Memorial Day Weekend

Well, we'll just skip right over the food and fitness for this weekend since it didn't really exsist.

Friday, we just took it easy at home. Saturday, off to Phoenixville PA for wedding flowers. Met with one of the local places - should be getting a quote this week. Afterwards, the Zimmerman Estate as we like to call it. Hung out with Al, Amy and Noah for a few hours before the engagement celebration. Then, off to Doylestown! Had a great time at Nicole's mother's place (Dana). Absolutely beautiful house and weather. Congratulations again you two!! The official date has been set for May 10, 2008. Less than a year to go!

I was designated driver so I only had 2 beers and that was between 4 and 6pm (we left around 9:30). Can I tell you about a great feeling I had? On our way back to Amy's house we went through a DUI checkpoint. I wasn't speeding, I had my seatbelt on, all my headlights and taillights are in working order and I WASN'T DRINKING!!! What a calm and satisfying feeling THAT was. He just handed me a pamphlet and thanked me for wearing my seatbelt and off we went. It's good to be a responsible adult - really it is!

Sunday, we met with Denise, our organist for the 'big day'. She was delightful and very helpful. She had great options and we have made all our necessary selections. Everything sounds so sweet and upbeat. Rob and I even got a bit teary-eyed for the song that is played between the readings. Speaking of readings...we still have to ask our family members to do that part. (Chrissy, if you are there, this is your warning and opportunity to come up with an excuse to say no...Otherwise, we have you pegged for the second reading and will sucker you in to it over the next dinner!)

Here is a great shot of the front of the church and the alter.

The colors all match our colors so I love it even more!!

Monday, relaxing - just the way it ought to be. Nice feast of fruit, cheese, crackers and Lobster! Oh yummy yummy yummy. Now I need to catch up with Jane and Murray and show them this awesome and easy way to open those damn things!

Well, back to work and eating right. Need to hit the gym too!!!

I've had a busy few days!!!

Finally started back at the gym this week. I can barely lift my arms right now. Eating has been pretty darn good every day. Key word being DAY. The evenings have been a little off but I'm going to consider this week a reprogramming week.

We spent the weekend in Chicago with one of my bridesmaids, Sara. What a fabulous time!!!

Click on the flikr link to the right to see all of the fun shots. Maybe my nose won't look so big in some of those, however the boobs look almost unreal!

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This week a lot of time is being spent with dental appointments and recovery but I'm still trying to stay focused. I took pictures and measurements Monday morning - that was frightening. Deb and I are going to compete for the most inches lost. Grandprize? Bragging rights! Measurements are below - I'll post pictures AFTER I make changes!

5/21/2007
Weight: 164
Chest: 38
Waist: 33.5
Hips: 41.5
Thigh: 23
Calf: 13.75
Bicep: 12
Forearm: 9.5
BellyButton: 38

Wednesday still struggling. I am also sore from running on yesterday, how pathetic!

Not many good foods today. I allowed stress and irritation to control me and used it as an excuse to eat bad foods and not work out. I'm fessing up to them here so I can give my self a good reality check kick in the pants.

No exercise either. Double bad

It is light out nice and early so I have no reason to not truck through DC to the gym first thing before work. Besides, I can avoid traffic this way! I am going to start doing this every day. I am also going tanning. I so miss that tanning bed. I really hate where I live. I hate that the tanning salon is so far pas my home. Sometimes the traffic is so horrible that I just can't sit in it any longer and PASS my house. So many things I miss about my old town...sigh.

Tuesday didn't go as well as I had hoped.

Went running - that totally sucked. I actually hated each and every step. Odd. It's not like me to be so negative - especially with exercising. Need to get my groove back!

I ate pretty well during the day
good foods: Salad, green beans, chicken, egg whites, english muffin
bad foods: one twizzler, one chocolate mint drip, a few twerps, a belgium chocolate, popcorn (for dinner), beer

Let's hope Wednesday is better. Only 21 weeks and 3 days left
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OK, moving on to non-fitness stuff. Just had to post about the random folks contacting me lately. Can we just say WEIRD.

Nickey: Last August, I got an e-mail from an old friend, Nickey. Nickey and I have know each other since 2nd grade. She moved away in 3rd grade and some how we managed to stay in touch over the years - and that was BEFORE the age of internet and e-mails. We wrote actual letters and sent them through snail-mail. After highschool we lost touch. We were heading down different paths in life. After 10 years, she managed to locate me and send an e-mail. What a pleasant surprise. Now we drop random e-mails and it is all very normal to me.

Jenn: Last week, I get an e-mail at my work address from Jenn. Jenn and I have also know each other since about 5 years old or something. What's weird, I don't know why we were ever friends. Through our younger years we would hang out occasionally but ran in totally different circles. As we got older, we hung out more often as parts of our cirlcles started to overlap and towards the end of high school we were together all the time. Oddly, as I think back, I just don't understand why we hung out. We always fought, had completely different morals, thoughts and feelings, and constantly got irritated with one another. It was as if we were sisters so we felt obligated to talk, even if we didn't have anything in common. About 3 years ago, we had a blow out fight. Enough was enough. What was the point of trying to be friends when it was obvious that we really just didn't like each other. She wrote a horribly insulting and nasty e-mail to me and that was it. I did not respond, I did not feed in to it any longer. Why should I? Why do I sometimes feel obligated to be friends with someone just to be nice when really, I don't like anything about them? Yes, I am an odd person, we know that. I no longer felt like having her in my life, so I removed myself from it all. So anyway, back to the subject at hand. She e-mailed me last week being all friendly and chatty with me. How are you? How is your family? Tell me what great things are going on? blah blah blah blah... Umm, hello? What gives. Glad you are well (I never wish bad on anyone), I am well also, now please - just away. Forget I ever existed, do not get curious about me and my life, do not e-mail, do not call. It's just more peaceful this way.

Ron: Now if the above wasn't weird enough....I get an e-mail to a different account and happen to check it the SAME DAY that I get Jenn's e-mail. Ronnie...let's see how I can summarize this one. He's my ex-boyfriend. My first 'love'. We dated when I was 17 (or there abouts) for 7 months (he was 21ish). I broke it off. No reason. Nothing more than the fact that I'm still young and flighty and ready to move on. Boy, that didn't go over so well with him. I found out years later that he had already purchased an engagement ring. I felt horrible for how broken-hearted he was. But it was only 7 months! He took a bit of a downward spiral in to drugs and alcohol. Eventually he snapped out of it and we were able to build a great friendship that lasted for a number of years. Before I moved I tried to catch up with him to say goodbye. Well, in the typical Ronnie fashion, he was dating a girl and she ruled his life. He had no time for me (this was an ongoing theme over the years). I ran in to him randomly in the next year while I was visiting a friend. Again, he was dating a girl and had no time for me. So, imagine my surprise when I get an e-mail from him after 6 years! Weird. What's weirder is that he somehow knows that I'm getting married. As far as I know, we have no common friends. Not sure how he even got my e-mail address. I'm willing to keep in touch but guarded for now. I want an explanation as to why now after all these years when he didn't have 10 minutes to spare way back when. To give you a bit of insight on how hurt I was that he blew off our friendship....I have a 3 year old niece - Veronica. My sister was also good friends with Ronnie at one point, so when she asked me for a name suggestion, Veronica was the first that came to mind (this was before I met Rob for the record). Funny thing, he didn't even know it. Turns out he now has a little girl - Veronica - as well.

Did I win the lottery? Have I inheritied money? Why are these random people popping up in my life? God, I hope there aren't others. If I wanted to stay in touch with you, I did. If I didn't, there was a reason!

Rob finally came home! Man, what a long trip. Thank goodness we planned to be in Chicago this weekened or they would have sent him to Brussels again.

A few uneventful weeks have passed. I'm just killing time at work and planning my next fitness routine. I have 22 weeks to go and a lot of ground to cover. Of course, Rob simplifies everything..."that's only a pound per week to lose"...oh how I wish it were that easy!

I considered getting a personal trainer again. Too bad it's $1,500 for 12 weeks - payment up front! Man, that is steep. Especially when you are trying to plan a wedding! Good ole mom and Debbie, they both talked some sense in to me. I know what to do and how to do it. I know what works for me. I know how to lift weights. I know what I should be eating. Again, I wish it were that easy...

So, Debbie and I are 'competing' with one another. The prize - gloating rights and a healthy body. We are going to see who makes the most progress between now and June 17th. The kicker is that we have to take before and after photos. Those really do show the progress (or lack there of). I spent some time today looking at last years' photos... Seriously, when I focus on this, I may huge changes.

now, to find the focus.

Monday:
30 minutes of cardio (hills on the elyptical)
Healthy breakfast and lunch and dinner but horrible snacking and two beers

I'll post Tuesday's info tomorrow. Guess it's time to start writing it all down again for accountability...bleh

Friday, May 4

Yet another boring day. I did my best to sleep in but they are currently renovating the apartments we are staying at and they rang the bell and walked in right at 9am. sigh

Today, I did a little window shopping and ran some errands. Bought groceries for Rob for the next few days; made taxi arrangements for me tomorrow; picked up the chocolates and truffles for my friends and family. I held off on a box for my girlfriend in Chicago. We are flying there in two weeks. I am really hoping I can count on Rob to pick them up on Wednesday so they will be as fresh as possible. Not sure if I should take that risk or not...

Tonight, Rob has to work so dinner is off. We did, however, have a few drinks with some of the admin staff at his office. They are adorable and such fun to be around. Afterwards, I ran to get take-out to make sure Rob ate dinner while he worked from the apartment. I've been killing time reading the True Wife Confessions blog and realize how good I have it, so I feel like I should go out of my way to show him every once in a while. At least I know he appreciates it and me.

Thursday, May 3

uh, very uneventful....

I picked up the apartment, read some blogs, took care of Rob's laundry, drafted my daily journal for my blog. Really, what a loser! I'm in Brussels and I'm hanging out at the apartment. In one way, I'm glad I stuck around. There have been a ton of employees in and out all day moving furniture. I get nervous after the time I traveled and someone went into my luggage, into my purse, into my wallet and stole my cash. Not that I think anyone here would, but for a while, the manager opened the door wide saying they would be by in a few minutes....over an hour passed, with my door wide open, before the movers got here. Not a very secure situation...

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Well, Thursday night definitely made up for the day. Rob managed to get out at a decent enough hour. We did the tourist thing. We pulled out the map, plotted or route, got lost, stopped for a beer, pulled out the map again and finally found our way. To where you may wonder??? To the place we were told had the absolute best frites in the city/country. Um, they tasted just like the ones I had at Dulles Airport. Such a shame too, all those wasted calories. We had a good time though.


One of the culinary specialities in Belgium is the famous "frites" ("french fries" ... but I prefer to say "belgian fries". After all, they were invented by Belgians ;-) And the best place to buy them is the "Maison Antoine". Try the home-made "tartare" sauce (tell them if you want the sauce separated or on the fries). Or may be you will prefer a "mitraillette" (fries and hamburger in bread) or a hot dog or a sausage ... If you want to sit down, cross the street and go to the typical Belgian pub "Chez Bernard". Frites are allowed if you have a drink. I found this funny article about belgian fries and Maison Antoine on https://webmail.sablaw.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.businessweek.com/1999/99_22/c3631157.htm. If you want to know how fries were invented, what's the origin of the name "frite", what's the secret of the tasty Belgian fries etc., please have a look ;-) Maison Antoine, Place Jourdan 1, 1040 Brussels (not far from Schuman and Mérode, not far from European Parliamant)

Next, a nice long hike over to Grand Place - sounds lame but it was beautiful - and full of tourists! little alleyways were actually outdoor seating for many many many many restaurants. We finally found one that wasn't too annoying Chez Leon and sat for some mussels and beer. I am hooked on the Kriek - a cherry flavored beer. After dinner we decided to walk a bit and finally found the actual Grand Place. It was beautiful. Too bad I was cold and had to pee or we would have stayed longer. We did catch a couple making out on the top of a building in the window. Can't tell if they were inside or out but I give them credit for being romantic!

We finally hopped in a cab and headed back home. Our hopes are to come for dinner on Friday night, but I'm not holding my breath!

Wednesday, May 2

Total indulgence day. Rob called ahead to be sure I could visit a spa at the Conrad Hotel. Boy, did I! First, I went window shopping to kill time before my appointment. Then, I began at the spa with a pedicure - very relaxing. Next, a 60 minute Swedish massage. She was adorable. Lastly, a 90 minute facial. Well, almost 90 minutes. I spent over 3 hours at the spa and then headed back home to get ready for dinner.

WOW, Rob really out-did himself this time. We had a fabulous dinner. I'm so taken aback by his efforts. He found a tiny little restaurant tucked away in the locals area. A place called "Soul" http://www.soulresto.com/package.html (Havana is the club where Hubert and Kasia work at). Owned by two sisters around my age to early 30s. Nina, one of the owners, was cooking tonight. They have only organic providers and do not use butter or white sugar in any of their menu items. It was absolutely divine. Dinner included Tapas for 2 to begin, a chilled red wine from Chili, a tad bit of hummus and oil with bread. Rob had sesame tuna and I had the swordfish. They were both delicious. I totally forgot to snap photos of the beautiful display. Desert...I had the fruit of the week (Rhubarb) with a scoop of vanilla ice cream - yum! Rob had Frambroise Puree with bananas and something else. Also yum. The kicker was the adorable yellow lab that came to sit tableside with us - obviously the owner/chef's buddy and a truly lovable pup!

The whole experience was wonderful and the weather perfect for the casual stroll back to the apartment.

Tuesday, May 1

Labor Day in Europe. Most shopping and businesses are closed. Rob's office is closed, but he is working hard. Instead, I get to spend the day with a co-worker of his, Cyril, and his wife and little girl. Had an absolute beautiful time. The weather was lovely. We took the metro and train over to The Royal Residence.

They open their gardens to the public only one time every year for about 15 days. It was a great way to spend the day. Too bad Rob wasn't able to join us. Here are a few photos, please see the flickr link for more!


Swung by Rob's office again today to grab dinner. Most places were closed. We stopped by the Irish Pub and had a few beers. He went back to work, I had cheese for dinner at the apartment.

Did I mention that his firm has asked him to stay till the 12th now? They were kind enough to offer for me to stay as well and they would take care of the costs - but I just don't think I can do this for another week. What a waist. I'm in a beautiful country and spend most of my time at the apartment waiting for Rob to get off work...

Monday, April 30

Um, somehow, I haven't a clue what went on this day. I recall picking up the spare set of keys, doing laundry, grocery shopping and swinging by Rob's office for a bit. I attempted to cook dinner - I just can't figure out the oven - can you?


Instead, we went for a walk and grabbed a drink. Can't complain about the views around here, that is for sure!!

Sunday, April 29

Well, that wasn't has bad as I thought it would be. The longest flight I've had to sit through to date - 7 hours and 49 minutes. Pretty uneventful, other than the fat lip I sustained. At the precise moment I lifted the water bottle to my lips to sip, the lady in front of me chose to recline - without grace. WHAM!!! Smacked the water bottle right in to me and pinched my upper lip between my teeth and the plastic. The poor girl next to me tried her hardest not to giggle...neither of us succeeded.

They time the flight well to keep you distracted. First things first, the movie list and available channels. Second, it is the safety instructions. Now, time for the constant elbow bump as the staff goes up and down the isles. We start with pretzels being handed out, then the cart comes through with the before dinner drinks (I had white wine), next dinner is passed out (ick chicken, mashed potatoes, green beens and a hard roll), followed by dinner drinks (no thanks). They paused for a moment and then came through again for after dinner drinks (no thanks, really, I'm still on my before dinner wine!) One last try for after dinner drinks drinks (this time I took a coffee). Another pause....now time to pick it all back up. I enjoyed a movie during this entire process and next thing I know more than three hours have passed.

I kick on some soothing tunes, finish my book and then close my eyes. I managed to wiggle and jam my knees numerous times in to the chair in front of me. I promise, it was NOT intentional, I am 5'9" and there isn't much room on an airplane for me. I have to admit though, I didn't feel too bad about it as my lip continued to throbbed...

Now my neck hurts but the end is in sight. Only about 40 minutes before we land!

Rob was kind enough to arrange a car to pick me up at the airport. Nice guy, no English, drives worse than Rob. I held on tight while he turned the radio up. What did I hear?!?! No Way! Salt N Peppa's Push It and MC Hammer's Hammer Time OMG, you must be kidding me, right? Made it safely and Rob was waiting on the sidewalk for my arrival.

Know what I noticed? Only passed one SUV on the road. Those that do drive around here, drive little 2 and 4 door hatchbacks. Seriously, all the cars look alike and they are all small and economical.

Since it was before 8am, Rob and I took a nap and then he was off to work for a few hours. Sunday evening we went out to dinner.

Leave it to Rob to find a bunch of Polish folks while in Brussels... Adam is one of the consultants Rob is working with on the office move. He came to oversee part of the project and noticed Rob had a Polish last name...now, they might as well be cousins. Adam has a cousin, Hubert, in town. Hubert and his wife, Kasia, work in a restaurant/club nearby. That is where Rob spent Saturday night. Sunday, the five us met for dinner. Kasia happens to be six months pregnant. You'd never know by looking at her. She is skinny as a model. The slight bulge could have been mistaken for gas. Six Months! Man, I'd like to be that tiny before kids, let alone six months in to my pregnancy. But then, that goes along with the fact that most people I've seen in Brussels so far are pretty skinny.

Saturday, April 28, 2007

My first international trip. Not too exciting so far. Right now I sit in a bar at the airport, killiong time. It is only 2:30pm. My flight doesn't board until 4:46PM. Why do they tell you to come theree hours early? Just to make money. So far I have bought a book, bottle of water, sandwich, fries and a beer. Surely I'll have a second while I wait. The fries are an experiment. I'm told Brussels has the best, so I'll start today with the worst!

Sitting here, I realize I am fortunate for my relationship. An old married couple to my left. They don't speak. Each has a book open and they read way their time together. Now, don't get me wrong, some evenings, I curl up with a book after dinner while Rob flips channels or works from home, always while curled against one another. Never while we are out. Across from me is a 20-30 something couple. One watches TV while the other surfs the net on her laptop. To each their own, but to me it seems sad. Rob and I treasure every moment together. Even in our own home at night.

I will arrive in Brussels Sunday morning. I'll let you know how the flight went!