Well hello strangers!
I’m not even sure where to begin, but a simple “hey, how’s it going?” seems appropriate.
It’s been quite some time. I know. I knowww.
For starters, there’s been so many updates on the back end here that it took me several attempts to even start this draft. I knowww. Don’t hate me. We’ve got a lot to catch up on my friends, so let’s chat over coffee, or in my case, tea (as I wind down from a long work day with some cozies) and talk it out.
I really miss you guys! And I’m so glad that you’re checking in to read this today.
Without any intentions of doing so, I took a few months of silence here on the blog. Ironically, the last post that I shared mentioned how I planned on at least hosting the weekly Friday Favorites link-up for the loyal readers who click over on a regular basis! Whoops.
What happened, right? Well … life.
My routine right now includes spending ten plus hours a day at the studio (<- need a catch up?), creating social media posts and graphics for my former studio, working out, staying on top of laundry and household to-dos, and spending as much time with Scott and our fur kids as I possibly can. My job as a Studio Manager is very demanding, but equally as rewarding, and it’s been an amazing experience to see what started as a pile of construction dust turn into a popular boutique fitness studio with waitlisted workouts all day, every day. It’s crazy!
When it all comes down to it, no matter how challenging and log days can get, the opportunity to witness peoples’ lives literally change in front of my eyes makes me so happy. Between motivating members in the wee early morning hours, running workouts well into the evening, and only closing up shop for one calendar day out of every year, the fitness industry is not for the weak or lazy. There’s a hustle to keep up with, not only in leading my team on the inside, but also keeping up with everything new and New York City outside.
Living in Brooklyn has been wonderful. Are there days where I miss the simple pleasures I took for granted living elsewhere like driving with the windows down, grilling in a backyard, and enjoying the holidays without a parka on? Absolutely. But, there’s also so much to do and see here. It’s exhausting, but equally as thrilling and never gets old. And, for what it’s worth, as cold as I can get on my walks to work — the views sure are beautiful.
Scott is living his dream here. Somehow, he’s busier than I am and does things that surprise and impress me. He shot his first national commercial last month and usually spends the days doing extra work on popular television shows that are being filmed in the area, taking courses, and working on his entertainment consulting business. There are days where I have to take a step back to soak in everything that we are immersing ourselves into while living here. I never pictured our daily activities up here to be our new normal. It’s interesting, that’s for sure!
I’m not going to lie and say there hasn’t been an opportunity to blog here and there. I currently get one full day off a week, and I’ve been using that day to unplug, rejuvenate, and simply exist. I’ve also picked up a not-so-ideal habit of “Netflix and chilling” whenever Scott is working on Sundays. It’s definitely a different life than I lived a year ago!
The truth is that I really needed the hiatus from all things social for a bit. Moving was hard. Moving again was hard. Losing two tiny miracles broke me. To be quite frank, I wasn’t very interested in blasting my life or feelings over the Internet. But, taking some much needed time away also helped me to grow into a much better place and person that I’m exploring now.
If there’s anything I’ve learned over the last few months, it’s to appreciate the bumps in the road that bring you towards whatever path you’re meant for. A good friend recently shared some great and relevant advice that I’d like to pass on to all of you. “Picturing our lives can sometimes make us not appreciate and fully live the life we’re given.” It’s so true, isn’t it?
Life doesn’t always turn out how you expected it to. Ish happens. It sucks. But then we grow from it and move on.
Living in New York City has felt very strange for me lately. We’re in one of the busiest and most exciting places I can think of, yet I don’t usually get out to try nearly as much as I used to. I have to plan anything social days and sometimes weeks in advance, and since Scott and I literally have opposite schedules, we have to make a big effort to spend quality time together.
As you can imagine, this took a while for me to adjust to. What used to be cooking dinners together has turned into ordering something on my way home for one. While Scott is setting out to work his night job, I’m winding down from the day and turning in early. He gets to bed late and I get up for work shortly after he gets to bed. Basically, we’re what Frank Sinatra would call Strangers in the Night and sometimes pass each other with a quick hello and goodbye.
Am I currently living the life that I pictured a year ago? Two years ago? Three? No, but I’m learning to appreciate the beauty in every day until that dream of building our family in a “normal setting” becomes reality. Whatever “normal” means. And, the good news it that I can channel my alone time towards something pretty exciting in the interim — this blog.
Now that the studio is up and running (and doing great!), I’m hoping to back off of my hours a little bit to reconnect with family, friends and, of course, YOU GUYS!
I’m putting in a solid effort to get back to sharing more of my day on social media and invite you to follow the whereabouts on Snapchat and Instagram to stay in the loop between posts here on Life In Leggings.
My goal with maintaining this site is to to find more of a balance that enables me to do everything I love which includes staying on top of a structured fitness routine, cooking, hanging with friends, flying down to see family more than once a year, and sharing regular content. And speaking of getting back into the swing of things, I’m in dire need of updated photos and help with the occasional shoot for campaign work. Local friends in NYC, any photographer suggestions?
I’m not going to make promises that I can’t keep around here, but I will tell you that I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. Sharing an array of topics in this space is a passion of mine, and I miss writing. I really do. And there is so much to talk about!
While living in the City, I’m going to do my best to share the highlights with you. I’ll be back tomorrow with a brand new edition of Friday Favorites (and link up!) to kick things off, and I hope you’ll stick around for the topics I’ve been itching to dive into along the way.
Thank you to each and every one of you who has sent over your kind words, support, prayers, and love over the last few months and years. I truly couldn’t keep this space alive without it. I’m so very grateful and can’t wait to continue the journey with you!
![[in our elementary school era] 🚌😭
Skyler did great walking into KINDERGARTEN with a big smile on his face this morning. I, however, was a bit of a mess on our walk home. 🥹
It’s wild how fast these 5 years with him have gone … 7 since we moved to NYC and into our apartment, dreaming of the day our kids would someday go to the *awesome* school right down our block. 🏫
That day is today, and I still don’t believe it — feeling allll of the emotions and thanking God for placing us here and for being able to trust His timing through the journey. 🫶🏼 #hbshinnyc
SO proud of you, SK - you are going to rock your first year at your “big boy school” - WE LOVE YOU !! 🩵👑](https://lifeinleggings.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
hooray! you’re backkkk! you know i’ve missed your blog x 1,000,000 but also more than understand your need to unplug for a bit. so happy to read a post from you this morning and sending you lots of love!!
Totally needed, but ready to get back into the swing of things when I have the time! Miss you and getting to catch up with your blog on the regular, too. Lots of hugs and love to you! xo
Welcome back! I am so excited to have you back! Taking time when time is needed and so important and I am glad you are feeling ready to blog again!
So happy to hear that you’re doing well! Seriously, take as much time as you need to take care of yourself. It sounds like you’re really busy, but I’m glad to hear that you’re crushing it at your new job. Post when you feel like it and we’ll be here to read. 🙂
So happy to see you back Heather! I’ve been a fan of your blog for years. Good for you for stepping away when you needed it, but know you were missed!
Great to read a catch-up post from you- I love the blog! Sounds like an exciting life in NYC! My husband and I have been in exactly the same schedule situation before! We are on somewhat more similar hours now, but not exact. It’s tough! Just makes you enjoy quality time together when you can. Looking forward to reading 🙂
I’m so glad you’re back sweet friend. I am so THANKFUL for our friendship and the way it’s blossomed in just the past 9 months. I texted you as I definitely have a photographer recommendation for you.
Hello Heather
It is the first time I write you and glad it turns out to be the day you became active on your site again! It was great to read your 6 weeks half marathon plan a while back and wanted to let you know it is AWESOME. I hadn’t improved in 3 mile and 6 mile training run for a few years and yours did the trick. Will try a half marathon PR next weekend and will let you know how it goes. Thank you, you are the best!
I also want to wish you the best in this life transition and adjusting. It is always a difficult balancing act to remember the old and cherish the new and make sense of where it is all taking you. Enjoy life, contemplation, running and work!
SO great to see you back!!! And I’m glad you’ve been gone for a good reason- super busy and kicking BUTT!
Carrie this fit chick recently posted…5 Ways to Workout this Week
Hi Heather! I missed your posts so much and am so excited you’re back. And so glad to hear the studio is up and running and Scott seems to be doing well with his job. Life definitely seems crazy for you both, but I love that quote your friend told you. Who knows what you’ll be doing a year from now, so it’s important to live in the moment.
Patricia @Sweet and Strong recently posted…Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Bonjour Bonjour Ma Chère Heather!
Really happy to read from you!
Glad you are back!
I can’t wait for your next post.
Bisous.
Welcome back! Life does have a funny way of twisting in turning in ways we least expect it. It’s even better when it works out in the long run!
Kristin recently posted…5 Tips To Maintain Energy Throughout The Day…Without Drinking 6 Cups of Coffee
Great to have you back! Glad things are going well for you and the studio and that you’re taking the time you need to rest and rejuvenate.
So happy you are back. I checked in every day without fail to see if you were back to blogging. THRILLED. Looking forward to reading your blogs and so happy you are doing OK. YES live in the moment always.
YESSSSSS I MISSED YOU!!!!!! I also work 50-60 hours a week as my normal although in a totally different field; I love reading blogs as my down time at night but can’t imagine having to come up with content & write in that little spare time, so I totally get it. As long as you’ll be updating here (and on Instagram and Snap), I’ll continue to happily follow along. Always rooting for you (and Scott)! <3
Woo Hoo… so good to see you back in blogland today. Sounds like you are a very busy girl, and its nice to see you are doing fine. Looking forward to updates here and there from you. You were missed. 🙂
SO HAPPY YOU ARE BACK TO THE BLOG! I have been reading for years and have been worried about you these past few months. It sounds like you are in a much better, more peaceful place in your life right now, and that is great. I look forward to reading more in the days to come. Welcome back!
SO excited to see you back! Oh how I have missed reading your posts!
So happy you are back! Been thinking about you and am happy to hear youe updates!
Marielle recently posted…A Kid Update
SO glad you are back Heather!! We all missed the heck out of you!!! XOXO
Yay! So glad to see you back! You totally inspire me and make me happy! Prayers your way!!
Welcome back!! I have missed you!! Life sure has a funny way of twisting and turning and leading us down all sorts of paths to get us where we are supposed to be 🙂 so happy to hear that you’re happy and kicking butt!
So happy to check my reader and see a new blog from you! 🙂 Your attitude is so refreshing and one I strive for! I am so excited for you and Scott – so many adventures and exciting things happening for you both. That’s awesome!
glad to see youre back!! Fitness life can definitely get out of control sometimes so I understand the need for the break 🙂
Erin @ Erin’s Inside Job recently posted…Five Things Friday #130
Glad you are back! Maybe I should have read this post first, ha! I totally understand the need to take a hiatus from social media and blogging. I hope you are feeling peaceful and re-energized! Thanks for popping back in!
Sharing everyone else’s sentiment…so happy to see you back here. We missed you!
Soooo glad you’re back, but I’m glad you took some time away for yourself. Take as much time as you need when you need it. Your loyal readers will be here waiting 🙂
So, so glad you’re back! We’ve missed you!!
Aw thank you so much for reading!
What an Great Post. Very interesting topic of the time and I really thrilled to read this. Keep posting such interesting topics.