oogling fun snacks at the airport

We settled on Pop Corn.

We arrive! It’s GORGEOUS! Eating lunch outside [...]]]> I’m in San Diego with my friend Jen for the BlogHer Conference! No time or energy to do more than pictures right now. Here’s our trip so far…

oogling fun snacks at the airport

We settled on Pop Corn.

We arrive! It’s GORGEOUS! Eating lunch outside a close sushi place. Enjoying a salad.

Sharing fun sushi!

Fun stuff walking around Seaport Village

Again I wonder… WHY don’t I live closer to the ocean!

We were/are having a blast.

A little fun in the shops.

We had to do it.

Oh. My. GAWD! a small bite of red velvet cake dipped in dark chocolate!

The feet of forever friends. :)

Expo time!

We didn’t eat dinner. Too many samples. This was by far my FAVORITE! and only 60 cals!!

Off to a party. (my drink of choice? Vodka Cran.

I love being around people who share an interest.

After that I CRASHED! Hence the late photos. Right now I’m strapping on sneaks and heading to the BlogHer 5k. Can’t wait to run in San Diego!

The Boys? I miss them BUT I got some giggles from home to keep me company. :)

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WOW What a weekend! Simply amazing! A.) I was in NY. B.) I was surrounded by the most amazing women ever and C.) I received some very happy, hopeful news but more on that in a bit… promise! :)

Sorry I didn’t post during the conference. I was hoping to get at [...]]]>

WOW What a weekend! Simply amazing! A.) I was in NY. B.) I was surrounded by the most amazing women ever and C.) I received some very happy, hopeful news but more on that in a bit… promise! :)

Sorry I didn’t post during the conference. I was hoping to get at least an inspiring quote published but it just didn’t happen. I was soaking up every possible moment that I could. Friday started with the BlogHer 5K and had a blast running and chatting with TrainerMomma. After a wonderful time networking and attending sessions at the conference I ended my day at a cocktail party with some amazing food bloggers, including the unbelievable Ree and Jaden. Yea… I felt a wee bit out of my league but it was an awesome time. Afterwards Sahar (from FatFighter.TV) and I walked around the city soaking in the amazing New York energy.

Saturday was more of the same awesome-ness (have I used that word enough?) with a bit more pressure mixed in. It was my day to present. The topic? Fitness Blogging – Motivate Yourself and Your Readers which is something I’m not only passionate about but have been doing for 5 years now. I was confident but nervous. Who isn’t when they are about to moderate a panel in front of a room full of people?

I’m happy to say it went well. The audience seemed interested, there were lots of great questions and I don’t think many people walked out. Always a good sign. :) If you are interested in the discussion we had click here to check out the transcript on the BlogHer web site.

After the presentation I chatted with a few folks and had a really great conversation with Lorrie. This is the second BlogHer were we’ve been able to hang out. She is totally… yup you guessed it… awesome!

By 4 o’clock I was done. FINISHED. Wiped out. I ended up skipping the end of the conference and chilling in my room for a bit. Then my friend Jen and I (in the picture above with me) decided to hit the town.

We really wanted to see a show so we walked to Times Square. There’s Jen checking out the tkts board. See her? Waaaaaaay over there? ;)

We decided on The Adam’s Family and purchased tickets from a "broker". At least that’s what he called himself. Regardless, he was an absolute trip!

I did wear a cute dress for our night out and I have to admit they are getting more and more comfortable. And I don’t mean physically, I mean mentally. I’m trying to break out of my typical jeans and t-shirt look. I think it’s about time.

Since we were all dressed up, had tickets to the show and an hour to spare, we went out for sushi at Blue Fin. A-mazing!

On the walk to the theater we jokingly oogled some cheesecake.

Then it was time for the show.

Afterwards we met up with Lorrie again and hung out at a bar for a few hours sipping sangria and chatting.

We then strolled back to the Hilton and hit the CheezburgHER party for a bit. We were both hungry and enjoyed our midnight snack guilt free.

It was a late night but I still woke up bright and early for my training run. I met Kath, Jess, Caronae, Tina and Tara in the lobby and we hit the Central park loop for 6 miles. Here’s a picture Jess, Tina and I on a water break thanks to Kath.

I didn’t get a chart from the Nike+ (long story) but I took this sweaty picture as "proof." :)

*sigh* OK.. on to this "Blissfully Beaming" part. A few minutes after that picture was taken I took a pregnancy test on a whim. I was a few days late, not really worried about it but curious. I have been back and forth on this baby thing over and over in my head but I just couldn’t shake the nagging little voice that’s been telling me it’s the right time.

You may or may not know of my miscarriage earlier this year but that was more devastating to me then I really wanted to admit. Every pregnant women I’ve seen has almost brought me to tears. Every baby, a sad smile.

I’m happy to say the test was positive. HOWEVER, I am not getting my hopes up and I’m trying really hard not to think about it. Almost impossible, I know.. but doable. Last time I was so worked up and I tried so hard to keep it a secret it stressed me out. You may think I’m crazy for announcing this on the blog so early but whatever happens, I’m going to spill my guts anyway so I decided to do it sooner rather then later.

Wow I think I’m speechless now. What do you possible talk about after you tell everyone you’ve had a positive pregnancy test but you don’t really want to talk about it just quite yet?

I know! how about the fact that after this crazy, amazing, EXAHAUSTING weekend I am in no way ready to start the work week. Oh! and it’s not just any work week but my LAST work week. That’s right… 5 little days are all that’s between me and complete professional freedom.

WOW

I can hardly believe it myself. Actually, I can hardly believe anything I wrote in this post.

Today I am full of peace, gratitude and happiness.

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Today could NOT have been any cooler.

First let me preface this with… I LOVE… love.love.love New York. Really, I do. Always have. Every [...]]]> I have to cut this short as it’s already 11PM and I got to wake up for the BlogHer 5k tomorrow. I just couldn’t go to bed without posting. :)

Today could NOT have been any cooler.

First let me preface this with… I LOVE… love.love.love New York. Really, I do. Always have. Every picture hanging on a wall at my house is an old black and white photo of the city. Specifically from the 30s and 40s but the era doesn’t really matter… I just love New York!

Now that we got that out of the way. :) Today started with a fun train ride from Baltimore to Penn Station with a bunch of amazing local bloggers. (more about my train hookup here)

I didn’t eat before I left. It was 5:45 AM and I simply grabbed my bag and headed out the door. So by 7AM my stomach was growing. I had a granola bar with me but I knew it wouldn’t hold me over until I got in the city so I hit the cafe car.

Ugh.. Bad I idea. Look at this selection!

Would it kill for them to have a banana or something. Geesh!

I settled on some hummus. It was really the only thing work eating in my opinion.

Of course I was hungry in an hour so I ended up eating that granola bar I brought.

Before I knew it I was in the Big Apple. Just walking out of Penn Station made me smile.

Since I was a bit early I decided to visit my Great Aunt and Uncle in Brooklyn. So I walked to Port Authority to hop on the subway. When I got there I was surprised to see a farmers market!

How cool is that! I love that fresh produce is popping up everywhere! They even had fresh fruit venders along side the hot dog and pretzel guys. (Hmmm Totally spaced on taking a photo)

Anyway… I had a wonderful visit with my Aunt who is a young 89. We chatted and chatted and chatted. It was nice and long over do.

On my way back I purposely got off at Time Square just so I can take a nice long walk back to the hotel. (Carrying my luggage by the way.. talk about calorie burn!)

I checked in, registered for the conference and then headed to a party. Not in a very partying mood mind you. I was simply too tired.

Speaking of… I really got to go to bed! I have to be out the door at 6:30 to meet for the 5k. You can bet your butt I’ll be sleeping in my running clothes tonight! ;)

Here’s my food journal! Not bad for a crazy filled travel day!

Table provided by Roni’s Food Tweet, Eat, Post Generator.Follow live @RonisFood

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Note: OMG… I had hair! Maybe I should grow it out again……. Naaaaa… ;)

Anyway, running for me is a funny funny thing. Sometimes I can run a mile or two and hate every single [...]]]> Preparing for a long run is funny. You guys know I don’t really like calling myself a runner. I mean I do but I don’t. Sometimes I swear I have an identity crisis.

Anyway, running for me is a funny funny thing. Sometimes I can run a mile or two and hate every single second of it. I’m constantly questioning why I’m doing it. What’s the point? However, when it’s over I always feel FANTASTIC but the actual act of running can sometimes be tortuous.

Then there are times I can run 5,6,7 even 10 miles and love every single second of it. I’m shocked how every miles seems to fly by. It may be physically hard but in a strange way I enjoy it. And of course I always feel FANTASTIC when finish.

Today was one of those latter days. I’ve been psyching myself up for a 12 mile run in Chicago while here for BlogHer. I was worried about it but at the same time I knew the more people I told and the more I said to myself I was going to run 12 miles the more I’d be prepared. It’s almost like studying for a test without having to remember any facts. I can’t just cram for a 12 miles run the night before I have to let my brain get used to the idea for a few days. Honestly, I think that makes a big difference in my mental state for any run.

So this morning when I got up around 6:30 (you’d think with no kid and no husband I’d sleep in, right? nope not me.) I was tired but excited for my run (all the studying paid off.) I wanted to see the trails on the lake and take advantage of the flat long paved path while in Chicago.

The run started beautifully. It was a sterling day. Perfect temperature and a nice breeze off the lake.

The first 2 miles were a CINCH! I swear all these flat runs are really starting to spoil me! The fact that I didn’t have music didn’t phase me a bit. Oh! I forgot to tell you. My headphones broke. So I ran music-less but was still able to use the Nike+. I have to admit, I didn’t miss the tunes at all. I’m surprised as I love music but the beautiful views kept me going. Plus I had a ton to ponder from the conference.

Around the 2.5 mile mark I noticed a water station! Apparently Fleet Feet sponsors water stations around the lake. How cool is that?!?

I started running again after a quick chat with the water station volunteers. As I’m admiring the view and thinking about a few things I overhear two women I’m passing. They mention the word Expo and I have to ask them if they were at the BlogHer conference. It ends up they weren’t but we chatted for a little while while we ran.

After a bit I peaked at my arm for the mileage (remember, I don’t have headphones) and I was SHOCKED to see 4.2 miles. I just ran 4 miles with no music and it was a breeze. I kept a nice slow steady pace and just got lost in my thoughts while people watching and taking in the beautiful area.

It was around this time my back started to hurt. I’m a little worried as this was the first time I’ve ever had pain while running. I’ve gone to a chiropractor but I want to get a second opinion. As soon as my benefits kick in from the new job I’m going to seek out a specialist. My doctor doesn’t seem to think its a big deal but knowing my family history (Mom just got back surgery) I want a second opinion. This time the pain was definitely spinal.

So I eased up a bit and checked my milage again. Almost 6 miles already! 6 was my halfway point but I actually wanted to go a bit further so I’d end where the water was when I was finished. Then I could take a nice stroll back to the hotel. I really like walking a bit after a run. I’m not sure why.

I decided to run until I found a nice spot. Coming up on some boats and I was just about 6.5 miles in. Perfect. I stopped to give my back a rest and snap a photo for twitter (I was shooting updates during the run.)

I then walked just a little but until picking up my pace again. I loved the different view on the way back. Speaking of, you know what I saw beside to beautiful skyline, gorgeous lake and crystal blue sky?

People.

People walking and running. Skating and rollerblading. Swimming and hiking. There were running groups and solo cyclists. Mom’s with strollers and Dad’s with really cool bikes.

Note: I asked the cyclist about the bike. I never saw one of them before. You? He was from LakeShore Bikes. Super nice when I stopped to talk to him.

I also saw a little girl dump a bucket of water over her head and giggle. A pair of old men playing chess. I even saw a dude on a bench smoking a joint (doesn’t really fit but, hey, it cracked me up.) lol

These people were all different colors, shapes and sizes. I was totally inspired but them all doing their own thing. I simply loved it! And you know what… I felt as if I belonged. That sounds funny and I realize that but for years I declared my hate of exercise. I thought I wasn’t athletic. I thought I wasn’t built for sports. Yet, here I am running 12 miles in the midst of all these wonderfully active people and I fit right in. Not because I’m thin (which I used to think was a requirement) but because I’m just simply there. I would have fit in if I was out for a simple stroll or strapping on rollerblades for a ride. Everyone would. Why didn’t I see that before?

Anyway I’m getting too cheesy… back to this run. After I stopped to ask the cyclist Dad about his bike I picked my pace back up and started to enjoy the return views. Let me tell you, Chicago is one beautiful city! I paused to give my back a break and snapped a few photos while I walked.

By this time I was about at the 9-10 mile mark I think. I was really starting to remember the terrain and I was getting exited as I knew there was no way I wasn’t going to finish the 12 miles. I starting thinking back at the half marathon and how I was about to pretty much run one on my own. (you don’t know how bad I want to say UN-EFFING-BELIEVABLE — then again, guess I just did. ;~)

As I approached the end of the run I have to admit I missed my girl telling me "400 meters remaining". I had to peek down at my arm a few times when I got to the 11.5 mile range. I was just so darn excited that I actually did it!!

This is where ended…

I was so happy and had such a smile on my face people must have thought I was crazy. And if they didn’t, they changed their minds when I whipped off my running shows and walked in the water. :)

The way I figured it, I may never be back to that spot again. I needed to soak up as much of it as I could. So I stood there in the water taking pictures.

Even snapping one of myself.

I then strolled back to the hotel (barefoot) and snapped a couple shots of the scenery.

After I got back to the hotel I had to scramble and pack. I was having my first ever experience with authentic Chicago Style Pizza at Gino’s East with AJ and Mary.

Here’s my take on the whole Chicago pizza thing… it’s AMAZING but please… please don’t call it pizza. What I ate this afternoon was sausage and pepper pot pie with sauce. It was a good sausage and pepper pot pie with sauce but if I can’t pick it up and fold it, it’s not pizza. ;~)

As for the "side" of BlogHer I forgot to tell you guys about the live blogging area on the BlogHer site. There is a transcript of the panel I was on about body image as well as all the other sessions. One of my favorites was the Advanced SEO but you can read a recap of any session on the site.

phew! Did you make it this far? Sorry a bit long winded. Funny thing is I have a billion ideas for posts but no time to write them. Returning to my day job tomorrow. Geesh… what a whip back to reality. Ugh. So hard after all this fun.

Oh! and here’s the run…

Chart taken from the Nike+

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Miranda, Krissie and Lorrie

Me failing at taking a self pic with Mr. Potato Head.

Me in front of a giant veggie statue.. come on I HAD to do it. :)

Out [...]]]>
WOW.. There were A LOT of us!

Miranda, Krissie and Lorrie

Me failing at taking a self pic with Mr. Potato Head.

Me in front of a giant veggie statue.. come on I HAD to do it. :)

Out to dinner with AMAZING foodBloggers (linked to all thier blogs at the end) This is
Ree, Jaden, Cora, and I think Maris (let me know if I’m wrong! Sorry!!)

My two fav fitnes bloggers! Carla and Lisa – Notice the Shirts (Don’t F*ck with Fitness Bloggers and the back say "I’ll make you drop and give me 20. Carla will be selling them on her site so keep a look out!!

Heather feverishly working on her (our) new initiative (on MY laptop by the way!)

FitBloggers GALORE! My clan! :) Ester, Me, Jannette, Sahar, AJ, Carla, Lisa

My blissdom Running partner! Carole

Out for Sushi with Kath, Jenn, Mara AND…

Mary, me, Carla

At the Cheeseburger Party with AJ (and everyone else!)

Ok, seriously.. I had a BLAST. I talked too much and slept too little. I ate intuitively and sampled everything. It was a nice escape yet exhausting. It was a great 3 days.

I’m up too late, yet again! Tomorrow I’ll be running around beautiful Chicago as I attempt 12 miles. I gotsta go and get some sleep!

Oh! Before I go… Check out 10 random things I learned at BlogHer and these were the fabulous Food Bloggers I had dinner with yesterday. Seriously, I was honered to be invited!

• Lydia from The Perfect Pantry
• Kalyn from Kalyn’s Kitchen
• Elise from Simply Recipes
• Kathy from Panini Happy
• Kristen from Dine and Dish
• Maris from n Good Taste
• Cora from Cora Cooks
• Deb from Lunch in a Box
• Gudrun from Kitchen Gadget Girl
• Jennifer from Savor the Thyme
• Ree from Pioneer Woman Cooks
• Jaden from Steamy Kitchen
• Sandie from Inn Cuisine
• Alanna from A Veggie Venture
• Sara from Ms. Adventures in Italy
• Kelly from Barbaric Gulp
• Stephanie from Iron Stef
• Stephanie from A Year of Crockpotting
• Anne Marie from This Mama Cooks
• Hetal and Anuja from Show Me the Curry
• Roni from GreenLiteBites <– that’s me! :)
• Jayne from This Week for Dinner
• Kim (and Roger) from the Building Blocks Show
• Krista from Londonelicious,

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How awesome to be surrounded by hundreds of women doing their thing. I spent most of the day just hanging out. I forgot my "real" camera so you are stuck with phone shots…

MizFit and I

MizFit, Lisa the Workout [...]]]> I’m here. I’m alive. I’m TOTALLY PSYCHED!

How awesome to be surrounded by hundreds of women doing their thing. I spent most of the day just hanging out. I forgot my "real" camera so you are stuck with phone shots…

MizFit and I

MizFit, Lisa the Workout Mommy, Sahar the FatFighter and Michelle

AJlovestoLose

I need to get some sleep. Tomorrow is the 5K bright and early. Then I present my WordPress Geek Lab Session followed by the Blogs & Body Image panel. Finally I have dinner plans with a bunch of food bloggers! It promises to be a fun filled day! OH! and it’s my Birthday!! :) I’ll be tweeting on and off as I get inspired. Hopefully I’ll have enough energy to recap tomorrow night.

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Oh My Woooord I have finally found my breaking point. Apparently it’s topping an already hectic life with preparing for a 3 day conference in Chicago the week after returning from vacation while living in my temporary 600 sq ft apartment and working full time. yikes!

My life is in a [...]]]>

Oh My Woooord I have finally found my breaking point. Apparently it’s topping an already hectic life with preparing for a 3 day conference in Chicago the week after returning from vacation while living in my temporary 600 sq ft apartment and working full time. yikes!

My life is in a constant state of motion. Every moment has been pretty much accounted for since returning home from vacation. The funny thing is I swear I get more creative when I’m busy. I’ve been feverishly writing down ideas so I don’t forget them. It’s like a feed off franticness. I’m insane, I swear.

Anyway let’s see if I can do a brain dumb and make some sort of sense. First of all let me tell you, after eating all the junk on vacation I’m happy to say my diet is returning to normal. I’ve been food journaling and doing my best by planning meals and being prepared. I even posted two ideas on GreenLiteBites, Spinach Salad w/ Toasted Chickpeas & Pomegranate Vinaigrette and Minted Mango and Lime Chicken on a Stick. My body welcomed some fresh veggies and I have been enjoying cooking even though I miss my kitchen. :(

Now on to the other updates. One of the reasons I’ve been so busy is because of BlogHer. If you guys remember I’m presenting twice. A geek lab session on WordPress and a talk on blogs and body image. Speaking of…

I’m totally psyched to announce… WeAreTheRealDeal.com. I know you guys are going to think I’m crazy as I already have waaaaay to much on my plate but this subject is so near and dear to my heart I feel I NEED to be a part of it. Just check out our mission statement and you’ll see why. Oh! and check my first post there, Is it Wrong to Want to Lose Weight?

ok so BlogHer… I CANNOT WAIT! Plane leaves tomorrow. I’ll be arriving in Chicago around 2. I’ve gotten a few emails about a meet up and I’m ALL for it! Problem is there’s so many darn things going on. So I’m proposing two things.

1.) A Drink! (I can totally use one. You?) :)

Thursday night seems to be my most free. The only thing I want to do is stop by the speakers reception. Other then that I’m chillin’. I’ll be at the Chi Bar around 8 for a drink. If you are in the area and want to meet up join me. Who knows maybe I can even get MizFit to stop by. ;~P Note: don’t ask me if this clashes with any events that are already planned. I’m sure there are TONS. Frankly, I can’t keep up and I’m not going to try to.

2.) A Run

Not sure if I told ya but I’m running in the BlogHer 5k on Friday. However I also want to run Sunday morning. I have 12 miles scheduled for my marathon training. I’m not sure how realistic that is but I’m really want to try to get in a nice long run Sunday morning. If anyone is up for it I’d love some company even if you only run a mile or two with me, it could be fun! :)

There’s only one problem. I have no idea where to run or if even a 6 mile stretch is possible in Chi-town. So I’m open to suggestions. If all else fails I’ll just.. well.. run and see where my feet take me but I thought I’d extend an invitation.

Besides the conference and new blog I’ve been working my butt off at my day job. Thankfully I’ve been loving every minute of it. I’m involved in some really interesting projects some if which I hope to share as they are health related.

On the new house front, it’s all coming together! They started dry walling this week and I should have a settlement date schedule by the beginning of August.

Right now I’ve got to go. It’s 11:30 and I’m not even packed yet. I hope to be blogging while I’m there. Of course I’m gravitating towards the geek sessions so I plan on posting recaps of lessons learned on RoniNoone.com. Other then that I’ll be tweeting, of course and I may even try to keep up the food journal.

ok, gotta go!

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I just posted about their Greek yogurt and I really am a [...]]]> I actually got a sponsor to the BlogHer Conference! Do you believe it?! I’m so excited. This means I’ll have coupons! Come see me in Chicago for yours or better yet leave a comment and we’ll do a giveaway! :)

I just posted about their Greek yogurt and I really am a fan. I love it when I get an opportunity to work with a company I like. It’s so much better then turning down the ones I don’t. ;~)

By the way, speaking of conferences…. did you see us Fit Bloggers have one of our own in the works? That’s right, baby… Fit Bloggin’10 click here to read more!

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