First Coffee Chat for 2023

Happy Friday!

It was a bit of a rough “re-entry” into the first week of the new year and I must admit that I’m ready for the weekend! I’m kicking off the first Fit Five Friday of 2023 by linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. So grab a mug of your beverage of choice and let’s chat a bit.

First Coffee Chat of 2023

Over coffee, I would tell you that it’s hard for me to believe that I will be celebrating my first year anniversary at my job! And, what a year it’s been – big fundraising events, a change in the CEO position, and so much more. It’s been hectic at times, but I do enjoy the challenges of my “new” position.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m going to my high schooler’s college counseling meeting for parents next week. It’s starting to get real that my “baby” will be applying to colleges this fall.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I am hoping to dive into a house remodeling project this year. My husband and I have never loved our kitchen/family room layout and if we can settle on a contractor we like, construction could begin in the spring.

This could be me in the Spring

Over coffee, I would tell you that thanks to the anticipated remodel project, one of my non-fitness goals for 2023 is a massive purge! I am on a declutter tear and my boys are hiding their things LOL

Over coffee, I would tell you that the Fit Five crew has decided to try something new this year and we have created a whole calendar of suggested topics for the Friday link-up. You can, of course, write about whatever fitness topic strikes your fancy, but we thought it would be fun to try some themes this year, (we’re all still planning to continue to link up for both coffee and Marcia‘s Runfessions) – I hope you will join us!

What would you share with me over coffee? Any home remodeling advice you care to share?

Welcome to FitFive Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun?

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December Coffee – The last coffee of 2022

I swear once we hit Thanksgiving it always feels like a sprint to the end of the year. Well, I’m doing all I can to slow down and enjoy this last month of the year, and that begins with a little catch-up over coffee with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date. And, of course, since it’s Friday, it’s also time for the Fit Five Friday link-up! So grab a mug of your fave hot beverage and let’s chat.

December Coffee — The Last Coffee of 2022

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m looking forward to breaking out the Christmas decorations this weekend. My husband still insists on getting a real tree so we’ll wait on getting one right now for fear that it will be a fire hazard before Christmas – but we will take care of all of the lights and all of the outdoor decorations, along with most of the indoor stuff.

And, speaking of Christmas, over coffee I would also share that I am really struggling with gift ideas this year. By now I usually have some inkling of what I’m getting everyone, but this year I’ve got bupkis. I’m trying not to panic.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m really looking forward to my son’s school concert next week! It’s been more than two years since the school has hosted a concert and in that time my son has switched from the trumpet to the drums – a much better fit for his personality! The drummer is always spotlighted in these performances and I can’t wait to see him perform.

Over coffee, I would tell you that we had a fantastic trip to Sonoma last month! And, we’re still enjoying the effects of the trip as shipments of wine continue to arrive. Clearly, we were enjoying ourselves because we didn’t fully remember what we had ordered LOL. Now the question is what do you do when you have more wine than you have wine rack space?

What would you tell me over coffee? What are you looking forward to this month?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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November Coffee Catch-Up

And just like that October is out the door and November is here. As we usher in a new month, it’s the perfect time for a little coffee catch-up, so I’m linking up with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date. And, of course, it’s Friday so that means another Fit Five Friday link-up! So grab a mug of your fave hot beverage and let’s chat.

November Coffee Catch-Up

Over coffee, I would have to start by mentioning this crazy weather we’re having! The days have been unseasonably warm (upper 60s to mid-70s) – I’m certain we’ll pay for this later, but for now, I’m not mad about the fact that I can still run in shorts and a T-shirt!

Over coffee, I would tell you how much I’m looking forward to our wine country vacation! We’re heading to Sonoma next week and I cannot wait to eat great food, sample wines, and r-e-l-a-x!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I have two races this month. I’m heading out to Amherst this weekend for the inaugural Western MA 10 miler and then the weekend before Thanksgiving my husband and I are Philly-bound to run the 8K as part of the Philadelphia Marathon weekend.

Over coffee, I would also tell you how much I’m looking forward to having my college boy home for Thanksgiving break! I so enjoy this time of year and the holidays and after all of October’s busyness, I’m very intent on slowing down and savoring these last couple of months of the year.

Lastly, over coffee, I would tell you that I’ve jumped into a couple of challenges just to keep things interesting. Inspired by Jen, I’ve climbed back on the planking bandwagon with a Planksgiving Challenge. I know there are various versions out there, but I’ll be following the one offered by Women’s Running. I’ll also be diving into ZOOMA’s Winter Warrior Challenge. I runfess that I couldn’t resist the cute swag!

What would you tell me over coffee? What are you looking forward to this month?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please remember to link back to your hosts and share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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October Coffee Chat

Hello Friday! This was one of those weeks where I was having a hard time keeping track of what day it was – basically I was ready for Friday by the end of the day Tuesday, ha!

But now, it IS Friday and time for another edition of Fit Five Friday – and what better way to kick off the long weekend than with a little coffee catch-up with friends? I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date, so grab a mug, and let’s chat!

October Coffee Chat

Over coffee, I would tell you how fun it was to visit my son last weekend for Parents Weekend. We hit the football game with a food truck tailgate on Saturday and a big riverside family picnic on Sunday. In between, we checked out some of the local restaurants for some great meals, took him shopping, and soaked all the goodness of campus life. He seems happy and settled in so, of course, that makes me one happy mama 🙂

Over coffee, I would tell you that my husband and I are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary next week. 30 years?! That number just sounds crazy to me. Since we’ve got our Sonoma getaway planned for next month, we’ll probably just go out for a nice dinner.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m on a mad hunt for a dress for my company’s big fundraising gala that’s coming up at the end of the month. The event is being held in an upscale nightclub and I need the right vibe, but so far no luck.

Over coffee, I’d ask you for suggestions for Halloween costumes for my husband and me. We’ve been invited to a party later this month so the clock is ticking to come up with costumes…and so far, I’ve got nothing.

What would you tell me over coffee? Any big plans for this month? 

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link (exercise, wellness, mental health, nutrition… the possibilities are endless!), link back to your hosts, and share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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Catching Up Over August Coffee

Happy Friday everyone!

My office is closed for a Summer Friday and I’m more than ready to dive into a long weekend! And, is there a nicer way to kick off a weekend than with a little catch-up with friends? So for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. I’ve got my iced coffee, so let’s chat!

Catching Up Over August Coffee

Over coffee, I would tell you that we had a great vacation in Stowe last month. There was lots of hiking, kayaking, a tour of the Ben & Jerry’s factory (of course!), and a day trip of sightseeing in Montreal. So much goodness and way too short – the week went by in a blink. So, of course, I’m starting to plan the next vacation.

I loved our time on the water!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I have completed my professional certificate program! I wrapped up my final project on Sunday and grades were posted late Monday. While I really enjoyed the coursework, it feels so good to have it all wrapped up.

Over coffee, I would tell you that we’re in the midst of a flurry of family birthdays with both my sons’ birthdays being just a week apart and my husband’s is in a couple of weeks. I marked another trip around the sun yesterday, and to be honest will be stretching out the celebrations over several days – I met a friend for dinner Tuesday, celebrated with the family Thursday, heading to lunch and shopping today with a friend, and brunch plans with another friend on Saturday.

I see nothing wrong with an extended celebration 😉

Over coffee, I would tell you that we are now a household of 4 drivers as my youngest got his license a few weeks ago. I would also tell you that I haven’t driven with him yet – seriously I don’t think I can do it without clutching the door handle. And let’s not discuss car insurance with two teenage boys under 20! It is kind of hard to imagine that my mom Uber days are over.

What would you tell me over coffee? Do you enjoy celebrating your birthday?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please share the link-up love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!


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Catching Up Over July Coffee

How is it possible that it’s already July?!

I’m kicking off the new month with a little catch-up over coffee, joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date.  It’s also time for another edition of Fit Five Friday so let’s make it a two-fer and chat! (This post contains affiliate links).

Catching up over July Coffee

Over coffee I would tell you that now that the summer is in full swing, I am working on perfecting my margarita recipes. There are so many options from classic to spicy, straight or frozen, and every possible fruit in between! While I do enjoy a nice sipping tequila, margaritas, in my opinion, are the perfect summer cocktail.

Over coffee I would tell you that thanks to all the time I’m spending in traffic commuting to and from work, I am learning to embrace audio books. I recently finished Deena Kastor’s “Let Your Mind Run” and “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I enjoyed both books – I think Reid’s book especially would make a great summer beach read!

And, speaking of books, over coffee I would tell you that I am just about halfway through my professional certificate coursework. I am not going to lie, it definitely took a minute to shift into a “classroom” mindset, but I’m really enjoying it!

Over coffee, I would tell you how excited I am to have essentially half the month off from work! Our organization is closing for the week of July 4th and then my family is on vacation for a week later in the month. The timing is such that I’ll be working every other week!

Over coffee, I would tell you that for our vacation we’re looking forward to returning to some time in the mountains at Stowe. We’ve booked the same beautiful townhouse we stayed in last year, and can’t wait to spend time hiking, kayaking, and hopefully a day trip to Montreal (last year the Canadian border was closed).

What would you tell me over coffee? What’s your favorite summer cocktail?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please share the link-up love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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Five Things Over June Coffee

We’re on the cusp of the weekend again – the beauty of a short work week! So it’s time for another edition of Fit Five Friday! And, since it’s the first weekend of the month, I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. It’s rainy and cool this morning so I’m sticking with a mug of hot coffee. Let’s chat!

Five Things Over Coffee

Adventures in Gardening

Over coffee, I would share that all of my work in the garden is starting to pay off! I had completely redesigned one section of my garden last summer and it’s nice to see the Peonies, and Roses already blooming so well.

Over coffee, I would also share that I had some interesting wildlife encounters in the garden lately. There’s a bunny who visits, but I have yet to catch it on film. Then there’s the large snapping turtle who thought one of my front beds would be a good spot to lay her eggs (my husband the honors of returning the turtle to the pond down the road from our house.) And, then there was the snake coiled around the base of one of the rose bushes. We’ve yet to catch him and I’ve stopped wearing flip-flops in the garden…enough said!

Vacation Planning

Over coffee, I would tell you that my husband and I are trying to decide where we want to go on vacation to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary this fall. Do we head to the Caribbean? Paris? Barcelona? Napa or Sonoma Valley? Other suggestions?

Could we end up in Barcelona this fall?

Streaming Obsession

Over coffee, I would tell you that my latest streaming obsession is “We Crashed”, which follows the true story of the rise and fall of WeWork. Jared Leno and Anne Hathaway were both so good! We recently finished the last episode. It was a good drama made better by the fact that it was based on a true story!

Basketball fever!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I am so excited to have the Boston Celtics back in the NBA Finals. I love the buzz in the city when one of our teams is in the hunt for a championship! And it doesn’t hurt that they won game 1!

What would you tell me over coffee?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please share the link-up love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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Coffee with a side of MAYhem!

I took one look at the calendar and announced “Welcome to MAYhem!” May has often been a busy month around here but I feel like this time around could set a new record!

I’m happy to take a moment to pause to catch up with  Coco and Deborah and you for the Ultimate Coffee Date! It’s also time for another edition of Fit Five Friday so let’s settle in and catch up a little.

Coffee with a side of MAYhem

Over coffee, I’d tell you that we kicked off the month with a day trip to participate in the Admitted Students Day of what may be my son’s new college home. It made for a long day, but my son really loved everything he saw and heard so hopefully, he’s closer to making a final decision. (My husband and I really liked it too!)

Over coffee, I’d tell you that over the course of the next two weeks I have 3 major work events…each of which would be a serious undertaking in its own right, much less all stacked together. Need I say more?!

Over coffee, I would tell you that a couple of weeks ago I signed up to do another 14-day sugar detox. I got so much out of the first one I did last fall and of late, I’ve been feeling the need for a little food/eating reset. Did I mention the start date is Monday?

And, speaking of starting things next week, remember the certificate program I mentioned over coffee last month? Care to guess when those classes are starting? All I could do was laugh when I realized what the start date was.

And to round out the month, over coffee, I would tell you that I have my first race on Memorial Day Weekend!

Yes, it’s going to be a crazy month, but it’s also filled with some good stuff. Just gotta take it one day at a time…

How about you? What have you got planned for the month? 

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please share the link-up love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!


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Catching up over April coffee

Happy Friday!

We’re rolling into the first weekend of the month which means Coco and Deborah are hosting the Ultimate Coffee Date. It’s also time for another edition of Fit Five Friday! I’ve got a big mug of coffee in hand, so grab your fave hot beverage, and let’s catch up a little.

April Catch-up Over Coffee

Over coffee in February, I shared my challenges trying to find a new car.  Well, I’m happy to say that a couple of weeks ago the planets aligned finally and I found my new ride!

Over coffee, I’d tell you that I was recently interviewed for an article for Women’s Running Magazine on the impact of fibroids on running. Believe it or not, the article’s author found me through a blog post I wrote back in 2015. The article is part of Outside.com/Women’s Running’s member-exclusive content and can be found here.

Over coffee, I’d tell you that I’m planning to return to school for a professional development certificate program. I haven’t taken classes since business school so let’s hope I haven’t forgotten how to do this!

Your turn…what would you tell me over coffee?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please share the link-up love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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March Coffee Date

It’s time for another edition of Fit Five Friday! We’re also rolling into the first weekend of the month which means Coco and Deborah are hosting the Ultimate Coffee Date. I’ve got my mug of coffee, so let’s chat a little.

Over coffee, I would tell you that today marks the completion of 6 weeks in the new job. The weeks are just flying by! I’m really enjoying it and feeling more settled in and into the groove of things every day.

Over coffee, I would also tell you that as I get ready to spend a couple of days a week in the office I definitely need to update my wardrobe – translation I’ve been working at home for a long time and live in athleisure wear. I’m considering trying out one of those subscription services because while I don’t mind shopping, that’s not really how I want to spend my free time.

Over coffee, I’d tell you that I’m having a hard time with the fact that my youngest son has his first meeting scheduled with his school’s college counseling office. What the what?! He’s a sophomore and I’m not even sort of ready to think about him leaving for college!

I may have shared this meme before but it’s so spot on!

OK, your turn, what would you tell me over coffee? Have you tried a shopping subscription service – any suggestions?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please share the link-up love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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