Proud Parents

Very happy to say that James and I have adopted a 9 year old Staffie from All Dogs Matter.  He was a stray, yet neutered and microchipped.  He didn't respond to the name he came with (Mason), so we named him Oldland (after the village James grew up in).  With Oldland's grey muzzle, he looks a bit distinguished.  :)

Oldland is a bit funny.  He won't play fetch (we have tried sticks and balls).  He isn't interested in his Kong (even when it is full or peanut butter, Marmite or treats).  He loves sleeping in his bed (and on the couch!) and sitting on your lap for petting.  He sits attentively near the table when we eat our meals but doesn't beg vocally.  He walks really well on a lead and so far has been friendly with other dogs in the park.  He seems to get along with children too.  I haven't tried running with him yet as 5-6 tennis courts long sprints tire him out.  Oldland is very well behaved on the train and Tube, but trips into Central London wipe him out!  He ends up sprawled in the aisle and sleeps the entire journey home.

Formal announcements will be posted soon.  If you'd like to send a small gift, Oldland has a wish list on Amazon or please make a donation to All Dogs Matter in his name.  They found us the perfect match and we couldn't be happier.

Turning Grief into Good

One year ago, my nephew Jacob was taken up to Heaven. Our family has struggled with this loss.  It was a double-whammy as in September 2011 we found out Jacob had Down syndrome.  We were heart-broken at first but rallied as we learned more about Down syndrome and the unconditional love Jacob would give each one of us.  To loose him in the end was tragic.

Part of my grieving process has been getting to know Brady Murray in Idaho.  He founded Rod's Racing, which raises money for orphans with Down Syndrome.  He has a son with Downs and couldn't believe how many children were put up for adoption with this condition around the world.

Meet Elvis!

The money we raise helps offset the adoption fees (often $20,000+) for families looking to open their homes to a child.  As a Rod's team member, I am committed to raising $1000 in 2013.  As I have mentioned in previous posts, I will be completing 4 races in 4 countries this year (2 half-marathons, a sprint triathlon, and a 5K).  There will probably be more added along the way.

If you have children, if you have ever lost a loved one, if you know someone with Downs syndrome, if you love me and my family, please support this very worthy cause.  If everyone of my Facebook friends gave $10, we would have raised over $4000 to get Elvis one step closer to a loving home.  Please support me here.  Thanks for reading this.

Looming 2013

2013 is will be here before you know it.  I have really enjoyed 2012 as I have seen much growth in my personal training business and website.  In fact, that is probably the best place to keep an eye on me for 2013.  Although I won't be posting 4x/week anymore, I hope to let people know what activities and events I participate in.

On Twitter, I saw someone use the term 'healthy intentions' instead of New Year's resolutions.  I thought I would look back at my 2012 goals and have a good think about 2013.

One concept I try to embrace with my clients is SMART goals.  Using these guidelines will help you clarify what it is you want to do and how to do it.  If you need any help with setting SMART goals, please email me.

Here is what I wanted to do in 2012 and what really happened:

1. Update my blog every month- this is already on my calendar for the first Sunday of every month.

Well, I did keep it on my calendar but only did a few posts.  As I mentioned, my business website took off with 4 posts/week (guest post, recipe, Weekend Challenge, Quickie Workout).  People even noticed I wasn't on Twitter or Facebook consistently throughout the year.  If you want to see what I am up to, it would be best to befriend me on Facebook, Twitter, and check out my business blog.

2. Run a 10K and complete a sprint tri

Instead of a 10K, I ended up completing my first half-marathon in October.  My goal was 2 hours and I finished in 2:03.  I did the Thames Turbo sprint tri in June with a 1:32:50 finish.  It should have been a better time but I got new swim goggles that filled with each length of the pool. That will teach me to never try anything too new before a race.  (Note I DID try them for one swim session before the race).

3. Cook a healthy meal 3 out of 4 weekends a month and freeze for later in the week.

James stepped up to the plate this year and did the majority of the cooking.  I work part-time several mornings, evenings, and even Saturdays for most of the year, which left little time for cooking.  We also started having our groceries delivered which meant the fridge was looking bare by the weekend.  Thank you James!

4. Start using my crafting supplies (knitting, sewing, and scrapbooking) to make gifts for friends and charities.

I have a few more days for this one.  :)  My goal is to finish a quilt I have been working on and trying knitting again  Luckily, I have enjoyed baking (even though I didn't have time to cook).  I am very far behind in James' USA adventure scrapbook (which as an original gift was late).

5. De-clutter my bedroom/floor-drobe

Well it is one pile now and I have made a few donations this year.  I am also going to sell a few things on Ebay.  I have also been inspired to go through a few boxes during this week off.  Hopefully I will make some progress.

6. Work on consuming less sugar (sweets, chocolate, ice cream, etc) and alcohol which will hopefully lead to my waist line slimming down. I need to be a good role model for my clients!

This I have failed miserably.  In January, I developed some symptoms that I thought were caused by milk allergies.  I eliminated dairy from my diet and found some success (and also made me almost vegan as I don't eat any meat).  My friend who is a dietitian suggested I might have IBS, based on symptoms I described to her.  Later in the summer, I tried limiting my gluten intake as that seemed to be a trigger as well.  Without being able to eat cheese, bread, or meat, I found myself eating more sweets.  I think the sweets also helped fuel me during times when I was working too much and not sleeping enough.  Yesterday I downloaded a Thinking Slimmer cognitive hypnotherapy podcast which should help me avoid chocolate cravings.  I have to listen to it for 21 nights just before bedtime.  I will let you know how it goes!

7. Spend an evening or afternoon a week 'unplugged' with Milly- biking, playing games, talking, etc.

Yesterday, I was telling James I didn't do well on my 2012 resolutions.  He asked what they were and I told him this one.  He didn't even know about it, which shows we didn't make much effort.  In October, I took a leave of absence from teaching on Saturdays though.  It has been nice to spend 2 days in a row with him.  We tried to explore the many free museums in London and visit friends around town.


So what will 2013 bring?

1.  I hope to raise $2000 for Rod's Racing, which funds adoption costs for orphans with Down Syndrome.  To do this, I am completing 4 races in 4 countries (2 half-marathons, a sprint tri, and a 5K).  If you would like to support my efforts, please give generously.

2.  More sleep- either with an earlier bedtime 3 nights a week or cutting back on part-time work (which is tough as we could use the money this year).

3.  Be able to do an unassisted headstand and headstand.

4.  UK Visa for 'Indefinite Leave to Remain' which involves taking (and passing) the UK Citizenship test and paying a HUGE fee.  Probably some paperwork too. I need to research dual-citizenship too.

5.  Crafting- I know I didn't do well with this last year, but I do love to craft and have the supplies for it.  My family spoiled me with a fantastic sewing machine last year and I need to put it to good use.

6.  Yoga once a month. Luckily, a local gym is offering Yoga For Runners classes on a monthly basis.  I feel amazing when I leave, calm and limber.  If you haven't tried yoga yet, you really should.  There are many styles so try a few to find a perfect match.

7.  Complete my IAT certificate- To further my career in animal care and management in academia,  I began an online course for animal technology.  I started off strong but work became very busy as I was awarded an 'acting up' temporary promotion.  This certification will make me more attractive as I apply for management positions. (Even though I am constantly wondering if I should pursue fitness management full-time instead)

8.  Travel- This year will be amazing because James and I are going to New Zealand!  It is a long story that ends with James going for 6 weeks for work and me tagging along for 2.  I am also returning to Paris (which I haven't been to since Mandy and Stephane's wedding).  We hope to visit Luxembourg and Wales too to visit family.  Of course, USA is on the list with a few weddings and a stop in the ROC. Other highlights:

James and I went to the BBC Big Weekend as it was in Hackney this year. We are so cool.

Our best man, Mark (second from left), got hitched.  James was the MC for the day.

Olympic fever hit London!  Here are James and I inside the Olympic Stadium for the Paralympics Athletics.

Business is booking as I was awarded a Top Fitness Blog 2012 and nominated for Wego Health Activist Award.

Honeymoon

When James and I were married in 2010, we didn’t take a real honeymoon.  We had less than 24 hours in Niagara on the Lake.  It was weird to be back at work with no break. We were saving up for a move to England and had just put a lot towards the wedding (both in vacation time and money).  We decided for a big trip on our first anniversary.  Fast forward one year and we were on our way to Italy and Greece for a two week holiday.

I had never been to Italy or Greece before this.  James had been to Italy but we were visiting a few new places for him too.  We decided on a road trip (cuz that’s how we roll) where we’d start in Rome and then hire a car to leisurely drive up to Venice, via Florence, Tuscany, Sienna, and Rincone.  We’d see some friends along the way, eat delicious food (which turned out to be only pizza or pasta) and taste the local wine.  After a few days exploring Venice, we planned on taking a 24 hour ferry to Corfu, an island in Greece.  I have never taken a real ‘beach’ holiday. The idea of sitting on the beach for one day appeals to me, but beyond that I would rather be exploring the local culture.  We booked a all-inclusive resort with a pool and an accessible beach.  We’d then end up in Athens to see the ruins and walk were Socrates did a lot of thinking.

It was an amazing two weeks.  As an American, I am unaccustomed to having such a long vacation  (It was tough to go back to work when we got back!).  It was unusually hot (30°C) for early September.  We had hoped for a little cooler weather and less tourists.  It was exciting to be seeing new places and celebrating a honeymoon period.  But it was tough in the middle to come up with new things to talk about after spending every day together.  At the Corfu resort, our options were pool, beach, and nap.  That is where I learned to play backgammon, first on James’ mobile then on the real game boards.  In fact we met a fascinating old man in an Athens shop who only sells backgammon boards made in Greece.  His shop started out as safes, went to records, and presently backgammon sets.  I wanted to take a photo with him but then felt it would be too touristy.  But it is meeting people like this that makes traveling fun.

We stopped long the way in Tuscany to take some photos of the landscape (see photo below).  It looks just like a painting.  The funny thing is that another couple (on bicycles) stopped near us and we each took turns taking each others’ photos. The couple lived in Texas but had connections to Upstate NY.  It is a small world, after all.


We were in Rome for 4 days, 3 days in Florence, 2 days in Rincone, and 2 days in Venice before hopping the ferry to Greece.  By the time we got to Athens, it was even hotter and we were out almost of money.  We ate snacks (hummus, crackers, nuts) in the hotel and took naps at the hottest part of the day.  We were staying near a university and went out one night for drinks and backgammon after a demonstration took place in the afternoon.  Some skips in the streets were melted from burning a few nights before.  The streets were always busy in Athens and people seemed to drive wherever they wanted (motorcycles and scooters on the sidewalk at random).  Credit and debit cards were hardly accepted anywhere.  Cash only seemed to be the consistent policy, maybe because of the debt crisis no one trusted that payments would be received.  It was very cool though to see all the ancient ruins and think about how advanced they were for their time.  The one complaint I have about Greece is the number of feral cats and dogs.  It was crazy!  Where is Bob Barker when you need him?

Awards:

The best food we had was in Florence at a modern restaurant along the river.  They used a long grab arm to take the delicious wine off the wall. The meal with the best view was in Athens.  We were in a roof top restaurant overlooking the Acropolis (see photo below).  The loveliest host we had was Rosa in Rome (thank you Mandy and Stephane for the recommendation).  Her bed and breakfast is right by Vatican City and offers amazing breakfasts every day. 

The famous sites we saw were impressive (and also featured on many postcards)- St. Peter’s Cathedral, Vatican City, many statues and fountains, the Acropolis, the Square with the horse race in Sienna.

Readers of this blog seem to enjoy the photos the most, so here I am posting the favorites out of out 1000+.  Sorry they are not in chronological order.  Hope the captions help paint the picture of our trip.

View of Vatican City from top of cathedral

Art in a Rome museum

Our balcony in Corfu (island in Greece)

Acropolis at night

James at the Acropolis

My new car in Sienna

James gets another kiss!

Me too :)

Tuscan country side

In Venice

They really do drive those little boats around

For our next anniversary (which is next month!), I suggested a long weekend in St Ives at a friend’s B&B (www.littleleagguesthouse.co.uk).  James think Brussels would be fun as we have friends there (Belgium also has amazing chocolate and beer).  Any suggestions?

In London and a few other trips to Europe, I have seen some amazing cars. Amazing in that there is no rust and you don't usually see it in Central Michigan. Here are a few of my favorites. Fee free to comment if you know what it is (year, make, model) as I have no clue. These are only a sample, more to come!

In Rome, Italy:



Down the road from our flat in Greenwich by the park:



I was floored to see this 1950 something Rolls-Royce in the town square in Sienna, Italy:



Just after my 5K in the fall, this was parked outside Victoria Park:

In 2012, I have been putting my time and energy into www.ptmollie.com. This began as a blog and resource for my personal training clients. It has since grown into a health and wellness site offering information to readers about fitness, healthy eating, organic products, and motivation.

Please take a minute to check out the site and send me your feedback. Be sure to click on every Friday for the Weekend Challenge- a little push to get you active and to try new things. :) If you would like to run a 5K, Team PT Mollie will be running on March 25th and May 27th. Feel free to sport a PT Mollie tshirt while participating in a race near you (or come to London!).

I am always looking for guest writers and collaborators. Please share my site with friends, family, and colleagues.

Thank you for your support in my sporty endeavours!


In health and happiness,
Mollie
mollie@ptmollie.com

Where to start? I guess the beginning. In 2011, I was fortunate to have traveled back to the states 3 times. In March, my grandfather passed away. I don't want to say it was unexpected as he has been living in a nursing home for several years and had recently had a fever and stopped eating. I guess you never think death will really ever happen, or you just keep yourself in denial about it. Luckily, I was able to book a reasonable priced flight back to Rochester for a few days to spend time with my mom, uncle, grandma, and great aunt. Grandpa was a simple man, and wouldn't have liked anyone to put up a fuss about him. We told some stories after lunch after the service about Grandpa wanting things kept simple and "everything put back in its place." The most powerful moment was after the US flag was folded a young(er) soldier handed my grandma the flag, thanking her for Grandpa's service. The most heart-wrenching was seeing my grandma cry. We Germans are very stoic and seldom show emotion. This is only the second time I remember seeing mu grandma cry. I feel very blessed I was able to be there with her.

In June, I made a trip back to Rochester. It was actually my return ticket from December, when I moved to the UK. US Airways (never again!) canceled my flight the day I was meant to leave so I was put up in a fancy Sofitel at Heathrow and given 3 meals for the day. Since I had the day off, I explored the National Galleries in London and discovered an amaaaazing ice cream place called The Icecreamists (known for breast milk ice cream, which no, I did not try). Milly joined me at the hotel for dinner and comfy bed.

One day late, I arrive in Rochester. My dad coordinated to be in town the first weekend, which was great. It was a bummer that our time together was cut short, but we made the most of it by going to the park with our cousins. The rest of the week was relaxing and spent visiting my mom and grandma, as well as my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew again. I didn't have a car (or license) to drive around, so my mom and I did some shopping and helped Grandma tidy her apartment. I also saw a few friends who were still living in town, which was fantastic as it seems more fun to catch up in person than over Facebook.

On the one way ticket home I purposely had a long layover in Iceland (hey, why not?). Milly and I have a silly competition as how many countries I visit vs how many US states he has visited (I am up to 35 states after our road trip in 2010). It was tough to decide how to spend my day. I had 3 options due to the flight schedules.

First was to go on a whale watch. I am a complete nerd and my dream job (if money didn't matter) would be to work on a whale watch (as I did for 2 summers at the New England Aquarium). The species I would see though would be humpbacks and orcas, both of which I had already seen in the wild. I can also go on whale watch tours in the UK and US.

Second was to visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. It was a long time to soak in therapeutic waters, but when else would I have this chance?

Finally, I could spend the day in the capital city, Reykjavik, doing some exploring. There were a few tour companies offering Jeep and horse tours out to the landscape but none fit in with my flights.

As you probably guessed, I went with #2. The bus out to the lagoon took us through some crazy 'moonlike' areas. Volcanic ash covered in moss decorates the land, with hardly any buildings on the way to the lagoon. I tried to take photos from the bus, but of course, they are blurry.

Here are some of the photos from this trip in June:

London




Rochester






Iceland