Hi Lettuce Heads!
This week is a big one for me. After another busy wedding weekend (beautiful bride who I’ve known since 3rd grade, Jessica above), I woke up on Sunday realizing that I will be leaving for Napa Valley, California and joining my fellow 2012 Performing Beautifully Oakley ambassadors here in a few short days. We all won this trip due to submitting our interpretation of what “performing beautifully” means to us, explaining/illustrating how we are active in our every day lives, encouraging others to do so as well, and how we could be great ambassadors for the Oakley brand. I had a lot of pep in my step and a full day to myself. My man was golfing all day (side note-I love this about him, doing something he loves, participating in a solid sport, and his blue eyes look awfully nice with a handsome tan), so my only plans were to stand up paddleboard later that day with my family. Im from a family of 6 kids, so 8 total family members all on the water together, doing something only one person, myself, had done halfway successfully before- I was quite excited for this, anticipating comical stories to come.
Waking up fully amped and inspired, I wanted to walk my walk of “performing beautifully”. Upon joining this awesome network of wonderful women I havent even met in person yet, we’ve all connected online, and Ive been seeing gorgeous pictures of my fellow ambassadors in California, New Hampshire, New York, Colorado, etc, etc, etc- and although drool was present a time or two, it didnt have me “wishing I lived somewhere more beautiful or more accessible or easier to be active in”- sure, IVE GOT TO VISIT, but on a realistic note, it had me break out a few of my favorite toys and hit up a few of my favorite spots. Indiana is indeed home to me, and although who knows where I’ll explore in the future, I know I have barely experienced touch of what my back yard has to offer.
So in honor of my upcoming immersion trip for Oakley in sunny C A L I F O R N I A here this Friday- Monday, here is just a taste of how I do it in beautiful I N D I A N A .
Went for a nice run on the Monon, where you can see people walking their dogs, rollerblading, skate boarding, biking, and hitting up the local fitness options. Here, right off the monon is one of our local YMCA’s….Not only do I teach at one downtown but I truly LOVE THE Y- a place where everyone can afford a membership due to financial packages custom fit to income!
Don’t have a bike? RENT ONE! Here near 86th street!
You’ve got to check out the Cross Fit gyms- they are not for the faint of heart!
After 7.5ish miles I jumped in my Jeep- HELLO SUMMER LOVE- and trailed up to Fishers.
Fits my bike perfectly (4 door) yo!
Yup, Fishers has a beach in their NEIGHBORHOOD! Fun in the sun- Saxony District
My sisters enjoying the beach back seat
A snow cone truck? My sister didnt waste any time in getting refreshments. Smart girl.
My other sister and I on our boards! Salty Dog Paddle hooked us up!
Pops and Sis hitting up the kayak!
My bro wanted to race and even knocked my mom off her board- for that reason, she was a champ and my bro is fast. You cant appreciate his man arms here.
Jack n Sophia havin a good time. They both enjoyed it and got wet ha ha!
My momma was a GREAT sport- she did it too, what a champ!
I then hopped on my bike and did some mileage before I headed home. A nice run, some SUP- acronym for our beloved stand up paddleboarding, and biking makes a happy girl. My brother was asking me if I already worked out today, I answered, well I ran, but I wanted to make an active day full of some of my favorite things to do. SUP surely beats reality tv, no offense to my beloved MTV, and anytime I can get on my road bike is a treasure.
I truly believe that it shouldnt be odd for a person to explore heart pumping, sweat producing, FUN activities in the sun any chance they can. Put on your sunblock, stay hydrated, and stay moving. We may have pretty dry grass this summer- but we ought to make use of hot, sunny weather while we can, and get out there, performing the way we would if we lived in Cali, a Carolina, Florida, Hawaii, yada yada.
I look forward to finding out how else I will perform beautifully here in the midwest- surely the other 9 girls will rub off on me this weekend and I will have some goodies to share! It will be my first time in California. I promise to welcome my freckles, taste some fine wine, and sport the coolest shades around.
Thank you all for your excitement youve been sharing with me- it means more than you know. Now, in the meantime, how about making me and yourself proud by exploring Indiana, or wherever you are, and everything it has to offer. Why wait?
Maria “Like the Lettuce” Romaine, xoxo
(Congrats again Jessie- you were a BODACIOUS bride)
