(from the previous thread)
Well, thanks to RK, I've just got to stop lurking and finally re-join the Guild. That old picture of me did the trick. I've been following as best I could these last two months, but it's been such a busy time. I've missed you all and now I think I can be around more often.
Let me catch you up:
Whew! What a spring. We have a new baby by my sister's daughter (like a daughter to me, too). 6 weeks old, Anna Celeste, 7 lbs., 11 oz at birth. After 3 days at home, she had to go back in the hospital for two weeks....scary time. She was losing weight .. down to 7 lbs. and dropping. She's now home and growing and beautiful! I mean it...she's the most beautiful baby I've ever seen... smiles if you just look at her. My heart is melting.
At the same time we found out my mother has glaucoma and have had to do all kinds of lab tests to determine whether she can have the surgery. The stage is now set the first-stage surgery next week with another in July. Boy, I'll be glad when that's done. Just hope she may be able to read again when they're finished. She gets so bored...can't read or see TV.
Add to that another niece's wedding coming up at the end of June, swimming lessons for two 3-yr-olds, a governor's primary campaign (my guy won!)...I've been terribly busy.
And now...about moi. The reason I hate that picture Retrokitten posted is because I've lost 15 pounds since then! I had gained weight since quitting smoking last summer and I hated it. So I started out dieting and walking 3 miles a day (March). Then in April I added the YMCA weight room to the routine. In May I added swimming 1/2 mile every morning. So now I swim for an hour in the AM, then go back and walk/do weights in the afternoon. My metabolism has gone so high I can feel the heat waves when I'm in bed at night. I've been to a couple of golf tournaments and it's amazing how much easier it is for me to walk the course now. Stewart's mom (my twin) is doing the same routine as mine, but she started in January and did the swimming from the beginning. She's lost 25 lbs...my new goal. I'm now convinced that swimming is the secret...I've lost weight so much faster since I took to the pool. I'll be a size 8 or 10 by October.....
....because I want wear those skinny black pants when I go to PARIS! I came into a small inheritance (very small)and I plan to travel to Europe at least twice a year for the next 2 or 3 years. I might even consider moving over there for a while (only if I can have a computer to reach the Guild!). I had originally planned an Italy trip, but my sisters couldn't go. As I read more about Europe, I decided Paris would be a better place to go solo. Italy would be more fun with two or more people to rent a car and drive around the countryside. In Paris, who needs a car?! So Paris it is! (Si c'est Paris!) I'm so excited...already booked my flight and hotel (Hotel Bonaparte at Place Sainte-Sulpice, 6th e) for 16 days. I think I've read every Fodor's thread ever posted about Paris and have a long list of sites and restaurants. Any of you have any particular favorites I should add to my list? Oh, and I find it funny that everyone on Fodor's insists on BLACK PANTSUITS for Paris! I'm going to look for some black Tencel or part-Spandex pieces, but I will soften them with colored silk blouse or top and a Hermes scarf ...maybe a pretty tote type bag. I WILL NOT be a PIAPS....more like SIAPS...Skinny in a PantSuit! I may even buy a pashmina...tres fashionable!
I'm learning French using the Michel Thomas CDs. Have any of you done this? Amazing! I can't believe how fast he can teach one to actually think in French. I've only completed 2 of 8 CDs, but I'm sold on his method.
HLL, San Francisco is so beautiful, isn't it? I used to live near there (Los Gatos and Santa Cruz) and loved going into the city. I've always been amazed at how reasonably priced the restaurants are...not to say you can't spend a bundle if you want to. We love breakfast in China town...$1.95 for full meal. Also, the linens in Chinatown...to die for. I'm particularly fond of the Italian restaurants in Little Italy around Washington Square. MMmm. As to the airport security, I plan to go about 5 hours early for my Paris trip so I'll have all the time in the world for such nonsense. I plan to smile and be very sweet to everyone I encounter in hopes of getting bumped up to Business Class! I love your trip reports...especially the part about the Dem lurkers! Little did we know.
So, the new Timeout's back....tanned, fit and ready to go! Just reviewing this thread I was struck by how disgusted I still am at x42...just seeing his picture makes me ill. My only satisfaction is how totally IRRELEVANT he is now...and he knows it. Must be awful for him.
Awwwwwww...:)