It all started as a simple Facebook message from one of our friends, encouraging us to get a big group together and travel to Nashville to live the city life for one night. A few days later, twelve of us were headed to Music Row!
We got an awesome hotel room on the 22nd Floor of the Renaissance Marriott Hotel in the heart of downtown Nashville and proceeded to sleep seven people in one of the rooms. Yea, I'm pretty sure the hotel wasn't meant for 'our kind' but it was fun nonetheless.
So we sat out walking the streets of Nashville (where it was literally 10 degrees outside) in search of some fun.... and any funny signs to pose next to.... We grabbed dinner and I took it upon myself to get in a few couple shots for introductions.
Of course, you know Lucas and I... And our good friend Brandon and Linda. Then, we have Brandon (affectionately known as O.B. - Other Brandon) and his girl Joanne. And Kyle and Donna.I also took a good shot of some of the guys on our trip: Chris, Chuck, Erik, and Brandon snuck in here. Lee joined us later to make twelve. We started off at Coyote Ugly. Ya'll have seen the movie right? Well, maybe the coyotes aren't quite the same as in the movies but it was still a great bar. So you know what I had to do, right? You only live once. Come on! And then there were a few of these.... After Coyote, we roamed the streets in search of other great bars. We found a great karaoke bar in Printer's Alley (get your mind out of the gutter - not the 'Nude Karaoke' bar that is pictured above). After that, we found another bar to dance the night away. They had a cover and I'm so not going to pay cover at a bar so we turned around to walk out and they said - 'Wait! Nevermind. Ya'll can come in.' Ahh, yes! I love it when that happens. And so... there are no more pictures from the night as we proceeded to forget the picture taking and just dance. We don't go out very much but when we do I love to live it up to the fullest extent. Nashville did not disappoint. Thank you, Music City!!
Before heading out the next morning, we decided to try out a great restaurant that my parents and grandparents had heard rage reviews about - Loveless Cafe.
Let me tell you, it must be good because there was an hour and a half wait. No matter how good the food is, after a night like that you can't expect us to wait a hour and a half. So we plugged 'Cracker Barrel' into the all-mighty iPhone and found our way to the nearest country store. But not before we stopped to say 'cheese' for a perfect photo opp.
And thanks, Lee, for the 'behind the scenes' shot of our happy little family.
Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The inauguration of our President couldn't come at a better time. This year, we can celebrate not only the accomplishments of Dr. King but also the progress we've made thus far.
I also have a few more reasons to celebrate today.
(I realize this is tomorrow but today is the last full day of his term so I'm celebrating today!)
And... Today is Rafa's 1st Birthday.
Happy Birthday, Rafa! Mommy loves you!
(We are going to celebrate this weekend.)
To top off this wonderful day, my boss just let us off for the rest of the day! Yippeee! I'll be back tomorrow to tell you all about my wonderful weekend. And I've still got one more Colombia post up my sleeves.
Yes - another story about Lucas being afraid of heights. (Boy, he is gonna love me after reading that.)
From Medellin, our family traveled about two hours to Guatape for another day of adventure. It all started with a horse ride to the park. My very first time to ride a horse! Unfortunately, the ride was on a cobblestone road and I kept thinking I was going to tip over (that saddle was not so secure). So the ride was a little uneasy but it was a fun new thing to try!
When we arrived, I made Lucas pose for a pretty picture.
And then we were faced with the task ahead -El Piedra de Peñol, the world second largest single rock. Look at all those stairs. Oh, my! So we got started right away.
The never ending stairway to the top A scenic overlook mid-way up
We stopped at a plateau near the top, where they have a little market with fruits and beverages and souvenirs.
And after an hour of climbing, we finally made it to the very top for some breathtaking views!
I made it! And the boys made it to the top, too!
Look - even little Rafa was with us. ;)
Lucas DID NOT want to go near the edge. I was teasing him a bit here.
Then Simon and I had to drag him over to the edge for a picture.
I love this photo of the Linares men.
And one last photo before our descent
That night we went to see the Christmas lights in Medellin. Every year, they have a massive display of lights (only one feature of many is pictured below).
The display runs right through the middle of downtown along the river. They even suspend lights over the river! It was incredible!
The event was very similar to a Christmas light parade that we have in our city's botanical gardens only much, much grander. I'm talking huge. Every year they design a new and different theme. After January, the displays will be sold to other cities across South America who wish to have a similar display for their citizens. And the people of Medellin get something new to look forward to every year. How exciting!
We had a great time in Medellin. I guess it was worth the awful (and I do mean awful) ride there and back (though I'm glad I don't have to take any of those rides for a while).
On my next post about our vacation, I'll show you how we celebrated Christmas and New Years in Colombia!
My goal last week was to eat healthy, work out, and drink lots of water in order to start losing weight. I think we got off to a pretty good start.
I have been guzzling water like nobody's business. I think swapping over those Diet Mountain Dews and Coke Zeros for water and crystal light has really made a huge difference. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy an occasional soda but nowhere near my previous levels.
I have also been eating healthy (by myself since the husband has pretty much been gone all week with work). I made an unbelievably delicious sandwich this week. I whipped out my George Foreman and threw on a piece of chicken as well as some red onions, green bell peppers, and tomatoes all cut in strips. I put a little bit of light mayo on some whole wheat bread, cut my chicken in strips and layered it on the bread, then added the grilled veggies for an amazing sandwich. I took the leftovers and a tortilla shell to work the next day for a delicious and healthy lunch (much better than the usual Lean Cuisine). I'll probably make these again soon whenever Lucas is home. He'll really enjoy it. My one problem is that Wednesday night is our Mexican night. I will maintain this tradition and have no problem rewarding myself for being good. But then I have to weigh in on Thursday mornings! How cruel! I'll just have to be really good during the week.
My work out routine has been less than stellar. I worked out twice. My problem is that I definitely won't do it after work so I just need to make myself wake up early to get on the elliptical. I just hate waking up! Once I'm awake, I'm golden... it is just the urge to fight getting out of bed that keeps me from my much needed exercise. I'm gonna take care of that this week....
All this leads up to the best news:
I lost 3 pounds!!!
(Take in mind that this total is actually over a week and a half since I weighed in and started my own little weight loss journey on Monday.)
This Week's Goal My new goal for the week (as I continue to eat healthy and drink lots of water) is to exercise at least 4 days. My only condition is that I must work out on the elliptical for at least 30 minutes. But if I can cull myself out of bed in time I plan on adding some ab and upper/lower body workouts in, as well. We are T-minus 6 weeks 'til Cabo! I've got to get serious!
Looking for a good website to help you out with your diet? Even though I am no longer officially on Weight Watchers, I know it works and I'm pretty loyal to their plan. I am always checking out the recipes they have on their site (there are more if you pay but there are millions of WW recipes floating around so no need for that). One neat thing to do on the site is check in on the Forums. Women are always posting recipes or providing links to new websites with WW recipes. Check it out!
I know, I know. This isn't about our second adventurous day in Medellin. But this is so much more exciting at this moment!
I just bought 15 (yes, you read that right - 15) tickets to the first round Davis Cup matchup between USA and Switzerland. Do you know what this means? I'll be watching Andy Roddick battle it out with Roger Federer along with 14 of my closest friends and family! Oh, my! What a trip this will be! And can you believe that this caliber of tennis will be in Alabama (yes, you read that right - ALABAMA)?
I'll tell you the quick story. Bubba (one of "The Two Sexiest Fat Men Alive!") from The Rick & Bubba Show (a radio show based out of Birmingham but syndicated throughout the South) is now a big time tennis player - or, at the 3.5 level, he thinks he is a big time tennis player. Yes, I've seen him at the tournaments and the older women swoon after him (yuck!) just because he is semi-famous. Come on girls - let's set our sights a little higher!
Anyway, back to my story. Bubba's Christmas wish was to bring the Davis Cup to Birmingham. So they set up a website and encouraged all of their loyal listeners (I'm not one of them... they are slimy) to sign the petition. Go check it out because the page is really funny.
So all of his listeners across the Southeast signed the petition. And word got out to the tennis community. Tennis players from Alabama and across the Southeast signed Bubba's petition so that they can watch world class tennis nearby! And so I signed the petition! AND WE GOT IT!!!
At least that's one good thing I can say about Bubba..... he got us the Davis Cup!
Thanks, Bubba!
Plans for a big U.S.A.-themed tailgating party are in the works. This will be legendary!
After Christmas we loaded up two vehicles and took a caravan to Medellin, the second largest city in Colombia. I knew this trip would take a few hours but I was in no way prepared for the road trip that was about to ensue. After six hours of winding, two-lane roads and several near death experiences as we passed semi-trucks on these winding, two-lane roads, we finally made it to Medellin.
I got down on my knees, thanked my lucky stars, and kissed the solid ground beneath me.
We stopped at to eat a late lunch once we arrived. After lunch, with my ice cream in tow, Martin asked these military men to pose for a picture with me. I wanted to show you the typical road side scenery. These men are everywhere. Well, not these exact men... but you get the point. I was a little intimidated by their guns even though they couldn't have been more than 16 years old.
Next we went to a huge mall where I was looking forward to shopping 'til I dropped. But Colombia would have none of it. Prices there are outrageously high for clothes that aren't even near the quality of American goods. AND there are absolutely no sales in these stores. None! I pay sticker price for nothing. NOTHING! So this shopping trip was very depressing. All that time and I walked out empty handed. So sad.
The next day was the day we had all been waiting for and the event I have been so excited to tell you all about. We went paragliding! We - as in me, Martin, and Simon. Lucas was too scared! Here is our group getting ready to go!
I thought I'd get one final picture with Lucas.... you know.... just in case. Ha!
Then I got all geared up!
Martin went first so I captured his take off. You just run and run and run until your off the cliff and lifted into the air. I really thought it would be scary but it wasn't at all!
Next was my turn to take flight. I captured some beautiful images of Medellin from above.
Then I turned the camera on myself to get a shot of me and Ulrich, my English speaking guide.
We flew near and almost directly above Martin during our flight.
During the flight, Ulrich's cell phone rang. First of all, the ring tone is like a warning alarm so I thought something was wrong. He told me it was just his phone so I relaxed a bit and told him I didn't think answering that was such a great idea. Well apparently he didn't agree. He answered his cell phone mid-air. I'm not even kidding. You know I had to get this picture.
While in the air I took a little video to let you experience paragliding in Colombia - if only for a few seconds....
And a final picture with Ulrich and his daughter - safely on the ground.
Simon left after Martin and I came down so I was able to capture his flight....
After everyone had returned, I wanted to take advantage of the beautiful backdrop and get some family pictures.
The American Linares Family
The Linares Boys
The Original Linares Family
The New (and Improved...haha!) Linares Family
We stopped for lunch on the way back. This was just a little dive but it had to be the best restaurant we ate at while in Colombia. The portions were huge and so delicious! This was Lucas's plate.... I was in awe over the massive amount of food.***UPDATE: I have had requests to fill you all in on what is on this plate. This is called a 'Plato Tipico'... or typical Colombian food, pretty much. Starting from the top left there is an arepa, carne (steak), papas fritas (french fries), frijoles (beans), arroz con huevos (rice with eggs), and a plantain.... all served up with a Colombiana - Colombian Soda***
But not in enough awe to skip dessert! Strawberries and Cream! Yummm! Simon enjoyed his meal a little too much. He had a post dinner, post dessert Alka Seltzer. That was probably a good idea. Ha! On the way back into town we also stopped by this little village that centered around a big Catholic church. Lucas's mom wanted to visit the church.
It really was gorgeous! Paintings covered the walls, arches, and ceilings.
We happened to stop in during a service in which the priest was Christening the babies. It was an interesting site to see for a Southern Baptist girl.
Me being such a big fan of religion... I had to stop in and get my confessions out of the way. Ha.
This is one thing I found odd.... Santa hanging in a cathedral?
We took the long way back to Medellin.... I don't really enjoy taking the scenic routes in Colombia. That generally means very bad and bumpy roads. But at least it provides good scenery. We stopped to take a look at this beautiful lake... though we couldn't figure out how to get down to it. This was only our first day of activities in Medellin. There was another action packed day to follow. Keep coming back for more! I tell you.... this trip to Colombia was really good for my blog. No more wondering what to write about for a while.... :)
and any funny signs to pose next to....
We grabbed dinner and I took it upon myself to get in a few couple shots for introductions.
And our good friend Brandon and Linda.
Then, we have Brandon (affectionately known as O.B. - Other Brandon) and his girl Joanne.
I also took a good shot of some of the guys on our trip: Chris, Chuck, Erik, and Brandon snuck in here. Lee joined us later to make twelve.
We started off at Coyote Ugly. Ya'll have seen the movie right? Well, maybe the coyotes aren't quite the same as in the movies but it was still a great bar.
So you know what I had to do, right?
You only live once. Come on!
And then there were a few of these....
