Hi.  My name is Kristin, and I'm a workaholic.  I'm married to a workaholic.  We're workaholics together.  We sit on the couch at night, together, with our work laptops...that's right...working.  Dueling laptops.  We're sexy that way.

Actually...it sounds worse than it really is.  Jamie and I both work pretty hard.  Our jobs are definitely not 9-5, and for now, I'm ok with it.  Jamie works even longer hours than I do, but it's because he has more responsibility than I do, and he's already made a name for himself as a high potential employee.  See...I'm more than happy being average.  In the "B" range, if you will.  Jamie...he's A+ all the way, which is great for him.  He gets a lot of satisfaction from his work, and I won't lie, the financial benefits of his Type A personality are quite nice to have. 

So, this isn't really a complaint post...more like an, "I'm exhausted beyond belief" post.  The past week, I've been working on a really big project...a quotation for new business.  It has the potential to bring in a lot of money for us, plus open the doors to some major business in Europe.  Needless to say, it's sort of a big deal.  My boss has been on vacation for the past two weeks (just got back this past Monday), so it was all on my shoulders.  I feel like I've worked a million hours between the past two weeks.  And, sadly, it isn't getting any better, not until the end of this month.  Thankfully, we're halfway through the month, but I still have two more quotations to turn in, on top of monthly forecasting, and quarterly pricing.  I'm staring 70+ hour work weeks in the face, and I know I need to really pull it together, or else it's going to fall apart.  But hey...only 15 more days in the month...and I can do anything for 15 days.

But, at least there is a break in there.  On Friday, Jamie and I leave for a short weekend away to Italy, for an Opera.  We're going to Verona, Italy, and will be seeing Romeo et Juliette at an outdoor amphitheatre.  I'm so freaking excited, it's unreal!  We'll only be there two full days, which is plenty (and neither of us can afford to take any more work off than that...at least, not until September), so it'll be a really short, but well needed break.  After that, it'll be back to the grindstone for 15 days, then we'll leave on our cruise!  At least there's a light at the tunnel.  It's dim, but it'll get me through the next few weeks, knowing that I'll have nine glorious days of vacation and relaxation at the beginning of September.

So...sorry I've been MIA lately.  Work has been hell, and I've been sleeping the rest of the time.  Still working out and weight loss is going well...at the 10 pounds lost mark!  I'd like to try to lose 5 more before our cruise, but I won't be devastated if I don't.  Hope everything is going well for you all out there!  I've been lax about commenting, but I've been reading all your updates on my iPhone when I get a chance.  I promise, I'm keeping up with you all, and I'll do better about commenting!

Love and hugs!
K.

 Well...it's not really "new" per se...I've been doing this for a few years now (though took some time off when we moved here to the NL).  I'm talking about rock climbing.  I absolutely LOVE rock climbing!  There was a place about an hour away from where I grew up that I would go to in high school, then in undergrad and law school, I'd go to a place near my university.  Once we moved here, however, I didn't really look for a new place and I just sort of fell out of it, which was sad.

But...I'm happy to say, that about a month ago, Jamie and I went to an indoor place here (apparently we have TWO indoor rock climbing places: one for bouldering and one for lead climbing) and it is FANTASTIC!  We've been going to the bouldering place for the past month, and will head over to the lead place after awhile, but so far...amazing.  My arms and shoulders feel so much stronger, and I'm definitely working back muscles that don't get touched from running.  Plus, it's such a challenge!  I love the mental aspect of it as well as the physical, and it's a great way to meet new people.

And, I finally broke down and bought a new pair of climbing shoeso...my old ones were non-existent (I'd tossed them out before we moved here, because they had holes in them...oops).  Behold...my new lovelies!

They're a beginner shoe, which I thought was important since my feet hadn't been in climbing shoes in nearly two years.  Since you typically get new shoes every 6-9 months, I figured this would be a good re-introduction into climbing, then I'll get something a bit schnazzier the second time around.  This babies are SO comfortable!  Super nice toebox, and the laces give them a tight fit.  Plus...no blisters when I climb barefoot, which is essential!

So yeah...I'm back in action!  For those of you that have thought about rock climbing but haven't given it a chance, I would HIGHLY recommend it.  It's a great solo work-out and it's fun with a partner/partners as well! 

And...that's my fun for the week!  Today was my longest run yet, so that was exciting.  Tonight, Jamie and I are heading back to the bouldering gym for an hour or two to get some upper body workout going, and then back home to eat dinner and relax.

Italy Opera = T- 10 days
Spain/Italy Cruise = 23 days

XOXOXO,
K.

Hmm...let's see.  Yesterday was my weigh in for the weight loss challenge.  I was weighing in twice a week, but I really didn't like weighing in twice, because I felt like it was counterproductive, so I talked with my best friend and she was more than happy to move our weigh in to Saturday as well.  So now...only one weigh in a week, which I think will be MUCH better for me, as I really struggle with weight loss issues.

Anyways...yesterday was my weigh in.  I'd had sort of a crappy week...not really eating crap, per se, and not even really going over my calories, but I didn't feel like I was really getting enough fruits and veggies, and I definitely wasn't getting in enough water.  I was doing ok, but not "fantastic" like I had been, if that makes sense.  So, Saturday morning, Jamie and I woke up and headed to the scale.  He jumped on, then I did, and boy, was I shocked!  I lost 4 pounds!!!  I don't think I lost it all in a week, I think the scale was probably off when I weighed in last week and that skewed the results, but still...4 pounds!  So, I am officially below 170!  I weighed in at 169 even!  I haven't been in the 160s for about a year now, so I'm SUPER excited!!!  My goal weight is around 145...I fluctuate between weights pretty bad (usually around 5-10 pounds, so I'd like to be around 145-150 consistently.  So...I have 19 pounds to lose to get to the top end of my goal, and 24 pounds for the low end of my goal!  It's a lot, but I totally think I can do it!

There you have it...my shocker of the weekend!  Hope you all are having a great weekend as well!  I'm off to try out my new cycling shorts with Jamie, and then I think we're going rock climbing tonight!  Then...a delicious dinner of grilled tuna steaks with basmati rice and steamed veggies...YUMMY!!!

XOXOXO,
K.

I absolutely HATE being sick!!!  Starting Friday, I started to feel the beginnings of a head/chest cold.  Since the weather here has been chilly and rainy, I knew my sinuses would be having a fit, so I was prepared for the worst.  I know that rain and chilly weather doesn't make you sick, but when you have crap sinus passages, the weather really does play a big part in how you feel. 

So, this whole weekend was spent with me being sick.  Coughing, sneezing, runny nose, serious sinus headaches...overall, a feeling of general craptacularness.  Today is somewhat better, but definitely not 100%.  I just feel exhausted all the damn time, which I really hate.  However...I still managed to drag my sorry ass out of bed this morning to go for a run, so that was great!

That's about all right now.  I'm in self-quarantine for the next few days or so, so be sure to write entertaining things for me to read!

Today was the one month mark of my weightloss journey with Jamie. We've definitely been eating better, and we've been exercising 4-5 times a week! Up until this past week, I was stying well within my calorie limits and doing great! This past week was a bit of a set-back because we ate out a bunch, but overall I'm happy with my progress!

So...there's my progress! Slow and steady!

Ok, first...it's not really my birthday.  That's not until September (22nd, if you're keeping track, and I love jewelry...kthx).  However, yesterday, Jamie and I made travel plans for my birthday!  Each year, we like to take trips for our birthdays (even though I bought him an iPad 2 for his bday this year...but it's more like a "family present" than a bday present...because I'll be using it too, A LOT), and this year, Jamie asked me if I wanted to take another cruise!

Umm...would I like to take another cruise?!  Well, HELL YEAH I would!  Last year, we went on a cruise through the Greek Islands and Croatia, and it was phenomenal!  I'd never been on a cruise before, and was a bit leary of it (because I get claustrophic in tight spots), but it wasn't the least bit of a problem!  I was so relaxed, which was exactly what we were looking for, and while the weather wasn't the best, the vacation was amazing.  So, I've been wanting to go on another one, and Jamie decided to surprise me with one for my bday!

So, this September, we'll be taking a cruise to Spain and Italy!  Starts in Barcelona, Spain, and then ports in Florence/Pisa (Italy), Rome (Italy), Naples (Italy), and Palma de Mallorca (Spain), before returning back to Barcelona.  We've been to Rome before, but there are places around Rome that we've never seen before and want to check out, so that works out well.  Also, the budget airline we typically fly (RyanAir), only flies on certain days, so we have to fly in on Friday to Barcelona, even though the cruise doesn't leave until Sunday afternoon.  So, on top of the cruise, we get a full day in Barcelona!  I am so excited!

So, that's my news for the day.  September needs to get here ASAP, because I'm WAY excited for this trip.  Next up...finding a cat sitter.  Too bad the beast can't come with us!

XOXOXO,
K. 

5 pounds lost since I started this journey on June 21st!  I'm already beyond my 1 month goal!  HELL YEAH!

I haven't really gotten back on the bandwagon of my "one post a day" challenge.  Not sure why...just really haven't been feeling it.  I'll be pushing myself to get back into it next week, I think.  You know...why do today what you can put off until tomorrow, and all that jazz.

But, on the other hand, things have been fantastic right now!  I've been steadily working out, I've been trackign my calories, and I've lost around three pounds so far!  Sure...it's not a huge loss, but I'm really pleased with it!  I had no delusions that this would happen fast, I know it'll be hard work to get the weight off and keep it off, but I'm really determined.  By Christmas, I plan to be in the 150s, which will be fantastic!

This weekend is going to be a great weekend as well.  Tomorrow, Jamie and I are riding our bikes to Neunen (about a 5 mile ride there, then back) so we can go blueberry picking!  I did this last year with the North American Women's Club, and it was awesome!  I picked around five pounds of blueberries, then came home and made muffins, saved some for breakfast and snacking for the next week, and froze the rest.  We were able to have blueberries all winter without having to pay for them at the grocery (which...fresh fruit and veg here is ridiculous, so any money I can save, the better).  This time, Jamie will go with me, so that will be fun!  I'll bring my little camera so we can snap a few photos.  There's also a blackberry farm nearby that does blackberry picking (blackberries are my ALL-TIME FAVORITE fruit, so I'm super excited for that), but I need to get the details.  I'll definitely be making a trip to go picking this summer...yummy!

Otherwise, it's Friday!  This week has gone by so slowly, I thought it would never end.  Work has been slow, and that's always a drag.  But, today, I'll be meeting a friend for lunch at our favorite bagel place, and then come back and finish up stuff around the house.  Tonight, Jamie and I are making homemade veggie pizzas for dinner (homemade crust and sauce...the whole shebang), so that'll be very tasty.

Hope you all are doing well!  Any big plans for the weekend for any of you?

XOXOXO,
K.

I swear, just when I think everything is starting to settle down, things go all crazy again!  These past few days have been really fun, but really busy.  Thursday I was scrambling to finish up some work stuff that needed done ASAP (because...honestly, when you give me something that you've known about for the past two weeks, but tell me you need it asap, that really makes me want to drop everything to do it for you...brilliant), and I was taking Friday off work to spend some time with my Dutch friend, Inge.  So...work was madness, per usual.  I did get a few new accounts to work on though...so that should be interesting.

Friday, Inge and I went to Arnhem to pick up her wedding dress!!!  She met a man in American when she went to visit last year, and now they're engaged and working on the visa requirements and such to get her over there.  They're nearly finished with the paperwork, and she anticipates being back in the US by the end of July.  She found a wedding dress for the wedding and we went to pick it up!  Inge has such an edgy style...it was perfect!  It's strapless...short in front and long in back, all tulle bottom.  Totally not my style, but on her...it was perfect!  Plus...she's hot enough to pull it off.  And...we had sushi!!!  Lord...I love sushi.

Saturday, I drove up north to a friend's place to help with her daughter's 12th birthday party.  30 little Dutch children...running around...God help me!  Plus...our ability to communicate was limited, since they don't learn English until next year, and my Dutch is not at their level.  But, we all made it work.  Overall...great time!  Had good food, good time with friends, and got to give her daughter the earrings that I had made for her.  She loved them!

Today...koopzondag (basically...shops here in Eindhoven are only open one Sunday a month...the first Sunday of the month..hence koop (to buy) zondag (Sunday).  We're getting ready to head out and do a little shopping...plus, I told Jamie that I wanted him to help me pick up his birthday present (an Ipad 2), so we'll stop at the MAC store as well.  Should be good!!!  I'll let you know if we end up getting it...he seems a bit up in the air about it right now.  I'll keep you updated.

So far...that's it!  Life is good here...couldn't ask for better!

I really don't blog much about my weight or trying to lose weight, but it's something I've struggled with my entire life.  When I was around 8-9 years old, I got super fat and chubby (think 170 lbs. and 4 foot 11 inches chubby...oompah loompah).  The summer between my 6th and 7th grade year, I hit puberty, grew a few inches, and started losing weight.  Up until that point, I'd never really been bothered by my weight.  I mean...I knew I was fat, but I wasn't interested in boys, and I had my friends, and while the kids were mean, it wasn't too bad...so I really never gave it a second thought.  But then, once I started losing weight...I noticed a difference.

Basically...negative reinforcement.  Boys noticed me, girls who had never talked to me were suddenly wanting to be my friend, etc.  Subconsciously, I started associating "thinner" with more popular, prettier, happier, etc.  That's when my normal amount of weight loss took a downward spiral.  I pretty much started heavily restricting what I ate, though I don't remember making a conscious effort to do this.  In about 3-4 months, I'd gone from 170 pounds to 105-110 pounds, max.  DEFINITELY not healthy to lose that amount of weight that fast.  Clothes started fitting better...I could wear cute things...life was good!  I can honestly say I don't think I was anorexic...I didn't have the obsession with it that you will see with those battling anorexia, and for that, I'm incredibly thankful.

Life settled down around 9th grade.  I hadn't lost any more weight...if anything, I had put on 5-10 pounds.  I started running track (I had been very involved in volleyball and softball from 6-8th grade), and really started toning up.  I didn't really give my weight a second thought during high school...and it was nice.  I mean...sure...I wished I was a size 3 or 5, like the super popular girls, but I was fine with my size 7 self. 

Then I went to university.  I worked our pretty consistently, and managed to not gain the freshman 15 (plus...schlepping all over campus will help keep you in shape), and I was busy with school and such.  I didn't gain back a lot of weight until after I competed in Little 500 at IU.  I trained for several months for that race, pretty hardcore, then once the race was over, I was still eating like I was training!  Yeah...clearly packed on some weight after that...to the tune of about 20 pounds.

Then, I went to law school...started working out heavily to combat the stress of law school, and got back down to a good weight for me, around 145 pounds.  I was in the best shape of my life!  Too bad I was working out 7 days a week, for about 2 hours a day, because that is just not sustainable in real life.  Maybe in college, but not once you're holding down the demands of a 7-6pm job like I am now.  I got pretty sick (re: nervous breakdown) during my first year of law school...lost some more weight due to anxiety, and was looking pretty sickly.  After that, I had to stop working out for awhile because my heart was having lots of issues (skipping several beats at a time, low blood circulation, kept passing out, etc.)...and then I just got out of the groove.  I met Jamie...and insert 30 pounds later..here I am.

So yeah...I'm about 30 pounds overweight right now.  And Jamie and I have started a "biggest loser" challenge to see who can lose the most weight (in a healthy manner) by Christmas.  We've been working out together in the mornings, which I love doing, and I've been watching my calories and eating a lot healthier.  My goal is to lose a pound a week...I don't really want to lose more than that because I feel like the one pound a week will make it easier to keep it off.  I'm focused on lifestyle changes...more fruits and veggies, exercise 4-5 times a week, etc. 

So far...1 pound in one week!  I'm on goal!  I won't really post a whole lot about this, unless anyone wants to hear, but I'm pretty happy with things as they are.  In order to get to 145 pounds, I need to lose 31.2 pounds now.  I'd like to be down 20 or so by Christmas...that's my big goal.  But, for a short term goal...down 4 pounds in a month is where I'm at.  So far...25% of the way there!

So yeah...there's my long winded struggle with my weight, and where I am right now.  Feel free to leave encouragement, I could always use it!