Ultimate coffee date

March Coffee Date

March 4, 2022 by Michelle 14 Comments

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 More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs 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!

Filed Under: Ultimate coffee date

February Coffee Talk

February 4, 2022 by Michelle 15 Comments

Happy Friday! It’s time for another edition of Fit Five Friday!

I’m so ready for the weekend and happy to kick things off with a little catch-up over coffee with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. Grab a mug of your favorite hot beverage and let’s chat a little.

Over coffee, I would have to mention the weather. Would you believe after last weekend’s blizzard that left over 2 feet in its wake, we’re getting another storm today?! This time it will be icy rain and sleet. Thankfully, school has been canceled so there’s no need to be out on the roads.

Source: Boston Herald

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m two weeks into the new job and really enjoying it. I’m definitely in that information-overload phase where you’re trying to learn “all the things” and the lingo, acronyms, etc., but it’s all good, and everyone I’ve met so far is super helpful.

And speaking of the new job, over coffee I’d tell you that I made a trip into the office last week for an in-person senior team meeting. I can’t even remember the last time I commuted to an office! It was kinda comical on just how out of practice I was trying to organize my things and make sure I was dressed professionally head-to-toe vs. just enough to pass the Zoom call test.

Over coffee, I would tell you how challenging it is to shop for a new car these days – thanks to supply chain issues, blah, blah, blah. I finally found the model I wanted at a nearby dealership and was planning to head over for a test drive, then the blizzard hit. I thought for sure this would bide me a little time, but would you believe snow and all the car sold 🙁 Back to hunting…

What would you tell me over coffee?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related post, 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!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date, weather

Five Things Over January Coffee

January 7, 2022 by Michelle 20 Comments

Happy Friday! It’s time for another edition of Fit Five Friday! It’s also time for a little catch-up over coffee with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. So grab a mug of your favorite hot beverage and let’s settle in for a chat.

Over coffee, I would tell you how much I enjoyed having the week off between Christmas and the New Year – it really gave me the downtime I desperately needed. The week off was filled with streaming movies, board games, and just hanging out. We did venture out to see Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, which was fantastic, and to visit one of those big drive-through light displays – otherwise we were homebodies and it was glorious!

Over coffee, I would tell you that my oldest has decided not to return to campus this month. Clarkson has not been a good fit and he wants to transfer. Sadly I think this is the downside of not having been able to make final campus visits before committing to a college (thanks covid!). Nonetheless, I’m glad he told us he wanted a change vs. just trying to stick it out where he’s not happy. He’s already registered for some classes for the spring semester locally and is busy figuring out his options for the fall.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I was offered a new job right before the holidays! I have been craving a change for a while and this new opportunity will be big and challenging in a good way. I start my new gig in a couple of weeks.

Over coffee, I would tell you how excited I am to finally be able to announce that I was selected for the 2022 Brooks Run Happy Team. Brooks has been my go-to running shoe for years so I’m really looking forward to representing a brand I love.

Lastly, over coffee, I would tell you that I’m really enjoying the “Mindfulness and Running” course I have been taking for the past few weeks. The course is offered by my run coach Marc. It’s been a great opportunity to explore different approaches to mindfulness and meditation and how mindfulness can positively support your running.

And now that I’ve talked your ear off, I’ll ask, what would you tell me over coffee?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs 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!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Run Happy Team, Ultimate coffee date

Fit Five Friday – December Coffee Catch Up

December 3, 2021 by Michelle 13 Comments

It’s that time again for a little catch-up over coffee 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.

Fit Five Friday – December Coffee Catch Up

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m looking forward to slowing down and embracing this time of year. 2021 was another wild ride, and while we’re far from “back to normal”, I’m all in to enjoy the holiday season as much as possible!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I am giddy at the thought that my son will be home in just two weeks for his winter break! It felt so good to have him home for Thanksgiving, but 4 days was far too short of a visit. This time he’ll be home until mid-January.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m excited to see the Van Gogh Immersive Experience later this month.

Over Coffee, I would tell you that while I love seeing all of the 2022 race announcements arriving in my inbox, I’m holding off on taking advantage of all of the “early bird” registration specials. I am optimistic that there will be many more in-person races next year, but given all that is happening in the world right now, I’m taking a wait-and-see approach before shelling out money for registrations.

Over Coffee, I would tell you that I’m teaming up with my brother to run the Great Wall Virtual Challenge. The Conqueror Virtual Challenge always comes up with creative medals! We thought this would be a fun way to log some miles as the winter sets in, especially since my brother has visited the Great Wall in person.

What are you looking forward to this month?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Challenges, Ultimate coffee date

November Coffee Talk

November 5, 2021 by Michelle 23 Comments

November Coffee Talk

Over coffee, I would share the somber news that my mother-in-law passed away last week. Her health had been in decline since her stroke six years ago, so on many levels, her passing brings some peace. The funeral is this weekend so we’ll be heading to upstate New York later today.

On a much lighter note, over coffee, I would tell you that my husband and I visited my son at college last weekend for Parents’ Weekend. It was so good to see him and we had a great time! And now I count down the days until he’s home for Thanksgiving 😉

And speaking of Thanksgiving, over coffee I would ask if you are as annoyed as I am by how this holiday gets short-changed? I have already spied some Christmas decorations on houses during my runs and don’t even get me started on the retailers!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m excited about a potential new career opportunity on the horizon. I’m also crazy nervous about all this new position might entail. Keeping my fingers crossed that I can share more about the opportunity soon.

What would you tell me over coffee? Have you seen Christmas lights and decorations out yet?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Catching Up Over October Coffee

October 1, 2021 by Michelle 26 Comments

It’s time for another edition of Fit Five Friday – and what better way to kick off a 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!

Over coffee, I would tell you how happy I am that October has arrived! I love fall and I always feel like October is when fall is at its best! Bring on the apple picking, leaf-peeping, hiking, and evening fires on the patio. My husband and I will also be celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary.

Over coffee, I would tell you how much I am looking forward to visiting my son for parents’ weekend at the end of the month. I was surprised that the weekend was scheduled so late into the semester (like Halloween weekend late!), but we’ve got our hotel room booked and hockey tickets reserved (trust me both are precious commodities!) While it’s great to see him on the occasional FaceTime, I’m really looking forward to giving my son a big hug.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m hooked on the show Only Murders in the Building. It’s a 10-episode comedy-mystery starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selna Gomez. A new episode drops every Tuesday and there are only 3 left.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’ll be running the Ocean Road 10K on Sunday! I ran this race a couple of years ago and am really happy to see that the race organizers were able to make it happen as an in-person race this year. I’m looking forward to running with my brother again – we always have such a good time together 🙂

And speaking of races, over coffee I would tell you that I’m excited to volunteer at the Boston Marathon next Friday! I’m assigned to bib distribution and am hoping that I’ll see some familiar faces. From the many emails I’ve received from the BAA, it looks like there will be a lot of covid safety procedures in place.

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

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs 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!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Fit Five Friday and Labor Day Coffee

September 3, 2021 by Michelle 28 Comments

Happy Friday and welcome back to the Fit Five Friday linkup!

That sigh you hear is me exhaling into a 3-day long weekend! I’m starting my weekend with a little catch-up over the Ultimate Coffee Date hosted by Coco and Deborah. So grab a mug of your favorite beverage, and let’s chat for a bit!

Five Things Over September Coffee

Over coffee, I would tell you that we had the big college move-in last week! I’m happy to say that things couldn’t have gone smoother and I will be forever grateful to the “move-in crew” – student volunteers who made quick work of unloading our car and moving everything up to my son’s room. We unpacked, hit the local Walmart for a few things, followed by the bookstore, and were saying our goodbyes in a little over 3 hours!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m trying to get used to the house being so much quieter…sigh. But I love hearing how well he’s settling into college life. (Yes we’ve had 1 FaceTime and a phone call!).

Over coffee, I would tell you that I received my volunteer assignment for the Boston Marathon. This marks my 6th year and the first time I will not be at the actual race. I’ll be on bib distribution on Friday afternoon of marathon weekend. If you’re going to be in town for Boston, stop by and visit me!

Over coffee, I would tell you I just cannot wait to embrace all things Fall! I am so over the soul-sucking humidity that seems to have been ever-present this summer. This weekend’s forecast shows mild temps and I am hoping that this will be the start of my favorite season.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I have not been sleeping very well. I’ve been trying to be consistent in shutting down electronics and going to bed at a reasonable hour, and while I have no problem falling asleep, I wake up multiple times during the night.

What would you tell me over coffee? Are you looking forward to Fall?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun?

Filed Under: Ultimate coffee date

Five things over August Coffee

August 6, 2021 by Michelle 16 Comments

Happy Friday everyone!

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 in hand, let’s chat! (This post contains affiliate links).

Five Things over August Coffee

Over coffee, I would tell you that we are in the middle of a birthday bonanza at my house! My youngest turned 16 last Thursday, I celebrated another trip around the sun on Wednesday, and today, my oldest turns 19! My hubby’s b-day is in a couple of weeks. Let’s hope all of this celebrating doesn’t add too much to my waistline 🙂

Over coffee, I would tell you that I cannot believe we still have not made it to the beach this summer. Seriously these weeks have been flying by and I’m starting to think this may be one thing from my summer “must do” list that may not get done. While our next couple of weekends are accounted for, I’m still holding out hope of hitting the sand before the month’s over.

Over coffee, I would tell you with Covid numbers rising with the delta variant I’m not feeling very confident about the future of fall racing. I have two in-person races on the calendar and watching the news lately makes me wonder if they’re going to happen. Sigh.

Over coffee, I would tell you how much I want to make more time to read. While on vacation I read The Last Thing He Told Me – it was a great page-turner! I loved getting lost in the story, and have promised myself that I’m going to spend a little less time scrolling on my phone and more time reading. Next up, Stronger than Dark.

Over coffee, I would tell you we’re just 3 short weeks away from moving my son into his college dorm. We’re knee-deep in shopping for “all the things” – it’s feeling very real now.

What would you tell me over coffee? Any good book suggestions? Have you made it to the beach this summer?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun?

Filed Under: Ultimate coffee date

Fit Five Friday and July Coffee

July 2, 2021 by Michelle 34 Comments

Happy Friday and welcome back to the Fit Five Friday linkup!

I’m ready to kick off this 4th of July long weekend with a little catch-up over the Ultimate Coffee Date hosted by Coco and Deborah. So grab a mug of your favorite beverage (or perhaps given this heatwave, a tall glass of something over ice!), and let’s chat for a bit!

Over coffee, I would tell you how excited I was to receive a new pair of Glycerins last week! I won them in Dick’s Sporting Goods National Runners Month giveaway back in May and had actually kind of forgotten about them so it was a fun surprise when they arrived!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I hit my 100th Peloton run on Sunday. I don’t always take a Peloton “class” when I run so I had no idea I was closing in on the century mark. It’s always fun to hit a Peloton milestone!

Over coffee, I would tell that Olympic fever has hit our house! We couldn’t get enough of the Olympic Trials – swimming, gymnastics, and of course, track and field – so many amazing performances! I am just in awe of these athletes, especially with having to wait an extra year and stay at peak performance.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I am really looking forward to our family getaway to northern Vermont later this month! Hiking, kayaking, and a tour of Ben & Jerry’s are among the items on the itinerary.

Over coffee, I would tell you that for as much as I am looking forward to some time away, I am really wishing that the days would slow down just a little. I feel like June blew by in a blink! And, now the whiteboard double calendar in my kitchen reminds me that in just a mere 8 weeks from today we’ll be dropping my oldest son off at college.

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 More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun?

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Five things over June Coffee

June 4, 2021 by Michelle 34 Comments

Welcome back to the Fit Five Friday linkup!

I’m ready to kick off the weekend with a little catch-up over the Ultimate Coffee Date hosted by Coco and Deborah. So grab a mug of your favorite beverage and let’s chat for a bit!

Over coffee, I would tell you that school wraps up today for my youngest son – the first year of high school is done and dusted! So the RWA household is officially in summer mode! We’re starting to flesh out our annual family summer bucket list, which I’m expecting to be pretty long since there were so many of our summer favorites we didn’t get to enjoy last year.

And, speaking of being in summer mode, over coffee I would tell you just how much I enjoyed my staycation – it was a good balance of unplugging and doing. I don’t think I truly realized how much I needed some time off until I took it! And now, while it is barely in the rearview mirror, I’m happy to say we have a family vacation booked for July!

Over coffee, I would tell you that while I thought I was done with all of my plantings for this year, I’m now toying with the idea of removing a couple of older plants and adding some additional rose bushes. The real question is whether I can convince my husband to take on another project (read lots of digging!) with me.

These roses started blooming in my garden last week!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I want to get back into my home organization groove after a bit of a lull over these past couple of months. My boys’ rooms are in need of a purge and refresh and I’ve still got some finishing touches to do on our home office. What do you think the chances are of getting two teenagers to willingly participate?

Over coffee, I would tell you that cannot believe that my youngest is going to take Driver’s Ed classes later this month. I must admit that I’m just a little ~~afraid~~ nervous.