Week of August 29th (Return home) -
Over nine months have passed since a multitude of life changing events took place, as it is now 11-Jun, 2006.  My goal was to write a note about these occurrences while they were still fresh, but as with many good intentions, that idea quickly faded.  However, I did decide it was better late than never.  So, I will make an attempt to relive these experiences, as best I can, so that I am able to share them with all of you. 

As most everyone knows, Anthony and I spent the summer in Switzerland.  We left the US in the beginning of May, spent our time in heaven (with only infrequent touches of reality) and returned at the end of August.  Surprisingly, I think we were ready to come home.  It was sort of that point where you either want to settle in and truly make it your home or head back from whence you came. So sadly (and happily), we came home.

The days leading up to our departure were such fun.  The previous week our Swiss friends (we'll just call them that, even though they were from all over the world) had a going away BBQ for us.  It was held at Alicia and Sam's house.  They have the most incredible balcony overlooking Lac Leman (Lake Geneva).  Maurice, Mélanie, Mikaela, Nicholas, Robin, Joerg, Alicia and Sam were all there!  We chatted up a storm and had a wonderful evening eating and drinking wine (which Mélanie spilled all over me! :)

On Monday, I had a nice lunch with Filippo.  Although not around much, he was great to work for this summer.  He is very well respected and that helped me gain instant credibility.  What's great about Filippo is he can see what is strategically best for the business and tie that with his research knowledge to create sound recommendations for the teams.  I learned a lot by listening to him in meetings and even random conversations around the office. I believe I came home a stronger researcher with a wider view of the world.  I also had a chance to have drinks with Sabine before I left.  (Sabine works for CPW in Prilly.  I worked with her on a few projects before moving to CH. She is the biggest sweetie.) Little did I know that she was pregnant!  Which is why only I drank, I suppose. :)  Thomas, our roommate, and Anthony also joined us.  We sat on the patio of our hotel and shared our Switzerland adventures.  That night, one of our friends, Adam, who was moving to Poland for a new job opportunity, was having a going away party! It was great because all of our triathlete friends who hadn't been able to make it to the BBQ were there, like Rédha, Michel, Lionel, Reda and Sandra.  It gave us an opportunity to say farewell to them too!

Saying goodbye to Thomas was hard.  He was such a wonderful roommate!  He saved us from the devil woman (our original landlord) and helped us find the place we stayed in August.  He taught me some French, showed us around and mostly was just easy to live with!  So, on Tuesday, we had a good-bye lunch with him in the vineyards, got a final hug and were off to enjoy our last evening in Switzerland.  That evening was my favorite of all.  My homies - Mikaela, Judy and Robin - had a girls night out party for me.  We went for a 6 mile run along the lake, then showered up at the track and had a yummy dinner outside (tomato, mozzarella, basil and olive oil!) at the Picadilly.  They are an incredible group of woman and one of the main reasons I miss Switzerland so much.

On Wednesday, Mr. H picked us up from the airport.  We arrived at the Pink House exhausted but so excited to see everyone.  Donna, Angie, Teresa and Elizabeth all came over to see us.  Donna brought yummy P.F. Chang's (one of my favs!) and we spent time being a family.

The days prior to Ironman quickly passed.  Thursday we unpacked and resituated. Friday we had dinner with Mike, Ann Marie and Billy up in the Grove.  Saturday we did the sprint distance race at the St. Croix Triathlon.  It was super fun, because Billy and Angie did it with us.  You see, over the summer Anthony had convinced Billy to attempt his first triathlon.  As with most people training for their first triathlon, Billy over trained. He maybe swam once, rode the bike twice and ran three time.  So, he was more than confident come race day (wink, wink).  Regardless of his training, Billy performed like a star.  He completed his first race and is officially a triathlete! Other highlights of the day: Anthony came in 2nd overall, I came in 4th among women (1st in my age group), Angie again proved how badass she is and Mike maintains his super cheerleader status.

Sunday we made a feeble attempt to get our cars.  Well, my car, Anthony's worked fine!  Bass drove us out to the farm where he kindly let us the two pieces.  Both our cars were dead and needed a jump. Then, when we finally got them started (and boy was that a process), I went to drive off into the sunset but soon realized the back right wheel was NOT rotating. After hammering, greasing, wearing out the spare and sweating a whole lot, we gave up and decided to go visit the babies!!  Anthony and I hadn't seen the twins in 4 months!  They had changed so much...so adorable (see pics).  I am so glad to be home.  I don't want to miss another minute of their development.