dreams come true

Back when I was regularly working 10-hour days in a windowless cube, I used to stare when a surfboard-topped car would drive by in Brooklyn. That seems amazing, I'd think, before trudging to the subway in my wedge heels. Well, it only took a year and half, but Sarah and I have finally become one of those beach-bound people! On Friday morning, we strapped our new boards to the top of Sarah's car and headed out to the Rockaways. I couldn't have been more grateful to bob out on those waves, surrounded by salt air, sunshine, and silvery flying fish instead of stress, dark walls, and fancy clothes.

a little pause

How lovely is this street art that I passed the other day in Williamsburg? (I'm going to pretend that it's not advertising for, say, a new energy drink.) Anyway, I thought it was a nice little reminder for me to take a moment and appreciate everything in life. As you've probably surmised, my summer has been crammed with triathlons, surf days, trips, marathon training and (lots and lots of) deadlines. Not that I'd have it any other way, but it's been easy to rush from point A to B without taking a breath.

***Tangent: After reading this funny piece on "The Busy Trap," I've come to conclude that the writer did not grow up in the suburbs of North Carolina. While I appreciate his sentiment, for me, being busy is a privilege. It means that I've clawed my way out of the land of strip malls and sitcom TV and built an exciting life for myself. That said, there's a difference between being busy for busy's sake and being busy because there are so many things you want to do in life.***

Oh, right, back to the point: There are only a few precious weeks of summer left, and I want to savor every moment!

Chicago love

Just got home from an amazing long weekend in Chicago. We were in town to celebrate the gorgeous Ali and Adam's wedding. The reception was held in an Anthropologie-esque salvage/antique store, and every detail fit their vintage style to a T. The whole affair was a blast, and I danced up a storm. (Favorite part of the evening: Watching Ali's whole family get low to Lil John. I love them!) While I was in town, I also got to catch up with my pal Lisa and meet her cute boyfriend, along with my favorite Brooklyn crew. I also had dinner with my cousins JoAnne and Charlotte, who I hadn't seen in more than a decade. Love, laughter, family, friends -- all in all, a successful trip!

NYC Marathon training

I know, I know, marathon blogging is so predictable. But, since this is my first 26.2, I'm going to do the typical over-sharing thing. So, I'm two weeks into my plan, which is a simplified version of Hal Higdon's intermediate one...and, hoo buddy. The heat and humidity is doing a number on my running resolve! Fortunately, cheesy pop tunes and running buddies are making it a little easier. In typical Sharon fashion, I'm adopting a fairly relaxed attitude towards my training: It should be fun, and not seem like a chore. So I'm giving myself a little wiggle room to skip a few days here and there, and allowing myself to take a break if I feel like I need it. But I'm still nervous about tackling those long monster runs (20 miles!)—mostly because I fear boredom. Marathon training: Who knew it was such a head game?

6 things...

...I did this week:

1. Did the NYC triathlon as part of a relay. I did the bike part, and it was fun! I can hardly believe that I did the whole enchilada a few weeks ago. I'm wiped from that one leg.
2. Bought a surfboard. After hemming and hawing, I finally clicked the "buy" button. I'll have it by Friday, whee.
3. Grilled out, ate watermelon, and watched the dazzling NYC fireworks. They never get old.
4. Swam in the new McCarren Park pool. Although the news channels have been hyping it up as a war zone, Kim and I had a lovely experience. The water was clean and refreshing, and we barely had to wait in line. From home to pool, it's less than a five-minute walk. Plus, they have lap-swim hours! How lucky am I?
5. Put my nose to the grindstone. I'm only a few deadlines away from a more reasonable schedule.
6. Kissed my fella good-bye. He's off to a trade show, so I'm planning some junk television and simple meals.

little letters

Dear kind reader,
Is this pic of Monkey and Erik touching feet not the cutest thing ever?! OMG.

Dear crazy-steamy weather,
Please grant us a reprieve.

Dear marathon training,
Here we go!

Dear Fourth fireworks,
You are magical.

Dear surfboard,
You will be mine. Oh yes, you will be mine.