As Ryan and I walked to the gym this morning, I felt a little sad knowing our typical morning routine won’t happen for another 13 days or so.
As some of you already know from the comments section of past posts, Ryan isn’t coming on my family’s trip to Europe. Though he was obviously more than invited, he had a hiking trip planned for the end of the month with a bunch of guys out west when the Europe trip came to fruition and couldn’t get the time off work. The Europe trip is my sister’s graduation present from my parents, so the date couldn’t change due to the start date of my sister’s new job, so, sadly, Ryan won’t be joining us.
This makes someone veeeery happy…
But it makes me very sad.
I told Ryan that his absence from this trip means only one thing… We’ll just have to go back!
Last night, in preparation for our 13 days apart, we downloaded Skype on our respective computers and figured out how to video chat.
(That’s Ryan’s creepy Skyper face.)
I’ve never used Skype before and it is a-w-e-s-o-m-e (and FREE)! I’m so excited to try it out overseas and see Ryan’s face when we’re thousands of miles apart. How cool is that!?
Setting up Skype also helped me procrastinate on packing which I also enjoyed, though it postponed our typical bedtime by a bit.
Workout
Even with slightly less sleep than usual, I managed to get in a good workout. Knowing I’m not going to workout out at all on my vacation except for tons of walking while sightseeing (I’m not even bringing workout clothes with me), I felt a little extra motivated this morning.
I did a cardio-based workout that began with a 20-minute run/incline walk workout that was a slightly less intense version of this workout. (I dropped the incline on the walking portion to 8.0 and the incline on the running portion to 1.0.)
After spending some time on the treadmill, I moved into the gymnasium to complete one round of my latest jump rope-heavy cardio circuit.
Check out my sweaty red face! Burpees and mountain climbers will do that to ya!
I rounded out my workout with 5 minutes on the stair master, followed by 10 minutes on the elliptical.
I was all over the place!
Walk
After the gym, Ryan joined me and Sadie on our morning walk so we could spend a bit more time together since I will be heading to my parents’ house in St. Pete directly from work this afternoon. I loved having some company and enjoyed talking with him about my upcoming trip and his plans while I’m away.
I promised to bring him back tons of memorabilia like at least seven Eiffel Tower key chains, three Colosseum mugs and a life-size replica of Big Ben. He’s pumped!
When we arrived home, I packed my lunch while Ryan showered and said goodbye to him before showering myself. As Ryan and I were saying our goodbyes, Sadie was freaking out. It was almost as if she knew we were saying goodbye for a long time or something. She’s smarter than you might think! (That comment is for my dad who is convinced that Sadie’s IQ rivals a marshmallow.)
Breakfast
Finally it was breakfast time!
Since I’m pretty sure I will be living off of pizza, pasta and gelato in the near future, I took the opportunity this morning to make myself a nutritious smoothie packed with fruit, protein and nutrients.
Into the blender went:
- 3/4 c. milk
- 1 c. strawberry banana Chobani Greek yogurt
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 c. frozen pineapple
- 1/2 tsp. coconut extract
The light yellow color and refreshing tropical flavor of this smoothie reminded me of the sunrise on an exotic beach, inspiring me to call this smoothie a “sunrise smoothie.” Great breakfast!
I’m off to work! Last day before vacation, baby!
P.S. The Fashion page was updated with another workout wear post this morning!
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So sorry that you two won’t be able to travel together but I’m sure you’ll both have a fab time and have all sorts of stories to tell when you return.
Skype is a great idea my family is all over the country and we skype at least once a month! 🙂
Aww! I didn’t realize Ryan wasn’t going, that’s a bummer 🙁 But it’s REALLY awesome that there are things like Skype!!! 😀 It will just make you even stronger in your relationship- you know the saying ‘distance makes the heart fonder’ or something along those lines- haha! 🙂
I know Miss Sadie is LOVING that he Daddy will still be around though!! So cute that she kind of knew something was up. That dog instinct is crazy!!
” Sadie’s IQ rivals a marshmallow” <– that had me cracking up!! 😀 Lol!!
Hope you have a FANTASTIC last day before vacation!!! Woop woop!
Awww, it’s a bummer that Ryan isn’t going with you! But think of it this way- there will be no boredom guilt when you want to go shopping, right? 🙂 And you can always bring him back Euro candy bars!!
I’m planning to buy all the chocolate out of Switzerland.
Isn’t Skype the best? I didn’t realize Ryan wasn’t joining you on the trip either. Skype has been amazing for keeping in touch with my family.. for a while, the 4 of us were living in 4 different countries so it made communicating much easier (and cheaper!) We’re still fairly spread out but I now use Skype more to stay in touch with my high school friends that I met when I lived in the Middle East.
Enjoy your last day of work before your holidays. I absolutely cannot wait to see what you get up to once you get to Europe!! 🙂
I’m sooo excited for you! But a bummer that Ryan won’t be able to be there. Hope this work day flies by for you!
can you post the peanut butter bites recipe before you leave? have an amazing time and if you’re too busy have too much fun to post everyday, I’m sure your readers will understand!
The recipe post is scheduled to post when I’m away! Stay tuned!!
I love Skype. My boyfriend went to school in Pennsylvania and we only got to see each other on the weekends so we used Skype all the time to ‘see’ each other. It stinks Ryan can’t come with you, but you’re gonna have a blast anyway.
You and Ryan are so cute with the skyping! It will be great to see each other every day even though you’re apart 🙂
I totally feel you on being wistful for the morning routine. I remember when I studied abroad in Mexico City – it was quite the adventure but man was I missing that morning gym routine. Add in lots delicious Mexican food and I had a bit of work to do when I came back from 3 months in a gym-less Mexico! You’ve only got 13 days though, so live it up!
Yay for Skype 🙂
Enjoy your last day of work before vacation!
When my bf and I were living in different cities right after college, we had skype dates once a week. It was soooo nice seeing his face after so many nights on the phone.
I guess I better just get used to the fact that I’ll be sitting here working for the next 2 weeks while you are off galavanting around Europe!! Bring back some gelato and ship it to Austin, K?? K.
HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am in the same boat! My mom is taking me to London for 12 days in September. It is a mother-daughter trip so I am going to miss Keith like crazy! But we are definitely planning on doing some skype chatting as well.
I was wondering if Ryan was going to go with you, sorry he’s not. However, you guys will have so much fun stuff to share and talk about when you are both done traveling. Plus one of you will always be home with Sadie, right?
That smoothie looks amazeballs.
aww, I hate going to new places without my bf.
traveling is so much fun and we both enjoy it very much so I could only imagine how much your going to miss him.
but your right!
you just have to go back then 😉
SMOOTHIEs again!! love it… Skype is awesome! iv only ever done it once with my bro whos in California– ow ow!.. oh burpees are so hard… HATE THOSe!
I’ve only tried the Skype thing once, and I agree…super awesome!
Forgive me if you’ve mentioned this already, but are you going to be doing any posts while you’re in Europe, or are they all set ahead of time? 🙂
I have one guest post per day scheduled and then hope to blog once a day (if possible) while I’m in Europe. I’m not going to stress about blogging, but since I enjoy it so much and want to document our trip, I’d like to get up some posts while I’m gone!
Good thinkin’! Please post as much gelato, pizza, and pasta as possible then 🙂
I love your outlook on Ryan ot coming.. just having to go back. Perfect excuse!! I am so excited to hear about your adventures abroad. It will be awesome to spend some QT with your fam.. and take note of all the places that are MUSTS when you go back at some point with Ryan.
Aw, I’m sorry that Ryan isn’t going with you. It was definitely a good idea to try out skype before you leave. It’s so cool that you will able to video chat with him now while you are in Europe! 🙂
Ahh! So exciting about your trip – I would not be able to concentrate at work if I were you!
I hope you have a fantastic trip!! Europe is amazing!
Awww, enjoy! I can’t wait to hear about your trip. 🙂
Aww that’s too bad you guys cannot be together, but Skype will certainly help! I use it while I’m at school to talk to my mom and brothers while I am away at school 🙂
You are going to have an awesome trip, I can’t wait to hear about your adventures! (and the food you get to taste of course!)
Have a great time together, and this just means reuniting with Ryan and Sadie will be that much greater!
Also dogs are surprisingly intuitive about the funniest things. Whenever I get dressed up (i.e. a dress or skirt), my dog always gets excited for me. She’ll actually sit, smile, and wag her tail (instead of her normal running around like a crazy dog). And then when I say her name she’ll come me give me kisses and let me know how pretty I look (at least that’s how I interpret it). Not that she doesn’t normally love on me, but even my fiance and family noticed she gets extra excited when I dress up a little.
I know it’s hard to be apart but I hope you can savor every moment of your special trip!
Hello! I am new to following blogs but I love yours!
I just got back from living in the UK and travelling all around Europe for 4 months. You will have an amazing time.
Trust me, exercise will not evade you. Everywhere we went we walked for hours and hours and hours and you never know when a crazy steep hill will provide the most amazing city views. We also hiked this amazing place called Cinque Terre in Italy near Pisa, it was an amazing day of hiking with over 1000 stairs!
My boyfriend stayed home with Spud and Maggie (my two puppies) while I was gone and Skype was a life saver! And like you said, now I have an excuse to go back… to show him around.
I can’t wait to hear about your trip. Enjoy the sights the people, the culture and the FOOD.
This makes me so sad! I’m going to miss Ryan and your shenanigans together. Can you tell I’m a creature of routine?! I think he should do a guest post just so all of us can rest assured that things are alright in Orlando 🙂
I feel a little sad for you guys that Ryan isn’t coming along. 🙁 Skype will help, though!
Hope that last day of work flies by!!! 😀
Have fun in Europe! Can’t wait for stories, even though you won’t have Ryan, your main partner in crime.
Hi Julie – just wanted to say I love reading your blog and hope you have a great trip to Europe. I’m from the UK and we are going on holiday to florida next week – few days at disney and then driving down to Captiva! So have revisit some of your posts for restaurant recommendations! Enjoy your trip.
Awww you’ll have a great time in Europe!!! 😀
We use Skype to talk with our friends in the US! Isn’t it great?
Aww! I didn’t realize Ryan wasn’t going until now. I can imagine it was hard to say goodbye. When I went to Europe for 2 months Peter & I had just started dating but it was very difficult to say goodbye. I can only fathom how hard it would be to say goodbye for almost 2 weeks to your husband. At least you will have so much fun that the time will soar by. I hope you have a GREAT trip!
awe that actually made me sad 🙁 but happy for you to be going on such a fabulous vacation with your family.
Dogs are super smart…even when they don’t act like it sometimes 😉 . Our dogs pick up on everything, which is impressive and annoying at the same time.
I can’t wait to read about your European adventure! Sounds like you’re going to have a fabulous time!
Awww – I’m really sad that Ryan isn’t going with you! Thank goodness for technology. And YES, you will DEFINITELY have to go back 🙂
I assumed Ryan was joining you and your family! I’m in a long distance relationship (boyfriend is in Cali I’m in TX) so we try to Skype everyday. It’s wonderful! I’m glad you downloaded Skype and hope you find a strong internet connection in Europe (because that affects the quality of your calls). Have a safe and fun trip! 🙂
your trip is going to be amazing, and at least Europe is a TON of walking so you’ve got that on your side 😉 Skype and iChat are the bessst! My bff slash co-blogger and I use it!! 🙂
Hope you have a great time in Europe! I’ll miss reading your posts!
Thank goodness for Skype! Have lots of fun and take lots of fun pics for us! Can’t wait to hear about your trip. 🙂
Thats a bummer that Ryan isn’t going! I went to Greece last year for 3 weeks without my man and SKYPE saved my life 🙂
I couldn’t have made it through my trip to Europe without Skype. Definitely not the same as seeing my guy in person, but good enough…
I would recommend bringing just one workout outfit, or swapping out some workout shorts / shirt / etc. for pajamas. You don’t want to find yourself in the perfect situation for a run through a beautiful city, but without your gear! Is your sister bringing workout stuff?
Don’t overthink it too much… just one pair of shorts, athletic socks, top, etc. and wear your sneakers on the plane.
Aw you will have so much fun Julie! I agree with the above comment–if you find yourself in a position wanting to run, you might be bummed without your gear! It could be a little dangerous by yourself but if someone else in your family wanted to join you, since you get so much enjoyment out of a good workout, it would be a shame not to have a run through a gorgeous new city!
Thank god skype was invented! I’m in a long distance relationship, and skype really makes it a bit easier.
Don’t worry about working out, just enjoy your amazing vacation!
Ah just think of all that gelato and Swiss chocolate you’ll soon be devouring- pls eat for me…I don’t ask for much, just that small request 😀
Have a great time! I can’t wait to see the recipe for those peanut butter protein bites 🙂
I hate being away from my hubby for too long. I think it’s good to have a bit of time away sometimes, but the more we’re together the harder it is to be apart. Thank God for technology!
I actually got choked up a little reading about saying good bye to Ryan and Saddie 🙁 I know you’ll have tons of though!
aw, you’re such a sweetheart!
My family and I used skype to talk to my sister when she was in Udine,Italy for student teaching last semester! It really worked great! It does have a bit of a delay which was funny at times but we rarely lost connection with her!
Every Sunday she skyped us and watch us have our family dinners. Unfortunately for her, the time difference meant she had to stay up pretty late to catch us in the afternoon. But like I said it all work out pretty well!
Have fun!
Hi Julie! I’ve been a long time reader but have never commented before. I decided it’s time to finally come out of the shadows and express how much I love reading your blog every day. I look forward to reading about your adventures with Ryan, Sadie, and the rest of your family, and can honestly say some of your posts really brighten my day. Your positive and cheerful posts are fun to read, and I love that your blog isn’t entirely focused on every little thing you snack on. Have a wonderful time in your Europe – you deseve it!
thank you so much for commenting, anna!!
I am just wondering if you have a favorite travel container for smoothies? I tried putting my smoothie in a travel mug, but it really didn’t work out well. Any suggestions?
tervis tumblers!!! they’re awesome and you can buy lids and reusbale straws for with them. http://www.tervis.com/Tumblers
Skype is so great! My husband and I use it all the time with our family back in Nebraska. It’s great to see everyone and still be part of family holidays, even when we can’t make it back. We also used it to see a dear family friend who was battling cancer – while she passed away before we could see her in person, we are so happy to have seen her via Skype.
Wow that smoothie sounds so fruity and delicious! I had a mango pineapple smoothie last week and that really hit the spot, I’m going to have to try this one!
Ryan’s face is so funny! My boyfriend always makes odd faces at me on skype (; It’s such a handy program, especially when you are doing long distance! It is so much better being able to actually see who you are talking to (: