Have a seat friends and refill that cup of coffee or iced coffee, because it’s time for a virtual coffee date. A lot has transpired since our last date together. Bo is back in New York City, loving every minute of his new job, and I’m finishing up the final days of work in Geneva. I just arrived in New York City for a quick four-day house-hunting trip. To say that I’m feeling emotional, these days would be an understatement.
If we were sitting together, sipping iced coffees, I’d probably have a hard time staying focused on a single thought, instead talking about a range of topics. I feel pretty scattered these days, but I hear talking helps provide clarity, so here goes.
If we were sipping iced coffee together today, I’d tell you that yesterday I cried uncontrollably in front of strangers. I went to the Office Cantonal de la Population (Geneva City Population Office) to get my Letter of Attestation, or proof that I am leaving the country on June 27th. As soon as the kind woman gave me the letter, complete with letter press seal, I completely lost it. As much as I know we’re leaving at the right time and for the right reasons, it doesn’t make the decision to leave our friends, beautiful country, and Geneva.
If we were sipping iced coffee together today, I’d tell you that I bought a portable charger for my iPhone a few weeks ago for $19, and it has been a complete game changer. If you’re always finding your phone with 5% battery, just as you’re supposed to use Google Maps to find the bar where you’re meeting a friend or post that next picture on Instagram, go to Amazon and order one today!
If we were sipping iced coffee together today, I’d tell you that I haven’t seen Pitch Perfect 2 yet but I downloaded the soundtrack on iTunes as soon as it was released. I don’t typically listen to the album as a whole, but I love when one of the songs pops up during a run. The upbeat mash-ups make the pace drop and leave me with a silly smile. Back to Basics, though only 1:31 long, is my favorite song of the soundtrack. For those of you who have seen it already, how is the movie? As good as the first one?
If we were sipping iced coffee together today, I’d tell you that a friend of mine has decided to take control of his life and focus a bit more on getting healthy. I am elated that he’s allowing me to coach and motivate him on this journey. Nothing makes me happier than supporting him via daily text messages. To make things more manageable, we are only focusing on one change per week and weighing in once a week. It’s all about the small changes friends! So far he is down 10 pounds – more than 4% of his starting body weight!
If we were sipping iced coffee together today, I’d tell you that Sunday afternoon I spent two hours on the couch folding clothes and watching a movie. Flipping through iTunes and Netflix in search of something light, the smoldering face of Christian Grey tempted me to push rent on Fifty Shades of Grey. Oh, my word ladies. I love my husband, but I’d say that Jamie Dornan has officially replaced Ryan Gosling for the top spot on my list of hot actors. Yes, I watched the movie and no I’m not sorry. Some people watch hours of Real Housewives or other reality television. I do, however, hope that they can build a bit more chemistry in the second movie because these two characters did not seem to work. Am I the only one who gave into temptation and watched this movie, regardless the number of splats it received on Rotten Tomatoes?
If we were sipping iced coffee together today, I’d tell you that the past year was stressful. We were managing through a lot of change and uncertainty together. Unfortunately, this stress has resulted in more than a few gray hairs. I just counted three while washing my hands in the bathroom. No bueno friends. I’ve always banked on the fact that I’d have my moms luck and not fight gray hair until my 40s.
If we were sipping iced coffee together today, I’d tell you that we’ve started the hunt for a perfect apartment, and while exciting, it’s also proving quite stressful. Since we want to call this apartment home for at least three to five years, there is an added stress to find a great one. This time around we know what we want in an apartment and neighborhood. We learned during our time in Geneva that outdoor space and an updated kitchen are important. Since I’m going to work from home, two bedrooms is important. We love Brooklyn and our preferred neighborhoods, but so far everything on Street Easy seems to be facing one of the major streets. I’m sure there will be quite a few stressful moments during June and July as we hunt for a perfect spot. If you live or have visited Brooklyn, what is your favorite restaurant or coffee shop?
If we were sipping iced coffee together today, I’d tell you that for the past year I’ve sworn by shellac nails, preaching their longevity to everyone. I insisted that they weren’t weakening my nails, even though almost any article I read online or in beauty magazines said to give your nails a break every few months. Looks like my nails are SCREAMING for help as they are constantly breaking. I’m going to try TenOverTen this week in New York, opting for their organic manicure and pedicure instead of shellac.
If we were sipping iced coffee together today, I’d tell you that I lost myself in Andie Mitchell’s memoir, It Was Me All Along, this weekend. I read the entire book in less than 48 hours, finding myself in each of her pages. Unbeknownst to many of you, I spent my childhood binge eating Halloween candy and other sweet treats, hiding the wrappers deep in my family’s garbage can or in other hiding spots. I’ll never forget my embarrassment when my parents found over 50 candy wrappers floating under our sofa after our water heater burst, flooding our house with water. The emotions she describes so clearly and eloquently in her memoir are a must read for anyone who has gained and lost weight while building a new appreciation for food.
If we were sipping iced coffee together today, I’d tell you that people ask me what I will miss most about living in Europe and Geneva. I have a hard time pinpointing just one thing, but ask me what I won’t miss, and I can easily answer that question. Living in Geneva, where many people’s native tongue is French, has been especially frustrating over the past year. For the first few months, everyone speaks in English, often giving you a pass since you’re new and still learning. But, now, I’ve found myself in more than one social situation feeling lonely and isolated because I can’t comprehend their conversations. Never before have I felt so lonely and incompetent. Balancing the level of study required to master French lessons just wasn’t possible while balancing a relationship, blog, expat life, traveling, work and an active lifestyle. I could sit here and wish things were different, but instead I’m sharing this experience with you guys and moving on.
If we were sipping iced coffee together today, I’d tell you that for the past few months, I came home each night to delicious meals, cooked and created by Bo. Cooking is a passion of his and was a great way to take his mind off the frustrations of the job search. Though I’ve missed these meals the past two weeks, I have LOVED getting back in the kitchen. I’ve rekindled my friendships with the market vendors while choosing the freshest vegetables and fruits. I love the gratification that comes from creating a delicious meal, even when it is a simple Summer salad.
So, if we were having iced coffee today, what would you share with me?
