The women in our family are decidedly Type A.  There’s Carly, with her passion for homework and to-do lists, and her mom/my aunt who’s an immigration lawyer in Washington D.C.  Plus, my mom, who exhibits great style and endless perfectionism when it comes to her job, home design and the curation of our holiday dinner menus.

And me: what I lacked in basic math skills, athleticism derived from my DNA and a high school sweetheart, I’ve more than made up for in after-hours tutoring, torturous high school track practice and many JDates over the years.  The flip side of this, something that we all share, is a fierce loyalty that you just can’t find in other family and friends.  I believe that loving others well is an art form.

And, speaking of art, I also experienced Kara Walker’s “A Subtlety” at Domino in Williamsburg, in partnership with Creative Time.

We were inspired by the height of the sugar factory’s ceilings and the way that its walls of concrete and steel are caked with sugar and peeling from the heat.

And, the sculpture itself: 75 1/2′ tall by 35 1/2′ wide, constructed from blocks of polyester foam and 40 tons of sugar, exploring “power, race, bodies, women, sexuality, slavery, sugar refining, sugar consumption, wealth inequity, and industrial might that uses the human body to get what it needs no matter the cost to life and limb.”  Read the curatorial statement here.

This exhibition, which runs through July 6, is a bittersweet must-see.

What’s inspiring you?

Hopped onto the L train one stop to Bedford to get rowing, which is all the rage right now.

Brooklyn Crew’s studio is modern and sleek though small, in the shadow of the Williamsburg Bridge.

The workout is centered around “dynamic ergs” (indoor rowers) that simulate the movement of rowing on water. They’re streamlined and deliver a smoother stroke than what I remember from past indoor rowing (hello, college P.E.) These even have a handy hook in back for a towel. Grab two at the front desk…you’re going to need them.

Classes are led by real crew coaches instead of fitness instructors. Mine was Michael Aiken, a collegiate rower, himself, and high school & university coach since then. This makes for a more intense experience (little slacking, lots of sweating) vs. your average group fitness class. Michael takes his rowing very seriously, and, for those of us who have participated in team sports, you know–you do not want to disappoint the coach.

The introductory Novice class focuses mostly on proper form for the perfect stroke. After 2-3 of these, you move on to the Signature class, which I’ll get to experience soon. Today, my all-over soreness confirms that, yes, it’s definitely a full body workout.

Having just burned up to 800 calories (dependent on body weight, of course), the post-workout meal at Marlow & Sons was much-needed.

Love the artsy view on Brooklyn’s Broadway.

And, this morning, I headed downtown to brunch on the Bowery at DBGB with a great group of girls. There’s nothing like a quality catch-up over coffee and french toast.

As I write this, I’m slowly coming out of my caffeine-fueled food coma.

Next steps for me? Back on the erg ASAP.