Favorites

I’m officially in love with cherry limeades, specifically the sugar-free ones I make at home. Incredibly refreshing!

JoJo’s

I’m addicted to JoJo’s chocolates. In fact, I have three large to medium sized plastic containers filled with different options. Not pictured: chocolate covered pretzels.

Parlor Donuts

I believe Parlor Donuts are the United States’ best kept secret. I said it here first. They offer both keto and gluten-free options. No one I know does this! Although the keto version (top photo) is more “cakey”, it was sweet without being overly, weirdly sweet. The bottom two were also incredible. Because I couldn’t not take a bite. And they offer coffee, which is a must with sweet donuts.

Rebel Pistachio

I love the Rebel brand, and each flavor is good. However, Pistachio is the best of the best. So good, in fact, I had it 2 nights in a row. Big deal.

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I ask you –

Of the list above, have you tried any?

What is your favorite donut brand?

Thoughts on keto/lower sugar ice cream.

(The post Favorites first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Semi-Dark Thoughts

I’m a firm believer in the saying “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Typically. Usually. Sometimes. But I also think the more time you’ve spent with someone, the harder it is to overcome grief. Unpopular and slightly dark opinion: as a child, losing someone you love is actually easier because you wouldn’t have spent as much time with them and there’s more of your life to process grief. However, losing someone as an adult is more difficult because a) you’ve known them longer and b) may find it more difficult to acknowledge grief.

Sometimes the dark thought of self doubt creeps in and I have a low moment of wondering what I could possibly bring to the table. For example, I had a fantastic conversation with one of my classmates and he helped me figure out some of the stats tables I’d been struggling with. As he has an accounting background, I deferred to his expertise. But, when we hung up, I wondered why would he help me and what could I possibly contribute to the remainder of our doctoral journey. I don’t need compliments, I need purpose. So, it took some time, but I realized what I’m here for: connection. Both of the classmates I’ve befriended are a result of me reaching out, forming a connection, continuing to reply and encourage because, by doing so, it encourages me. Maybe I’m no numbers whiz and maybe I struggle with the most basic of tables and figures but the table I sit at offers connection. Figures. Get it, get it.

On a related note, I made a last minute appointment to get the tattoo I’ve been brainstorming for many months now. Even designed it myself. It’s very simple, no color, and perfect for me.

From top to bottom: The coffee cup is my own personal trademark because I rarely am not drinking coffee. The semicolon is very close to my heart as it symbolizes a pause, a breath, a short break in thoughts, and is often used for suicide awareness, of which my father took his own life when I was 10. The stack of books is twofold: 1) I love to read, always have and 2) as a lifelong learner and career college student, then books made sense. Finally, the 13.1 represents my adoration for running the half marathon distance.

As an addendum, there’s still room for the word Dr. and the 26.2 below what I currently have. Upon those completions. Despite this tattoo being my most visible, I couldn’t think of a better place because of how often I look down at my Just Run bracelet so an additional reminder of the things I love and have meaning is just beautiful.

Finally, if you’re in the Wichita Falls (or DFW area), find Josh at Factory City Tattoo. By far the best conversationalist with some really fascinating personal history and connections to the Wichita Falls area. He’s the man to make all your permanent ink desires come true!

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I ask you –

Do you have any tattoos?

If so, what hurt the worst? This was comparable to a few bee stings. One of my others was a lot more painful near my hip bone.

Tell me about something in your life that’s symbolic.

(The post Semi-Dark Thoughts first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Running Man + Tattoos + Do You Have Brand Loyalty?

Anytime Fitness CEO Chuck Runyon uses the phrase ROEI (return on emotional investment). Similar to ROE (return on investment), ROEI is the backbone of a company, except it includes an immeasurable aspect: emotion. How can it be a company staple if you can’t quantify it, you ask? Because health is more than a number.

All about the numbers.

Medical professionals will state your health in terms of blood pressure, a pain level on a scale of 1-10, or what your lab results indicate in numeric form.

A personal trainer or H2i will ask you how you feel and fully expect you to state an adjective, like happy, tired, sick, or amazing. Pretty sure those aren’t all adjectives; work with me here. This is the difference between charting numbers and evaluating emotions.

“How do you feel?”

ROEI is the idea that people continue coming back to Anytime Fitness for more than the measurable results; they do it for themselves. Do you remember when you graduated or got married or stood on a stage before thousands of other people and then they CLAPPED for you? Funny story: Munchkin once crossed the finish line at a race, received her well-deserved clapping, grabbed a banana, then repeated the finish line routine 4 more times just so the spectators would clap again and again…and again…and again…you get the idea. The feeling you get from other people cheering you on is incredible! Recognizing a sense of accomplishment is the great part about human nature. Cheer for others! Encourage them! Clap!

At Anytime Fitness, we support you. If you’ve had a bad day because you received a phone call with hard news or you walked into work and received a pay raise, we want to hear about it all. This is the return on your emotional investment. I’m invested in not only your health, but also your life. I want to share in your accomplishments and your downfalls. My members are just as much a part of my family as my own biological family.

So where do tattoos fit into this?

Chuck Runyon (& Son Charlie), Anytime Fitness CEO

People get tattoos for a variety of reasons. Brand loyalty can be one of those reasons. Logo tattoos, like the Running Man, isn’t necessarily about the brand – it can be about what the company represents to the tattoo holder. Or maybe they just like the color purple!

Keep reading for the MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS BLOG POST!

I’m sad to say I don’t know anyone personally who has the Running Man tattoo on his/her body. I did briefly meet one woman who has the tattoo, but I can’t say I know much about her (I met her at a Vitals event). I do have it on good authority July 17th is National Tattoo Day. If this blog post receives 13 comments, I will personally go get my very own Running Man tattoo during the month of August.

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I ask you –

What brands are you loyal to?

Do you have any tattoos?

Leave a comment and if I receive at least 13 I will get my very own Running Man tattoo!