I Blame This Guy

Look at him. Doesn't he look so cute, so innocent?

NO!! He is a scardy-cat! Who is scared of their own shadow?!?!

February 2nd was Groundhog day and when did we first hear of the "Snowpocalypse of 2010"? I don't remember exactly BUT it was right around Groundhog day. The sucker saw his own shadow, ran into his little hole and now we have 6 more weeks of winter. Therefore, he deserves it all! All 30+ inches of snow, BOTH blizzard warnings we have had in less than one week, and the responsibility of paralyzing Maryland (and half of the East Coast). Now, if I were him, I wouldn't show my face to anyone under the age of 18 until at least 4th of July. Those kids will be in school for half of the summer!

Snowpocalypse Part I (Feb 5-6th):

When I first heard we would be getting 20-40 inches of snow I thought someone was exaggerating a little bit. But then, everyone got 20-40 inches of snow. Where I measured, it was only 24 inches but there were drifts of 30+"! It would have been wonderful IF:

1. Ryan was home with me
2. I didn't have a swim meet that weekend
3. It wasn't so close to the end of the swim season
4. I had a sled

Because the snow started mid Friday, Ryan still had to go to work. Luckily, he was able to get off 2 hours early but, he didn't make it all the way home that night. Just as he promised, he called me right when he hopped into his car to let me know he was on his way. About an hour and a half later my phone rang. Ryan had only made it about half way home since he called (we only live about 25 miles away from where he started). Luckily, the half way point is my parent's house. He told me he was going to stay at my parent's house until the storm had passed and the roads were somewhat cleared.

So, Ryan stayed with my parents, my brother and my sister for 2 nights. He enjoyed their GINORMOUS TV, my mom's spaghetti, and love from Honey Bear (she was nice enough to let Ry sleep on her couch).

Honey Bear and HER couch

Now, I was smart enough to know that there was a possibility that Ry wouldn't be able to come home so, my other sister, Alicia, decided to move in for a few days (or a week) to keep me company. Once the blizzard stopped Ry ventured the rest of the way home. The roads and highways were a mess but, he made it home! He was home for a whole 2 days before "Snowpocalypes" Part II hit. I will get to Part II in a few days, but for now, enjoy a few pics from Part I!

Right outside our condo

Foxxy investigating the snow... and yes, that is the TOP of the picnic table!

Foxxy and her new friend, Lady, who LOVES to roll around in the snow!

She loves her ball!

When Ry finally made it home

Eye of the Tiger

Day 2 since the "Snopocalypse of 2010" hit us. Here is an inspirational video of Foxxy getting her rugby ball from the bottom of the hill.

*Video and Song provided by my sister Alicia

Swim Miami 2010

"Party in the city where the heat is on

All night on the beach till the break of dawn
Welcome to Miami (Bienvenido Miami)"
~Will Smith

As I am writing this post, I am looking out the window at the "Snowpocalypse of 2010". We are expecting a total of 20-30 inches of snow when the storm passes (not for another 10 hours or so) and all I can think of is the warm sand between my toes. About 3 weeks ago Ry and I were discussing which races he was looking into for the 2010 season. There was the Muddy Buddy and The Warrior Dash but, this year I really wanted to do an open water swim. I have researched swims the past few years and always found an excuse to avoid it. I "googled" open water swims this year and a 10k in Miami popped up. My first thought "SWEET MIAMI!!!" The idea of racing over 6 miles didn't cross my mind for another 30 seconds. My second thought "I might die". Luckily they also have a 5k and a 1 mile swim. I am pretty confidant that I could finish a 5k right now without training but it would definitely be a struggle!

As usual, I was really excited for about 5 minutes and then the typical excuses started to take over: It is expensive, I don't want to take off work and am I really going to train for this race? Ry saw the light starting to fade, shoved the credit card in my face, and told me to register NOW. So, I tried not to think too hard and I registered. What a rush! Right after I received the confirmation that I was registered I was so excited again (and extremely nervous)!

Now, when I told Ry there is a 1 mile swim it was his turn to get excited. He has finished an Olympic distance triathlon which starts off with a 1 mile swim. Sweet! A race for him too! We love anything we can do together and this is definitely a challenge for both of us! We decided we will leave a few days early and stay a day or two after the race to make a mini vacation out of it.

Once both of us were registered I started thinking of a training program for myself. Ryan has been working out nonstop since I have met him so, I am not too worried about his workout plan. I, on the other hand, haven't worked out in way too long! We had about 3 months from the date that I signed up and I needed to start swimming ASAP.

This is where fate took over. I was getting ready to leave swim practice the following day (I am a swim coach for 12-18 year old kids) and one of my swimmers came up to me and told me she got a part in her school musical and she can't come to Mon/Wed practices. She then asked if I could write her a swim practice so she can come in the mornings before school. "It's a BINGO!!!" I decided right there that I would come in and swim with her. This was the motivation I needed! It was a great idea... until the following morning when I woke up for our first practice. It was rough waking up and even harder to jump in the pool at 5:30 am but a great feeling when I finished (and yes, I am still faster than the 12 year old... DOUBLE BINGO!!!).

We are about 2 and a half months out from race day and both of us have been training consistently. My goal is to swim faster than 1.5 hours and Ry's goal is to finish before I do. Can't wait!!!

I Plunged!

Well, I didn't plunge but Ryan did! I stayed inside a nice heated 84 degree pool, watching the snow fall while Ryan was out in the snow plunging into the Chesapeake Bay. You might think he is a little crazy but then so are the other 10,000 plungers! This past Saturday Ryan raised a ton of money for the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge. This year over $3 million dollars was raised by all of the plungers and the proceeds go towards Maryland Special Olympics.

Ry is probably somewhere near the Krav Maga Maryland sign

Now, if you are from Maryland you know Saturday was cold. I don't think cold is the right word... freezing, bitter, arctic even... but not just cold. The weathermen couldn't seem to figure out what was going to happen on Saturday. The forecast went from 1-2 inches all the way up to 6 inches of snow within just a few hours! I think the high was 18 degrees and the water temperature was a whopping 34 degrees. With the windchill it felt as if it was anywhere from -5 to 5 degrees... burrrrr! Plus, once he was out of the water he had a hard time finding his towel because all the snow covered it up!

I know this is a small picture, but that is Ryan (the guy on the right w/o a shirt), in the water in just his swim trunks

Yes, it was freezing, snowing and miserable but, it was all for a great cause! And when he finally arrived home, Foxxy and I were waiting with a warm blanket, hot chocolate and a movie to sleep through.

"Pumped"

Word of the Day: Pumped - when the muscles become hard from extended physical exertion makes it difficult to hold the rock

What does it feel like? Having Popeye's forearms AFTER he eats his spinach and no, it is not a comfortable feeling. Especially when you are 30+ feet in the air, hanging onto a tiny little peg on the wall to keep you from falling. Yup, Ry and I went rock climbing.

We both had a day off (which hasn't happened in a very long time) so, we decided to go on a date. A few years ago we had talked about going rock climbing at a local gym Earth Treks but nothing ever really came of it (and honestly I was just fine with this because as I get older, my fear of heights increases). For some reason Ry thought rock climbing would be the perfect date for us. He had a little convincing to do but, eventually I was on board.

We started our morning off with brunch at Pussers, which has the most amazing view of the bay, and then we headed over to the gym to go rock climbing. Once we found the gym (after circling the area a few times b/c Ry "remembered how to get there") we paid for 3 climbs each and a pair of rental shoes. We had to change and wait for an employee to belay for us. Now the girl that came over to belay us was maybe 5'2 and 100 lbs soaking wet. She was in charge and making sure we didn't fall off the wall. It is amazing the little pulley system that makes that possible!

It was pretty crowded so we stopped at the first open spot on the wall. Ry went first b/c my palms were already sweating just thinking about climbing. Once he was securely attached to the girl and the wall he started his trek. He hit a couple spots where he needed a little help on where to go but, other than that he made it up perfectly! I had the camera in my hands but I was way too nervous to pull it out and start taking pictures. He came down very smoothly and then it was my turn. Crap. I was securely attached to the girl and the wall (I watched her like a hawk) and I started my venture up the wall. The first few pegs weren't too bad and before I knew it I was half way up the wall. Then... I looked down. I froze. Ry was playing with the camera so he didn't see me at first looking for some encouraging words. Eventually, he looked up and started to talk me through it. The girl was trying to help the whole time but, I just met her and she looked like she was 12. Yes, she had over 5 years of climbing experience and has worked there almost 2 years but at that time... she was no one to me. So, after I defrosted a little bit and listened to Ry, I was back on my way up. My palms sweating even more, knees shaking, and my arms were getting tired. I made it slowly about 3/4ths of the way up before I decided it was time to come down. I was flat out scared.

That was as high as I got on my first climb... the top was 44 feet high

Off to the second climb. Ry and I picked two different climbs. His was still about 44 feet high and mine was probably 30 feet high (I needed to build my confidence). Once again, he was attached and ready to go. The second climb was a little harder than the first and he was pretty tired. He almost made it to the top but, he was "pumped". I did get some pics of this climb though

I told you she was little

On his way up the second climb

My second climb... much easier than the first

And off to our third and final climb. Ry and I did almost the same climb. Mine was a little easier than his but it was the same height. It is still pretty scary at the top but we both made it all the way up this time!

Almost to the top!

Made it!

We had a great time and we definitely learned how far we can push ourselves. It isn't your typical dinner and movies kind of date but, rock climbing as a date definitely fits us! Next time we are going to take an intro class so we can learn how to belay for each other.

We both have a day off again this weekend but, I don't think our date will be as exciting as this one. We have a date with our closet. It is a little out of control .

England (Part Duex)

Well, I am writing this a little later than I had hoped BUT this will be two posts in one month! I guess that's an improvement! I wanted to write about our excursion while visiting England in the last blog but I felt there wasn't enough room. It was definitely the highlight of the trip for me! (*Warning* this is a LONG blog. I am writing this mainly so I can remember everything we did. I hope everyone still enjoys!)

Our day trip included three main sites, Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath. We also took a little detour for lunch, stopping in Lacock. We started our day very early in the morning, waiting for our bus to take us around to the sites. We had a tour guide on the bus with us however, I didn't take advantage of all the knowledge he shared with us b/c of the little "cat naps" I took while traveling from one location to another.

Well, I am writing this a little later than I had hoped BUT this will be two posts in one month! I guess that's an improvement! I wanted to write about our excursion while in London in the last blog but I felt there wasn't enough room. It was definitely the highlight of the trip for me! Our day trip included three main sites, <st1:place><st1:placename>Windsor</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Castle</st1:placetype></st1:place>, <st1:place>Stonehenge</st1:place> and <st1:city><st1:place>Bath</st1:place></st1:city>. <st1:place>We also took a little detour for lunch, stopping in Lacock. We started our day very early in the morning, waiting for our bus to take us around to the sites. The best part of being on a bus was the napping we all Stonehenge</st1:place> and <st1:city><st1:place>Bath</st1:place></st1:city> have been on my "Bucket List"* for a while now. I remember learning about <st1:place>Stonehenge</st1:place> in a class a few years ago and, just like everyone else I am sure, sat there amazed with thousands of questions running through my head. It is even more amazing to experience it in person. <p class="MsoNormal"> And then there was <st1:city><st1:place>Bath</st1:place></st1:city>. Oh how I love Jane Austin and anything that has to do with poofy dresses and balls. <st1:city><st1:place>Bath</st1:place></st1:city> was exactly how I pictured it! I could have easily spent all day in this beautiful little town. I really wish I had enough time to go to the Circus. No, there are not any clowns or people flying through the air, the Circus is 3 curved rows of 33 inward facing houses forming a circle. The circus was built in the mid 1700s and is still resided in today. If I ever have the chance to go back to <st1:country-region><st1:place>England</st1:place></st1:country-region>, I would LOVE to stay in a bed and breakfast for a few days and explore everything <st1:city><st1:place>Bath</st1:place></st1:city> has to offer.</p> Our first stop was Windsor Castle. I have to admit, I knew nothing of this castle before we arrived. I have a few pictures from the outside but, this was the ONE morning out of our whole trip that is rained (I guess it wouldn't really be a trip to England w/o the rain). The wind was ready to knock everyone over so, it was a little difficult to take pictures. From the outside, it was everything you would expect from a castle built almost 1,000 years ago. The inside of the castle was beautiful but, because of a fire in 1992, a lot of the interior was new. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures inside of the castle so, I have nothing to show. The castle is still visited by Queen Elizabeth II during the weekends and spring months.

View of a tower and a little bit of garden at Windsor Castle

It's pretty nasty out but, hopefully you can see a little castle

Once we toured the castle we were back onto the bus for our drive to Stonehenge. Stonehenge has been on my "Bucket List"* for a while now. I remember learning about Stonehenge in a class a few years ago and, just like everyone else I am sure, sat there amazed with thousands of questions running through my head. How were these ginormous rocks put there? Who put them there? How did they know EXACTLY where to put them? Do aliens really exist? Ok, maybe not aliens but, it is amazing how precise these "people" were when placing them.


And it is even more amazing to experience it in person. Now, the first thought running through my head, as the wind was making it difficult to walk upright (at least the rain had stopped), was "Yup, it's a bunch of rocks." And then I remembered all the questions that are still unanswered. We had about 45 minutes to walk around and take pictures. Now, I think I have more pictures at Stonehenge than all of my other pictures from this trip combined. I took pictures from just about every angle... I guess I didn't want to miss ANYTHING!

I was really there...

Before I knew it we were back onto the bus and on our way to lunch. We stopped in the little and VERY old town of Lacock. We at at The George Inn which has been a pub since 1361 (only 400 years older than our Country). We ate traditional English food and enjoyed our surroundings. We tried to walk around a little but, didn't have too much time because we were soon on our way to Bath. Now, before I move onto Bath, I just want to mention to all the Harry Potter fans that Lacock is one of the locations they used in the most recent movie, the Half Blood Prince. One of the houses was used when Dumbledor brought Harry to Professor Slughorn to convince him to come back to Hogwarts.

I am going to go out on a limb and say this is the oldest restaurant/pub I have ever eaten at.

Was it one of these houses that was used in the Harry Potter movie?

And then there was Bath. Oh, how I love Jane Austin and anything that has to do with poofy dresses and balls. Bath was exactly how I pictured it! I could have easily spent all day(maybe, even forever) in this beautiful little town. While I was in Bath I took an extensive tour of the Roman Baths. We were only in Bath for an hour and a half so, I figured it would be better to spend all the time in one area and really enjoy it than run around trying to see a little bit of everything.One of the streets in Bath

Quick History on the Roman Baths: Now, the Roman Baths are about 2,000 years old. When the Romans first arrived in England they decided to build a spa to relax and a temple to worship Sulis Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and healing. When the Romans left about 400 years later the baths were not maintained and fell to ruins. However, in the 11th century a new bathing pool was built over the existing Roman reservoir. It was not until the late 1800s/early 1900s, I believe, that the Roman Baths were rediscovered.The last picture before my camera dies... the Roman Bath

When we arrive to Bath, we get off the bus, I look around, so excited that we are finally here, I take a few pictures and then... my camera DIES!!!! UGH! Luckily, I have the best sister-in-law ever and she took every picture possible. I did get a few pictures of the Roman Baths and of Bath Abby. I was trying to be as artistic as possible when taking the pictures (which was pretty hard because I feel I don't have one art bone in my body).

Signs pointing to the different sights in Bath


Bath Abby


Ball anyone?

There is so much more in Bath I would love to visit. If I ever have the chance to go back to England, I would LOVE to stay in a bed and breakfast for a few days and explore everything Bath has to offer. Anyone up for a trip to England in a few years?

Now, here is my shoutout to the most amazing in-laws ever! I had a great time traveling as a Butler girl and I can't wait to do it again! I hope everyone enjoyed England as much as I did!

* I feel I am too young to have a Bucket List (I am only 25) but, I can't think of anything else to call it. Feel free to leave suggestions. :)

Is the London Bridge Falling Down?

So, I just got back from bloody 'ole England a few days ago and had such an amazing time. It was my first trip as a Butler girl and definitely not my last! We were there for four full days (not including travel days) and saw almost everything there is to see. My feet are still a little sore from all the walking we did. I learned very quickly that Chucks are NOT the shoes to bring on a trip where you will be walking everywhere.

We saw so many breath taking sights it is hard to think of my favorite. Probably the most unique experience was to see the Ceremony of Keys in the Tower of London. It happens every night at 10:00 exactly (they were late once b/c I bomb hit London during WW2 and they had to write an apology letter to the King). They have been practicing a ceremony similar to this since the castle was built almost 1,000 years ago. It was such and amazing feeling to be part of something that is so important to England. Most people have never heard of it b/c they only allow a small number of people to witness the ceremony every night and you have to write a letter (no emails or phone calls... just regular old slug mail) requesting tickets about 6 weeks in advance. You can not take any pictures once you are inside the castle so unfortunately you need to experience this for yourself.

We also experienced just about every tourist attraction in London. We went to Traflager square, Buckingham Palace, took a trip around "The Eye", saw Big Ben, walked across the Tower Bridge, ate fish and chips, shopped Portobello Road Market, climed St. Paul's cathedrial to the Whispering Gallery and so much more! We also took a day trip to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath but I will have to save that for another day. There is so much we explored in just one day! Well, here are some pictures... Enjoy!

Traflager Square

The Tower Bridge

View of London From the Tower Bridge

The Eye

Tower of London