another fav

This was shot in Gouda, Holland. The thing I like about this picture is the saturation of color as well as the perspective. The camera was completely level, which just shows you the pitch at which some of these buildings set.

my big return

Things seem to be getting back to normal after our return from Europe. I've posted an album of Europe pics on my facebook page and Erin is doing an amazing job of recounting the days through her blog. I'm spending this weekend crammed inside a classroom for my Real Estate intensive review. I take the state test on Tuesday.... we shall see.

I have to admit that my fitness suffered horribly while in Europe. Day one started great with a little Tony Horton Hotel Room workout - but then I got sick. Like, make it through the day and get into bed sick. It lasted until about the last four days, which Erin and I spent traveling through Belgium. Those days were filled with beer and patat frittes, which does not leave one excited to do squats.

SO - tomorrow - MONDAY - marks the beginning of hopping back on the train. I was about 75% through the ChaLean Extreme program before we left - so i'm going to back up about a week and jump in. Hopefully that extra week will give my body the time it needs for muscle memory to kick in. I do know that the fact our diet has resumed has helped the body quite a bit. No more need for a 2pm nap.

Mr. Canal Boat Man

Erin and I stood in line on a sunny Easter Monday in Brugges, Belgium. I wanted to take a canal boat tour of the city being that it is known as the Venice of Northern Europe. We stood in a line about 10 deep and waited our turn to purchase tickets.
As we got to the front of the line we were greeted by the ticket taker with whom we exchanged pleasantries. He spoke very good English, so I engaged him with a common question of, "How is your day going?"
He sat back in his chair, seemingly disregarding the line behind us and this was his answer:
"Well.....I recently went to the Dr. and found out I was diagnosed with cancer and my girlfriend was in an auto accident this weekend".
Erin and I just stood and stared, almost waiting for the punch line....and there wasn't one. "Oh, wow, I'm so sorry. Well, I guess it'll just be two tickets then please..."
I'm not sure if this guy was having some fun or if this really was his fate. Either way, my condolences go out to you Mr. Canal boat man.