Hello! I feel like I’ve been a little MIA in terms of “random thoughts” posts. A lot of structure and not as much stream of consciousness (not that one is better by any means). I want to produce valuable content but, truthfully, I like writing and reading these life posts just as much. Makes the blog more human, or that’s how I think about it. All that to say, it’s time for some classic Thinking Out Loud.
As a fun spin on TOL, let’s play catch-up with some iPhone pictures I haven’t shared here. Even though 90% of the photos I post on the blog are from my iPhone, just pretend it’s a novel idea.
TOL: Life From My iPhone
The new yoga studio in town (the one that has the best mobility yoga class) is named Kodawari. When I asked the lady at the front desk “what the hell does Kodawari mean?” she directed me to the decal on the wall. How much do you love this definition? Serendipity is still my favorite word but this is climbing the ranks.
We bought a kiddie pool so the dogs could go swimming. While this Florida weather is torture, at least we (humans) don’t have to wear a fur coat. They were entertained for a few good minutes.
Speaking of dogs, my mom made a batch of sangria last weekend and Archie was more interested in my glass than he was with running around. The sangria was supposed to be my entertainment while watching them play….he had other ideas.
I’ve been grilling up a storm this summer (as seen in Tuesday’s post) and now I have some photographic evidence. #pictureoritdidnthappen. I’ve grilled different types of fish, chicken, burgers, fruits, vegetables. My mom, the resident grill master, is happy that I willingly go outside and stand in-front of a 500 degree tool. All for good food, all for good food.
This was dinner of coconut-pineapple chicken and carrots. The chicken was marinated in a pineapple-balsamic, coconut-balsamic, olive oil and coconut flakes.
Coffee shops have become my new favorite place to work (on job applications and the blog). Funny thing is, I don’t drink coffee…I’m just there for the Wi-Fi. I try to sit outside if there’s a fan and usually order a tea or water, but I know I’m not the only one who goes places for Wi-Fi. Make me feel better, people.
This is my new favorite running song! Listen/download it now. It sounds a heck of a lot like Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby” but much faster.
Now to end this post with a bang: I’m in D.C. right now! I flew up yesterday for a quick trip to visit my cousins and get a change of scenery. I’ll share more next week :)
Ahh have a great visit! That’s so fun. You go girl cooking away on the grill! I can do it, but I prefer to let the husband handle it all, lol. I stick inside ;) Archie is so funny going after your sangria! I’ve only been to DC once and it was a short trip so I have nothing to offer. I mean, I’d suggest a run by the monuments but that’s not a unique idea ha
heather @Lunging Through Life recently posted…10 Tips for Running with a Baby
Ha I still did run around the monuments ;) Couldn’t pass that up!
Have fun in DC! I mean, my suggestion is to take a day trip to Baltimore, but that’s just me. Really though, most of my suggestions in DC revolve around craft beer, so I’m probably not the most knowledgeable. Archie is seriously the cutest! I just want to pick him up and snuggle with him. I hope you got to enjoy the sangria before he got to it!
Sam @ See Sam Run recently posted…Hogwarts Running Club – Bloody Hell!
Haha if only I was there longer! I almost flew into Baltimore but DCA had good flights.
Archie goes after my parents wine glasses all the time, so either he likes alcohol or just the cold glass ;)
I have been dying to visit DC! It is the next major city for me to visit on my list — I think it has to do with all the Scandal I watch ;) And can you come be grill master for me?? I need to get out and get experimenting with the grill but I always just leave it for my dad to do haha
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Why I Am Doing the Bikini Body Guide (BBG)
Oh Scandal…I miss it! I’ve been to D.C. a few times and it’s always been a fun trip. Um yes I’ll grill for you! I accept payment in the form of smoothie bowls.
Can’t get over how cute those doggies are. I love working at coffee shops! I find I get a lot done there and it is so peaceful. :) I need to grill up some more food this summer! I have been craving grilled asparagus.
It is really peaceful! Because everyone around me looks like they’re working hard, I’m more inclined to focus and work hard too ;)
Ooh you’re in DC? I love DC. It’s so fun to walk around and see all the sites. That’s neat that you got to just hop up there for a quick trip. And your dogs (I must agree with Alyssa) are ADORABLE! I bet they love the kiddie pool for staying cool.
Grilled food is SO GOOD. It just has an amazing flavor.
Emily recently posted…TOLT: Clothes, Grace, Wonder, and Exercise
I could (and did!) walk around so much in D.C. I love seeing everything! I was very happy to hug my dogs when I got home :) They are pretty darn cute.
Have fun in DC!!! I wish I was still there so we could hang out. I can’t thing of any suggestions besides paddleboarding down by Georgetown. As much as I know the more informative/food/recipe posts drive the most clicks, I’m more interested in reading posts that sound more human as well. I like learning about other peoples’ lives so while it may mean my blog will never “make it” in blogland, I know I’m writing the type of posts I’m most interested in reading.
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…TOL: Transitions, Sebastian, and Dessert First
We *almost* went kayaking in Georgetown but forgot bathing suits…oops ;)
Next time make the change of scenery to Central Park! :)
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…Five Tips for Summer Running
You’re telling me! :(
I LOVE DC. One of my favorite places in the country, for sure. For food, I recommend Ted’s Bulletin, Founding Farmers, or Busboys and Poets. I feel like there’s somewhere else I’m missing, but those are three good ones for sure. Go for a run along the Mall in the morning if you can – I ran up and down the Mall when I was in DC last year, and being at the Lincoln Memorial with no one but a couple park rangers was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. The National Gallery of Art (and all of the Smithsonians, really) are AMAZING. Highly recommend all of them, plus they’re free! The Newseum isn’t free, but it’s definitely worth the price of admission if you’re interested in journalism at all. Have fun! You’re making me wish I was there!
Bethany @ Accidental Intentions recently posted…Thursday Things
My run along the Mall was such a highlight of my trip! I ran around it a few times to soak it all in. You’re right, it’s so special being there early before all the tourists. I went to the Newseum a few years ago and loved it! I actually have a photo of me from one of their exhibits (reading the news in front of a green screen) hanging in my room haha
Yay, DC! You should definitely check out Baked and Wired for cupcakes, and their sister restaurant A Baked Joint for awesome sandwiches! You get go wrong with any of the restaurants on 14th Street. And don’t forget Sweet Green!
If you are interested in a running buddy, let me know!
Bethany recently posted…An Enduring Hunger
I definitely made it to Sweetgreen :) Ah if I was there longer I would have loved to run with you. I only ran one day but it was awesome. You have such great options for paths!
You have to eat at Founding Farmers!
Mollie Sweet recently posted…Pregnancy Deja Vu: First Trimester Catch Up
Ah that was on our list! We ended up going to Blue Duck Tavern for brunch instead.
Omg your sweet cute pup after your sangria! Hahaha. You are absolutely not the only one who goes to coffee shops for the free WiFi (well, I’m also totally addicted to the coffee, but the WiFi is a big draw ;) ) Had to pull up that song immediately, I’m always on the hunt for more workout songs! LOVE it.
So glad you like the song! I could just dance/run to it non-stop.
Ahhh I want to go to D.C. sometime! And I’ve been missing grilling so hard lately. Life of living in an apartment with no deck/balcony/patio:( But grilled sweet corn is my faaaavorite as of lately!
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…What identifies you?
Uh I keep telling myself to take advantage of the grill because I know one day it won’t be as easy (or accessible at all).
I love to cook burgers and hot dogs on the grill…Such a Summer cliche, but it is the BEST! And I have been totally MIA in general. There just isn’t enough time in the day to do everything, so sometimes blogging has to take a back seat, BUT I am actually going to have one go up tomorrow…WAHOO! Enjoy D.C!
ACKTIVE LIFE recently posted…Walgreens #DoDEOBetter
It IS the best! No question. I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying your summer though. That’s what matters :)
Coffee shops would most definitely increase my writing productivity as I get distracted at home way too easily. However, there are none around here. Not even any other stores with WiFi.
Archie is so damn cute. I’m all up for more pictures of him.
With your mum’s genes it seems only natural you’d pick up her grill master skills ;).
Have a great time in DC!
Miss Polkadot recently posted…Week in review: Waiting for the holidays.
No place with WiFi?! Bummer. I’m normally more productive at home but the dogs are a bit distracting…although very adorable.
I love words so much and “kodawari” is definitely a new favorite. Thanks for sharing that :) DC is such a cool city – but you already know that! Have fun!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #56
We’re so much alike that I knew you would appreciate that word too :) Thanks, Ellen! It was a fun trip!
Ooooh I cannot wait to see pictures from your trip! I’ve never been to DC before.
My favorite thing to cook on the grill is burgers! They just don’t taste as good cooked on the stovetop or in the oven.
Claire @ My Pink & Green Life recently posted…Thinking Out Loud: Health is a Journey
Totally agree. Nothing better than burgers on the grill…even better in the summertime.
I love the doggie paddling pool idea. My dog would absolutely hate that! He refuses to get his feet wet. He walks AROUND puddles. And don’t even think about mentioning bath time :D
Megan recently posted…Behind the scenes of that Instagram photo #2
Ah I wish Archie was like that! All he does is walk in his water bowl and then all around the house haha.
I wish I could grill all the things. But I don’t have a grill (or a kitchen, sigh). Kebabs are probably my favorite thing to have someone else cook on the grill because I get annoyed by things not grilling evenly.
I love grilling onions. That is onions probably my favorite.
Or fruit.
Or chicken
frick all the things
HAVE FUN IN DC!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Pre Blogfest Thoughts : My Mission, Fertility, Men in Tights
Updated life motto: grill and/or spiralize everything.
AHH my run was so awesome in DC!!!
I actually have a whole blog post on DC suggestions since I lived there for 2 years! DEFINITELY go to Teaism – I hit it up whenever I go back. Their curries and bento boxes are so good.
Dani @ Dani California Cooks recently posted…WIAW – More carbs!
I had no idea you lived there! After you mentioned Teaism I saw it at Urban Market :)
We finally got a grill (we got it connected to the gas line directly, so it took awhile to find a plumber, but it’s worth not having to mess with propane tanks!), and it’s awesome! It cooks things so much better than the stove. I’ve been to DC a few times, and I love all the Smithsonian museums – plus they’re free! I think we went to the Natural History Museum 3 days when I was little.
Rebecca @ Vitamin OH! recently posted…Mayor Alai’s 5K
Oh that’s great that you got a grill! It’s so easy to just throw stuff on an call it a day. Natural History Museum is one of my favorites :)
Oooh have so much fun in DC!! I wish I had a grill/grilling skills…that chicken sounds amazing.
Put me near any other grill and I’d probably choke, but I have a good hang of mine! Thanks, Sami! Love following along on your trip :)
Oh my goshhhhhh your dogs brought the biggest smile to my face they’re just tooooo cute!! And I LOVE grilling sweet potatoes in the summer! Also had them on the 4th! :)
Dogs are just the best smile inducers :) I actually haven’t grilled sweet potatoes yet. I don’t know why!
Look at you, grill queen! ;)
I hope you have an awesome time in D.C!
Kristy from Southern In Law recently posted…Recent Things: Trixie Videos, Pokemon Plus-Sides and Oops!
I’m getting there ;) Thank you, Kristy! It was a great trip.