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Big News – Part 2

Just about a year ago, to the date, we shared the big news that we were packing our bags and moving across the pond to embark on a great adventure.

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In order to accommodate both of our careers, we ended up establishing homes in two cities – Geneva and London. Bo pursued his career in finance with his current company while I moved into my new global role with Procter & Gamble.

People often asked us which city felt more like home and we would always answer that we were doing our best to make each feel like home. Even though our London flat came furnished, we spent time stocking a proper kitchen and adding a few prints and pieces of furniture to make it feel more homey. We have made some wonderful friends in London thanks to blogging and have spent many a weekend enjoying long runs, workouts, double dates, and brunches with these friends.

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As much as we tried to make both cities work it was tough. We went to great strides to ensure we saw each other every weekend, taking more than 60 flights in the 9 month period and waking up at 4am on Mondays in order to get back to our respective cities in time. While our relationship was stronger than ever, neither of us were completely happy with the situation. We both missed having a friend and spouse to come home to in the evenings. This in addition to the fact that Bo found the environment at his company’s London office to be very different from New York which he loved.  So after many hours of discussions, talking with loved ones, evaluating options, and prayers we have officially taken a leap of faith together.

Bo has left his role in London and relocated to Geneva!

What does that mean for us? Well, it means that I have the joy of seeing him everyday which beginning yesterday was pretty amazing! For now he’s focusing on learning French, making some improvements to our flat, taking some time to evaluate his next move and considering options. Right now our plan is for him to start applying for financial positions in Geneva next month but we’ll see what happens. If something comes his way sooner, fabulous. We are being realistic about the situation and are thankful for the savings we’ve put aside for years which help make this move possible. This is the first time off he’s had since graduating from Georgia Tech in 2007 and we both believe it is the perfect time to consider career options.

While saying goodbye to London is difficult, we’re both thrilled with the fact that due to its proximity, we’ll be able to see our friends frequently either in London or during fun travel weekends throughout Europe.

Cheers to the unknown and establishing our life TOGETHER in Geneva!

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The TMI Blog Survey

Happy Easter Monday or Marathon Monday depending what your focus is today. I am so excited to read the race recaps from everyone who is crossing the starting line today, especially Jess and Bobbi whose journeys to this day I have followed through their blogs! As Europe recognizes Easter Monday as  a holiday, Bo and I are spending the day relaxing, unpacking, catching up and getting our lives back on track.

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While I work on the multiple travel posts recapping every city on our trap and how I packed for an 8 day road trip, I thought I’d change the topics up around here and complete the TMI Blog Survey that Theodora tagged me in the other day. I’ve loved reading this survey from Tina and other bloggers around the internet as it’s always fun to learn a little something new about people.

1. What are you wearing?

Plaid pajama pants, a Tara Stiles collection Reebok Yoga t-shirt, my favorite slippers, and an SK-II face mask.

2. Ever been in love?

I’ve been in love with this guy for 11 years but I’m finding that this journey overseas as made me fall in love with him more and more everyday.

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3. Ever had a terrible breakup?

I’ve had a few the worst of which were my high school boyfriend and then when Bo and I broke up for 2 months my senior year of college.

4. How tall are you?

5’9 and a half (I always wanted to reach 5’10 but alas that never happened.)

5. How much do you weigh?

I’ve hovered between 152-158 since moving to Europe, down 5 pounds from my lowest NYC weight. Right now I’m probably on the higher end of the spectrum thanks to a week of beer and sausage – well worth it in my opinion.

6. Any tattoos?

No. Keep in mind it took me until I was 18 to get my ears pierced so I’m not exactly a needle nor pain lover.

7. Any piercings?

See above. I have my ears pierced and that’s all. I’ve never really been interested in getting any other piercings.

8. Favorite song?

It is horribly trite but I absolutely love singing Alabama’s Dixie Land Delight anytime possible now that we’re far away from our Southern roots. Side note, I just discovered that it was released in 1983 – same year as my birth.

9. Quality you look for in a partner?

This is a hard one as I am probably a bit high maintenance in this area as my parents set a pretty high bar but at the end of the day if someone isn’t supportive, faithful and trustworthy then there isn’t much else that can replace these qualities. A guy can be hilarious but if he’s going to walk away when the going gets tough or cheats than I don’t care about his humor.

10. Favorite quote? This one is tough but right now I’m living and breathing this one because for too many years of life I forgot to find a balance.

My wonderful husband works so hard each day for over 27 years he surly deserves to play hard when he wants <3 work hard play harder

11. Favorite actor?

I’ve always had a crush on Mathew McConaughey and it’s stronger than ever thanks to Dallas Buyer’s Club. He also happens to be the face of one of the P&G fragrances, The One for Men.

12. Loud music or soft?

If I’m working then soft but any other time loud with a side of my horrible singing..

13. Where do you go when you’re sad?

I hands down crave yoga or a run. If those aren’t possible then I call my parents while walking outside. I HATE being inside when I’m sad. 

14. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

I have this down to an art and can be ready in about 5 minutes if I’m not showering and 10-12 minutes if I’m showering. If I’m blow drying my hair than it’s closer to 25 minutes.

15. Ever been in a physical fight?

I definitely let my temper get the best of me when I was in middle school more than once and am not proud of the person I was 7th and 8th grade. I was awkward and didn’t know how to handle these years very well but luckily I have grown and evolved since then and learned a lot from these mistakes.

16. Turn on?

A guy who can cook and lights up when he’s around children.

17. Turn off?

Unabashed laziness.

18. Fears?

Due to my injury prone husband I have an innate fear of either of us getting injured, especially when one of my races is nearing. I also have this fear that when things are going too well something bad will happen. Gee thanks Charlie Brown for this one.

19. Last thing that made you cry?

We laughed so hard we cried more than one time on our Bavarian road trip last week with Mike & Liz. We are so blessed to have friends who have known us for so many years at this point that they truly have become family. In the past month our lives have been filled with so much happiness thanks to these people. IMG_5665IMG_4554

Oh you meant sad cry? Every single Parenthood episode makes me cry. I’m such a sap. I also cry every time I say goodbye to my family and when stupid Theodora cries as we say goodbye after each New York City visit.

20. Last time you said you loved someone?

My parents said I love you to my brother and I every night of our lives when we were living under their roof because you never know what will happen next. I’ve brought this tradition into our home and therefore tell Bo “I love you” every night before going to sleep. In fact, this is one of the little things I’ve missed when we’re apart.

21. Meaning behind your YouTube name?

It’s Ashley Diamond. I also have one under A Healthy, Happier Bear but sort of forgot about that one for a while. Oh yeah, remember when I used to make videos each week? Maybe I’ll do that again soon.

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22. The relationship between you and the last person you texted?

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My mom. She’s pretty awesome and we text each other pictures almost daily.

23. Favorite food?

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Bananas, wine, French cheeses, delicious bread, perfectly ripe strawberries, peaches, and huge salads.

24. Place you want to visit?

Right now my dream bucket list includes places like South Africa, Australia, India, and Japan. But, on the horizon we’ll be visiting France and Italy during May with friends and family.

25. Do you have a crush?

A crush? I mean there are actors and people I find attractive but at the end of the day I have an incredible husband along with a few work husbands, an American term (I think?) jokingly coined for guys I spend my time with at work who know me pretty darn well and have evolved into more than just colleagues.

26. Last time you kissed someone?

A few minutes ago.

27. Last time you were insulted?

Um, I can’t really remember. I tend to take things personally so sometimes I misinterpret things. 

28. Favorite piece of jewelry?

My wedding band and engagement ring which Bo designed for me with the help of Ruth Hendelman, a jeweler who we have now recommended to all our NYC friends!

29. Who should answer these questions next? I’d love for you to answer your favorite question in the comment section!

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Big News

Wonder why we’ve been spending so much time with our friends and family lately?

Well it’s official.

We’ve decided to take Renaud’s advice and enjoy mountain running more often. Remember the amazing images he captured back in February as we conquered Mount Saleve in Geneva?

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Well, Bo and I will find ourselves running all over Europe for the next two years.

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As of July 1st, we’re trading in our metro cards and driver’s licenses for European work visas! Things are still very much in limbo over here as we spend our days working through the details of global expat (what is an expat) relocation with my company, Bo works through his new role, and we come to terms with saying “see you soon” to our amazing group of friends who have truly become a second family for us during our time in New York City.

This was one of those decisions that was both so easy and so difficult for us. Every day is an emotional rollercoaster for us, wondering whether we’ve made the right decision or if we’re plain crazy. But, more than one trusted source told us that not moving abroad when provided the opportunity was their greatest regret. So, with the amazing support of our parents and our desire to live life to the fullest and experience Europe together before settling down and having children, we’re holding hands and leaping into the future.

There are so many things to be scared of if we give ourselves time to worry: leaving our friends and family in the United States, traveling frequently, possibly living in different European cities Monday through Thursday, learning French, learning the metric system again, training for a marathon alone, being a bridesmaid in a wedding that’s 5,000 miles away, figuring out how to maintain a healthy lifestyle amidst all the delicious wine, bread, Swiss chocolate, and travels, being utterly overwhelmed, and failure.

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But, instead, we are choosing to think of this as a great adventure which will likely fly by. Before we know it we’ll be talking about other things like children, returning to the states, and settling down. But, for now, we hope you’ll keep on reading A Healthy, Happier Bear and following along as we embark in a little bit of chaos and a lot of incredible as we fulfill our dream of living and working abroad!

Any expats out there? Would love your advice.

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