Category Archives: Friendships

Sunday Run Day

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I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. So far, mine has been filled with writing, studying, visiting Brooklyn (naturally), watching NINE episodes of The Following, and a long run with friends.

Does anyone watch The Following? I was hesitant to check it out as I’m a scared-y cat. After watching the pilot episode, I literally peeked behind the shower curtain while brushing my teeth before bed. Also, I will only sleep facing the stairwell to my loft so I can keep an eye out for any intruders. Honestly, I probably shouldn’t watch shows that get under my skin. I should stick to Hart of Dixie. Sadly, Hart of Dixie is on hiatus until April 9th. Back to my original point, I’m a fan of Kevin Bacon. I fell in love with his character while watching this show. James Purefoy, who portrays a serial killer, is quite charming and alluring. This makes it all the more freakish and alarming. They’ve put together quite the ensemble cast.

This morning I ran 9 miles with my friends in Central Park in preparation for an upcoming half-marathon on April 14th. We felt strong throughout and time flew by, as usual, since we were chatting away and catching up during most of the run.

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My friend Irene kindly provided us with Clif SHOT Bloks. I enjoyed the taste as I felt like I was eating gummy bears. It gave me just the energy boost I needed to push through to the end. I’ll be using these again on race day. I like the fact that they are mostly organic and contain ingredients I can recognize.

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I always feel fantastic after a long run. It’s such a sense of accomplishment and I enjoy feeling spent, tired and sweaty. I know I’ve done something great for myself for the day. Long distance running makes me happy.

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Here are some of my favorite songs I like to zone out to while running the distance, when I’m on my own and not with friends:

Katy Perry – Wide Awake (This reminds me of a recent girls weekend where a bunch of us were getting ready to go out on the town.)

Alicia Keys – Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart (This reminds of a coffee shop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn I currently frequent for study sessions with a friend. I discovered this song while there one morning.)

Rihanna – Umbrella

David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure

M83 – Midnight City

Run-DMC – Walk This Way (This reminds me of a race in Central Park a few years ago where I ran an 8:09 pace, one of my fastest paces ever.)

Wotlie – Then You’ll Know (This reminds me of last summer on July 4th when I realized I’m completely in love with yoga.)

Imagine Dragons – It’s Time (The minute this song comes on, excitement and joy overtake me. It’s just one of those songs.)

The Lumineers – Ho Hey (This reminds me of the fun-loving show Hart of Dixie.)

Mumford & Sons – I Will Wait (This song breaks my heart every time.)

Semisonic – Closing Time (This reminds me of the movie Friends With Benefits.)

Coldplay – Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall (This reminds me of last summer. It was magical.)

What are some of your favorite running songs? I’m always looking to create new playlists.

Quote of the Day:

This is a good one to remember. I just came across this while reading a good post from The Better Man Project. I used to always think it was a statement about me. Since I’ve built my confidence level, I’m much better about not taking things personally anymore. We can only control ourselves and our actions, not those of others.

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Me and Charlie Brown

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CP

Yesterday morning began with a lovely 8 mile run in Central Park with friends. It felt good to get back out there since I took a few weeks off. Recently I was feeling burnt out and simply wasn’t enjoying running anymore. I didn’t want my thoughts to stay as such, so I decided to let it be and focus where my heart was, in yoga.

Now I’m slowly returning to my Asics. I realize 8 miles doesn’t really coincide with the term “slowly.” Truth be told, I’m running the NYC Half Marathon this coming weekend, so, you know, game on. I’m also running a half marathon in April with a few girlfriends. While I was out there in my favorite park yesterday having the opportunity to catch up with friends, I realized that I do still enjoy running, but currently in moderation and not as part of a training cycle. Running is a part of who I am. I just needed a change in routine.

Yesterday afternoon I had a very special visit on schedule. I was reunited with my favorite French bulldog, Charlie Brown.

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My dear friend, Charlie’s mom, had me over for a delicious brunch. We can always sit and talk for hours about anything and everything. One thing I observed about her this time around is that she is quite the strong person. She never settles for anything less than what she believes in from anybody.

Brunch

I spy Charlie’s ears.

Charlie was so happy to see me and he sat and cuddled with me for most of my visit.  We even took photos together.

Charlie & Me

He fell asleep on my lap and I immediately needed documentation. Dogs make me happy. I once knew someone who would make me laugh hysterically when he would suddenly begin speaking in a French accent because he noticed a French bulldog walking by us on the street, and he would narrate what he thought the dog was thinking.

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I noticed that when I smile excitedly from ear to ear bags seem to develop under my eyes. My first thought was to airbrush them or not post the photo. I decided against it. I’m human and I’m happy. I don’t want to correct that about me.

Quote of the day:

“You are always free to do something that makes you smile.”

The Bright Side of Life

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I spent the day in Williamsburg, Brooklyn today. My friend Sunny and I took our bikes and headed out as the afternoon was upon us. He’s never been, so I was excited to be his tour guide and share all of my favorite spots. I barely knew Williamsburg existed until my ex-boyfriend introduced me a few years ago. I’m still grateful for this and it has had a special place in my heart ever since. Being in a certain place that once was a part of your life will do that to you. Today was one of those perfect Sundays. It was nice to add new memories, too.

My mind is a bundle of energy recently. I am over the top when it comes to making plans. I’m a very big organizer to begin with, but I’m a point in which I won’t settle down. There is so much I want to do and I have many excursions/outings in the works. That being said, in addition to constantly filling my calendar, I realize it would be beneficial for me to live in the moment. It’s nearly impossible for me to do so. Just today while Sunny and I were at sitting at the waterfront enjoying excellent food courtesy of the Brooklyn Flea Market, I was thinking about details for an upcoming trip we may take together. That fleeting moment was going to simply pass me by. I would like to stop and smell the flowers.

One of those moments

I’ve also noticed that I have let certain actions or lack thereof affect my mood at times during the course of a day. Rather than seeing the entire picture and being grateful for all of my surroundings, I’ll let one upset change the entire tune of my day. I’m going to be more aware of this behavior, so I can take notice if and when it begins to occur.

Little moments in life are sweet. As mentioned, I experienced many of them earlier today with my friend. I can’t help but be completely honest with him always, and today was no different. He shakes his head, smiles, and tells me I have no filter. I’m glad we can be so open with each other. I spoke with my friend Simone earlier this morning who makes me laugh no matter what the circumstance. I always feel lighter after talking to her. She puts things in perspective for me, she is the most positive person, and you would never know when she is feeling stressed or down. I can say with certainty that she lives on the bright side of life. Then there is my friend Joyal who will listen to me repeat myself day in and day out. She selflessly gave me her advice tonight, and urged me to let my heart be still. These interactions help shape who I am, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My friends are my family.

One of my favorite bloggers posted this recently, and I thought it was perfect.

Let go of the ways you thought life would unfold
The holding of plans or dreams or expectations
Let it all go.
Save your strength to swim with the tide.
The choice to fight what is here before you now will only result
In struggle, fear and desperate attempts to flee from
the very energy you long for.
Let it go. Let it all go and
Flow with the grace that washed through your days
Whether you received it gently or with all your quills raised to defend against invaders.
Take this on faith:
The mind may never find the explanations that it seeks
But you will move forward nonetheless.
Let go and the wave’s crest will carry you to unknown shores beyond your wildest dreams or destinations.
Let it all go and find the place
Of rest and peace and certain transformation.

- Danna Faulds

Good People

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Bigger than my face

“You know what I’ve discovered? It’s not who you want to spend Friday night with, it’s who you want to spend all day Saturday with.” – Tommy Bollinger

I’ve been known to watch “Friends with Benefits” fairly often. I’m in love with the movie. Before putting it on tonight, I decided to go to a yoga class after work. I found myself crying in Savasana again. I suppose a girl needs a good cry every so often.

I was in rare form this past week in a very good way. I was bouncing off the walls with energy. I think this energy can be translated as happiness. I am just plain happy. I’ve come to the realization. I am happy in the moment in my everyday life. I was feeling overwhelmed and so pumped about life that I almost didn’t know what to do with myself.

I am grateful for everyone in my world. Right now I am thinking about one friend in particular. We have been friends for over six years. We’ve always stayed in touch even though we didn’t live that close to one another for some time. He moved into the city this past spring. It was almost a blessing in disguise looking back. It is true how everything happens for a reason. He’s been an over-the-top supportive friend. He has definitely seen me at my worst. He has seen me at my best. Whenever I need him, he’s there for me. When I’m complaining about how I look, he tells me I’m perfect as I am. When I repeat myself one thousand times discussing the same issue, he listens. He’s the kind of person you want in your life. He cares about me for who I am as a person – flaws and all.

He said something the other day that struck a chord. He told me that he finally sees the Kristy he always knew all along. He could see that I am back. You know, he’s right. I am back. I have this incredible zest for life.

I also know how important it is to surround myself with only good people in my life. Those that will pick me up when I’m down, and will stand by my side through anything and everything.

My girlfriend shared the below with me. Have a great weekend.

               

                                                                           Source: stylewithbenefits.tumblr.com via Robyn on Pinterest

Making Summer Memories

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I most especially look forward to my Sunday morning yoga class. This morning was no different. After running a race yesterday, it felt swell to stretch out on the mat.

I feel like I’ve been saying this often, but this past weekend has been one of those perfect NYC summer weekends. A dear friend was in town visiting and it was exactly like old times, from when she used to live here in New York a few years ago.

The festivities began on Friday with a dinner picnic in Central Park (with a group of friends) to listen to the NY Philharmonic. There were fireworks after the concert. Does it get any better than that for me? This is the second fireworks show I’ve seen this month. Summer celebrations = pure happiness.

Setting up for the concert.

Thousands of New Yorkers on the Great Lawn.

Saturday marked my first race in Central Park since January. I ran three miles before the race since I needed to complete seven miles total per my marathon training plan. I used this as an opportunity to do a slow-paced warm up. I felt strong throughout the race itself, and even had enough steam to pick it up and sprint into the finish. My official time was 37:47 at a 9:47 average pace. I’m noticing how much different I feel from just two months ago and I’m happy about my fitness progress.

Running buddies. I’m forever grateful.

Speaking of running, this is what my training plan will look like for the week ahead:

New York City Marathon Training – Week Two

Monday: 40-minute easy pace run
Tuesday: rest day
Wednesday: yoga
Thursday: speed training class
Friday: yoga
Saturday: 9 mile run – I’m actually running a 6 mile race this day.
Sunday: yoga

On Saturday evening, a group of friends and I headed to Pier 66 to have dinner and drinks aboard the Frying Pan. The night was filled with many laughs, smiles and bliss that the summer is here to stay, for now.

I’m going on a boat.

On a random note, has anyone heard the song Strange Attractor by Animal Kingdom? I cannot stop listening to it on repeat, naturally.

I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. And now I leave you with my chosen quote of the day:

                                                            Source: all-things-bright-and-beyootiful.tumblr.com via Becky on Pinterest

Backyard Sunsets

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Good morning. I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend.

I must say I’m impressed with myself. I’ve already gone away on two beach trips since Memorial Day and summer hasn’t even officially begun. I promised myself the beach this summer, and I’m delivering on my word.

Hi, Sea Isle City. 

This past weekend I visited the Jersey shore, specifically Sea Isle City. A dear friend from elementary school lives there with her beautiful family. Another friend from childhood and I went down to support a truly special race she and her husband host annually called Peyton’s Promise, in honor of their daughter who was born with CDH. They have such a touching story with has a happy ending, nothing short of a miracle and lots of faith. My speedy friend not only hosted the race but came in 1st place for women.

The quaint inn where I resided for the weekend.

A wedding party was staying at the inn as well.

My friend’s backyard. 

Rudder, the cutest golden retriever around. 

I’m grateful for my friends. With these two, we don’t see each other all of the time, sometimes rarely at all. When we do plan our gatherings, it always seems as if no time has passed. We always, without fail, pick up where we left off. It’s what I love the most about our friendships.

When I arrived back in Manhattan yesterday, I decided to stroll over to a newly discovered taqueria I randomly came across.

Ladies and gentleman, we have a winner. If you live in NYC, I visited the location on Lexington Avenue between 77th and 78th streets.

“Basic” burrito. 

Random thoughts on my mind for this Monday:

  • HBO debuted True Blood Season 5 last night. This does not make me a happy camper, since I do not have HBO. I will be left out of all of the recap discussions.
  • I’m looking forward to this week ahead. I’ll be seeing a good friend who is in town for a few days.
  • Yesterday, without much thought, I went online to sign myself up for online dating. I wasn’t even finished filling out my profile when I promptly deleted it. I can’t bring myself to do this. I don’t have anything against the concept, as it has worked for many people I know. It just personally doesn’t feel like a good fit for me or a road I want to head down at this point. Moving on. I’m not quite sure why I’m sharing this story.
  • Marathon training begins next month!
  • I’m contemplating whether or not I would like to sign up for a surfing lesson this summer. I’ve posed this question to myself for the past three years. There is some sort of fascination with getting out on a board. My parents were surfers back in their high school days. It always looks like the ultimate summer activity. In reality, I go into slight panic mode inside my head when I’m barely out ten feet swimming in the ocean, for fear of a shark biting off my leg. I wonder how I’d then continue to run marathons. If this worry is the case, how will I feel when I’m much further out in the ocean sitting on a board with my legs dangling? This is still up for discussion. To surf or not to surf. After all, I do like to face my fears.

Goal for the day: Set your intentions for the week.

My list:

  • Practice yoga twice
  • Run three times
  • Cut something out of my current spending habits

Quote of the day:

“Future. That period of time in which our affairs prosper, our friends are true and our happiness is assured.” – Ambrose Bierce

Surprise Turns

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I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

I had my first official picnic of the season in Central Park yesterday. I was hesitant as Central Park picnics were such a fond memory for me with my now ex-boyfriend. I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue on with this tradition. Alas, I promised myself I’ll always have these fond memories and I’m also allowed to make new ones.

We had a great time yesterday catching up. Two of my girlfriends have moved out of the city and one of my friends just moved in, so it was a little reunion of sorts.

What a perfect day for a picnic.

Blow-up animals added to the festivities.

I became friends with a giraffe.

See, you never know what’s in store.

I was reading SELF magazine and enjoyed the quote on the “a moment for yourself” page. I wanted to share it with you.

Be your own compass

You have a plan for your life. You’ve set goals, and you can see exactly where you want to go. But along the way, there will be diversions. Every once in awhile, allow yourself to peek down a different path. You may discover something extraordinary, or more of the same. By pausing to choose your direction, you’ll learn more about your true self, strength and desires.  This world is yours. Where you travel next is up to you.

Catching My Attention

Juice Generation is the juice bar at my gym in the city. A few months ago I started to try their juices. They are wonderful and give you instant energy. Since I don’t want to keep a juicer in the apartment, this is the perfect alternative. My favorite juices include Supa Dupa Greens, Daily Detox, Hale to Kale and Pure Energy. My smoothie recommendations include Coco Acai, Mate Zen and Peanut Butter Split.

P.S. I love this picture.

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Discovering New

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From recent experience I find that if you put yourself out there it may help you discover more about who you are and what you want surrounding you in your life.

I’ve been making a point to talk to/catch up with old and new friends lately and it seems like the best medicine. I learn more about myself through each interaction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are working through something in your life, looking for fresh inspiration or just a shoulder to lean on, I’ve learned friends will always be there for you through it all.

 

In Honor of a Friend

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I was just informed this morning that a friend got engaged while vacationing in Italy with her boyfriend. Her vacation has only begun this past weekend so she has all week to revel in this excitement and celebrate while visiting one of the most amazing, breathtaking places.

Goosebumps formed when I heard about her engagement and it got me thinking about how I have always looked up to this friend. There is just something about her. She is as down-to-earth and lovely as anyone you could meet and you can tell she is the type of gal who will always be there for you. She is beautiful and always put together and she has this amazing style. We met through work a few years ago. Although we aren’t so close that we stay in touch every day, we always make it a point to see each other every few months.

Yesterday I was also thinking about how sometimes I let the glamorous side of me go a bit. I stop caring so much about my wardrobe, what I’m wearing, how I’m styling my hair, etc. I’ve always loved fashion & beauty, heck I even work in the industry. But at times I get caught up with myself and don’t always find the balance. Somehow with my running and racing obsession I think I’m an athlete and should walk around dressed down with my hair thrown back in a bun. I know, I need to get it together with my thoughts. I can be athletic and glamorous and fun and all of that good stuff.

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I think it’s important to care what you look like on a regular basis and not let yourself go (as I have done recently, note to self.) I want to find my glamorous, confident self and put her back in full swing. There is no reason that we cannot all have a few sides of ourselves – athletic, laid back, strong, beautiful and glamorous…you get the picture.

Goal for the Day: Find five ways you can make yourself feel more glamorous and “spice” up your life right now.

1. Schedule a date on my calendar to spring clean my closets and organize my wardrobe. It’s currently in disaster mode, I’ll admit.

2. Take a hot bath this week with a glass of wine in hand and browse through magazines pulling out anything that intrigues me – new hairstyles, outfits, shoes, bags, nail lacquer colors, etc.

3. Give myself an at-home manicure.

4. Put on a face mask after work one evening.

5. Pull out a piece of costume jewelry to complement an outfit this week for work.

Nothing Like Friends

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I don’t know about you but friends are such a necessity in life. What would we do without our friends? I grew up an only child so many of my friends I consider to be family, long-lost brothers and sisters. But sometimes life gets in the way, days pass and I realize I haven’t spoken to someone for a while. We all live our own lives and it’s easy to get swept away by the everyday grind. I attempt to stay aware of this when it takes over and reel balance back into my days. Lately I’m feeling good about staying in touch but there are so many more people I want to reach out to on a regular basis.

Last week I had a lovely afternoon lunch and bookstore stroll with a friend who lives in Pennsylvania. She was in town visiting. We usually do a good job of seeing each other when she’s in the city. This past weekend I met up with two girlfriends for a leisurely lunch which included tons of catching up. One of these girls I will see again this coming weekend during a road race. Tomorrow evening I will gather with a girlfriend and her friends for a girls’ monthly book club meeting. Each month someone is appointed host and cooks dinner while everyone attending brings along a bottle of wine. And Thursday I’m catching up with my cousin who is a dear friend and like a sister to me.

Goal for Monday, February 28: Schedule time on your calendar with a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Call, email or send a letter to a few other friends that come to mind telling them you are thinking about them.

In addition to my friend dates listed above, I have a dinner scheduled next week with a group of girlfriends – I used to work with them. We made plans last month after not seeing each other and promised we would make a pact to get together once a month.

I also purchased a set of really girly postcards which I want to send out this week – fun!