Right Before My Eyes

Right before my eyes I went from what I would call pretty happy to almost lost. Of course this didn't happen immediately, it's been a few months coming. And right before my eyes I have probably gained 20+ lbs. The equation is simple. More food + less exercise= weight gain. While I have always taken pride in my ability to keep 100+ lbs off for about 5 years, I have had a slip up. A pretty big slip up in my eyes. Yes, I can still fit into most of my clothes, but that's not the the main issue. The main issue is that I feel different. My arms are bigger. My waist is too. And so are my thighs. And emotionally it has just been really hard to get my head back in the game.

But I have got a plan and I am going to work this plan. I did it once 6+ years ago and I can do it again. Part of this plan involves taking a break from boot camp which has been a part of my life for about 2 years now. I haven't been attending as religiously as I once was and I haven't been participating with as much intensity either. I am going to work out on my own again. Working out on my own worked for me in the beginning, I think it can work for me again. I am also going to start running on a regular schedule again, as in training for another 1/2 marathon. While I am still undecided if I will run one in the winter, training will still do me good.

I don't mean to be such a debbie downer, but physically things have just sucked for a while now and I need to make a change.

Don't Burn the Day Away

My friend Esther just wrote this about me and my interactions on a now defunct message board and when she met me in real life (yes, real life vs. the internets yo!): Sarah-the quiet type who hardly ever posted, was in fact an incredibly determined, vocal and thoughtful lady, who trots the globe like she owns the thing (and most of the time, she does).

I feel like I hardly ever post here anymore. I will be back at some point, just figuring some things out, like how I can trot around the globe some more AND own it :)

Happy 4th!

So I have spent the morning making a marinade for chicken, a white bean dip, and a fruit salad. Part of the time I have also been thinking about what a great time I had last year "celebrating" the 4th...in Florence, Italy. I celebrated with a good friend and good food. The only thing missing were the fireworks.

I love America, but man, I love Florence and I love adventure. Pictures from the Ponte Vecchio always look magical:

Not exactly hamburgers and hotdogs or beer and baked beans, but it was sure tasty.

This year I will be celebrating with friends eating hot chicken at the Hot Chicken Festival, BBQ, and watching the downtown fireworks display.

Wishing you a happy 4th of July!

Good Times You Have Done It Again

Yes, I am suffering from a bit of post-vacation blues. But how can that be? I only went to Indiana you say. Yes I only went to Indiana, but it was totally my friends who made the trip. All I can say is I know some pretty amazing people.

So instead of a verbal recap, how a bout a pictorial narative?

Esther had one full day in Nashville. I think we made the most of it. At least I hope we did. Ryman tour. Walking around downtown. Whiskey Kitchen for lunch. The Mall. Patterson House for drinky drinks.

We're going to start a band!

We road tripped to Indiana to see the Dave Matthews Band at Deer Creek x2.

There was an almost 2 hour delay night 1 due to thunder/lightning/rain. That also made for the most miserable night of sleep ever. I think it ranks right up there with my first hiking trip in Italy where I ruined my thermarest the first time I ever used it...

And I apologize for the crappiness of this picture, because I may have had a few drinks at this point, but I think you get the gist about what would soon be upon us.

FINALLY the show!

I got to hang out with DMBNikki all weekend too!

I made Esther try all sorts of fried goodies like deep fried oreos...

And then I spent all day Sunday and Monday with Esther and Bobbo in Indianapolis. We did fun things like watch World Cup Soccer, play Rockband, go to the museum, sleep, and eat breakfast.

And what a weekend it was!

PS Somehow I didn't realize that Deer Creek Night 1 and 2 were shows 92 and 93 for me. I thought I was still in the 80's...It's a little scary and cool that 100 is so close!