Passage of Time…and Hello, Second Half of the Year!

Do you ever feel as if time is on super speed? That is how I feel ever since I’ve moved to Pittsburgh. The first few months felt liking drinking from a firehose in terms of settling into my new home and city. All that adjustment also included exploring, little by little, all that this city has to offer.

Thus, my utter surprise when the calendar announced the beginning of the second half of the year – and oh how fun it has been!

First, my fitness progress. I’m happy to report that, for almost four months now, I have consistently hit the gym nearly every day. The few days I have not been at the gym were my cardio-only days, where I found other ways to get my steps in. Otherwise, I am continuing my journey to be the strongest and fittest I have ever been.

My primary goal was to lose excess fat in my mid-section. Finally (and I do mean finally!), I am seeing and feeling results. I’ve reawakened my metabolism, thanks to improved eating and building muscle. I’ve been losing excess fat in areas of my body that weren’t priorities, such as back, buttocks (I miss those), and thighs. Of course, the area of my focus is the area that is last to show excess fat loss progress.

Hitting the gym has become such an integral part of my daily routine that I can’t imagine not being there. There’s a feeling of satisfaction that I made this positive change in my habits that I know will serve me well for however long of a life I am granted on this planet. I also gain a sense of accomplishment first thing of every day, and that provides a rush of satisfaction that I look forward to daily.

This year saw the U.S. celebrate its 249^th birthday. This experiment continues to truck along with all the ups, downs, trials, tribulations, and celebrations of any nation.

Pittsburgh celebrated with a lot of fun and, of course, plenty of fireworks. It was a scorching day (and an omen of how the bulk of the month would be in the temperature department).

I began the day getting the most American lunch: Thai food at Nicky’s Thai Kitchen! I have passed this restaurant so many times on my walks downtown that I decided July 4^th was the day to visit. The Tom Yum soup was the best I’ve ever had – the first time I’ve experienced it with such a flavorful clear broth. I will go back for that soup – so yummy! Oh - and the Pad Thai was delicious, too :)

I got my steps in that day, walking to the North Shore and back home to check out the daytime activities. There were bands, food, and lots of boats on the rivers with a few brave souls even swimming in them!

The very small part of me that wanted to stay and wait for the fireworks was quickly silenced by the majority of me that needed to get out of the heat and sun and watch the fireworks on TV. Not the same, no, and I’m Ok with that. I am so grateful for air conditioning!

The following weekend offered up yet another fun time – this one totally brand new to me – Picklesburgh. There was a lot of hype leading up to the food festival and based on the crowds of people it brought into the city, it definitely lived up to it.

To commemorate my first Picklesburgh - the pickle balloon :)

Even before the official beginning of the festival, area businesses were offering pickle-themed foods and goods. My favorite was the pickle pizza at Pizzaiolo Primo in Market Square. You know you’re in for a gastronomic delight when prosciutto and asiago cheese are part of the ingredient list. I’m still savoring this pie as I type.

On the second day of the festival, I went to the Warhol Museum to get my pickle-themed screenprint on a (what else?) green bandana. As a nod to both the festival and the artist, I chose Andy Pickle :)

Overall, there were a variety of vendors, both foods and goods, as well as activities spread across many areas in the Downtown area. The crowds coupled with the heat of the festival’s three days were a downside. Next year, I plant to attend the festival on the first day right as it opens to avoid the throngs of people. Especially on the 6^th and 7^th Street bridges, there wasn’t enough space to maneuver, which resulted in long lines at all the vendors. Again, that and the heat were the two dampers in an otherwise fun festival. I mean – where else can one ride a mechanical pickle?! Many did – I just watched :)

July has been an eventful month, and it’s not over yet. More to come as I continue to enjoy, explore, and learn about my new home city!

What are some of your favorite activities in the heat of summer? What are your annual go-tos?