That's all. Thank you for making me smile.

tina florance says: Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 12:59 PM

LOVE the full-on hug.

Gail says: Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 12:47 PM

Wow..I don't know which of these two are cooler! Hot dogs AND amazing minimalistic, modern architecture?!! Talk about a match made in happen.

I love that you guys attract the most amazing creative types. These are so great!

Melina Wallisch says: Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 05:58 AM

sarah you have a beautiful eye

beata English says: Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 03:07 AM

Amazing as usual! But more importantly i get to meet you in person very very soon! i can't wait!!!

Jackie Lovato says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 06:30 PM

lovely, as usual.

chipgillespie says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 01:12 PM

Sarah, these are amazing! Chris and Laura, you guys look great!!

Hannah Taylor says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 12:51 PM

Different kinds of hotdogs is definitely thinking outside of the box!! I wish I was close enough to try one.

Ruthie P. says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 10:33 AM

One word: AWESOME! :)

Matt Allen says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 10:12 AM

These are awesome Sarah. The image of them frames by the bike is my fave, but the one just before that is pretty damn sweet too :)

sarahrhoads says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 10:10 AM

@Chad hahaha I know right?! I crave these things ALL the time. It's ridiculous. They just came out with a new macaroni dog and it's soo stinkin yummy.

Carter Moore says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 10:09 AM

Really really good shots in this one. Love the black and whites especially the one where he is hugging her. Fantastic shots too with the sun going down. Great golden tones. Never cease to impress haha

Chad says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 10:08 AM

i still have dreams about the Seattle Dog.

Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:00 AM
The other day I twittered about how my twenty-fifth year of life is proving to be one of the most "uncomfortable" years of my life and about my excitement associated with that. I received various responses via DM's and @ reply's of people with sympathetic responses. Although thoughtful, what these people failed to realize is how incredibly stoked I am about my discomfort. You see to me, comfort is the enemy. It stifles growth and it makes us complacent. Comfort makes us satisfied with the mediocre. Comfort keeps us in the "safe zone" rather than challenging us to explore that which is un-safe. Comfort kills creativity. Comfort keeps us from failing and we need to fall on our faces a lot in life to grow. The majority will seek out comfort. It is the "easy road," the road traveled by many. I don't want to be the majority. I want to be the minority, the exceptional, the seasoned, the absolute best I can be. So for me, that means spending more time in the valley than on the mountain top of comfort. It means facing fears and feeling completely out of my element a lot more than I would like. Ultimately comfort kills the greatness that resides within each of us.

Discomfort welcomes and forces change, growth and engagement. The feeling of discomfort means we are looking fear in the eyes and beckoning him to a dual. Yes, discomfort is scary, but it is a necessary means to an end for anyone who wants to push beyond the limits of what they feel capable of. Discomfort creates a very unique culture that cultivates and welcomes mistakes, experimentation and failure. Discomfort is the road less traveled. You wont find many who want to hike this valley with you. And when you do find that fellow lonely traveler, hold on to them and cherish them, they will push you to be greater... that is one of the many amazing qualities I have found in my husband. When we are uncomfortable, our actions lead to a much greater level of success..... even if that means falling on our face more than we might like. So to me there is no choice.... discomfort always must win. Comfort is cheap and easy. Discomfort comes at a cost and is difficult but the payoffs are so very sweet.

As Seth Godin says, "going out of your way to find uncomfortable situations isn't natural but it's essential." and I say AMEN to that sentiment.

In photo news- I have a gazzillion things to post but have been bed ridden trying to fight off this cold/sinus infection this weekend so lots coming this week.


Thoughts
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Justin DeMutiis says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 04:48 PM

Love it. I've always fought complacency, but this post motivates me even more.

Sarah says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 09:15 AM

This is so insightful. I admire your attitude and your approach to life so much. I used to think I was crazy for constantly uprooting myself, but this post really put it in perspective for me. I needed this on this Wednesday afternoon! Your work is amazing

Dale Hogan says: Thursday, February 25, 2010, 10:02 AM

Well said! I hear you and couldn't agree more. Thanks for sharing your perspective, it's inspirational.

I'm currently in a season of challenging circumstances in my personal life, but I think my art could use a kick out of the comfort zone. You may have just provided the impetus I needed.

Kellie says: Thursday, February 25, 2010, 09:50 AM

Very Nice! So well written! Thank you for the reminder to always strive for what is out of our comfort zone.

Nicole Wolf says: Thursday, February 25, 2010, 09:50 AM

Great post Sarah! Check out the article coming up on Skip Cohens blog that I just did, very similar! Also, can't wait for WPPI, have a really interesting adventure I want to talk to you about!

Gerald says: Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 11:19 PM

Thanks Sarah, this is a great reminder. Keep on blazing your trail and let me know then the book comes out!

Kaysha says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 09:05 PM

I LOVE these kinds of posts! You always leave me feeling so inspired!!

Jackie Lovato says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 06:33 PM

beautiful lesson you're learning, Sarah. one in which i hope to remember and remember and learn from and learn my whole life long. ROCK ON.

maile says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 04:38 PM

oh, I relate to this post so much. so so true.

Holger says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 11:29 AM

so true! I also liked the post before "Don't follow the Rules..."!

Crystal says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 11:13 AM

I have failed so many times, that I am so familiar with it I am sick of looking at it, and am facing the dilemma of what to do now, because I am stuck in the valley and have no plausible way of climbing out. But alas, kudos to you. Uncomfort is itself a stepping stone I believe.

Lara Beck says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 04:28 AM

I love you guys!!! :-) I have had an extremely uncomfortable year this last year.....and I have grown because of it! What you say just confirms everything I have been going through will work out fine... Thank you! :-)

neal carpenter says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 03:45 AM

This was just what I needed to hear. Thank you.

Faith says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 08:23 PM

I totally know what you're talking about :) I LOVE this photo by the way. Very cute outfits!

Laura says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 08:17 PM

I am constantly looking to get outside my comfort zone. Loved your post about breaking the rules as well!

Jono says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 02:50 PM

'Be not content with the ease of a passing day'!

Hannah Taylor says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 01:06 PM

I think my most uncomfortable time in life is now. Because I am actually realistically looking at how I can turn dreams into reality. Sometimes I regret not doing this sooner, but in order to be in a place where you are ready to take action you have to go through things God puts in your life to refine you. It's only that weak side of myself that says oh I wish I had reached my goal already. This year will be possibly one of the most productive years of my life.

cami says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 11:59 AM

you couldn't have said it better. my twenty-fifth year was the most uncomfortable year of my life. but it was so so so worth it. our love grew. i grew more than i thought i would. we got out of a "safe zone." and so many things have been happening... this post spoke to my heart as many of what you post does. i couldn't be more grateful to have found a guy to travel this "uncomfortable" road with me right now...and i'm holding on to him...he has made me grow and become more than i believed i could. i love...love your work and hope you're feeling better faster rather than soon. :o)

cami says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 11:57 AM

you couldn't have said it better. my twenty-fifth year was the most uncomfortable year of my life. our marriage...but it was so so so worth it. our love grew. i grew more than i thought i would. we got out of a "safe zone." and so many things have been happening... this post spoke to my heart as many of what you post does. i couldn't be more grateful to have found a guy to travel this "uncomfortable" road with me right now...and i'm holding on to him...he has made me grow and become more than i believed i could. i love your work and hope you're feeling better faster rather than soon. :o)

cami haynes says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 11:56 AM

you couldn't have said it better. my twenty-fifth year was the most uncomfortable year of my life. our marriage...but it was so so so worth it. our love grew. i grew more than i thought i would. we got out of a "safe zone." and so many things have been happening... this post spoke to my heart as many of what you post does. i couldn't be more grateful to have found a guy to travel this "uncomfortable" road with me right now...and i'm holding on to him...he has made me grow and become more than i believed i could. i love your work and hope you're feeling better faster rather than soon. :o)

cami haynes says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 11:56 AM

you couldn't have said it better. my twenty-fifth year was the most uncomfortable year of my life. our marriage...but it was so so so worth it. our love grew. i grew more than i thought i would. we got out of a "safe zone." and so many things have been happening... this post spoke to my heart as many of what you post does. i couldn't be more grateful to have found a guy to travel this "uncomfortable" road with me right now...and i'm holding on to him...he has made me grow and become more than i believed i could. i love your work and hope you're feeling better faster rather than soon. :o)

Elizabeth says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 10:53 AM

My sister recommended I check out your blog...this particular post...made me cry. Because I can relate...it so was the perfect thing for me to see to hear at this time. So thanks for that...and to my sister who recommended me to see this. ;p

Priscilla Gragg says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 10:21 AM

SO TRUE!

Harmony Loves says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 10:14 AM

I love your posts! I love that you love to be uncomfortable!
I love being challenged :)
I hate getting older, but I love it! I know I'm wiser and more confident.

Suki says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:44 AM

Thank you. This comes just at the right time and I realize I have to travel into that valley. And I even found someone who is willing to share the journey.

Melanie Watson says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:33 AM

I couldn't agree more. Comfort is uninspired and real growth and evolution come from those moments where we are stronger than our fears. So excited to see where this year of growth is taking you. Its surely a beautiful place.

Paige Butcher says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:26 AM

Thanks for posting this. So encouraging, you have no idea.

Nedra says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:24 AM

Such a perfect blog to read for this time in my husband & I's life, so so needed. Thank you for your encouraging words, and for being one that is not afraid to live uncomfortably in the unknowns. Life is so much more meaningful when we risk.

Ryan Klos says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:23 AM

How appropriate you post this today. I'm working on a similar post about being uncomfortable and embracing the fact that you just may fail when you venture out from your comfort zone. But then you grow. Thanks for your insight!

Steve Gerrard says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:21 AM

Great post Sarah.
I'm throwing out all my pillows & cushions today! :)

romin says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:17 AM

thanks times a million for introducing me to seth godin.

recently saw a quote by Woody Allen: “If you're not failing every now and again, it's a sign you're not doing anything very innovative.”

like you, i'm so so grateful to my partner, jenny, for challenging me to grow and for keeping me company on what seems a lonely road at times.

glad you are feeling better :)

JV says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:16 AM

Thanks for posting this much needed truth! And here's to being uncomfortable! Feel better soon!!

romin says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:16 AM

thanks times a million for introducing me to seth godin.

recently saw a quote by Woody Allen: “If you're not failing every now and again, it's a sign you're not doing anything very innovative.”

like you, i'm so so grateful to my partner, jenny, for challenging me to grow and for keeping me company on what seems a lonely road at times.

glad you are feeling better :)

Julie Watts says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:14 AM

Eloquently put!! I've discovered in my 30s is that I MUST be challenged...I need to struggle or else I go stir crazy. Like the alchemist who puts elements to fire in order to reveal it's true nature...I welcome the discomfort of growth and evolution. PS Seth Godin is a genius. :)

FRESH says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:12 AM

Ken Robinson suggests we'll never come up with anything original if we're not prepared to be wrong! Doesn't sound like a very comfortable stance, does it?

"All children are born artists; the problem is to remain "artist" as we grow up." Picasso

Love you from yer inside out SarahRhoads!

Melina Wallisch says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:10 AM

AMEN sista...my lizard brain will not stop me from stepping out of my comfort zone. I embrace those butterflies because something is wrong if you don't get nervous...thank you for helping me get out there and perform.

Friday, February 19, 2010, 12:05 PM
The other day we posted a little contest for those who wanted to win some free tickets to the most killer party at WPPI, Airhorns & Lasers. The only parameters were you had to include in your submission a laser and an airhorn. We received some pretty funny submissions but got it down to the four tickets we have to giveaway.

And the winners are: 
1) Ken Liu 

So excited to party with you all in Vegas! I will e mail each of you with how to claim your tickets!




Thoughts
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Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Saturday, February 20, 2010, 08:22 AM

HAHA! I love the Obama one!

ohana photographers says: Friday, February 19, 2010, 08:09 PM

holy smokes the laser cats!! this post made me lol.

gabriel.ryan. says: Friday, February 19, 2010, 01:29 PM

i don't know how come i've never stopped by your blog before... please forgive me ;) so, yeah... it pretty much rocks!

your expression of who you are as artists is refreshing and inspiring.

carlie & i can't wait to reconnect with you & chris in vegas!

rock.on.

Feuza says: Friday, February 19, 2010, 12:32 PM

You made my day and I am in some pain right not feeling well but got a chance to scream WOO HOO! thank you Sarah! wow, so amazinggggggggggggggggg

Thursday, February 18, 2010, 09:42 AM
I'm writing this post today in my blue fuzzy robe with kleenex sticking out of my nose... sounds hot huh? ;) I've been under the weather this week and it reached a whole new level of sickness about two days ago which of course was when we had an all day shoot in the snowy mountains scheduled. It was one of those days when I really just had to psyche myself up and push through to get what I needed to get.

I've been thinking a lot about this idea of pushing through recently. I've been watching the Winter Olympics and I am fascinated by the absolute perseverance of the contenders. Pushing through takes on a whole new meaning when you are an Olympic Athlete. These people train day in and day out, pushing through injury, discomfort, pain, sleeplessness and the list goes on. The sacrifice they undergo is intense. But what all of these contenders have in common is passion. There is something in them that drives them to a slight sense of insanity. And I DO think you have to be slightly "insane" to achieve a certain level of greatness :) These people have designed their life around their passion which is why they make "pushing through" and persevering look easy. It's never easy but they recognize the absolute necessity in it.

I learned that one of my old dance friends who I did ballet with for years and years is in the Olympics this year as one of the top male figure skaters, Evan Lysacek. It's so amazing to think of how far he has come. Evan trained with me at one of the best ballet studios in Chicago, not because he wanted to be a ballet dancer, but because he wanted to be the best figure skater possible. He is someone that has pushed through the pain and sacrificed a great deal to get to where he is. But when you are pursuing your passion, sacrifice feels like gain and perseverance is like having your morning coffee. It just comes with the territory.

Here is a frame from the winter shoot we had on Tuesday. Lots more coming...

Thoughts
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Shannon Yau says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 04:54 PM

This post resonated with me for several reasons. firstly because I was battling my own cold and I'm the biggest baby ever when I'm sick. Your words were the "get your #$% up and do something" I needed. Also, I am in love with the olympics. I was actually lucky enough to be there for the opening weekend and it was both inspiring and incredible.
Oh, and I LOVE this photo!

Darby says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 07:09 PM

This photo is AMAZING!!!! Excited to see more!

Patrina says: Sunday, February 21, 2010, 03:28 PM

Your words are spot on, Sarah. And the photo is, too. Pushing thru the hard times is what separates the good from the great.

Anne W says: Saturday, February 20, 2010, 01:22 PM

I was searching Evan Lysacek on twitter the other day and I stumbled upon your post about him. I'm 17 now, but I remember I used to dance at the same studio as him ... and when I saw that you used to dance there too, I clicked on your Twitter page which led me to your website.
Anyhow ... your photos are amazing! I'm not really a photographer, but I do other types of art (drawing, music, ... living, etc.). I think what I really like about your photos is that the people in it seem really genuine. Their smiles aren't posed or anything; each person is shown beautifully and genuinely. The pictures are not only vibrant in terms of their colors but also in terms of how you manage to capture the spirit of the moment and how the photos are able to speak... (if that makes any sense at all, haha) Looking at these pictures really makes me want to pick up photography.
Just wanted to let you know! You and your husband are truly talented :)

Jackie Lovato says: Friday, February 19, 2010, 06:07 PM

your photography is SOLID.

AbiQ says: Friday, February 19, 2010, 02:35 PM

I LOVE THIS SHOT. It so belongs in a magazine!

Kim Spears says: Friday, February 19, 2010, 11:35 AM

Wow she is a stunner !! Love the texture the fur added. I hope you feel better you little sickie :)

Tina says: Friday, February 19, 2010, 09:23 AM

LOVE this winter shot. You've got me itching to see the rest.

Feuza says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:36 PM

perseverance to fuel the passion for sure. this shot is like a magazine, love it and can not wait to see more

Anthony says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 09:16 PM

Evan just won! Thats awesome that you were with him in his early stages of becoming a gold medalist. Feel better! Soup and rest.

Hannah Taylor says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 03:21 PM

Great shot!! Thanks for all the motivation that comes from reading your blog!!

Calie says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 02:31 PM

Well it sounds like there was LOTS of pushing through this week!! ;D I have to say - if you were sick on Tuesday, it is really sinful how beautiful and poised you are!!! WOW!! Would not have guess that in a million years!!! I can't wait to see the rest of the shoot - this is truly amazing and we were blessed to be a part of it!!! Hugs!!! Calie and Kourtney!

mary wyar says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 01:53 PM

Had the same thoughts last night with the Olympians! The amount of passion it takes to fight through all the physical &, no doubt, personal sacrifices to get to that level... it's quite emotional to see! Oh and if you're feeling snotty, a neti-pot works wonders for me! Feel better chica! :)

Sarah says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 12:46 PM

great post! i was just thinking about the amount of dedication needed to be an olympian the other day. truly amazing. very cool that you once trained with evan lysacek. i might have a little crush on him. haha. here's hoping he does well tonight! and i can't wait to see the rest of these snow shots, looks like they'll be amazing as usual! :)

kbreints says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 12:39 PM

Came over from a new reader of yours who was linking to your site-- love the layout of your site-- had me confused for a moment :) Your photos are wonderful!

Heather says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 11:17 AM

This image is breathtaking!
I liked what you said about Olympic athletes having to have a certain level of insanity to get where they are. My husband was a swimmer in the Olympics and he had to be focused like a horse with blinders on to get there. I think the beautiful thing is that some people in other fields (other than athletes) are in hot pursuit of "being all they can be" with the same type of dedication and "insanity". I see that in your craft....it is a beautiful thing.

Suzanne and Amanda says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:58 AM

Even with Kleenix's you are beauitful. Love the shot- so glad you all went forward with it. My cousin helps run a program for cancer stricken kids and Kimmie Meissner had her Olympic friends skate for a fund raiser- we got to see and meet afterwards Tanith Belbin & Ben Agosto; Jeffrey Buttle; yuko Sato; Johnny Weir; others but your friend, Evan. They were all wonderful! But then so are you and Chris!!!

Talk to you later!!

kylie says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:54 AM

This image is amazing and I cannot wait to see all that goes with it. As you know from my incessant commenting, I have been following you for a while now and I can see the growth you are making with every shoot. You are an amazing artist Sarah and you really are doing what God created you to do. " )
On a side note, was this shoot for any specific purpose or just for fun and to experiment? I ask because if you were selling something with this image, I would buy it!

Sally says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:37 AM

Ooh, I love it!! This is such a gorgeous shot - it's just perfect! Can't wait to see the rest... P.S. Can I come along as an assistant next time?! I'll bring you coffee, tea, kleenex... :)

Tonhya Kae says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:26 AM

Girl, I think you're a little "insane" with this image!! OOooOoo I can't WAIT to see the rest, looks like you all probably had a fun day in the snow! I hope you feel better...the great weather today should help a little I hope! :)

Paige Butcher says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:18 AM

LOVE this shot! And what you have to say about pushing through is so incredibly true. This time of year with all the snow and grey skies on the East Coast, it's easy to give up and succumb to the temptation to coast until Spring. I'm trying to push through and finish strong :)

Candice says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:17 AM

i am constantly encouraged and inspired.

Suki says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:12 AM

I love this post very much. I think you got it and it describes me in my passion very well. Everyone has to be some sort of insane to achieve greatness :)
Thank you for that reminder.

AndaMarie says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:09 AM

Feel better, Sarah! I think it'd be awesome if you bottled up all your philosophical blog posts and made them into a book. I would keep it by my bedside or my computer and read random pages from it all the time. You inspire me!

AndaMarie says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:08 AM

Feel better, Sarah! I think it'd be awesome if you bottled up all your philosophical blog posts and made them into a book. I would keep it by my bedside or my computer and read random pages from it all the time. You inspire me!

Marissa Rodriguez says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:06 AM

"And I DO think you have to be slightly "insane" to achieve a certain level of greatness"....this is great! :) Very well said! I hope you feel better and I know the rest of these photos are going to be crazy amazing!!!

Marissa Rodriguez says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:05 AM

"And I DO think you have to be slightly "insane" to achieve a certain level of greatness"....this is great! :) Very well said! I hope you feel better and I know the rest of these photos are going to be crazy amazing!!!

Rachel Castillero says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:05 AM

Thanks for these words! Exactly what I needed to "hear" today. :) FABULOUS picture too!

Julie h says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:04 AM

oh my!!! I already know this shoot is going to be incredible. Stoked to see the rest. Sleep and EmergenC usually does the trick when I'm sick. Hope your feeling 100% very soon. :)