988 miles, 96 hours, 5 states, 4 kids, 1 pick up truck = Fun!

   

Taking the subway into New York City was the most fun. We went to see In The Heights - a fantastic, lively musical.  Go see it if you get a chance. This is really the city that never sleeps, it's been so long since I visited.  The last picture was taken around midnight and as you can see, there's no lack of people walking around. 

The Plan - a family road trip. As a precursor to our upcoming move to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, we decided to attempt to see everyone we could over the Thanksgiving Holidays this year.  No, I wasn’t drinking when I first started planning this crazy trip.

Mode of transportation- a truck. We have a pick up with an extended cab and if you know anything about trucks you know that the extended part is literally an extension of the front seat, not much room to get too comfy back there, but big enough for little legs.

Where to? The loop would take us from Virginia Peninsula to Pennsylvania to New Jersey to New York (Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Manhattan – these should be considered states, just saying) back down to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. 

Who's driving now? Here's where you'll think I was really high on something. When we picked up the oldest kid at his school in Jersey, I gave him a turn at the wheel.  I needed a break and he NEEDED to be able to say he drove through New York City and Brooklyn.  He did well, obviously, we're alive and no tickets were issued.

My traveling companions for the majority of the trip were the teengirl with iPod ears.  She spent some time listening to her music singing only the parts she knew – that is most annoying.

I told her to get used to having those in her ears because at this rate she would need hearing aids soon. She did not appreciate that! What, it's true!. 

When the music wasn't blaring out of her ears she insisted on telling me every detail of all the Twilight books at high speed and with more excitement than I could muster. Hey that was like drinking a few shots of espresso -kept me awake through, at least, one state. The seven and three year old in the back seat extended cab were being entertained by several CDs and my laptop, another iPod and food.  

I find it amazing that they claim to be hungry or desperately need to go potty within 30 minutes of leaving the house. Never fails.

What to eat...decisions, decisions. This week I decided not to worry too much about nutrition and my vegetarian diet.  I would not want to miss out on all the goodies nor would I want to disappoint my family members by no eating their food.  

But truly, whom am I trying to kid here?  I’m on the road, in a pick up truck with three, sometimes, four kids. Everyone singing to the beat of their drum.  Do you know what is like to hear three kids singing something different all at once? It's nerve wrecking, had to put an end to that.  

I did pay attention to portion control, I think I had one dessert and that was my favorite Puerto Rican-made custard, yum.  Dominican families cook a lot of food and they expect you to eat it because they think you may never see it again.  I can cook you know!! But with all the walking, dancing, and talking we all did, sometimes all at once, it was easy to avoid the buffet table.  I was too busy yapping!

Home-Sweet-Home. We are back home trying to catch up with a long list of to-do’s, back in the gym and our old routine, at least for the next two weeks.  I made the trip to the local market and restocked the pantry and fridge with lots of colorful foods. We, Ms. iPod ears and I, are back eating healthy, mostly vegetarian, healthy carbs, lean and mean!!

Getting back in the swing of things was not difficult at all.  It was just a matter of determination and knowing that we did not need to continue eating like we were going into hibernation.  I’m happy to say that it really does feel good to be back on track with all the right foods.

Now my challenge will be to keep it going through a very stressful time – the pack-out (if you’re a military spouse who moved alone, you know what that’s all about), the kids (hoping I don't lose one), shutting off the utilities, renting the house and the flight…AHHH!  I’ll be happy when I’m on the flight out – I will miss my dear friends and family but I need some closure with all this stuff.  Wish me luck!!

OK people, stay on track over the next three weeks and you won’t have to worry about weight gain over the holidays.  Make good choices, stay active and you’ll be just fine.

Stay Well,

 

Comments

[Lisa Munley]

Sounds like you had a great time! I was looking around on your site for an email address for you but couldn't find one.. would you please email me? I have a question for you. Thanks! ~Lisa

[Lance]

Terie,
Wow, that's quite a trip!! I thought we traveled a lot when we traversed the state of Wisconsin in one day - YOU are the winner in what you did, though!!! I know the move will go well for you...but since you asked...

GOOD LUCK!!!!

[Fab Kate]

Sounds like amazing fun. We do family road trips in our old beater van at least once a year and try to take in everything along the route. If I had the money, I'd take a whole summer with the kids and drive a sideways figure 8 across the country, taking in the National Parks, museums, and little roadside stops along the way.

[Terie]

Fab Kate, I think a figure 8 trip across the states would be fantastic and an amazing learning experience. I would love to do that someday, however, the longer I wait, the less kids I have in my home.... hmmm come to think of it, going without kids wouldn't be such a bad thing. Hee Hee!! Thanks for stopping in.

[Terie]

Hey Lance, I have to come see you--- sorry, it's been crazy around here. Anyway, thanks for the well wishes. My husband said tonight "don't sweat the small stuff, the movers will pack everything" - that's usually what I say to him. So tonight, after much pre-packing, I'm taking a little time to just be. Thanks for stopping in.

[trufit]

sounds like fun. Family road trips are the best. Thanks for the articles. Keep it up

[BK]

It seemed like a great trip. I agree with you on the ipod part about 'being deaf.' The earphones are getting better nowadays and basically they can filter out all the external noises. But this will also leave no allowances for the ears.

[Mike Frizzi]

Hello to Family in Shape (this is not spam!!)

I am reaching out to you to let you know about a free photo contest my company is holding for parents and their children. Aqility, the company I represent, has developed an iPhone game called Little Cook. The game is currently ranked #3 in the Educational games category at the iTunes app store and is also ranked #3 overall in Kids games!
We are incredibly excited about the success of Little Cook and we are now holding the Little Cook – Little Critic photo contest!

I hope you will consider posting the contest info on your blog in case your readers want to enter.

The first prize winner will receive a $50 iTunes gift card and a free copy of the Little Cook iPhone application. Additional winners will also receive iTunes gift cards, along with the Little Cook app. To enter, visit the Little Critic contest webpage to upload your favorite funny photo of your child enjoying their favorite meal!

Thank you so much for reading this far! We hope you decide to spread the word about our contest and give your readers a shot at the prizes. Please feel free to use the images from our website and/or Press Release on your blog. Have a very safe and happy holiday season!
Mike Frizzi
[email protected]

Here are the links you will need:

Our link at the iTunes store: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/browserRedirect?url=itms%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252FWebObjects%252FMZStore.woa%252Fwa%252FviewSoftware%253Fid%253D335340195%2526mt%253D8

Our contest page link:
http://aqility.com/apps/kids-games/little-critic/

Our homepage:
http://aqility.com/

The contest Press Release:
http://aqility.com/pr/Little-Critic_Press-Release.pdf

[Fitness Surfer]

Wow! How brave you are and how much fun you had. I love it. Sounds like a blast. I missed the part where you were moving to Cuba. Sorry a little disconnected lately. Happy you all returned home safely.

[health information]

I've been thinking about this one and I hope I will experience great things like this on my vacation! Nice work