Friday Round-Up - The Ocean, Lessons, Idols and Bob

Mystic, CT - We took the boys here over the weekend for the aquarium, seaport, ice cream and Mystic Pizza.

Hooray for Friday!! You know what I'm most excited about? The Olympics are starting!! I'm so excited. Are you? There are so many events and athletes that I want to follow. How am I going to keep track of the schedules?? While I ponder that, here are some great blog posts from this week for you to read.

Where are all the other surfer girls?
This is an interesting piece to follow up my last post about taking a vacation alone. The author Elizabeth brings up some interesting points that resonate with many of the comments you all left on my post - the need for downtime but also the desire to share that time with friends, family or significant others. She also talks about the gritty reality of traveling alone as a surfer girl. When I traveled alone, I did feel like I had to answer questions about why I was alone. But unlike Elizabeth, I was returning to the safe confines of a surf camp that made me feel a little less alone and like I was visiting friends. Also, she does a great job talking about some of the realities of being new out in the line-up at a surf break.

Pour Your Heart Out: The Ocean's Waves
Every week, Shell over at Things I Can't Say hosts this amazing meme called Pour Your Heart Out which basically offers bloggers a safe space to literally pour their heart out about whatever it is that's on their mind. This post reminded me why I love the ocean.

The Best Lessons Learned
I loved this post by Jules over at Pancakes & French Fries because basically, she describes my life. But seriously, Jules captures some of the hard challenges that comes with raising children, especially how we second-guess ourselves (a lot) but how those instances, more often than not, lead to the best lessons that our kids will learn.

I believe in you
Ilene at The Fierce Dive Guide to Life kind of went straight to my core with this post about the support that we all need to reach our goals. She's got a way with words.

On Creating Idols
Lindsay over at Lindsay's List did knock me to my knees and made me stop and think about the things in my life that I place more importance on than they may warrant. I've been struggling with determining and balancing the priorities in my life. I'm not the most religious person but I appreciate Lindsay's honesty and her faith.

It's Bob Again
Sigh. I'm kind of jealous of Kristin and her boyfriend - Bob Harper. Every once in a while, Kristin gets to tape a workout video for Bob's online training club. In her latest jaunt to LA, she did three killer workouts, including a one-on-one with Bob. Awesome.

Finally, I'm guest posting over at Cupcake Kelly's today. Kelly is training for the Nike Women's Half in October with Team in Training. I trained for the NYC Triathlon with Team in Training and today, I'm sharing my story. Come over for a visit!

That's it! Have a great weekend. Are you excited about the Olympics too? What's your favorite sport or event?

Friday Round-Up

Quinoa Caprese Salad - YUM. Super simple and delicious. You can find the recipe from my friend Kristen here.

I've been a little distracted this week because I started reading a little book called Divergent by Veronica Roth. People had been telling me to read it for a while - that if I loved the Hunger Games, I would love Divergent. Lucky for me, as I was walking home the other day, a neighbor who lives up the block kindly left her copy out on the sidewalk for someone to take. Yes, that's what we do here in Brooklyn - we leave stuff that we no longer need/use out on the sidewalks for others to take.

Anyhow, I started reading the book and I could.not.put.it.down. Seriously, I have not been able to concentrate on my work or much else because the book sits there and stares at me and says, "Please read me. Just one more chapter." So I did and finished the book. But now, I have to read Book 2...like right now which means that I've been staying up way too late at night again. 

In between my fits of frenzied reading, I came across some great blog posts to share with you this week.

The Top 10 Faces of BlogHer

With the BlogHer conference coming up in New York City in a couple of weeks, this post by Fadra had me in stitches as she runs through the top 10 faces and expressions you will likely see at BlogHer or any blogging conference for that matter.

Is Personal Blogging Changing?

Ginger at Ramble Ramble poses an interesting question based on what she's been hearing and feeling in the online universe. There's a pretty amazing discussion going on in the comment section. What do you think?

5 Ways to Become a Better Blogger

We've all read and/or written a post (or two or three) about the comparison trap, either comparing ourselves to other bloggers, runners, mothers/fathers, surfers, athletes, etc. Melissa has found a rewarding approach to blogging - being true to herself.

The Pro-Triathlete's Wife

Lindsay over at Cotter Crunch wrote this gracious post about her life and role in Cotter Team. Seriously, Lindsay and her husband James are an amazing team. P.S. Lindsay also makes these incredible, delicious, scrumpcious things called Healthy Bites. You should check them out if you haven't already.

Coming Back for More

I loved this post by Jess over at Eat, Drink, Breathe, Sweat about what drives her to lead a healthy and active life and why. Her recipe? Move. Move often. Eat well. Live. Live big. Rest. And repeat.

Common Regrets of the Dying

I know, this one sounds depressing but it a great story and puts things in perspective. I remember hearing bits and pieces about this book, written by an Australian nurse and singer, a few months back but never looked into it further. It's a great life reminder and goes back to the Busy Trap article I shared a couple of weeks ago. If you haven't read this already, please do. Thanks Bron for sending this to me!

And that's all she wrote for this week boys and girls. Now, I have to get back to my book!!

Did I miss a good post this week? Share with me please! Have you read Divergent? When does the third book come out??!?

Friday Round-Up - Close Call

This picture has nothing to do with this post. I just love these shoes and wish that I was wearing them
while watching the CrossFit Games in person. That's all.

This is the Friday Round-Up that almost didn't happen. Dramatic, I know but I have been without consistent Internet access since Tuesday. Tuesday people!! Almost three full days with no connection. I know what some of you might be thinking, "What's the big deal Christine? So you can't read some blogs or order stuff online. Disconnect. Unplug. It's good for you." 

In theory, yes. But the thing is is that when you are a self-employed consultant whose work largely revolves around researching, communicating and collaborating on documents online, it IS a big deal. No work = no billable hours = no pay. My husband an I have been running around to different cafes and restaurants to use their free wifi, calling the cable company, and waiting for the cable guy. My poor phone has been worked overtime trying to make up for my computer. Finally, on Thursday afternoon, our modem's lights twinkled and our router beamed a glorious green "all-clear" light.

I did manage to read some great blog posts this week and, of course, wanted to share them with you.

Negative Thoughts Are Wasted Space
I really loved this post by Lindsay over at The Lean Green Bean. I often fall into the same trap as Lindsay when I see pictures of myself which is why I don't like being in pictures much. But I love her approach to dispelling the negative thoughts. It's definitely worth a read.

Throw Out the F*cking Scale
I think that the title says it all. I don't weigh myself very often because I can easily become obsessed with the number on the scale. I love Bex's honesty in the this post and her message - that scales can't measure passion, ability, strength, compassion or potential.

Genetics Loaded In the Gun
This post by Carla over at MizFitOnline has generated some interesting discussion, the premise being that genetics loads the gun but environment pulls the trigger. I agree with this statement - that while we may be predisposed to certain attributes, diseases/ailments, behaviors, etc., we can create an environment that either stops or encourages its development. I've seen so many examples of people and communities coming together to change the negative systems around them and create a new reality / environment for themselves and their families. Where do you stand?

Are You a Risk Taker?
Missy at Literal Mom shares her story about running with the bulls in Spain. In her words, "Taking a risk like that brings on an almost unimaginable rush if you've never experienced it." But Missy's a responsible risk taker. For example, she uses a drunk Spaniard to shield her from a charging bull. Smart woman.

New York Introduces Its First Adult Playground
Did you read about this? New York City is testing the first adult playground in the Bronx and has plans to bring as many as 2 dozen more across 5 boroughs in next 18 months. Adult playgrounds are essentially outdoor gyms and are the City's latest effort to get people moving and to combat the rising rates of obesity in the city. I'd imagine that Jess aka Blonde Ponytail would have a ball coming up with playground workouts. Would you use it?


Lastly, Women's Running has a contest going on right now to choose a Cover Model for an upcoming issue. Dorothy from Mile-Posts is one of the women nominated and she is simply amazing. She is a marathoner, coach and mom of three adorable kids. She pushes all three in a stroller when she runs. It would be incredible to see her on the cover. Could you hop on over here and vote for her? It will only take two seconds. 

Tell me, what else did I miss this week? What would you have done without the Internet for 3 days. Share with me please! 

Friday Round-Up

This week was an odd week, no? With the 4th of July smack dab in the middle of the week? It felt like we had two Mondays instead of one and that's just not fair. In a roundabout way, we ended up at Flushing Meadows Corona Park on the 4th of July - site of the 1939/1940 and 1964/1965 New York World's Fair and current site of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Citi Field (where the Mets play) and NY Hall of Science. While my son looks calm and peaceful sitting there on the ledge of the fountain in the picture above, it didn't take long before he and his younger brother took off into the fountain. Who could blame them. It was HOT out.

But it's the weekend (Hooray!) and I'm looking forward to a visit from my sister and my niece. I just hope that we all don't melt in the heat. Here are some of my favoriate posts from this week.

The Busy Trap

This piece from the New York Times made it's way around this week. I saw this posted a few times on Facebook and shared more than a few times on Twitter. It hit a chord with people - I know that it did with me - about the busyness in our lives and how we have collectively forced ourselves to lead such busy lives. It's definitely worth a read if you haven't already read it.

An Open Letter to Me: Do Not Fear 26.2

Jess over at Eat, Drink, Breathe, Sweat is training for her first marathon this fall and she's been having some moments of anxiety and doubt. Many of us have been in the same shoes and Jess' post reminded me of the excitement and trepidation of going after our goals.

On Paying It Forward

I loved this post by Melissa at Live, Love & Run (who also is the genius behind The Weekly Chase). Melissa has an incredible story and is training for the Chicago Half Marathon. She recently came to the realization that she wanted to work towards becoming a run coach.

Oakley Women Take Over Napa - Day One

Charlotte was recently chosen as a new Oakley Ambassador and spent last weekend in Napa hanging out with some pretty cool folks. It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Oakley so it was fun to hear about their new products. Check out the video at the end of the post.

Total Body Tri-Set Workout

Lindsay at In Sweetness and in Health shares a killer total body workout. I can't wait to try this. 

Runner's World RunStreak Finisher's Crest

Did you streak? Runner's World encouraged folks to run at least a mile a day between Memorial Day and the 4th of July. For those of you who completed the streak, Pavement Runner designed a nice little ole badge for your blog. How did he get to design the official Runner's World badge? He asked. 

Tell me, did I miss anything? What have you been loving this week? Plans for the weekend? Ideas for how we can entertain 3 kids ages 3-5?

Friday Round-Up

ohmygosh, I think that I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. My work load is starting to ease up a bit. I think that last night was the first night in a month or two when I didn't work most of the evening and into the early hours of the morning. 

I'm finally starting to catch up on my blog reading (and responding to comments and everything else) too. There have been so many great posts this past week and I wanted to share them. Here are some of my favorites.

Navigating Depression

I know that this post over at MizFitOnline was technically from last week but it's an important post. Depression is shrouded in such secrecy and shame in our society and I believe that's what hurts us the most. Through posts like this, maybe we can begin a larger discussion about our health because health is about so much more than just physical fitness.

Role Model in Waiting

Tracy's post at Sellabitmum really hit home for me. I'm not the most out-going person. I prefer the company of a few good friends over large crowds and parties. I like one-on-one conversations over fighting to be heard over a large group. My heart broke when I read this post because I can totally empathize. But what advice does a shy parent offer a shy child?

The Dream of Friendship - Around the Bonfire

Along the same lines as Tracy's post is this guest post Ginger from Ramble Ramble wrote for Kludgy Mom. It's a great reflection on the dream of friendship in adulthood.

Buzz: Dreams and Adventures? The Time is Now.

I loved this post from Heidi at Banana Buzzbomb. Heidi recently returned from an incredible trip with Columbia Sportswear to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Now, Heidi and her husband are chasing after their dreams and moving to Arizona. PS - If you haven't read Heidi's recaps of her trip, you should do that too.

Mom Fail in 13 days

I love Ilene's blog - Fierce Diva Guide to Life. The start of summer is often a hard adjustment for parents, moving from the frantic pace of the school year to the illusion of less frantic days of summer. But in reality, our parenting standards often drop as we try to manage this transition and find a rhythm. I can totally identify with this. And yes, I do hiss at my kids sometimes...but only sometimes. 

Espy nominees announced

This week, the nominees for the 20th annual ESPY awards were announced and Kelly Slater was nominated for Best Male Action Sports Athlete. Come on - he's been the youngest (at 19) and oldest (at 39) surfer to hole the world title. Go vote for him.

What good things have you read this week? Anything funny? I realize that the posts that I've shared, except for Heidi's, are a bit serious in tone. Happy Weekend!

Friday Round-Up

Homemade Get Well cards from the boys - my offline reading for the week.

Since coming home on Monday, I've been pretty much confined to my bed and the couch with a bit of hopping around on crutches in between. To be honest, my ass hurts from sitting and lying around so much over the past couple of days. After sleeping the better part of Monday and Tuesday, OK and Wednesday, I'm starting to feel more like myself and the pain in my knee has subsided substantially. Thank the Lord.

All the lying around has left me with a lot of time to read. For once, I feel like I actually have a handle on my Google Reader and that it's not exploding in all directions. Since my life hasn't exactly been bells and whistles, I wanted to share some of the amazing articles and blog posts that I've read this week, much in the vein of weekly round-ups by Kristin at What She Said, Ginger at Ramble Ramble, Katy at Katy Widrick, and Christine and Caitlin at Oatmeal in my Bowl which I love to read.

• I haven't been reading Cat's blog as regularly as I would like but was gifted with amazing posts this week. She wrote about a lesson she learned from her son who, when asked what his favorite body part was, answered his wee-wee - just like any 4-year old boy would. The lesson was about learning to love your body for what it's capable of versus just what it looks like. She also wrote beautifully about the need to "Surround yourself with awesome people, and be awesome to others. Nice follows nice, good follows good, awesome follows wine." The last line is definitely true.
• Callie at The Wannabe Athlete wrote a beautiful post in response to the Trayvon Martin case. Callie is "white attorney, the wife of a black man, and mother of a son the world considers black" and writes about how our souls are all the same. 
• Carla at MizFitOnline confesses how exercise isn't her passion but how it fuels her life and her true passion.
• My heart hurt when I read this post by Missy at Literal Mom about Fitting in.
• Whitney at Live, Run, Love, Yoga wrote about the need to slow down. As a competitive, overachieving, perfectionist, this post really hit home with me.
• For those of you looking for a bit of fitness inspiration, Lindsay at the Lean Green Bean has put together a compilation of all-time favorite workouts. Seriously, this is an amazing resource.
• Speaking of crazy feats of strength, The Hunger Games has been all the rage. I loved the books and went to see the movie on opening weekend and really liked it. Jacki at MomJovi wrote the best review of the Hunger Games movie I've read. I completely agree on all counts.
• Finally, this post by Tracy at Sellabit Mum made me stand up (if I could) and clap my hands. I love these New Egg Hunt Rules for 2012 and I love Tracy and her blog.

That's a long list! Sorry but I've been doing a lot of reading.

What are some of your favorite reads of the week? Share with me!