Wedding attire

In anticipation of A&K's wedding next week, I've been in search of a dress and comfy shoes--a major challenge considering my current, um, hugeness. While Leezie did offer up many cute maternity dresses, most of them are a bit too snug (like I said, I'm huge!). And the cotton frocks I've been sporting all summer all of a sudden so tired. So yesterday, I set out with Sam in search of a little something, and wound up with an easy, breezy maxi dress. It's nothing too fancy, but fits well (surprise, surprise) and will do the trick. One stop later, I found a pair of soft-soled sandals with a tiny wedge heel on major sale (shown here in pink, I got 'em in gold). Hooray! A big to-do crossed off my list--now I'm ready to party! :-)

I'm getting a good feel for what my life will be like in oh, a month or so. This week, with Speed working upstate in the shop for his upcoming show, I've been putting in full days with Sam. It's been great--I get there around 9:30 and spend some time with Leezie as she gets ready for work, feed Sam breakfast, and then get him started on his routine. 90% of the time this entails playing, getting dressed, taking a walk, taking a nap, eating lunch, playing, taking another walk, nap #2, and more playing. It's like clockwork! I've even been able to schedule some phone interviews during his set naptimes, which have worked out well, considering he snoozes for a good two hours on most days. Now, I just need to get that whole avoiding-blogging/facebook/people.com/CBB-while-I-should-be-writing thing down. Then, I'd be set (and meet all of my deadlines, too!).

Speaking of which, I better get to a column...

Wassner collaboration

The MetroSports story on the LZR Racer suit that Karl and I produced is actually online. However, it only includes one of her photos. So I'll still scan so you can see her talent at work! In the meantime, check out the story to get a "behind the seams" look at the crazy suit all of the swimmers wore at the Olympic Trials...and will wear in Beijing as well.

Some light reading...

I realize I've been remiss in posting some of my stories lately...and I know so many of you are just dying without my oh-so-helpful tips! Anyway, here are some of the latest. Also, I am one of these days going to get around to scanning in the story on the Speedo LZR Racer suit that's running in this month's MetroSports magazine. It's the first of (hopefully) many Wassner collaborations...Karl took some awesome pics, and I wrote the text!

Diet-friendly summer drinks to keep that bikini body

How far would you go to get your pre-baby body back?

Banishing varicose veins for sexy legs

Natural remedies for summer injuries and ailments

Spice up your health with turmeric

Summer safety: Fireworks and BBQ and water, oh my!

The scoop on frozen desserts

Weekend in Mobjack

As hoped, we had fab fourth weekend. Drove a total of 800-plus miles, slept in four different beds, played one game of Scrabble, and had TONS of fun!

We left on Wednesday and spent the night with my 'rents; then departed for VA on Thursday morning. It was an easy ride down to Mobjack, taking about 3 hours from the Flynns' house in Herndon. The Mobjack house is a great spot situated in an unbeatable location along the banks of a creek; look to the right and you see a wide river, which leads into the Mobjack Bay. Beyond that is the Chesapeake...it's water as far as you can see! You can swim, kayak, boat, fish, paddle boat, raft...or just hang out on the deck and read. I did just about all of the above and got in some good naps, too.

We celebrated the fourth by watching the various fireworks displays along the water, including a pretty impressive show by the next-door neighbors! The weather was iffy, but the rain held out until the last firework popped in the somewhat foggy horizon.

On Saturday evening we left after dinner and drove 230 miles to the Farm ("from one outpost to another", as Mark said...). There, we stayed in the newly renovated summer kitchen, which has been transformed into a lavish guest suite, complete with a king-size bed, handmade valances by Jeanie, and a beutiful coat of light-blue paint. I should have taken a picture. It's a very impressive makeover!

After a short day at the Farm (brunch at the KK, a quick trip to a flea market), we got back on the road and miraculously avoided any sign of traffic all the way back home. The weekend was perfect, and thanks to everyone who "hosted" us along the way!

 
 
 
Fun on the water...The house faces a creek that leads into a river (that leads into the Mobjack Bay, which eventually gets you to the Chesapeake). At high tide, the creek rises to about 5 feet; at low tide it's as shallow as 2 or 3. The water was the perfect temperature, and Erin and I spent a good amount of Thursday and Friday on rafts. Later on, Mark and I took the kayaks out for a bit. He patiently waited for me as I pulled up the rear...can't row so fast (or straight) with my huge bump!

A view of the house from the dock; Mark gets ready for a kayak adventure; looking out from the dock towards the Bay (at low tide).

On the Road Again...

View Larger Map

We're gearing up to head south again, this time to Mobjack, VA, where the Flynn's recently purchased a weekend home along the eastern shore. Their property sits on the banks of the Mobjack Bay, which leads into the Chesapeake. It'll be a bit of a trek for us from NYC, but I'm sure the drive will be worth it as all we are going to do in the next few days is relax, swim, and "listen to the fish jump" (as Mr. Flynn described his usual nighttime activity!).

First things first: A fun day with Sam mixed with a little bit of work ("Manny" Mark will be helping me out as I have an overseas interview to do and a deadline to meet), then we'll hit the road. Hope everyone enjoys a lovely long weekend. Happy Fourth!

Pantella's Pancake Tri

This morning at the bright and early time of 5 a.m., Mark, Keren, and I headed to Staten Island for the 2008 Pantella's "Flat as a Pancake" sprint triathlon. (We had the pleasure of having Keren stay over on Friday night; we took her to a good ol' Italian place in 'Boken for a carbo-loading dinner). Since I'm not quite in race shape (to say the least), I came along for moral support and photography duties. I was nervous/excited for the two of them; especially for Keren as this was her first triathon ever! Mark, of course, is an old-hand at them, but it was his season opener.

The morning was beautiful and the setting picturesque despite being in the often pooh-poohed borough of SI. Mark's wave was first to go in the water, and I was thrilled to see him emerge from the Bay in the top ten of his wave. A little later on, K came out, smiling and looking like she was having a great time. Then off on the bikes they went, and I was able to see them both pass three times on the multi-loop circuit. I'm sure that was quite a bore for them, but it was a great spectator's course! The run was an out-and-back on the boardwalk, and I was able to see the top folks finish as well as M & K start and end. I took lots of pictures and video (hope to post that soon) and tried not to get too envious of all of the people crossing the finish line! It's hard to watch a race, but I know I'll be back out there soon!

More pics follow...again, a big shout out to Mark and Keren...I am so proud! :-)

It was Keren's first-ever triathlon, and she did great! I tried to chip in with coaching and pre-race advice but otherwise acted like the typical nervous spectator I become each time I watch a triathlon. I'd much, much rather be competing--it's a lot less nerve wracking!

The other three legs of Mark's triathlon:

Race...
Recover...
Rest!

Wednesday in the City with Corinne

Corinne made a special day trip up to NYC on Wednesday for one of the last performances of Sunday in the Park with George. She had seen the cast perform on the Tony's and decided she just had to go; and of course I couldn't pass up the opportunity to A) spend time with my BFF and B) see the show. We got cheap tickets to a matinee and grabbed a quick bite with Mark in Bryant Park before dashing over to the theatre.

The show, a revival, was up for a bunch of Tony's this year, and for good reason: It's a unique and enlightening look at the life and influence of the neo-impressionist Georges Seurat and centers around his famous painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. This is a very familiar painting--I'm pretty sure we "studied" this painting or a similar work by Seurat with the Art Lady/Man, (the "Man," of course being none other than Mr. Dreskin--Corinne's dad--perhaps the only Art Man to ever walk the halls of Whetstone!).

The second half focuses on Seurat's ficticious great-grandson, who himself is an artist struggling with same inner-demons Seurat did hundreds of years prior. It was different and super-serious for a musical, but we both really enjoyed it. Afterwards, we hung out for a bit in the West Vill. before C trekked up to Queens for her ride home. It was a great day and felt almost like we were living in the same city again!

Sunday with Sam

On Sunday afternoon after an early start at the Philly tri, the 'rents and I had the pleasure to take Sam into Hoboken while Leezie and Speed were hard at work. He was a doll and entertained himself for a good 45 minutes on our bed with nothing but his rattle. He's such a good baby! Here are some pics from the day...click on the slideshow for full-size images!

Ladies Who Lunch

On Monday afternoon, in honor of bride-to-be Bec, we celebrated with a ladies luncheon at Perry Street. As some of you may recall , Bec treated me to a lunch at Perry Street around this time last year, and I never got over the flavor explosion that occured in my mouth that day! Needless to say, I was incredibly excited to go back, especially for such an exciting occasion! This time, I opted for the tuna burger and grilled hangar steak (with a liquid gruyere sauce), and, for dessert, the chocolate pudding atop devil's food cake. The food is amazing and so creative, and of course the company--which included John's mom, Francis (in from Toronto for the occasion ), Anna, Bubba, and my mom plus the four of us--was unbeatable. We're all so thrilled for Bec and John, and this was the perfect way to kick off the build-up to their October wedding in New Paltz!

The lunch capped off an action-packed three days, which included another party, a triathlon (for anyone who hasn't heard, Bec and Karl placed first and third, respectively, at the Philly tri!), and an afternoon in Hoboken with Sam and the 'rents. More on all of that later (and plenty of pis, too!).

Another weekend, another trip

Somewhat purposefully, we've packed a trip or event into nearly every weekend until August 1 (trying to squeeze in everything while we can, I guess!). This weekend: MD/VA/Philly.

After another trip down the Jersee turnpike last night, I'm back at the 'rents in Wheatone, doing some work and chilling until Pat & Mary's engagement party this evening in VA. Mark's playing golf and the 'rents are running errands, so I should have ample time to write a few columns and chisle away at my ever-increasing workload. Once again, I've put off everything 'til the last minute and have about 30 stories due between now and July 1. But I can handle it!

The extended Flynn fam is down for the big party tonight, so it'll be great to hang out with the cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. Thanks to Leezie, who so generously donated a bunch of dresses to my bump-worthy cause, I'm all set in the "what to wear" department. (Note for anyone who may be pregnant next summer: She has quite the enviable maternity collection!)

Then, tomorrow morning at 4 a.m., the 'rents and I will be scooting up to the city of bro' love to watch Karl and Bec undoubtedly kick some major butt in the Philly tri. We hope to be there by the first splash at 6:55 a.m. The early call time will be totally worth it, as this may be the only chance I get this season to watch them both compete.

Afterwards, we're going to travel back to NYC for an afternoon with Sam...and work for me. Speaking of which, back to it I go...

Seeing Triple

Some shots of Ashley's adorable kiddies, Jack (21 months) and brand-new twins, Hanna & Olivia (born May 12). She definitely has her hands full with these three, but you can't complain when they're this cute!

If you're flying the friendly skies on American this month, reach into your seatback pocket for the current issue of American Way magazine (with Will Ferrell on the cover). There, in the DownLow section, you'll find a Q&A I did with the Supernanny herself, Jo Frost. Here's what the page looks like...and if you want a sneak peek, check it out here (scroll all the way down to get to my piece, but read the other stuff because it's all good!).

And while we're on the subject of American Way, another story of mine (with Son of Rambow editor Garth Jennings ran in an issue last month. I kind of forgot about it, but if anyone has the chance to see his movie, you should. It's really entertaining in a witty, British kind of way. Here's that piece. (Again, scroll down 'til you see the picture of the two boys in combat gear).

Father's Day at the Farm

I had a wonderful weekend at home! We left late Thursday night and drove down to Arlington, where we stayed the night with Maureen. Early on Friday, Mark left for his golf trip in Cape Charles, VA, while I stuck around the area for a very relaxing and fun next three days. I met up with Corinne in Bethesda for lunch and a movie (Savage Grace, very odd and a highly do not recommend despite Julianne Moore's beautiful costumes). Afterwards, I scooted over to Silver Spring for a delish dinner at the Golden Flame with the 'rents. On Saturday, M and I got mani/pedis and then dashed up to the Farm (with a stop at Ragged first!) for Father's Day festivities!

We had a low-key Saturday night with a dinner at the KK (I opted out of my plans to go to B-more to watch Allie D. sing, a bummer, I know, but I was pooped...) . On Sunday we got up and started getting ready for the guests! Kasia's parents arrived around 2 and we celebrated Father's Day with a long Chair Circle session and a yummy BBQ. As the only "kid" around, I had a nice chance to spend time with everyone and to completely relax. We had gorgeous weather and a nice time catching up and hearing the wedding details (A & K were ensconced in their Engaged Encounter weekend and couldn't make it up...I felt for them!)

Later on Sunday, M and I drove back down to Arlington to meet up with the Flynn's (Mark had reconnected with them earlier in the day) for dessert at Maureen's. It was great to see everyone...even briefly. And yesterday, we rose early to shop at White Flint...M/"Grand Liz" bought Baby F bedding for F at Pottery Barn Kids and we tried to find a dress for the various upcoming occasions to no avail. Maternity stuff is way too pricey for this bargain hunter!

It was sad to get on the road and head back up to Hoboken, but alas we had to. We extended the extra-long weekend a bit more with a gourmet meal with Rick and Patty. I pretty much ate my way through the weekend, but it was totally worth it!

Baby model alert!

A shoot for Baby Gap? Nah, just a typical afternoon walk with Sam! I took these pics last Thursday on our way over to Aunt Bec's for a visit. As usual, he was flashing his adorable smile and his eyes sparkled in the early evening sun. How cute is he? (I think we can use the second picture as his headshot when he goes to try out for commericals...hee hee).

Livestrong.com

From an editor of Livestrong.com, a site I've contributed a bunch of stories to...launching 6/17! Check it out!

Set your DVRs, TIVOs to record TWO shows next Tuesday 6/17 when we launch LIVESTRONG.COM. Our partner, Lance Armstrong, will be on TV telling the world about our new site:
11amET/10am PT - the View on ABC
11:30pm ET/PT - Late Show with David Letterman

I've been blogged!

Meghan, my friend, former co-worker, and gifter of jobs (she's the reason I worked at CG!; I took over her position!), has a great blog on Women's Health mag website. I've been reading it since she started months ago and am always inspired by her drive and funny, fitness-related stories. In her latest post, she mentioned a certain someone who recently ran a 10K...at seven-months pregnant. Sound familiar? That would be me! It's a sweet shout-out and I'm honored to have made it onto the pages of her blog. Check it out!

Tech-challenged

You know how they say things happen in three's? Well, currently, I'm battling a busted iPod (non-working menu button), cell phone (zero battery, even after charging), and laptop (sticky mouse). As most of us are, I am completely dependent on these three items, and as a result of them malfunctioning, I feel like my life is in disarray. Sad, but true. So today, after I finish up some columns and before I head over to Sam-mind, I am going to have to make stops at the oh-so-fun Sprint and Apple stores to try to salvage at least two of my broke-down gadgets. I haven't had luck at either place in the past, so I'm not too too hopeful, but maybe they'll have sympathy on the large pregnant lady walking around in the heat! (Though it's not even that hot today, so that probably won't work, either).

After all of that, Mark and I are heading down the road for a weekend in VA/MD. M's joining his friends for a guys' golf weekend somewhere on VA's eastern shore, while I'll be hanging with the 'rents and whomever else is around for Father's Day weekend. Can't wait!

Me and my BFF, Sam. Note that we're both sporting some chubby cheeks...they're adorable on him, not so much on me!