Currently… Ready for Fall

Currently… A post on “things of the moment” for me (#21). [Inspired by Marcia and other bloggers.]

Last week still looked and felt like summer in Chicago.

State of things: I’m in Seattle. I came out for a quick trip to run the Cascade Super Series Half Marathon in Snoqualmie with Kristin. It was amazingly beautiful and really fun. I walked all over Seattle and visited with other friends, too. It’s such a cool city and so different from Chicago. I’ve been doing less travel for work and more for fun which is nice. The Husband and I FINALLY reached a vacation decision and booked tickets. We’re going to Rome and Southern Italy in November. I’m so excited. Recommendations are welcome. How are things by you? What’s currently keeping you busy?

Books: I’ve still been binge reading/listening to inexpensive mystery/police procedural books/Audible books. I did read some books I for/recommended by my book club The Girl Who Wrote in Silk (good but a bit too wrapped up in a bow), He Said/She Said (meh – I loved the end but felt a bit tortured to get there!) and Together (up next). Have you read anything good lately? [Please note: this section includes Amazon affiliate links.]

Movies: Since my last Currently post, I saw The Notorious RBG (loved it) and Crazy Rich Asians (fun and beautiful scenery). Have you seen anything good lately?

TV: We’re watching the current seasons of the second season of Ozark and finished the 4th season of The Affair (it was great which was a nice surprise considering season 3 was not very good). We also watched season one of The Deuce and the mini series Five Days. The Husband liked the former better than me and we both thought the latter was great. Have you been watching? Anything else good for us to put on our list?

Website/Podcast: I’ve been doing a lot of Whispersync for Audible. I’ve been enjoying Modern Love and Death, Sex and Money, as usual, too. I listened to the first two episodes of Dr. Death (from the people who made Dirty John). It’s bizarre and kind of terrifying. Have you heard anything good lately?

Run: My running has been OK this summer and I’ve been enjoying the miles. I’m not the best runner in heat and suffered in the Rock N Roll Half and some of my long runs. I had a strong run at the Run for Walk 4.1 mile race and felt good in the Madison Half despite the crazy humidity. I also had a blast at two Nike unsanctioned races – a half miler in a parking deck and a 6K. I’m having a bit of a hamstring/glute/hip issue but I hope I’ll be OK for the NYC Marathon.

Pool running with Becca, Sweatworking Crawl and Hardpressed.

Non-Run Workouts: I’ve been enjoying some pool running workouts with the Fluid Running system. I also tried some new classes with A Sweat Life and #Sweatworking – Energi Fitness, Ritual Yoga and River North Crossfit. I also tried Hardpressed and Equinox’s True Athlete. Lots of fun and fitness this summer. Have you tried anything new?

A couple of fave summer food finds!

Food/Drink: As always, I’ve been finding lots of great food and drink this summer. Some of my faves this summer include Rx Bar Nut Butter (especially Vanilla Almond Butter), Bobo’s Toast’r Pastries, Handfulls (coated nuts) and Handfulls Fusions mixes, Trail Truffles and Farm and Oven Bakery Bites (enter my giveaway through 9/12). I’m also headed to Expo East next week so stay tuned for a TON of new finds and stuff from my faves. Which are you most interested in trying?

Excitement: I’m hosting a “friends and family” sale shopping event in Chicago at Athleta on 9/17. If you can’t make it, I have some online/in store codes you can use. Just send me an email to erica@ericafinds.com and I’ll send you one. What’s exciting by you?

Pet Peeve: They’re doing construction on Lake Shore Drive and working on the elevators in our building. This adds extra time and planning to my days. What is irking you lately?

Wish(es): I’m hoping my packed fall feels manageable and that all of the balls I have in the air land safely. And, wishing my Jewish friends a Happy New Year – today is Rosh Hashanah. 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. Plus, enter A Sweat Life’s $1000 Back to Self Care Giveaway here.

Please note: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you use these links, I’ll receive a small commission.