Box of Whine

Although my mom has said on many occasions, “How come in Sweden…” we’re still in Switzerland. We had a great day, went out to Stansstad, walked around, went to Glacier Museum (which only contained 10% glacier), and saw a remarkable rainbow just after dinner. Switzerland is just simply amazing, we have yet to have a bad dinner (or yet to have a bad hot dog in baguette).

Contrary to what I would have usually done, we went to the Glacier Museum and it had a hall of mirrors. Had everyone else not been so interested in it, I probably wouldn’t have gone. Luckily, I wasn’t in charge. As I learned, the the hall was over 100 years old and it was fantastically done. The mirrors were so clean and so well positioned, there was one time I was hurrying through the halls and I had to come to a screeching halt when I almost ran into myself… I distinctly thought, “damn, I almost ran into that guy.” We like it so much we went through twice.

Overall, we’re having a great time. I really love the overall feeling and tenor of being in Europe. They have a lot of things right here. The transportation. the structure of society, the government subsidized beer. The US could learn a lot, but it they are going to subsidize beer, please… no budwieser.

Hello from Switzerland.

Jess and I met my parents in Zurich this morning and are now in Luzern. For the last five days, Jess and I had been in Vienna and Salzburg, Austria. I had actually updated from Salzburg but for some reason, it never took… pictures and all. Oh well. Austria was astounding. Jess and I had such a wonderful time, it is an amazingly beautiful country, especially during thunderstorms in Salzburg.

We’re now sitting in my parents’ hotel room, sharing some hand-crafted liquors that we bought… I have to say, the apricot is my favorite. Tomorrow (weather permitting) we’ll head up Mt. Pilatus to do some hiking. Coming up is Paris, Luxembourg, and Barcelona. Sorry about not having pictures right now, but I’ll try to get some put up by the next time.

Through the 20+ hour of flying and airport time Jess and I made it into Vienna the other day and now we are in Salzburg. In a couple of days we head for Zurich and Luzern. Everything is great (but expensive)… take a gander!

Vienna:

Salzburg:

next update: Luzern, maybe?

To the most remarkable woman who helped me find what I could be and do everything I should be doing.  Each day I’m happier than the last and with each day I’m a better person than I was, all because of you.  Thank you for making me push myself, better myself, and hold myself to a higher standard.  I’m not sure anyone could ever comprehend the impact you have had upon my life; I know, without a doubt, my life would not be as successful or as fulfilling, nor do I think I would be as happy, as confident, or as truly content.  You’ve helped me become who I am, and for that I’m forever in your debt.

I wish you a sincere and truly happy birthday and beyond.

Happy birthday, Jess!

Seize the summer.

The first couple days of our offical summer break have been taken up by painting Jessica’s new third grade classroom.  Previous to our two-day painting extravaganza, it was an ugly off-white room with dried vomit tanish-brown accents.  Now, it is graced with brilliant white walls with glacial pool blue accents.  Honestly, it went from one of the ugliest classrooms in the school to once of the best.  Take a gander (I apologize for the quality of picture, it’s as good as my cell phone can do):

I’m still steadily chugging along with my eating and exercise plan.  As of two minutes ago, I weighed in at 252 pounds.  That’s an over all weight loss of 48 pounds, or  16% of my original body weight.  I’m almost a size and half smaller in my pants and a size smaller in my shirt, it is nice to only see one “X” attached to your clothing.  I have 22 pounds until my I reach my original goal and at least 52 pounds to get to my personal goal.  It would be nuts if I tipped the scales at 200 pounds, that would mean I was only 15 pounds off of my calculated “ideal” weight.

A side benefit from all of this, I’m now running a faster mile time than I ever have, even considering high school and middle school.  Last week, I ran a 8:37 mile and today I cut it down to 8:26.  The biggest consideration for the near future is continuing with my quantity control while on our trip.  I know the intense workouts will fade for a couple of weeks, but there will be a lot of walking and hiking (especially in the Alps!) taking place.  I’ll definitely have to compensate the lack of hard work outs with a lack of hard eating.

Maybe I could get to the point where I put up a shirtless picture of myself… ah, yes, that would effectively assassinate the loyal readership of Box of Whine.  I don’t think that will happen.

Grades are submitted, all valuables and electronics are locked away.  Now all that is left is to turn off the lights and lock the door.  Another school year has come and gone.