Happy Friday Friends!

We’ve made it through another week on this wild ride that is 2020. While there have been moments earlier this year where it seemed like time was standing still, I feel like Fall is flying by in a blink. And, now here we are on the first weekend of December and it’s time to join Coco and Deborah once again for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

If we were having coffee, I would tell you how relieved I am that my dad is home from the hospital and on the mend, and I would thank everyone who reached out with kind words and positive thoughts.

If we were having coffee, I would tell you that I’m working hard to get into the holiday mood. While I fully recognize that missing some of our usual holiday festivities this year are all #firstworldproblems, it is a bit of a buzzkill nonetheless. But, there is so much to be grateful for, and I will undoubtedly embrace all of it. Plus, it’s an opportunity to create some new traditions, right? #glasshalffull We’re planning to start decorating this weekend so that should help.

If we were having coffee, I would tell you that I finished the first of the three virtual races that make up the B.A.A.’s Finish Strong Challenge. I double-dipped and ran the 5K as this year’s turkey trot and received a nice DM from the B.A.A. that they were including me in their social media and newsletter! Next up is 10K which I had hoped to run tomorrow but the weather is looking oh so dicey. At least the beauty of a virtual race is the flexibility in getting it done.

What would you tell me over coffee? Have you started decorating?

What a rollercoaster week it’s been!

I’m happy to take a moment to take a step back, catch my breath, and join Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

Given the week this has been I would have to ask over coffee how you are holding up? Suffice it to say, even though I had fully expected this to be a difficult week, I am truly disheartened by the way things are playing out and I am anxious about the road that lies ahead.

As a needed distraction, over coffee, I would tell you that I have dived headfirst into decluttering and home organizing projects. I have Kim to thank for introducing me to The Home Edit on Netflix and after a couple of episodes, I was inspired to take on our pantry and kitchen cabinets. I’m now deep in the rabbit hole and perhaps am spending a bit too much time on the Container Store website.

Over coffee, I would tell you that my oldest will be home from school in just two weeks! After relying on FaceTime and Zoom for the past 11 weeks, I cannot wait to hug him! I’m really looking forward to having everyone back under one roof for a bit.

Over coffee, I would tell you about the swan that has taken up residence in the pond down the street from my house. While I’m used to seeing ducks and Canadian Geese, the swan is a rarity. I stop to look at him on many of my runs and always marvel at how he seems to stare back. A simple reminder in the midst of everything that there is beauty all around.

What would you tell me over coffee? Any unique sightings lately?

Fall is in the air and it feels great to settle in a mug of hot coffee and catch up with friends. I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. I’ve got my usual Starbucks Pikes Place with GLG Collagen and a splash of cream – what are you drinking?

Over coffee, I would first ask you how you’re holding up. To say times are tough right now would be a serious understatement. Personally, I’m beyond tired of 2020 and all of the madness, chaos, and sadness that has come with it. I’ve had to put myself on a news detox – while I like to be informed, some days are just too much to bear.

On a much lighter note, over coffee, I would tell you that school continues to go well for both of my boys. My oldest has been on campus for 6 weeks and his school just keeps rolling along in their little bubble. For my younger son, we’ve settled into a hybrid schedule and knock-on-wood so far so good. I’m holding my breath and hoping we can make it to Thanksgiving break.

Over coffee, I would tell you that we are in the thick of the college process now. I am utterly amazed at what marketing machines some of these universities are. We receive so much mail and the emails are nonstop. I keep thinking that if they all cut back on their fancy brochures perhaps they could drop their tuition costs!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I looking forward to the new season of SNL, cause really couldn’t we all use a good laugh? Now let’s hope I can stay awake to actually watch it 🙂

Now I’d tell you that my cup is empty and I need a refill. So your turn, what would you tell me over coffee?

Happy Friday!

I’m joining Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date. So grab a mug of your favorite beverage and let’s chat a little…

Over coffee, I would tell you that I am in the middle of a glorious 6-day staycation. It’s been so nice to unplug from work and have the extra time to get some odds and ends done. Now if I can just figure out a way to become independently wealthy before Tuesday 😉

Over coffee, I would tell you that I cannot believe my oldest son has already been back on campus for two weeks! After having him home for 6 months, the house feels oddly quiet. While I really miss him, I’m so glad he’s back with his friends and in a classroom again. I give his school such high marks for having a great plan to bring students back safely. I’m keeping my fingers crossed they can make it through the next 11 weeks and complete the semester.

Over coffee, I would tell you about my latest obsession – watching the World’s Toughest Race – Eco-Challenge Fiji on Prime Video. 66 teams on an 11-day trek across some incredibly challenging terrain. J and I rarely binge watch, but this show hooked us right away!

What would you tell me over coffee? 

Happy Friday!  It’s a long holiday weekend and I am kicking things off by joining Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date. I’m lazing on my deck with a mug of Starbucks French Roast, so let’s chat a little…

July Ultimate Coffee Date

Over coffee, I would tell you that while I’m really happy to have a 3-day weekend it doesn’t at all feel like the 4th of July. With no fireworks, holiday races, nor other big gatherings, this will be a very quiet 4th. I will miss heading to Gillette Stadium for the Finish at the 50 race and the fireworks that follow. Instead, we’re planning to cook some big meals, laze on the deck, and enjoy some fires on the patio – much more chill but still nice.

Over coffee, I would tell you that one thing I am looking forward to is watching Hamilton on Disney+ tonight!

Over coffee, I would tell you that last week I had my first outdoor dining experience at a restaurant. Actually it quickly turned into an indoor experience thanks to a freak rainstorm. I had met a friend for a walk and lunch – both of us had agreed that we were not ready to try indoor dining but would sit out on the restaurant’s patio where tables were widely dispersed. Well Ma Nature has a sense of humor and 20 minutes into our meal the heavens opened up and our waiter hurried out to usher us in under umbrellas. Thankfully, there were only a couple of tables with customers so we were able to stay well spread out. All-in-all, I’m still going to stick to the great outdoors for dining out for the foreseeable future.

What would you tell me over coffee? Any plans for the 4th?

It’s the first weekend of a new month which means it’s time for the Ultimate Coffee Date with Deborah and Coco. Given all that going on in the world right now I doubt if anyone would fault me if I dropped a little something (Kahlua, Bailey’s anyone?) into my coffee.

Let’s chat a little…

June Ultimate Coffee Date

Over coffee, I would first ask you how you are doing. To say that watching where we are in this country right now is weighing heavily on me would be an understatement.  Yesterday in honor of George Floyd, I sat for silence in 8 mins and 46 secs and held him in my thoughts. I cannot begin to put into words what this experience was like. I invite everyone to do it – I will tell you 8 plus minutes never felt so long.

On a much, much lighter note, over coffee, I would tell you that we celebrated my middle schooler’s graduation yesterday. There was a parade, a Zoom ceremony, a celebratory taco bar dinner, chocolate cupcakes, and lots of laughs. Not the celebration we had hoped for but I think my son had a good day. And, now I’m trying to wrap my head around having two high schoolers in the house!

All my son will allow me to share is a photo of the balloons.

Over coffee, I would tell you that with school over for both boys, summer has officially arrived in the RWA household. While this is definitely not going to be a typical summer, we’re still creating our annual bucket list and plan to make the most of it. Personally, I’m looking forward to dinners on the deck, evening fires on the patio, and venturing out a little as stay-at-home restrictions start to ease here.

And, speaking of the stay-at-home restrictions, over coffee, I would tell you that phase 2 here begins on Monday and the thing I am most excited about is getting my hair cut! My appointment is booked for next Friday.

What would you tell me over coffee?

Happy Friday!

While I’ll admit with the stay-at-home orders in place it can feel a bit like the days are blurring together, I still like to celebrate Fridays. It’s the end of the workweek, it’s “pizza night,” and, in general, I welcome the change in the rhythm of the days that the weekend brings.

I’m kicking off this weekend by joining Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date, so grab a mug of your favorite hot beverage, and let’s chat.

May Ultimate Coffee Date

Over coffee, I’d tell you that Running with Attitude turned 10 this week! If you had told me when I sat down to write this post that 10 years later I would still be at it, I seriously would have thought you were crazy. Back then it was just a place for me to record my thoughts and progress as I attempted to become a runner. Along the way, blogging has afforded me some fun opportunities, and, best of all, it has introduced me to some great people.

Over coffee, I would also tell you that ironically, I have been having so much trouble with WordPress lately that blogging has really become a challenge. Honestly, I cannot watch another YouTube video trying to DIY my way through the various roadblocks I’ve encountered. I’m going to have to find affordable tech support to clean up this mess or this blog may not see 11!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I recently discovered the video messaging app Marco Polo. For those of you, like me who had never heard of the app, it allows you to send video messages to friends and family and they can view and respond when they want to – it’s kind of like video text messages. In this age of social distancing, it’s been a nice addition, especially when you just want to send a quick message vs. coordinating a Zoom call or FaceTime.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I am starting to wonder how much longer I can go without a haircut. With salons here still closed for at least a few more weeks, the question is do you live in a permanent ponytail or attempt a self-trim?

What would you tell me over coffee? Have you ever tried cutting your own hair? What technology are you using to stay connected?

What a difference a month makes! It feels like so much has happened since Deborah and Coco hosted last month’s  Ultimate Coffee Date. I’m glad they continue to host this little virtual escape as staying connected feels more important than ever. I’ve got a mug of Starbucks Pike Place in hand (homebrewed of course!), so let’s chat.

Ultimate Coffee Date – April Edition

Over coffee, I’d tell you that distance learning has begun in earnest in the RWA household. My middle schooler started a full schedule of classes this week and my high schooler dives in on Monday. I’m grateful that both boys’ schools are so well-equipped to meet the challenges of bringing the classroom online – I could not imagine taking on homeschooling right now.

Over coffee, I would also tell you that I’m not sure my dog is going to survive my younger son’s trumpet lessons via Zoom. Let’s just say he wanders the house whimpering and making other assorted sounds as he looks for a place to escape the melodious sounds emanating from my son’s trumpet. I have to bite my lip and not laugh…my son is not amused!

Over coffee, I’d tell you that I have really been enjoying the resurgence of family board games over the past couple of weeks. I am currently relishing my status as “ruler of the world” thanks to a victory in our last Risk game! On the other hand, I went down in an ugly defeat in Monopoly.

Over coffee, I’d tell you that I cannot believe that I am still on a search for toilet paper! Luckily we had a decent supply before the madness started and a couple of weeks ago came across a rare supply at Target. But I have to ask, now that we’re almost a full month into this virus crisis how is there still no toilet paper?

What would you tell me over coffee? What products are you not able to find in stores?

It’s Friday! This has been one long week and I am so ready for the weekend!

I’m joining Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date, so grab a mug of your fave hot beverage and let’s chat a little.

Ultimate Coffee Date – March Edition

Over coffee, I’d tell you that J and I recently went to see the Broadway preview of Plaza Suite with Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick. It was fantastic! It’s opening on Broadway soon – if you’re headed to NYC this is one to catch!

Over coffee, I would tell you that of late I feel like I’m running around like a chicken with my head cut off. There’s been so much to juggle at work and life on the homefront has been equally busy (hello school events!) – the days lately have felt like a whirlwind!

Over coffee, I would tell you that by the end of next week both of my boys will be on spring break. No big trip planned this year – J and the boys are going skiing for a few days, and then my oldest and I will be road-tripping to look at a couple of colleges. I still cannot believe we’ve reached this point!

I’ve shared this image before, but it really sums how fast the time goes by!

OK…your turn…what would you tell me over coffee?