Ron and the girls snuggling on the couch =)

There is something about February the shortest month, that seems to drag, wear on our patience and generally pull people into a funk. If the crap is going to hit the fan it usually happens in February So, on that note, it really is nice to have a bit of a breather right smack in the middle. While most New Yorker’s jet off to far away destinations or at least escape the Island, we have decided to enjoy a little staycation in one of the best cities in the world!! Ron is super busy at work right now and I have to admit, I am just enjoying NOT having a schedule to adhere to. I am sure by the end of the week I will be going a bit stir crazy, I am already missing my running group, but right now I am loving the flexibility. I also love exploring this incredible city and finding cool places to take the girls to.

NYC as our playground!!

Yesterday we decided to play tourist. The girls begged me to take them to the Times Square area because they really wanted to go to ToysRUs and American Girl Place. I was a little hesitant since it was a holiday and I did not want to get stuck in crowds and crowds of people. But, I gave in and we had a great day. We started off at the Empire 25 movie theatre on 42nd St. Over a healthy lunch of popcorn we watched the movie “The Secret World of Arrietty”. It was a wonderful movie and I highly recommend it. An enchanting, magical and thoughtful story. Each of us gave it two thumbs up!! After the movie we headed to ToysRUs. The girls had a specific “Barbie” that they were looking for and moved through the crowds like pros. I swear you would think those two had lived here since birth. I am often in awe of their confidence and resilience.

Striking a pose in Times Square

From ToysRUs we headed over to American Girl Place where they were eager to finally spend their gift card that Chantal had given them at Christmas. Again, they manoeuvred through crowds with comfort and ease. Not really sure what I was worried about, maybe MY sanity We topped the day off with a Magnolia cupcake. Yep, totally touristy and we loved it. Especially the part where it was just a short walk home through Central Park to crash in our warm and cozy apartment.

Today, we enjoyed a leisurely morning, followed by a manicure for the girls (another gift certificate from Christmas) and then a shopping trip to Trader Joe’s. We are getting ready for a friend sleeping over tonight where we will be making chocolate chip pancakes for dinner in celebration of Fat Tuesday.

A little pampering

The finished product

And what does the rest of the week have in store for us? Who knows? I have a few ideas in the back of my head. My good friend Rebecca of Beccarama told me about The Museum of The Moving Image for the Muppet Exhibit, I know the girls would LOVE that. And then when they get home they can review it on the incredible Kidzvuz site (if you have kids/tweens and they haven’t visited this site yet, what are you waiting for??!!) There is also The Bronx Zoo, The Brooklyn Museum and of course, there is a Carlos Cake Boss mug that I have to replace… Really, a NYC staycation has endless possibilities!! We are looking forward to our next adventure. Oh, and February isn’t ALL bad, there is Ron’s birthday and on Friday we will dine in style to celebrate his 40th. By then, I will definitely need a drink or two

*Some other great resources for kids in NYC are: NYCity Mama, Mommy Poppins, Time Out NYC Kids

I spent the afternoon doing laundry and trying to disinfect the apartment. Was just about done was looking forward to sitting down for a minute. No such luck. As I was emptying the last two mugs from the dishwasher, they slipped and while trying to grab hold of them, they clanged together, broke and I sliced open my hand. Ah yes, bright red, the color of Valentine’s Day Thankfully, my rockstar friend (and former nurse) Claire came over and assured me I didn’t need stitches. She performed first aid. Afterwards I was showing Claire something in my bedroom and it was at that time that I finally realized that the yucky smell in the apartment that I had been trying to find all day was dog puke on my bed. Sigh. Really???!!! More clean up and more laundry.

There was a bit of peace by the evening where after a romantic family dinner of soup and grilled cheese we all crashed on the couch and read before bedtime. Bedtime never looked so good, no double entendre at all, trust me. My man and his cold, both of us exhausted, our two sleeping beauties in the room beside us, two dogs snoring called it a night, happily curled up under the covers.

That was the romance in my day. I will take comfort in the fact that I don’t need a specific day to remind me how lucky I am to be surrounded by such an amazing circle of love that includes family and friends. I heart you each and every day. Hope your V-Day was a little better than mine Today, I am enjoying some mommy snuggles on the couch and keeping my fingers crossed for a fairly uneventful chain of events. And cupid, you can kiss my…

My Valentine care package from the beyond awesome Claire =)

Nothing says romantic dinner like soup and sandwiches!

I did find time to drown my sorrows in some delicious Teuscher chocolates. Oh Ron, you know me so well.

Love is all you need xox

Today I ran 10 Miles. This is the longest run I have ever done, in my life. For my Canadian friends that is 16 km. I am feeling like a rockstar. A tired, sore and hungry rockstar but a rockstar none the less. If you had told me a few months ago that I would be running 10 miles by February, I would have laughed at you. On my bucket list of things to do around 40ish, I had always said that I wanted to do a 1/2 Marathon. I guess I should be careful what I wish for because my name was pulled in the lottery for the NYC Half and well, that is what I have been training for. I am very fortunate to be training with an incredible group of women who continue to inspire and push me daily. There is always someone to run with, talk to, commiserate with and most importantly laugh with. I definitely would not be running this often and for this far without them. Thank you, my running ladies

Today was an absolute perfect day for a run- sunny and cool. For me, running is mostly about the mental, if I am not careful I will psych myself out. We chose a great route today. A full loop around the park (6 miles) and then another partial loop (4 miles). My brain needed to be tricked this way- get the 6 done and then it is our easy 4 mile route home. At least that is what I kept telling myself I have to say that I really enjoyed the run today. I felt strong. I took the time to look around and enjoy the beauty of Central Park. With all the pounding on the pavement, I really feel like I am getting to know the roads and all of the little (and not so little) hills and turns. I have to admit, I am still in awe that I train in freakin’ Central Park!! I hope that feeling never goes away.

So, I am not sure yet that I LOVE running. I love how it makes me feel afterward and the sense of accomplishment. I love running with my fabulous group of ladies. I love being outdoors. I love the health benefits. I love pounding negative thoughts and stress into the pavement. Although, there WERE a few times today where I was caught up in the beat of the music, the rhythm of my own body and felt that certain high… Running we are definitely at the “I like you very much” stage, I am just not sure yet if I can commit to the “L” word.

Hope you all have a wonderful day and can find some time to do what you like/love for you!

I know that in a few hours the temps will rise and we will be trudging through slush and sleet but right now I am enjoying looking out my window at the gently falling snow that seems to add a little softness to the concrete jungle Hope you are enjoying the day.

Good Morning NYC!

Taxi!!

Catching...

Snowflakes!

Gearing up for a little snowball fight

Street View

Walking the dog

Here...

We...

Go!!

Woohoo!!

Even Daddy got in on the fun

Full hill

Red & White

Winter beauty

Peaceful landscape

Winter Walkway

Doorway

Remember This??!!

It is at times like this, post holiday, depressing weather and a growing to do list that I find the January blahs creeping in. I know they are lurking when all I really want to do is crawl under the covers and hibernate. It gets especially bad when I think to myself “I have nothing to do”. Um, hello, I live in NYC, how could there possibly be nothing to do??!!! But alas, it is the January rut and it looms large. The blahs make every task seem daunting and grouchy mommy threatens to sneak in and nobody likes grouchy mommy So, I have decided that I am going to do my best this year to try and ward off the January (and ya, I see you February) blahs.

1. First of all, I am going to continue with the running and spinning. No matter how much I would rather just sit my butt on the couch, I will drag myself to the park and run. Thanks to my ladies who motivate me and of course, the hot chai latte that dangles like a carrot at the completion of the run! My Wednesday Warrior soul cycle is a real pleasure, a true full body workout as well as a boost of energy for the spirit. Thanks J!!

2.  I am going to continue to seek out and find cool spots to explore in this amazing city. My first stop is the New York Historical Society. We went there as a family a few weeks ago and the newly renovated building is amazing. I can’t wait to go back on my own so I can really delve into the history of New York. It is not to be missed and is a perfect solution to a cold day!!

3.  Retail Therapy- The other day I finally ventured out to Barney’s. I had never been before because I have to admit I was a little intimidated to walk through the doors. Well, a couple of girlfriends took me along and I had tons of fun browsing through the racks of beautiful designer clothing. I am no longer a Barney’s virgin. Manhattan has some amazing shopping experiences and I think the dreary winter weather is a perfect time for a little wandering through the aisles. Tip- leave your wallet at home and just enjoy the scenery

And I may have bought a little something- VERY on sale

4. No matter what the weather, get out of the apartment!! It is a perfect time to explore the city. All of the holiday tourists are gone and NYC is largely back to normal. I am using the next bright sunny day to my advantage and am getting out there and hitting the streets. After all, I do have Canadian blood running through my veins, I should not be scared off by a little cold weather. And, there is a Starbucks on almost every corner for heat seeking moments.

My little Sktrgrl doesn't care how cold it is, she wants to get out!

5.  Hope and pray for a snow day! Nothing makes the city come alive or seem a little brighter than a big dusting of the white stuff. My kids are wishing for some snow and who can really blame them, it does make for tons of fun. Plus, this city seems brand new and clean for at least ONE day.

Fun in the snow (last year)

6.  I have decided to spend a little less time on the computer and iPhone (we shall see) and get back to one of my true loves- reading. After seeing the movie “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo”, I immediately started reading the second book (“The Girl Who Played With Fire” Stieg Larsson) and have just finished it, moving on to the third book “The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest”. There is nothing better than getting wrapped up in an amazing story to chase away those winter blahs.

Helps if you have a friend to warm your feet.

7.  And finally, I am going to surround myself with positive people. It is hard to chase away your own Blahs if you are constantly surrounded by other people bringing your down with their negativity. So, I am hanging out with the friends who encourage, suggest fun things to do, support you through the dreary to do list and offer a glass of wine when those blahs get a little too close for comfort. I hope you find the things that chase away your blahs too. You can always resort to daydreaming of beautiful beaches and warm sunny destinations. Good luck =)

Wish I was here...