Life of Late ~ 7.31.15

Here we are at an end of another month and a summer month at that.  Luckily for us the humidity hasn’t been too gnarly.  In fact, I have even experienced some fabulous 70F mornings where you may even need a sweater before heading out the door.  What I soon found with those types of mornings is that it’s safe to leave the sweater at home because soon enough, the humidity comes out in full force and you are sweating glistening through every single layer.  No complaints as it beats winter any day.

^^ Pumped for the weekend?  How about August?  My coworker traveled to Machu Picchu last week and I put in a request for a llama picture.  I may have a slight obsession with llamas, especially since one of the three YouTube videos I watch is Llamas with Hats 2.

^^ This summer has been filled with glorious runs outside, but this was the first time back to the Highline in quite some time.  So neat that they extended the path to 34th street!

^^ Casual concert going on in the subway system.  Got to love New York

^^ Celebrating a new friend’s birthday (but with my birthday buddy Melissa!!) and yes, we are all about the arm pose. #noshame

^^ Walking through parks never gets old

^^ Again, artwork in every direction.  This is at Madison Square Park, a path I used to visit at least once a day when I would go to 24 Hour Fitness gym.  I still love the Flatiron area and try to make it back there as much as possible.

One of my friends at November Project just completed her first Ironman.  We are all unbelievably impressed, inspired, and overjoyed for her.  I seriously would love to train for one someday, but that actually means taking the time and putting in the effort.  One day, one step at a time.

~ Links that I love ~

Sometimes Always Never Blog ~ “Five Truths about Friendships in Your 20s” ~ I don’t know how Whitney’s posts always seem to be delivered just when I need them.  Her words speak to what I am thinking and feeling. Spot on.

Camille Styles ~ “How to Start the Day on a Happy Note” (might mean getting more sleep…definitely something I need to work on)

Career Girl Daily ~ “5 Tips for Making Friends in Your 20’s“

WSJ ~ “Secrets From Triathlon Training: How to Find Extra House in the Day” (No joke, it’s tough stuff.  I failed to put in the adequate training during college and noticed the effects during races.  When I get back into it, it will have to be a little more consuming, but there’s a time and place for everything)

NY Times ~ “The Pressure of Perfection” – Not to be a debby downer, just a reminder that the social comparison theory is real and in our world of social media, these comparisons often occur with carefully curated depictions that don’t provide the full picture.

The New Yorker ~ “Experiments in Sobriety“

Refinery29 ~ “Tips for Becoming a Boss From 34 of NYC’s Most Powerful Women” – Endless words of wisdom! { ~ Keep digging/learning ~ Make friends with everyone ~ Follow your heart, trust your gut, work hard, & be kind ~ Don’t forget to listen ~Stop worrying about your career path and ‘what’s next (Well + Good founders)~}

^^ Exploring the east village crepe game with some fellow Thetas.  Obviously doing a great job at the whole #bikiniseason and #sweatingforsummer thing.  I’ve got the sweat part down at least >>

^^ This week’s bridge day was BRUTAL.  Let’s hope some yoga and compression socks have me ready for this weekend’s NYRR team championship 5 miler.  No pressure…ok some pressure.

^^ Heading out with some new pals to the Frying Pan.  1) Did you know tomorrow is “National Girlfriends Day”?  2) Still obsessed with that Levi’s dress.  Get out there and celebrate!

Any tips for things to do in August in NYC?  I’m hoping to make it to a beach in the near future – some sun, sand, and ocean water would be just perfect.

A Summer Afternoon at the Met

Living in one of the greatest and certainly most condensed cities in the world has its perks.  Decent mass transit options (waaaay better than Los Angeles), a wide variety of food (gourmet for days) and not to mention the vast amount of art and culture found in various museums and street corners.   Well, last Friday I met up with a couple of friends and we decided to go wander the Met.  Now how’s that for a young adult outing?  Quite fancy and sophisticated, I know.

Many thanks to my work badge for comping the entrance fee.  This means I can just pop in as often as I please without breaking the bank.  To be honest, I haven’t taken advantage of this and have only been to the Met two or three times in my life – once with my family about 10 or so years ago sooooo I better get on that.  Anyways, while I was able to enter “for free” it’s always nice to submit a donation, just so we can ensure these gorgeous works of art are around for years to come.

^^ a little replica or take on Granada’s Alhambra (which actually does look a little like this)

^^Alcazaba in Granada, Spain

^^ One of the current exhibitions – China Through the Looking Glass

^^ Impressionism is hands down the best (at least in my eyes)

^^ We happened to stumble upon free drawing sessions at 6:30 so of course we partook.  I used to take art class once a week and absolutely loved it.  It’s been ages since I’ve had that outlet and after sitting for a mere 30 minutes, I realized how soothing and relaxing art can be!

^^ Next stop, the Met Rooftop (a touristy place but with such a great view)

^^ Aqueduct (because when at the Met…)

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see”

Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
~ Events ~ Visit ~ Exhibitions ~

Summer Days at Coney Island

Because what else do you do when you have a free Friday off of work?  Since no one else I knew had the day off, and I hadn’t gotten around to scheduling any weekend trips, I thought it would be neat to travel outside my home-base borough and into the realm of Coney Island.  Home to the Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, a couple amusement parks and a seaside resort.

Just a hop, skip, and a jump – or more realistically 45 minute subway ride, and you are there.  To be exact, this was my second trip to Coney Island – my first occurring after last year’s Brooklyn Half Marathon.  This time there were plenty of people on the beaches, but far fewer crowds to battle, open lines at Nathan’s Famous, and I had the most important accessory – my camera.

^^ If you are lucky and in town during the 4th of July, you can stop by Nathan’s to watch the annual hot dog eating contest.  Not sure if it’s a blessing or disappointment that I missed that event.

^^ Nathan’s is obviously known for their hot dogs, but it’s also a hot spot for their waffle/crinkle cut fries and come with their own little skewer fork.

^^ One day late for National Hot Dog day but let’s be real, when you are in Coney Island, every day is hot dog day, right?

After chowing down, I set off to explore the boardwalk.  There even happened to be a little section of the popular  Smorgasburg right here in Coney Island (Brooklyn’s flea food market – food extravaganza where a number of mom + pop or hipster food shops set up booths in a parking lot or park)

Boardwalk along the westernmost part of the barrier islands of Long Island with plenty for all ages.  There are restaurants, games, rides, and even a couple of bars for those looking for an overpriced adult beverage.  Got to love tourist season.

~ Coney Island History ~ Coney Island Tours ($25 cash) ~ Mermaid Festival ~ Movies at Coney Island (w/ Friday night fireworks during the summer!)
~ Beach ~ Rides ~ Aquarium ~ Minor League Baseball ~
Subways: D, F, N, Q

^^ Beach + ice cream go hand-in-hand, right?

I decided to walk all the way down the boardwalk to Brighton Beach and then headed back into the city.  For some reason, the afternoon felt like part of a dream – just looking around me and soaking in all the experiences and cultural differences; differences between coasts, boroughs, and even between 10 or so blocks.

“If Paris is France, Coney Island, between June and September is the world” – George Tilyou

Manhattan Wanderings ~ Summer in July

This weekend was filled with all of my favorite things – working out, good food, and fabulous company.  As mentioned last week, my “Friday night” was actually on Thursday, so that meant double round of skeeball.  Friday and Saturday were filled with activities that took me all over Manhattan and Brooklyn.  I do think I need to take a bit more time to rest as all these city explorations leave me a bit drained.  But, seeing as it is the “City That Never Sleeps”, it doesn’t look like that will be happening any time soon. 

^^ Free popsicles in the east village?  Why yes please.  Coconut actually was one of those types of food that I tried to avoid as a child.  Well, with due time and a change in palate, it has soon become one of my favorites.

^^ So we worked out on a boat.  That doesn’t happen too often.  I had ever intention of waking up at 5 to run down to the South Street station but after missing 3 alarms and finally rolling out of bed around 5:25, a cab was in order.  Guess it’s no longer “free fitness”.

^^ But working out for these views is always worth it.

^^ Isn’t this funny? Workout and then go inhale every baked good in sight.  That or reverse the method – eat and then sweat all the good sugary stuff out.

Well, post NP workout, a few people went to grab bagels and I decided to tag along.  I wasn’t really in the bagel mood so I decided to wander my way north and stumbled upon this gem of a shop.  Funny story, I was peaking into Baked to see if there was anything drool worthy and as I was leaving, ran into my November Project friend and fellow blogger (actually huge blogger…I definitely wanted to meet her when I attended my first NP workout) Ali was running out and raved about the banana bread.  No lie, it was one of the best pieces of banana bread I’ve ever had.

^^ I also decided to make it a bucket-list type of day and test out one of the famous coffee shops on my list.  Cold brew coffee from a bottle, not too shabby.  After a shower and quick change, I headed out to Union Square and ultimately spent the afternoon wandering Coney Island.

^^ Celebrating Zara’s 24th at Gallow Green, which is quite possibly my FAVORITE spot in the city right now.  It definitely wins for cutest rooftop that’s for sure. (p.s. absolutely in love with this dress from Levi’s – a little bit of west coast casual in this busy city)

^^ Located on the far west side of 27th street is Gallow Green.  It’s also located atop the famous Sleep No More or interactive theatre piece.  The atmosphere and decor is unmatched.  Not to mention the creative titles and combinations of their cocktail list.  It may air on the pricier side but boy is it worth it.

After a long few days, I decided to call it quits early on Saturday night (ok, 10:30 isn’t really “early”) and ended up sleeping for a full 10 hours.  TEN HOURS PEOPLE.  That’s unheard of.  Straight up evidence that I was exhausted.  

^^ Sunday morning run on the Highline was JUST what I needed.  My legs have been feeling a bit sore (not sure why) but a shake-out along the west side on a glorious sunny morning set my mood for the day and week.

^^ Al knows what’s up

^^ Of course discovering a reasonably priced acai bowl (quite possibly the best tasting one in the city) for post-run fueling is an added bonus.

The rest of the day was spent with some blogging, stretching, and catching a double feature at the 34th street AMC.  Originally we thought we were going to be hit with a freak rainstorm, thus going to see a movie (or two) made complete sense.  But while we managed to have 100% sunshine, we still decided to sit back and have a relaxing day. Films of choice?  Trainwreck and Magic Mike XXL – uhhhhmazing if I do say so myself.

So, onto the week we go.  We’ve got one more week in July and I’m already listing out all the things I would like to do this week and upcoming weekend 🙂  Bachelorette finale tonight, restaurant week in full swing, some more skeeball, and scatter some workouts in between.  Any good plans for your week or summer in general?

“I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be.” – Groucho Marx

Life of Late ~ 7.24.15

Friday. Friday. Friday.  Who is ready for the weekend?  Our department happens to be participating in “Summer Fridays” and each person has a four different Fridays assigned to them to take off.  (Side note/question – do these happen around the country or is New York just unique like that?)  Today happens to be one of mine and by the time this is published, I will have been to November Project at Staten Island (well, maybe just working out on the Staten Island Ferry) and hopefully eating breakfast while watching the Today Show.  I’m also off to explore Coney Island, so stay tuned for a little post in the near future.  For now, here are some links and thoughts that I have been hoarding the last month in my drafts folder.

Normally I don’t post stuff like this buuuuut I want to thank everyone who commented online/offline about Monday’s post and what home means to you.  Sure, we like to be in control, but life has ups and downs and you know, things will work out.   A couple of the best conversations following Monday’s post occurred with people I had met through NP.  One – knowing they read the post and two – hearing their thoughts just made my day and reminded me how much NP has meant to me thus far.

^^ re-post of my route across the Manhattan (bike path) bridge en-route to November Project

^^ I’m really starting to explore the rooftop scene in New York and let me tell you, it’s pretty darn cool.

^^ SKEEBALL ROUND 2

HELP ME UNPLUG FROM TECHNOLOGY! I am so addicted to my phone and am hoping Greatist’s 31 tips can provide some insight or tricks to stepping away from the pixelated screens that seem to be omnipresent.  (I actually downloaded Headspace meditation app but have yet to use it) There’s the idea that technology enables us to be connected to everything and everyone, but as Lululemon points out in “The Paradox of Connection“, we may be establishing or relying on purely superficial relationships.

Also, my apologies to my friend Sam for sending the above skeeball picture to myself immediately after it was taken, just so I could have it on Instagram.  Apparently that was her intent as well.  Oops.

^^ Thank goodness for being back in NYC and having access to countless Juice Press shops.  Green is the new black and every Saturday means #willrunforjuice time. (also notice the fitbit has returned!!! The old fitbit is roaming around New York City)

^^ What do you know, we actually went into Brooklyn for this view 🙂 Hanging out with some girlfriends who either stem from California or went to school in California.  #westcoastlove

Yes I always say I am on a sugar cleanse .  Yes I will still want to visit every single NYC sweets stops.  Thank you Pure Wow for making me drool over the best sweets in every NYC neighborhood. Thankfully I’ve already checked of Levain Bakery, People’s Pops, Bread’s Bakery, and City Bakery.  Only 25 to go.  Anyone interested in testing out the vegan Peace Food Cafe with me?

^^ Speaking of sweets, who doesn’t love Talenti?  I saw this link on Facebook and Refinery29 called “Flavorize Me” where you submit information based on your social networks (just sign your life away to technology already) and it spits out your personal flavor.  Our apartment is slightly obsessed and I have to say, an added bonus of eating so much gelato is the fact that we can use the container for leftovers or overnight oats!  Sadly I haven’t had gelato in almost 7 months but then maybe that’s for the better.  #bikiniseason

Why does eating “healthy” have to be so complicated?  Greatist is rolling out some 19 foods that we think are healthy but are often quite the scam.  So sad, so sad.

^^ Maybe if I pair running w/ eating sugar, it’s ok?  Everything in moderation.  Running nine miles to enjoy this brown butter donut + ice cream sandwich?  Worth it.

For those times that I had to hit snooze or straight-up missed my alarms this week –  Greatist’s take on snooze vs. working out.  Normally I am up and at ’em, working out before sitting on my rear all day at work.  But, when the lack of sleep starts to affect my attitude, concentration and will power, it’s time to reevaluate my sleep patterns.  It’s also good to note that athletic performance can and often will suffer with too little sleep.

^^ Does living in the city for 2 years count?  I hear that you are really supposed to live in a city for 7 or 8 years before you become a “citizen” or resident but I doubt I would ever be accepted into the east coast blood.  Plus that would mean abandoning my California ways.  (aka owning more colored pieces of clothing than black and inserting “dude” or “stoked” into some of my sentences…no shame)

Pure Wow ~ “10 Quintessential Books About New York“

Wouldn’t this ^^ make for a fun afternoon?  Too bad the price tag was a bit hefty.  One day, one day.

~ Some other  Links Link-up Love ~

SMOOTHIE SMOOTHIE SMOOTHIE ~ Well + Good’s “35 Healthy Smoothie Bowl Recipes” ~ Can I please have a Ninja blender installed in my office?

Women’s Running ~ “I May Never Run A Personal Best Again” (There does come a point in time where we may not PR with every race, but that doesn’t mean we have to be disappointed)

Today Pop Culture ~ “Aziz Ansari and Jimmy Fallon read terribile texts from guys” (yay for our generation)

Are you ready for the weekend?  Any solid plans?

“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.”
– Thomas Jefferson

Throwback Thursday ~ Growing up on the Classics

Too often I find myself using the phrase “I live(d) under a rock.”  This happens when people bring up pop culture, good movies, classic or current TV shows, etc.  You name something that every average child, teen, or adult has done and I probably would provide the above response.

So what’s up with that?  Not hip or cool?  False.  I realized I just was out there living life (just kidding, we all “live life” by our own standards) playing sports and bouncing around with the family.  I also did think about what we watched growing up and while we stuck to classics like Star Wars (MUST watch them again prior to the next release), I fell more into the Disney channel boat (add in a few cheesy films like Pink Panther and Daddy Daycare and A Cinderella Story).  Then I thought about it again and what about weekend cartoons?  For me, I grew up watching classics (ok reruns of classics).  I would wake up before anyone else, take my blanket into the living room and veg-out before soccer watching TVLand.  Yep, I grew up on the re-runs of these amazing shows:

^^ I ALWAYS wanted to be a genie for Halloween and have YET to make this happen.  One day, one day.  Also, congrats to “I Dream of Jeannie” for celebrating 50 years this year!

^^ “Ayyyyy” – The Fonz.  Reminding you that ALL these days are Happy Days.

^^ There were times where I just wanted to be her.  I did end up attempting to dress up like Elizabeth Montgomery but I’d say that was one of my not-so-great costumes.  It was a half-assed attempt to be honest and was on the downfall of my epic costume days (namely because I was no longer in the “aw that’s cute you are trick-or-treating” stage and Grandma Nancy wasn’t creating epic patterns for me).

 

^^ Didn’t we all dream to live a life like this?  Turns out the real-life story of the actors/actresses wasn’t as golden and perfect as I thought.  Still, good times with the Bradys.

^^ Name that show!  Mr. Ed of course 🙂  Now if you want a real treat, find me in person and I’ll sing the theme song for you.

When writing this post, I did a little bit of digging and Wikipedia article reading and have to say, probably 75% of what was said and what happened during these shows went over my head.  I was way too young to understand any of the humor but just loved watching the characters interact, the jokes, and the different time period.  It seemed like everything was so easy (and it was because it was scripted).  I also didn’t realize the length that writers and producers went to in order to create an accurate character development for each character.  Take the Fonz for instance.  Sure he was a high school drop out, but he was classy and now I realize there was so much more to people.  It’s what they always say, “don’t judge a book by its cover”.

Now I know that TV Land needs to keep up with all the other networks in order to stay in business.  I know you need to produce new content to stay “hip and cool” but please tell me where are all my old classics going?  Just like the original iPod, they are being outdated and passed over for new media.  Kids these days want the latest and greatest and that means better plots, better animation, and things they can relate to better.  I work in the media industry and understand this but still look fondly back on those shows, those memories, and hope to keep a little bit of them with me, always.  That’s what “Throwback Thursdays” are for anyways, right?  Looking back on some good times and reminiscing.

Talk to me.  What shows did you grow up watching?

~ Featured image source ~