Currently… A post on “things of the moment” for me (#14). [Inspired by Marcia and other bloggers.]
State of things: BUSY! September and October went by like a flash. I had to look at my calendar (and Instagram) to remember all of the places I went and things I did. In September, we went to two fabulous weddings in Healdsburg, CA and Denver. I went to Kansas, Dallas and Ohio for work. I went to Baltimore to cover Expo East as an Expo Blogger (see recaps and more in “Food” below). In October, I mostly stayed put but my mom and her husband visited, I hosted my friend Carly for the Chicago Marathon and The Husband and I went on the Fuelfed Fall Classic car rally.
I’m headed to San Francisco for a few days this week and then back for The Husband’s annual birthday bash to close out October. November and December are busy, too. Before we know it 2017 will be here. I was overwhelmed by all of the commitments in September and October, but I’ve been trying to take things one day at a time and it’s all been good.
Books: I loved Anonymous Sources by NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly. I also binge read all of Allison Leotta’s Anna Curtis series. I couldn’t stop reading and can’t wait for the next one. #mindcandy. I liked Tana French’s The Trespassers, but not as much as her others. I’m now reading a much talked about book Before the Fall by Noah Hawley. So far so good and pretty topical in this political environment. Have you read anything good lately? Any summer blockbusters I need to read?
Movies: I saw Don’t Think Twice with a Q & A with Ira Glass and Mike Birbiglia after missing it with The Husband this summer. It was really good and both funny and sad. I recommend it. Have you seen anything good lately?
TV: The Husband and I just finished season 3 of Boardwalk Empire. I’m ready for the break. It’s so violent! We’re now watching Season 3 of Transparent. It is really great but I find the narcissism of the Pfefferman’s pretty draining. I can’t wait for The Affair to come back. Anything else good for us to put on our list?
Website/Podcast: I’ve been listening to some good audio books from Audible and my usual awesome podcasts. I added new Gimlet Media shows Science VS and Heavyweight to my queue. I was super sad that Mystery Show would not be coming back. Have you heard anything good lately?
Run: I’ve been taking a pretty chill approach to training for the NYC marathon after a tough summer of running. I’ve only done one race (Prairie State Half) at a tempo run pace and a was a runner guide for a 10K fun run for Run10Feed10. Typically, I run 6 – 8 races in September and October. I’ve been feeling burnt out and tired and am enjoying the relatively light schedule. I hope the rest helps on November 6th in NYC. I have one goal for this 20th anniversary foot tour of my favorite city – to finish with a smile on my face and joy in my heart.
I also got to meet Lauren in Baltimore for a run and to pre-game with her before the Chicago Marathon (where she crushed her PR and BQ! I am trying out an awesome sports bra with POCKETS by Brass Betty and the new Mizuno Wave Rider 20s – SWEET blogger perks! More to come and a Brass Betty review and giveaway coming very soon!
Non-Run Workouts: As usual, I’ve been hitting Pilates and using the J & J 7 minute work out app. I have to get back to spinning and yoga STAT. I notice the difference. Have you tried anything new?
Food/Drink: As I mentioned, I went to Expo East. The little sister of Expo West, it was still amazing and I tried so many things I loved. If you missed it, check out my day 1 and day 2 recaps or my Instagram shot. I have some great giveaways lined up with some new faves like 4505 Chicharrones, R.e.d.d. Bar, Soul Sprout, Natural Sins, Enjoy Life!, Zest Tea, Crunchies, Flapjacked and more. You can still enter to win some goodies from some of my old faves HERE.
Excitement: We’re going to Cuba with my brother and his partner in November. I am super excited to check out Cuba and to travel there with my brother and Dan. We’ve never been on a trip together and this should be quite an adventure. What’s exciting by you?
Pet Peeve: Political posts on Facebook and terrible political TV ads are KILLING me. What is irking you lately?
Wish(es): I hope that the vitriol and angst spun up by this insane election cycle does not cause any harm after the election is over. And that the blatant sexism opens a discussion and initiates positive change. What are you wishing for?
What is keeping you busy these days? Please share in the comments!
PS. Don’t forget to enter my great giveaways.