Le Meow....Le Purr

Ryan and I went to Europe this summer and I have yet to share pictures with many of you.  I won't go as far as to say we were globetrotters; we were really unintentionally testing the bounds of our relationship by way of massive travel and intense quality time together in strange cities.  

We started by going to San Diego for the Rock 'n Roll Marathon.  I was sidelined due to ITBS but Ryan ran it. Fast. Even after taking a 15 minute break under an overpass. This was my first marathon experience and now I know where to wait to cheer the runners on (it's not at the actual finish line).  Here I was waiting at the finish, three deep, when I could have lined right up against the fencing anywhere along the last quarter mile. Well, live and learn, right?  I am proud to say I saw at least one silverback in US flag shorts (USA! USA!) cross the finish. 

From SD, we went back to Chicago (on race day) and the next morning took off for London.  We spent 7 nights in London and one night in Paris.  The trip was amazing and I think we are now close personal friends with Rick Steves.  We honestly did just about every single item he suggested in London.  We both agree the favorite visit of the trip was the Tower of London. Being the history dork that I am, I could've gone through it twice. Ryan wasn't on board with that suggestion.

  

This trip was a big one for us.  Ryan proposed in Paris (!!!) at night along the Seine.  Now, let's step back here a second. He proposed on Thursday night. We left for London on Monday morning. My stealthy man had this ring hidden away from me all this time.  Anywho, another big moment for Ryan was that the official Grouch Meter was developed, tested, and approved. Sigh. Needless to say, if you are planning on visiting the Temple Church (cue Knights of Templar and Da Vinci Code) make sure you have eaten!  Otherwise, getting lost in the residential back streets of London is not sunshine lollypops.  Also note, rain gear is required in London in June. Being damp and hungry rates high on the Grouch Meter. Very high.

The trip was such a success that Ryan and I decided that the next big trip will be to Asia.  Prior to our dating, Ryan lived in Hong Kong for two years and did quite a bit of traveling in Asia.  He is interested in going back and taking me around all the great cities.  That will be interesting indeed!

Ryan on race day - 4:30am

London

Tower of London

London Bridge

Paris, along the Seine

Notre Dame

Cambridge

Us before dinner and the proposal

A blog? Really?

It's true. With my approaching life changes I thought keeping this could be interesting. And clearly I thought someone else may too be interested in what it is I am doing or may have to say.  Ryan was concerned I would be the ultimate rabble-rouser and post comments on the political environment or other major social issues. It is charming that he thinks my horizons are broad enough to have well founded one-sided conversations on such things.  Frankly I don't think the hoi polloi envisions yours truly when such topics come to mind.  But why a blog and not myspace or facebook? I think the friend thing gives me a complex. The last thing I need is stress and self doubt about not having social space friends (ha ha).  

Back to the point. Life changes. I guess I like to make a big splash (shocking). Not only am I moving to Chicago and transferring within my firm (whole new set of people and clients), but I am also moving in with Ryan. First time I've shared living space with another person since junior year at ND. Eek.  And finally, I am getting married in a little over 7 months.  Needless to say, I have a few things going on which means I will surely have a lot to say.

So here it is. Let's see what happens.