I made a couple of New Year’s resolutions for 2009.
The first doesn’t directly affect our blog, but it’s worth mentioning. For the month of January, I’m abstaining from all adult beverages. That’s right; as much as I LOVE a tall frosty glass of beer, I’ve had nary a drop since January 1. No beer, no wine, and certainly no martinis.
Why am I becoming a teetotaler? There’s no single compelling reason, although the gradual expansion of my midsection has something to do with it.
There will be NONE of this happening in January. Unfortunately.
You see, a significant percentage of my BMI (body mass index) is directly related to the consumption of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. It figures that my favorite beer is also among the highest in caloric content with a whopping 200 calories per serving. If you do the math, a couple of beers a day equals 2800 calories a week, and 134,400 calories a year. I’ve done the math: if I had NEVER discovered this beer, I would weigh 115 pounds. So I’m slacking off in January before resuming my bad habits, probably as soon as next month.
My second New Year’s resolution is much more in keeping with the “carpe diem” spirit of The Long Long Honeymoon and will directly affect the content of this blog. We’ve resolved to shake things up a bit in 2009. We want to pursue some different and challenging new experiences in the RV and camping world. So why not RV overseas?
For years, I’ve been told that RV camping overseas is a fine way to visit other countries. The same principles that apply to travel within the United States apply abroad. RVing places you squarely in the “real country,” and you get to experience life away from some of the main tourist areas. With an RV you enjoy the freedom to travel where you want, when you want. So that’s what we’re planning to do.
Our immediate goal is to visit a place we’ve never been. Preferably a warm, sunny place. And a favorable exchange rate is a plus!
For a variety of reasons, we’ve chosen Argentina for our first overseas camping adventure. We intend to fly into Buenos Aires, and after exploring what the city has to offer, we will rent an RV and get a taste of the surrounding countryside. Stay tuned!
What? No beer? I…whu…well…. can’t even deal what such a notion.
You sir, are a man of more conviction that I. That is the one thing I know.
And to think, for the first few “drinking years” of my life, I didn’t even like beer! Good Heavens! I’m almost ashamed to admit that, but there you go.
Mind you, in hind sight, when my charming wife and I were living in Puerto Rico for just over a year, I did balloon up to 185…..and it was definitely all due to beer, since typically beer up to that point in my life had been a “summer” drink. For a gringo, it’s summertime all year ’round in PR, so it was the drink of choice.
Now that we’re living in the Netherlands, and since our second vehicle is my bicycle..(and we remembered to ship a bathroom scale!), it’s a bit easier to keep an eye on any expansion problems. Keeping it at a reasonable 170 these days.
Best of luck to you with the abstinance. Once again, you’re a better man than I.
Oh, and is that a Canadian Flag I see behind you? Was that when you were up in B.C.? Enquiring minds want to know.
Cheers.
Bob.
Yes Bob, a world without beer is a “less happy” place. I’m not sad exactly, but my days are missing that gleeful 5 o’clock ritual of tasty brew.
I think I could lose quite a bit of weight by sacrificing beer long term. But what might this do to my mental health? 😀
Nice to have a Netherlands resident here on our humble blog. I’ve visited Amsterdam a few times and really enjoyed the city. We have family living in Germany, so later this year we’re hoping to hop across the pond for a visit. Who knows, perhaps we’ll rent an RV and park it in front of your neighborhood watering hole.
Good eye on spotting the Canadian flag. That image was taken in Banff, Alberta at a rooftop pub. Not a bad view in that place!
Cheers,
Sean
Its not the beer that is doing it… Sean… You think all them guys that are 50+ and have … santa button pop’n abs.. all drank beer? Nada…
What the wife and I came to agreement on was… she would get in the truck and drive down the road a mile or so 2 or 3 times a day…when we traveled… and wait…(promased not drive off)
I then would start hoofing it to catch up… worked for me for a while… but now she wants these long consitutions after we park for the night. I guess its the holding hands and… on down the road of life thing. It was either that or…. grazing on the grass , grains and … aw..nuts… a man has to have steak…not bird food… then she holds up the mirror and say… really!!!! (oh by the way don’t do that to her … or you and the dog outside will become best buddys… and to think she is afraid of a mouse.. hmmm)
Your lucky your still on your honeymoon… most of us old farts have learned to just smile and say .. yes dear… but… you know she is right in the end… so you learn some different approches to enjoy the golden brew.
Argentina huh… what happened to Canada and Ak this year? If you wait too long global warming will be over and then ya can’t go north because of all the ice age and snow. .
hey while your at it.. take flying lessons so you can rent a plane and get some great views… better lookng down than always having to look up… and… a firearms course helps too… as the rules are normally .. when in roam.. do as the roam’ns do… international scout motto… be prepaired… ain’t no cops out their in the back 40 when you think you’re all alone.
Don’t be gone to long dear.. you know how the trailer will start to rust up when its not used.
The adventure conteues… go.. go.. go…. have fun. live for today as tomorrow may never come…. in size 32 anymore.
LOL… I remember size 32… Those were the days!
Nevertheless, tonight at midnight I think I’ll have my ceremonial beer.
Surprisingly, it’s been pretty easy to give it up. The hardest part was the first week. Once you establish the new habit of not having that 5 o’clock brew, it’s smooth sailing.
I did really drink a beer for the “Best Job in the World” video, BUT it was a nonalcoholic O’Doul’s! Ha ha…
Yes, we are headed to Argentina. I will explain in an upcoming blog post. I want to try RVing abroad, and we’ve been wanting to visit Buenos Aires for a long time. So this is the year it all happens! We are going to spotlight an RV business in Buenos Aires, and what’s it’s like to camp in the country.
Stay tuned, as I will post to the blog later this week, with video soon to follow.
Cheers,
Sean