Happy New Year!

I can’t think of a nicer way to kick off 2021 than with a little catch-up over coffee. I’m linking up with Deborah and Coco for the first Ultimate Coffee Date of the New Year, so grab a mug of your favorite beverage and join us!

Over coffee, I would tell you how much I’ve been enjoying my week off. While we couldn’t do many of the traditional outings and events we usually do, we’ve had a good time just being together. There have been movies, puzzles, board games, and most importantly, lots of laughter. We needed this time together before classes and work resume.

Over coffee, I would tell you how excited I am for my oldest – he’s already received two college acceptances! He’s still got a few more applications to submit, but having those yeses under his belt sure allows him (and me!) to breathe a little easier.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I have the house all to myself today. J and the boys went skiing this morning so for the first time in a long time I have a day to myself! I’m going to take advantage of the quiet time to write out my goals for the year and to dive into my new book.

Your turn…What would you tell me over coffee?

Happy Friday Friends!

We’ve made it through another week on this wild ride that is 2020. While there have been moments earlier this year where it seemed like time was standing still, I feel like Fall is flying by in a blink. And, now here we are on the first weekend of December and it’s time to join Coco and Deborah once again for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

If we were having coffee, I would tell you how relieved I am that my dad is home from the hospital and on the mend, and I would thank everyone who reached out with kind words and positive thoughts.

If we were having coffee, I would tell you that I’m working hard to get into the holiday mood. While I fully recognize that missing some of our usual holiday festivities this year are all #firstworldproblems, it is a bit of a buzzkill nonetheless. But, there is so much to be grateful for, and I will undoubtedly embrace all of it. Plus, it’s an opportunity to create some new traditions, right? #glasshalffull We’re planning to start decorating this weekend so that should help.

If we were having coffee, I would tell you that I finished the first of the three virtual races that make up the B.A.A.’s Finish Strong Challenge. I double-dipped and ran the 5K as this year’s turkey trot and received a nice DM from the B.A.A. that they were including me in their social media and newsletter! Next up is 10K which I had hoped to run tomorrow but the weather is looking oh so dicey. At least the beauty of a virtual race is the flexibility in getting it done.

What would you tell me over coffee? Have you started decorating?

What a rollercoaster week it’s been!

I’m happy to take a moment to take a step back, catch my breath, and join Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

Given the week this has been I would have to ask over coffee how you are holding up? Suffice it to say, even though I had fully expected this to be a difficult week, I am truly disheartened by the way things are playing out and I am anxious about the road that lies ahead.

As a needed distraction, over coffee, I would tell you that I have dived headfirst into decluttering and home organizing projects. I have Kim to thank for introducing me to The Home Edit on Netflix and after a couple of episodes, I was inspired to take on our pantry and kitchen cabinets. I’m now deep in the rabbit hole and perhaps am spending a bit too much time on the Container Store website.

Over coffee, I would tell you that my oldest will be home from school in just two weeks! After relying on FaceTime and Zoom for the past 11 weeks, I cannot wait to hug him! I’m really looking forward to having everyone back under one roof for a bit.

Over coffee, I would tell you about the swan that has taken up residence in the pond down the street from my house. While I’m used to seeing ducks and Canadian Geese, the swan is a rarity. I stop to look at him on many of my runs and always marvel at how he seems to stare back. A simple reminder in the midst of everything that there is beauty all around.

What would you tell me over coffee? Any unique sightings lately?

Fall is in the air and it feels great to settle in a mug of hot coffee and catch up with friends. I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. I’ve got my usual Starbucks Pikes Place with GLG Collagen and a splash of cream – what are you drinking?

Over coffee, I would first ask you how you’re holding up. To say times are tough right now would be a serious understatement. Personally, I’m beyond tired of 2020 and all of the madness, chaos, and sadness that has come with it. I’ve had to put myself on a news detox – while I like to be informed, some days are just too much to bear.

On a much lighter note, over coffee, I would tell you that school continues to go well for both of my boys. My oldest has been on campus for 6 weeks and his school just keeps rolling along in their little bubble. For my younger son, we’ve settled into a hybrid schedule and knock-on-wood so far so good. I’m holding my breath and hoping we can make it to Thanksgiving break.

Over coffee, I would tell you that we are in the thick of the college process now. I am utterly amazed at what marketing machines some of these universities are. We receive so much mail and the emails are nonstop. I keep thinking that if they all cut back on their fancy brochures perhaps they could drop their tuition costs!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I looking forward to the new season of SNL, cause really couldn’t we all use a good laugh? Now let’s hope I can stay awake to actually watch it 🙂

Now I’d tell you that my cup is empty and I need a refill. So your turn, what would you tell me over coffee?

Happy Friday!

I’m joining Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date. So grab a mug of your favorite beverage and let’s chat a little…

Over coffee, I would tell you that I am in the middle of a glorious 6-day staycation. It’s been so nice to unplug from work and have the extra time to get some odds and ends done. Now if I can just figure out a way to become independently wealthy before Tuesday 😉

Over coffee, I would tell you that I cannot believe my oldest son has already been back on campus for two weeks! After having him home for 6 months, the house feels oddly quiet. While I really miss him, I’m so glad he’s back with his friends and in a classroom again. I give his school such high marks for having a great plan to bring students back safely. I’m keeping my fingers crossed they can make it through the next 11 weeks and complete the semester.

Over coffee, I would tell you about my latest obsession – watching the World’s Toughest Race – Eco-Challenge Fiji on Prime Video. 66 teams on an 11-day trek across some incredibly challenging terrain. J and I rarely binge watch, but this show hooked us right away!

What would you tell me over coffee? 

Happy Friday!  It’s a long holiday weekend and I am kicking things off by joining Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date. I’m lazing on my deck with a mug of Starbucks French Roast, so let’s chat a little…

July Ultimate Coffee Date

Over coffee, I would tell you that while I’m really happy to have a 3-day weekend it doesn’t at all feel like the 4th of July. With no fireworks, holiday races, nor other big gatherings, this will be a very quiet 4th. I will miss heading to Gillette Stadium for the Finish at the 50 race and the fireworks that follow. Instead, we’re planning to cook some big meals, laze on the deck, and enjoy some fires on the patio – much more chill but still nice.

Over coffee, I would tell you that one thing I am looking forward to is watching Hamilton on Disney+ tonight!

Over coffee, I would tell you that last week I had my first outdoor dining experience at a restaurant. Actually it quickly turned into an indoor experience thanks to a freak rainstorm. I had met a friend for a walk and lunch – both of us had agreed that we were not ready to try indoor dining but would sit out on the restaurant’s patio where tables were widely dispersed. Well Ma Nature has a sense of humor and 20 minutes into our meal the heavens opened up and our waiter hurried out to usher us in under umbrellas. Thankfully, there were only a couple of tables with customers so we were able to stay well spread out. All-in-all, I’m still going to stick to the great outdoors for dining out for the foreseeable future.

What would you tell me over coffee? Any plans for the 4th?

It’s the first weekend of a new month which means it’s time for the Ultimate Coffee Date with Deborah and Coco. Given all that going on in the world right now I doubt if anyone would fault me if I dropped a little something (Kahlua, Bailey’s anyone?) into my coffee.

Let’s chat a little…

June Ultimate Coffee Date

Over coffee, I would first ask you how you are doing. To say that watching where we are in this country right now is weighing heavily on me would be an understatement.  Yesterday in honor of George Floyd, I sat for silence in 8 mins and 46 secs and held him in my thoughts. I cannot begin to put into words what this experience was like. I invite everyone to do it – I will tell you 8 plus minutes never felt so long.

On a much, much lighter note, over coffee, I would tell you that we celebrated my middle schooler’s graduation yesterday. There was a parade, a Zoom ceremony, a celebratory taco bar dinner, chocolate cupcakes, and lots of laughs. Not the celebration we had hoped for but I think my son had a good day. And, now I’m trying to wrap my head around having two high schoolers in the house!

All my son will allow me to share is a photo of the balloons.

Over coffee, I would tell you that with school over for both boys, summer has officially arrived in the RWA household. While this is definitely not going to be a typical summer, we’re still creating our annual bucket list and plan to make the most of it. Personally, I’m looking forward to dinners on the deck, evening fires on the patio, and venturing out a little as stay-at-home restrictions start to ease here.

And, speaking of the stay-at-home restrictions, over coffee, I would tell you that phase 2 here begins on Monday and the thing I am most excited about is getting my hair cut! My appointment is booked for next Friday.

What would you tell me over coffee?