I’m sitting on my couch, spooning a jar of almond butter (literally) and watching the Olympics. Kind of the ideal Sunday evening, minus the barking dog trying to kill the vibe.
Ok, let’s play catch up with some random updates and weekend highlights.
First, did you see my post on Friday? I shared an exclusive recipe from Ali’s (aka Inspiralized) new cookbook Inspiralize Everything. The book hits stands tomorrow!
So last week I dropped some pre-mature hints regarding a running update. Obviously my not-so-subtle silence means something is up. I hate to sound so dramatic (really, I’m fine) but I need more information before writing about it. Changing gears now…
This weekend was pretty great. Nothing crazy, just good quality time with my friends, the sun and my puppy. We spent almost all day Saturday by the pool talking, eating and trying to grasp the fact that we aren’t going back to school this month. Colleges in the south start really early so pretty much everyone has left, including my sister :(. I know this isn’t my first semester post-grad, but January doesn’t have the same “back to school” feel like the fall. It’s weird and I don’t know when I’ll get over it.
Sunday morning I watched the women’s marathon and tried to teach my new dog new tricks (not a success). Later, I went to lunch with a big group of friends at Oxford Exchange, followed by a much-needed wanted massage.
While massages are supposed to be mentally relaxing, and they are for the most part, I wish I had a pen and paper by my side. I do some serious good/deep thinking on that table. Luckily I remembered some of it (and proceeded to write about it for an upcoming post). It made me think of other times and places that are inappropriate/awkward for random bursts of writing: church, group exercise classes and driving are my top three. Siri translates horribly for me.
Back to the Olympics for a minute. A few sub-topics…
1. How incredible that all three female marathoners made the top 10?! Top 9, actually. It’s unfortunate (and I hope not the case) that their accomplishments get blown under the radar because they didn’t medal. All three are extremely inspiring. I can’t imagine running a marathon in that weather either.
2. Did you see this article? It circulated the internet because of its ridiculous and sexist title, which has since been updated. If you read that, then you’ll enjoy this article. An extreme satire (and sad we have to go to these lengths), but it proves a point.
Lastly, I’ll talk more about this in a “recent meals” post, but I just inherited a cast iron skillet. Aside from the way it smokes up my house, I’m so in love with it. I never want to eat chicken thighs any other way. Seriously, that good.
And now I want that entire skillet for dinner tonight. I might make it happen.
*Linking up to MIMM*
Oxford exchange seems like my type of place! Glad that you are chilling and enjoying yourself. You deserve it!
Susie @ Suzlyfe recently posted…Putting Life on Hold + DC Bridal Shower
You’d love! Except it didn’t love me back this time (#glutened).
Oh no, I’m hoping your not injured :( Sounds like a fun weekend!! Even 4+ years later, I still miss the back to school stuff, ha! I’d like the heat to leave. Yuck.
heather @Lunging Through Life recently posted…An Olympic Weekend
Plus having a teaching background must make it that much harder! Maybe I just need to buy new desk/”school” supplies to make me feel better?
That marathon though. I was so excited to see all of the USA ladies place so well, even if that did not mean a medal. I was reading that if the Olympics were to do team medals instead of individual medals for the marathon, that we would have won gold, so that makes me pretty darn happy. Plus, I cannot imagine running in that heat! It was not too bad here in Michigan over the weekend, but during the week last week it was pretty hot. Thank goodness for AC this summer!!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Petoskey, Harbor Springs, & Traverse City
Oh I like that fact :) They should have started the marathon much earlier than they did!
The women’s marathon was so tense! My husband was getting annoyed with me because I was screaming at the TV when Des took the lead. I totally agree–it doesn’t matter that they didn’t medal, they did INCREDIBLE. Although I felt bad for Shalane in her post-interview, you could tell she was disappointed. :(
Mollie Sweet recently posted…Pregnancy Workouts and Miles-Week 22
I felt the same way about Shalane. You work so hard and train for all these months than anything but a medal must be heart wrenching.
I always think of the best posts in the most awkward places. Sometimes I’m able to write them down in the notes on my phone, but more often it’s when i’m driving or showering. Two places I can’t write anything out haha I didn’t watch the marathon but I did watch the 10K. So much excitement this year and I agree- the US team has run some pretty incredible races with or without the medals.
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…Adventures in Classpass
Showering is another one! Need a water proof phone case I guess ;)
Cast iron <3 EVERYTHING! When you can't grill, you cast iron! That is the motto!
Our car overheated…while it was 113 degrees outside and my brother had to come pick us up…in another car that has no AC (and the rearview mirror melted off and is not currently hanging…) The life!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Gluten-Free S’mores Pancakes
NO! That’s awful, I’m so sorry. I hate when the seasons go to extremes and make us want the opposite (although I’m not sure I’d ever willingly want winter lol)
I do not have a cast iron skillet but I want one! I caught the last couple miles of the marathon yesterday and loved every minute of it. All 3 Americans in the top 9 is incredible! It’s making me sad that this is the last week of the Olympics :( haha.
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…A good July
Me too! Swimming is my favorite and now that’s done too. I guess I’m getting my post-Olympic-sadness started sooner.
Those chicken thighs look DELISH! I would love to get a cast iron skillet! I can’t even imagine how hot it was in your neck of the woods…It was hot here on Nantucket! :)
ACKTIVE LIFE recently posted…#REALWomenWrinkle
The cast iron is life changing! But yeah, I was not grilling outside this weekend.
aren’t massages just the best?! i get so much quality thinking done during a massage too. oh- and the runners absolutely killed it. Those girls have so much talent and their work-ethic is admirable! Happy Monday Emily! <3
Alyssa recently posted…MHM 8/15/16: The Unique Gymnast Body
I’m convinced that massages are good for the body, mind and soul. Wish I could get one every week!
im so behind on olympics but that article pisses me off ! love the take on the phelps though so funny !!!
Such a dramatic article but it puts things into perspective!
I hope everything is going well for you, Emily! I’m glad you had a relaxing weekend. Yup, I remember seeing that satire article about Michael Phelps show up in my FB newsfeed. I loved it! :)
Claire @ My Pink & Green Life recently posted…Learning How to Do Nothing
Such a clever way to prove a point. Sad we have to go to these lengths but I’m glad it went viral.
Wow, that’s incredible that all 3 of our runners made the top 10. <3 YES!!! i didn't watch it, but I can't wait to try and find the finish somewhere. I totally agree that when we're doing the most relaxing things is when we come up with the most deep thoughts. Maybe because I"m not as distracted as I normally am?
Emily recently posted…What Skydiving Taught Me About Fear
I think you’re right! Just letting your mind wander without distraction is when the best topics and thoughts pop up.
This heat is horrible. I thought I was used to it but NOPE. I’m seriously considering doing the rest of my marathon training runs on the treadmill.
This weather is so extreme! Needs to come down a notch (or ten).
Those marathon times were insane, a 5 something minute mile! INSANE, I can’t even imagine what they must feel like. And I love my cast iron skillet, I don’t use it enough especially in the summer.
On TV it looks like I could keep up with that pace for some reason haha. If only!
Making chicken thighs tonight! Can’t wait.
Dani @ Dani California Cooks recently posted…Grilled Dijon Salmon Skewers + your complete Labor Day BBQ menu!
The most underrated cut of chicken! Always so good.
I don’t have a cast iron skillet, but my grandma does and she uses them all the time! It brings back memories of when I’d visit her house and she’d make her infamous homemade biscuits :)
Edye recently posted…Fall In Love With Vegan Handbags!
I got this from my grandparents house! I can’t wait to experiment with it even more.
I have a cast iron skillet, but definitely need to experiment with using it more! It works great for pizza though!
Casey the College Celiac recently posted…Cooking with Maca and Spirulina: Tips and Tricks
Good to know! I didn’t even think of that. I want to make a hash for breakfast soon.