Rio itself is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. There were no mosquitoes so no fear of Zika. The people were amazingly warm and helpful, plus we were careful where we went, so almost no fear of crime. The weather was gorgeous almost every day. And the views were spectacular from every direction. My favorite "Rio" moment was visiting the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. The whole day with our private Rio tour guide Ederson Oliviera was incredible. If you go to Rio, look him up!
The greatest "Brazilian sport" moment was being at Maracana for the Sweden v. Brazil women's soccer game. We had hoped it would be Brazil v. USA, but I think from a spectator perspective, this might have been better. We got to be all in for Brazil and feel the amazing nationalism that poured out. It was like nothing I had ever seen and I can't even compare it to anything in the States.
My favorite "Team USA" moment was the first day when we saw the women's gymnastics team win gold AND Michael Phelps win his 20th and 21st gold medals. It just topped of the whole experience when the swim team was at the Today show the day we visited and we got to interact with many of them. This "Phelpie" is the best!!
I mean, seriously?!?? We were even on the Today Show website. Click on this link and scroll to the bottom.
It was a trip of a lifetime and I will never forget it. Once we got home, I had a week to catch up before I left for Houston. I volunteered with the Team USA Paralympic team to get them through team processing. All of the athletes, coaches and staff go through Houston to pick up their swag, get fitted for their clothes, take a head shot, do media, etc. The first four days, my primary job was at Ralph Lauren helping the tailors and stylists fit everyone for their Opening/Closing outfits. There was SO much tailoring to be done and it was like magic. People would come through in the morning and all of the alterations had to be complete before the flights left at 8pm. It was unbelievable and my hats off to the amazing folks at Ralph Lauren Polo. Truly incredible! Here is a picture of two of the track & field athletes I got to work with one day.
One of the greatest things about volunteering is meeting people. One of the volunteers and I hit it off and were able to get together for dinner (along with BFF) the other night while she was in the area.
Not for nothing, I was feeling pretty sassy in that outfit.
I've been back a couple of weeks and I'm starting to get back into the groove. I'm back at CrossFit consistently and I'm really trying to focus on nutrition. I brought my bullet blender to work and I'm drinking a smoothie for breakfast each morning. Today's recipe:
- 1 scoop of Chocolate protein powder
- 2 pineapple juice ice cubes
- 1/2 c frozen mixed berries
- 4 oz. unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 2 squirts SF strawberry Torani syrup
I lost 2.6 pounds in August even with the two massive vacations. I have another week or so in September, so we will see how it goes. I'm not down anything at the moment, but going back to CrossFit always causes some water retention for me, so I will be glad to take measurements next weekend. I definitely feel a difference in my clothes. I'm fitting into all of the smallest things I have ever worn, so it will be new territory from here. I'm in my Cato size 10 jeans, but I never did fit into the size 10 Gap jeans I have, so that is my next goal!
I hope things are good out in Blog World. They sure are great here!!
Hugs!
