Paris 40

To Paris with Love

July 21, 2010

tower
Dear Paris,

I am writing this letter upon my return of meeting you. Before I made the journey, I had heard much about about how truly wonderful you are. I had seen pictures, read stories, and listened to others allege their love affair with you. So much so that I felt a lovely familiarity with each experience I shared with you during my short one week visit. You did indeed look as I expected you to…charming cafes on every street corner, old buildings laced with rod iron railings and flower filled window boxes, and of course, loads of epicurean delights and smells strewn about each street.

I am surprised by how imprinted I became by the details that made you so special to me.

The way you served your food at tables facing the street to make it easy for a view of the passerby and the wonderful street activity you possess. So few places I have been where I feel I have license to stare at people. I usually feel that I need to be more discreet in my viewing hobbies, but not with you. Each meal felt fancy because of the extras presented along the way. A bowl of olives, bread on a board, charcuterie as a meal, ice cream served in a cold pewter dish…so thoughtful and simple.

I too was surprised by all of the music wafting through the city, from the group of burly Hungarian singers belting out a tune in the subway, to the street performers who so confidently delivered intricate street dances, and alas, the little old man in the old tattered wool sweater strolling through the train playing the stereotypical french tune on his accordian. Music is now part of who you are in my heart.

My adventures were many. Riding a bicycle in Versailles, visiting Marie Antionette’s homage, and of course, the Lourve and Musee d’Orsay. An interesting trip to the Flea Market and dining at Ciel de Paris to watch the city night fall and the lighting of the Eiffel Tower were also some of my favorite moments.

I visited you to celebrate my 40th birthday. I couldn’t remember a time in the recent past where I felt so wonderfully young and alive. Thank you for being such a wonderful host. Until we meet again…..

Love, Love,

Buttercup

pariscollage

F.F.P. - #1

February 4, 2010

2shawn
So here is the thing…I am going to get (F)it before I turn (F)orty and then I am going to (P)aris.

LET US RECAP

I am currently 15 pounds overweight and a bit out of shape. This condition of mine has crept up for the last 5 years….two pounds here, three pounds there, three pounds dropped, 6 pounds gained. There is no mystery to how this has happened. I eat man-sized portions. I like wine. I spend an unbalanced amount of my spare time on the computer as opposed to moving my buttocks.
My 40th birthday is exactly FOUR months from today. That’s June 3, if you want to add it to your calendar. I loved my 30’s but I am excited about 40+. My 40’s will be filled with adventure, new dreams, travel, and family. I want to feel good about myself physically, mentally, spiritually…and part of that is getting FIT.
For my 40th birthday, I am going to Paris with three girlfriends. What a gift (thank you sweet hubby) to spend a long weekend with friends meandering around the streets of PAREEE, taking in the sites, tastes, smells, and culture. I have been dreaming about my “Paris in June” wardrobe and it doesn’t involve baggy clothes that hide my mid-section….no sirry…….I plan to (F)eel good wearing the stack of beautiful clothes that are hanging in my closet that haven’t fit for three years.
It’s time. No more excuses. I will share my progress (scary) for the next 4 months.

February 3, 2010
Height — 5 ft. 2 in
Weight — 132 pounds
Waist — WIDE
Goal #1 — Weight — 115 pounds (This is reasonable folks…at my 6 week postpartum I weighed 117 after the birth of my second child….I am small boned)
Goal #2 — Lose Inches

My plan — Get off my buttocks and exercise at least an hour 5 days a week. Up my fiber intake to 35 grams a day (this means lots and lots of fruits and veges). Limit the white sugar, white flour. No wine….gulp…..(I mean not gulp…no wine remember) until PARIS.

Putting it out to the world…well….I have just held myself accountable.

(F)it by (F)orty in (P)aris!!!! WAHOO!!!!!