Coffee talk - August edition

I am linking up with Coco, Deborah, and Lynda for this month's edition of Coffee Talk.

The link-up actually starts tomorrow, but I am ready to get this party started a day early!

The premise behind this link-up is: "If we were having [insert choice of beverage here] together, I would tell you..."

Armed with my tall glass of either orange juice or water on the rocks, here are a few things I would share:

Adam and I are going to Israel in November! We got ridiculously good airfare on Turkish Airlines. We'll be flying into Tel Aviv with a layover in Istanbul. Now we are working to figure out our itinerary - there is SO much to see and do. The plan will likely include some combination of Jerusalem, Haifa, Tiberias, the Dead Sea, Tel Aviv, and a jaunt to Petra, Jordan.

The Old City in Jerusalem

We'll also be road-tripping to Traverse City, Michigan over Labor Day! I have wanted to visit northern Michigan for a long time, so I am very excited to finally make it happen. I've heard amazing things about the beaches, the hiking, the food, and the friendly people.

The Grand Traverse Bay

Traverse City claims itself to be the Cherry Capital of the World. I plan to take advantage of this by eating as many cherries and cherry-themed recipes as possible. I want to bring home a car trunk full of cherries!

This past Wednesday, I watched sports all day long. 
In the afternoon, my company held one of its annual Chicago Cubs rooftop outings.

Hanging out with Meghna and Alicia, two of my awesome coworkers

It was so hot and sunny that most of us only spent a few minutes on the rooftop. The rest of the time, we were inside hanging out. (Allright, maybe I didn't literally watch sports all day long.) I even wore a Cubs-themed shirt to Wrigley Field for the first time ever (thanks to running the Race to Wrigley!)

Later that night, I went to Soldier Field to watch Manchester United take on Paris Saint-Germain.

It was a complete and unmitigated disaster trying to get into the stadium. Soldier Field is not built to handle 60,000+ fans trying to enter the premises and go through security all at the same time. Blech.

That aside, once I got to my seat I had fun. The atmosphere was very lively and those soccer players have footwork skills like you wouldn't believe.

My adherence to self-imposed goals lives to fight another month... but the streak is in jeopardy. (See this post for further background.) I did manage to log 62.5 miles during the month of July. As of right now, I remain perfectly on track to run 750 miles for the year.

The month of August is going to be a real challenge, though. My running motivation is as low as it has ever been. Combine that with the arrival of hot and humid summertime weather. Then throw in a dislike of the treadmill. Results:

These days my new jam is strength training. I am enjoying the quick and visible results that I've reaped from doing more consistent strength-training over the past few months. Woo-hoo, instant gratification!

I am trying to improve my dance skills. What a challenge this has been! In my Zumba classes, I'm paying closer attention to my instructor's form versus my form to identify what I can improve. The initial conclusion: EVERYTHING.

In an attempt to get some extra practice, I borrowed this DVD from the library:

It's a good thing that I don't have a mirror in my living room for when I try this DVD at home. Heh.

--

So what is new with you? What would you share with me over a coffee or other beverage?