- The Bay Lights – the world’s largest light sculpture – was designed by Leo Villareal for the West span of the Bay Bridge. Taken by my husband.
Basically, I would like to stay in California. We’ve been in the San Francisco Bay Area for two weeks now. It’s been one of those trips that has felt much longer than it really has been – but in a good way.
Frankly, we’ve been spoiled by the mountains, trees and ocean, the good weather, delicious food, and friends and family. I’m a wee bit in denial that it’s going to be cold, rainy and not quite Spring when we return to New York. So I’m just going to pretend that I don’t have to gather up my things and pack today.
I’ve been treated to some incredible blog posts this week – all written by incredibly strong women who I admire very much.
The Pursuit of Superwoman
I really loved this post from Laura at Mommy Run Fast. As a Type-A, perfectionist who tries to do everything, I totally relate to the feeling of trying to be Superwoman. And yes, bloggers and social media do fuel this stereotype because we always try to put the best foot forward and everything is always rainbows. However, I never thought of this strive for perfection as a form of oppression before.
Slowing Down the Treadmill
In response to Laura’s post, Michele at NYC Running Mama shares how she has struggled with perfectionism and striving to do it all and how she needs to slow down the treadmill. Often, it does feel like a treadmill that is getting faster and faster and sometimes we need to jump off. Her description of how she has felt lately mirrors my own life in many ways.
Put On Your Own Oxygen Mask First
You know how when you’re on an airplane and the flight attendants do their safety demonstration and they tell you to remember to put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others? I love how Coco from Running with Perseverance to has appropriated this as her mantra and the elements that make up her “oxygen mask.”
#Presence2013
Many of you may know that Lent started last week. Most people commit to giving up things like candy or soda or red meat or some other bad habit. Jess from EatDrinkBreatheSweat was asked by her husband to join him in Lent and to give up something. I love his ask.
Finding Infinity
Ilene from The Fierce Diva Guide to LIfe is one of my favorite bloggers and this is one of my favorite posts from her. We often struggle with “big decisions” – waiting for the right time and circumstances, often talking ourselves out of things because we don’t have everything figured out or because we’re scared. It took a bit of a scary event for her to let go of her fear and move forward.
The beach in February – Yes, I love California.
I wanted to leave you with two things.
First, don’t forget to enter my FitnessGlo giveaway. There’s still plenty of time and it’s a really great resource of online workout videos that you can do anywhere – at home or while traveling – and have been a great tool for me while here in California.
Second, two of my posts have been nominated for Babble’s “Best of the Blogs” and may be published! I would love if you visited Lessons from Ski School and Blogger’s Guilt and ”like” my post (and of course share it if you are inclined). I would so appreciate it!
Happy Friday! Who are your favorite male bloggers?
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I think Laura’s post hit home for a lot of us. It’s good to talk about it now we all just need to get on the same page and stop trying to one up each other. Easier said than done that’s for sure.
Off to check out the other links! BTW- I’m going to miss living vicariously through your CA pics!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Blog Your Heart Out
Me too!!
I am so glad you enjoyed and shared my post. It really does resonante! Thanks for rounding up the others — I love finding the ones I missed. And don’t check the weather today ….
Coco recently posted..Blogging My Heart Out To Go Red For Women
It was a great post Coco. I loved the way that you used that phrase. I have refused to look at the weather forecast for the coming week!
I’ve read most of these posts this week and agree, they were spot on!
I feel your pain in returning to the cold–it’s always SO hard to do after a break! Can spring just start now???
Off to check out your posts on Babble–congrats!
misszippy recently posted..Beat the chill
Yes! Spring please!!! And thanks for the Babble love
Beautiful photos from SF, I hope to visit one day….maybe next years run cation!
Kat recently posted..Princess Half: My reasons for playing dress up
AWESOME round up girl! Somehow I had missed some of these throughout the week so I am glad you posted today
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family recently posted..Blog Your Heart Out 2013
Just spent a few minutes reading all these articles….great choices this week! I loved Laura’s post…it hit very close to home!
Maureen recently posted..Chores
A always you lead me to such great and inspired posts. I love Jess’ post about presence. That is about the best gift I could give my kids right now – and there is much room for improvement! I am honored to be included. I am glad you enjoyed SF – I would not want to come back either!
ilene recently posted..Finding Infinity
Jess’ post really did hit home for me too. Your post was so so good Ilene. I hope that you all are doing OK. xox
We’ll be heading back to LA in June for a two week stay. I hope I have it in me to come back to the East Coast. I loved living on the West Coast. I mean, I hiked the mountains during my lunch break. How many people can say that?
Michelle recently posted..The Water Slide
I know! I was thinking the same thing – if I lived in California, I could run on trails and go hiking all the time. And then go ski on the weekends (I guess I could do that here on the East Coast too). And the food! I hope you come back though.
That Superwoman post was amazing. Great link Christine!
Kierston recently posted..#RECIPEFRIDAY: Protein Packed Pesto!
Aw, I’m honored to be in such great company. I have some catch-up reading to do, clearly! Thank you for thinking of me friend, and for supporting this #presence2013 project of ours
xoxo
Jess recently posted..#Presence2013
Of course. Love your #presence2013 project. Truly amazing and inspiring.
Thanks so much for sharing, Christine! I enjoyed Michelle’s response, too. And I missed a few of these that I need to check out. Heading over to vote for your posts- very exciting!!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..Friday’s Favorites + Kids Table giveaway
Thank you Laura for the Babble love and for such a great post. It clearly has hit a chord with a lot of people.
Love the photos!! I hope to visit San Fran one day and maybe run a race there *gasp*
Natalie recently posted..Weightlifting update….
I hope you get to visit SF. It’s really a great city and yes! A race!
It looks like you’re having the greatest adventure ever!
Becky @ RunFunDone recently posted..The Great Solo Adventure!
Some great posts and amazing pictures. How beautiful!
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Beautiful Sunrise for Morning Run
Sounds like you had a lovely trip. It’s so beautiful there!
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats recently posted..Heart Disease: Go Red and Blog Your Heart Out!
Looks like some great reads here, off to check them out.
And loved Ilene’s post too!
Alison recently posted..Saying No
I dont follow any male bloggers lol. Not that I dont want to, just havent come across any!
sara @ fitcupcaker recently posted..Flashback Friday #3
Amazing photos and collection of links… looks like you are enjoying every second of your stay.
Pavement Runner recently posted..Playlist Thursday and #LoveMusic
My favorite male blogger is my husband, although he doesn’t really post too often, but I love the guy like crazy!
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted..#KleanAthlete Review: Protein Peanut Butter Cups and Protein Sunbutter Cookies
Wasnt there some brilliant blogging going on this past week!!! Loved all of those posts! Congrats on your nomination!
Jess recently posted..Detox Diet Day 2
Incredible blogging, right? And thanks Jess!
Your pictures are amazing. I too loved the pursuit of superwoman post. It helped remind me that I don’t have to try to be so perfect. I miss numerous blogging days this week because real life got in the way, but that is okay.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted..Food, Fun, & Friends
I was just looking at your post and I got confused because I thought wait… Christine’s still in SF, and is it Friday, and what day is it?, and I’m all turned around being with my never-ending sick kids who are thankfully finally on the mend!
SO… I think I’m set straight. I’ve gone ahead and read your Friday links and have nominated you over at Babble and now we’re good!
I have to say I’m always amazed at how you juggle so many things so well. One of these days I want to learn how to do a giveaway, like you are doing with Fitnessglo. It seems fun.
Your photos from California have been great. So many familiar images.
xxM
Martha recently posted..I Know a Lot and I Know a Little
Are you guys feeling better over there? I hope so!! Thanks for your support on the Babble thing. I could say the same about you and the juggling. I feel like we need another lunch date to catch up properly!!
What a great round up. I read Laura and Michele’s posts and they were so relevant. I’m excited to check out the other ones you mentioned!
Sarah @RunFarGirl recently posted..Spring Racing
Thanks Sarah! Hope you all had a great weekend!
Hi Christine!
I love California too. I’ve lived in San Diego for a little over 3 years and am about to move up to the Bay Area. I’m super excited to explore the northern part of the state!
And also, I’m from the Northeast too so I totally can sympathize with you on the wintery weather there right now!
Nicole recently posted..Happy SITS Day to Me
The Bay Area and Northern California is great. I really like it up there and I’m so thankful that I have family that lives there so I get to visit often! Beach and ocean, mountains and city – it’s great. Kinda wish I was back there now!
Christine, i just found your site after Googling images of The Bay Lights installation–(it is inspiring a new ongoing page, multi-media meditaiton on my website), and as synchronicity would have it, last night I felt a strong desire/drive to move back to regular and fun fitness after a lapse of several years…
How lucky am I? Finding you, your site, and of course The Bay Lights, which I will be streaming and meditating upon most nights on my large screen, from Sonoma, ala Warhol’s The Empire State Building…
Thank you!
Barbra
Barbra recently posted..Lap Pool Lust, Shanghai
Hi Barbara! So glad that you found my blog. I really loved The Bay Lights. I’m off to check out your meditation on your site!