While out grocery shopping this morning, a few people apparently tried to reach me but to no avail. I still have some things I need to figure out on how to use my new iphone. Besides apps. I get those. Love those. But all the pesky little details like the phone’s settings, ringer (bec I never heard any calls), data plan defaults, and blah-di-blah-blah I haven’t familiarized myself with yet. Technologically savvy? Not I! I even had to get Peter to help me set up my voice mailbox this afternoon. Which took way longer than it should have. All because I couldn’t decide which name to use.

I know what you’re thinking. Which name, Tina? Ummm…shouldn’t you know your own name??? Not that hard!

Well, I actually go by two names regularly. Do I say "Hi, you have reached Tina Reale…” OR “Hi, you have reached Christina Reale…”??? You see – my full name is Christina, but I much much much much much PREFER Tina. Like, by a landslide.

Growing up, I always wanted to go by Tina, but my dad didn’t “allow” for it because, in his opinion, my parents gave me the name Christina and that’s who I was. At a young age, I thought that ended any chance of my favorite nickname and always introduced myself as Christina. Only a few loved ones knew my preference and used that name with me. Peter calls me Tina. My mom calls me Tina. Some of my closest friends call me Tina. But a large portion of other friends and family call me Christina because that is how I introduced myself for years.

Then, when getting involved with healthy living sites, I always referred to myself as Tina because I could use whatever name I darn well pleased. The more involved I became, the more and more I associated with Tina and defined myself by that name. It’s hard to explain, but I almost feel Christina and Tina define two very different sides of myself. I almost view Christina as the old, frightened, depressed, unhealthy, self-deprecating me. Then, on the flip side, view Tina as the true me. The loving, passionate, strong me who lives life to the fullest, loves herself, and sees her worth in God.

People referring to me as Christina doesn’t bother me in the least, especially since they have known me that way for years. But, in my mind, I’m Tina! So, that’s what you will hear on my voicemail. 🙂

Wow. That was a total tangent of a topic for a Saturday. Shall we move on to the features, then? Happy Saturday!!!

Featured Post: Embarrassing Food

I wrote this post to hopefully open discussion on if others feel any unspoken blog standards in the foods we eat and share. Even though I sometimes feel those pressures, I recognize it is all in my head and I refuse to feel embarrassed by what I eat.

Featured Workout: Discussion on Pacing With Runs

Featured Meal: Banana Mango Smoothie Snack

Featured News: Working With Love Grown for the Healthy Living Summit!

Featured Reading: “Running Is A Big Dumb Jerk”

This post by Righteous Runner had me cracking up!!!

• Do you have any nicknames that you love?
• Are you technologically savvy?

How is it already Saturday late afternoon? I feel like I was constantly busy today, but can’t even remember what I exactly did. I hate that feeling. I know I grocery shopped. I know I did my long run. I know I played with my precious little ones. And I stopped at the gym to snag a few pictures for an upcoming exercises post. Well – I guess that does all add up to a busy day! But I still want my Saturday back.

Thankfully I had fun plans yesterday so today’s “just-another-day” feeling doesn’t have to bother me too much. I hung out with a good friend who I haven’t seen in way too long. In fact, Em and I haven’t seen each other since our boys were not even a month old!

And now just look at them…

Time goes so fast! Yet even though we somehow managed months without getting together – those dang busy schedules – we picked up like we saw each other just last week. The true mark of a special friendship, if you ask me. We talked and talked…until particular little boys got hungry and sleepy and we wanted to avoid metldowns. So, Em, thanks for a special day! Love you!

Tiiiimmmmeeee for this week’s features!

Featured Post: Reaching the Happy Weight Goal

Featured Workout: Circuit Training Work

Featured Meal: My Entire Tuesday Eats

Featured News: Fitfluential Ambassador – I Applied (& You Rocked Helping!)

Featured Cuteness: Baby B and Green Beans (made by mama!)

Featured Reading: This Week’s Strengths Out Loud Women!

So many great women with different strengths to motivate and inspire. Show them love!

• Do you ever have days where you can barely remember what you did?
• Can you go awhile without seeing someone and it still feel like normal when you do get together?